The Nigerian Embassy will collaborate with “well-meaning” Nigerians living here in their efforts to promote investment in Nigeria – and the country’s image in Ireland.
That was the message from Ambassador Felix Pwol as he addressed hundreds of guests at the Igbo National Convention in Dublin’s National Show Centre on 21 September.
The ambassador was a guest of honour for the cultural day celebration during the three-day convention from 20-22 September.
He commended the Igbo Union Ireland, which co-ordinated the convention, for this unique initiative, which included the maiden Afro-Irish Business Connect and Trade Show held on the Friday morning.
The event was officially opened by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar, who expressed his delight that The Gathering initiative, originally meant for the Irish in diaspora, also has appeal for Ireland’s immigrant communities.
Speaking at the gala awards night on the Sunday, special guest of honour Senator Ben Obi, who is special adviser to Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, repeated his call to Minister Varadkar to see Nigerians as “a hard-working people who are ready to contribute to the building of a modern Irish nation”.
He also used the opportunity to highlight some of President Jonathan’s achievements, including the increase in electricity production since coming to power in 2011.
Meanwhile, Metro Éireann and The Gathering initiative received awards on the night for what organisers hailed as their support to the Igbo communuty.
Mayor of Fingal Kieran Dennison, who received the award on behalf of The Gathering, urged the Nigerian government not to abandon its diaspora in Ireland, adding that Nigeria could learn from the good things Ireland is doing with its own diaspora.
One of the individual winners was playwright Kunle Animashau, whose Camino Productions presented the short play Pitfalls on the night in conjunction with i-Smile International.
Kelechi JK Onwumere, leader of the Igbo Union Dublin, said he was “extremely delighted” that the event, which attracted more than 1,400 over the three days, was “a huge success”.
