CONNECTING WITH OUR DIASPORA COMMUNITY HAS BEEN PRICELESS
CONNECTING WITH OUR DIASPORA COMMUNITY HAS BEEN PRICELESS
14 Cities in Europe, 14 in North America now covered
Few months ago, I visited 14 cities in US and Canada. Last October, I visited 4 European cities of Rome, Zurich, Frankfurt and Malaga.
Last week, I embarked on another 12-city tour, and first visited Paris, Numberg, Prague, Amsterdam and Vienna. I am pleased to report a very successful outing in 5 additional cities of Gothenburg, Malmo, Copenhagen, Athens and Warsaw, bringing the total cities on this trip to 10, 14 altogether in Europe and 28 when combined with North America.
These additional tours continue to be remarkable with each showcasing the strength and unity of our diaspora communities. For those who may wonder, we are combining these diaspora tours with intense grassroot engagements back at home.
In Gothenburg, Sweden, the warmth was palpable. My gratitude goes to our gracious hosts: Festus Igboanugo (Akalaife 1), Frank Success Aniago (Ogaziamaka), Azuka Ikejiofor (Azu ka ego 1), and Oscar Chukwuma (Nwatakwochaka 1), the Chairman of Anambra Association in Gothenburg. A special mention to our young champions, Adaugo Mitchele Igboanugo and John (Jr) Chukwuma, who presented me with a touching welcome gift at the airport. I popped into a career fair for Nigerian communities in Malmo and was pleased to catch up with some old friends and mentees.
Malmo’s gathering demonstrated our community’s vibrant spirit. Many thanks to our dedicated hosts, Mr. Patrick Onyeneche, Mr. Sunny Ferdnard, Mr. Davision Ekwe, Mr. Humble Ezeofor, and Mr. Vincent Okeye, for their exceptional organization and hospitality. What made Malmo very remarkable was the presence of a legendary freestyle footballer, Philip Warren Gertsson (@PWGfreestyle) who was my guest in 2019 as a judge in the African Freestyle Football Championship that I hosted, with his wife. I thank him specially for his eloquent testimony.
The Copenhagen, Denmark engagement was equally inspiring and very engaging. Arinze Anthony Chinwendu (Obinwanne Neni) who is the Chiarman of Anambra Community in Denmark was an exceptional host. He first picked me from Malmo and hosted to a sumptuous lunch in his magnificent home where his lovely daughter, Cianna Maria Chiamaka Chikwendu, presented a lovely cake she personally baked for me.
Thanks also to Ukamka Maryevel Ojiakor for the great meal. The other members of the executives followed suit with amazing warmth and hospitality and they included Chief Obijiofor Ugochukwu Afamefuna (Ichie Ogboru Agha na Abacha, Vice Chairman) whose wife also provided us with the best meat pie i have had in recent history, Pascal Ugochukwu (Pazimmo, Secretary), Frank Izuchukwu (Pepsi, Financial-Secretary), Chiagozie Ajuorah (Mallory), Ezioba Chinedu Philip (Odumodu Na Nando), Chukwunonso Okeke (Eze-elisie-aku), Nonso Mmadubosa (Okolo-ka -nze), Unegbu Nonso (Agbakpo Dike Izu na Eziowelle), Emeka Adibe, Apostle Emma Okoye, Emmanuel Chika Ekwueme, Osita Chizube
Akuluauno na Oba, Jude Obasi, Roland Ugochukwu-Ogbuagu (Ariri Eri mba and CEO Afrihellas Ltd) and Apostle Daniel Nnadi,the CEO Danijery Afro shop. I want to particularly appreciate Apostle Okoye for the amazing prayer rendition.
Athens, Greece showcased the dedication of our people through the efforts of Mr. Cele Muoedu (Arachie), whose commitment to our cause remains unwavering. They proved that indeed, democracy and modern civilization were birthed in Greece. Jeff Benedith showed impressive brotherly care and hospitality all through starting with a visit to an amazing Riviera for lunch and presentation of some of his wine products.
The rest of the team were exceptional, including Anslem Obunadike (Obidatti Chairman in Greece), Maxwell Ottuoma (Ohaneze Chairman in Greece), Chief Kenneth Nlemonwu (Igbo Community Chairman in Greece), Tochukwu Ofor (Enugu Community Chairman), Chukwuma Kosisochukwu (Founder Kokochuks Foundation), Kingsley Ukefi (Abia State Chairman). Let me also appreciate three amazing women that joined us: Mrs. Nora Njoku, Chairlady Nigerian Women Association in Greece,
Mrs. Maria Ezinwanne Vardikos, Iron lady of Obidient family in Greece and Miss Juli Obekpa (Gentle giant), an Obidient leader from Benue State.
The special presentation of the craft of Alexander the Great is not only memorable, it will inspire me to try to conquer until we change the story of our people on this planet earth in our lifetime.
In Warsaw, Poland, the unity of our community was evident and I will like to sincerely appreciate our chief host in Poland, Mr. Okechukwu Nwafor, who traveled a long distance to Warsaw, with Dr. Joseph Okonkwo, to host this event. He dedication and commitment was second to none. We toured one of the largest apple farms in the world and discussed many opportunities to drive investments back home. I also want to thank Ms. Iwona who availed us her beautiful office as venue for the event. The biggest highlight of the whole evening was the presence of Her Excellency,
Ambassador Joanna Tamawska, who was the immediate past Polish Ambassador to Nigeria. Her love for Nigeria made her not just to be present but was there all through the 4 hours we spent. Her words of advice and encouragement are invaluable. Many of our brethren also didn’t disappoint in terms of showing presence and insightful engagement and some of them include Rev Fr Alex Dung, Venerable Felix Malizu, Pastor James Emmanuel, Dr. Mbazuigwe, Dr. Okiyi, Ken Okafor, Emmanuel Lawrence, Don Gozie Ughasoro, Somadina Okoli, Kingsley and many more. The presentation of Polish flag by Pastor James added colour.
Many thanks to Fr Alex Dung of Jos Diocese for hosting me at the Monastery in Warsaw and Fr Emma Ezeafulukwe who traveled some distance to come and welcome me.
The journey continued with a brief stop in Paris. I am now set to head to Manchester today and London tomorrow for several engagements. The consistent thread throughout these meetings has been our people’s unwavering commitment to homeland development and security.
I give God all the glory
