The Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Dr. Adeola Adeola Mopelola Ibrahim, on Tuesday held a meeting with executives and members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Benin Republic Chapter, at the Embassy Hall in Cotonou.
The meeting, which commenced at 12:22 p.m., began with an opening address by the Ambassador. She expressed appreciation to NIDO for the warm reception accorded her upon her arrival in Cotonou and explained that the meeting was convened to formally identify the NIDO executive members and strengthen the relationship between the organisation and the Nigerian Embassy.
Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Embassy and Nigerians residing in Benin Republic, noting that such engagement would help address issues affecting the Nigerian community and promote their welfare.
Speaking on behalf of NIDO, the Vice President, Chief Turner Emmanuel, thanked the Ambassador for making the meeting possible. He highlighted several challenges facing Nigerians in Benin Republic and appealed for the Embassy’s intervention.
Among the key requests presented by NIDO were enhanced recognition and engagement of the organisation by the Embassy, a review of the Embassy’s consular identity card system and pricing structure, official identification cards for accredited NIDO executives, intervention against the harassment of Nigerians at border posts, and support for displaced Nigerian traders at the PK3 Market.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Yoruba community leader, Alhaji Mutiu Adelabu Ola Oluwa, sought clarification on the role and effectiveness of the Nigerian Embassy in serving Nigerians living in Benin Republic. He urged the Ambassador to emulate her predecessors by maintaining close collaboration with NIDO and providing timely assistance to Nigerians whenever the need arises.
Officials present on behalf of the Embassy included the Consular Officer, Mr. Kashim Shettima; Deputy Consular Officer, Mr. Mantra Mubarak; and the Head of Chancery, among others.
Representing NIDO and various Nigerian communities were Chief Turner Emmanuel, NIDO Vice President; Alhaji Adelabu Mutiu Ola Oluwa, Yoruba leader; Alhaji Lawal Usman, Chief of Staff to the NIDO President, representing President Alhaji Muniru Nakura, who was absent from Benin Republic at the time of the meeting; Alhaji Afiss Akinwale Akinropo, NIDO Treasurer; Alhaji Almustapha Mohammed, representing the Hausa community; Comrade Emmanuel Silas Agu, Assistant Secretary of NIDO; Dr. Onyenibe, Edo/Delta Chairman; Chief Otekpa Edem, South-South leader; and Chief Sullivan Alozie, Igbo leader, among others.
Responding to the concerns raised, Ambassador Ibrahim assured the gathering that the Embassy would carefully examine the issues presented by NIDO and work towards finding lasting solutions. She further pledged to maintain a strong working relationship with NIDO and leaders of all Nigerian ethnic communities in Benin Republic to advance the interests and welfare of Nigerians in the country.
