Nigerians resident in Sierra Leone have acclaimed the outgoing Nigerian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Dr Habiss Ibrahim Ugbada for his successful tenure of office and for strengthening the bond of unity among the Nigerians inn Sierra Leone during his three-year tenure.
An event was organised in Freetown on Thursday by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Sierra Leone Chapter in honour of the outgoing High Commissioner and to appreciate him and his family for their support to the community.
In his statement, the President of the NIDO Sierra Leone Chapter, Abiodun Oyebola said that they were celebrating the ambassador for his fervent love, and unparalleled openness. He said the high commissioner showed deep concern for Nigerians and also for their homeland. “What you have done within three years is wonderful. He has ensured that there is no Nigerian in correctional centres in the country for civil matters,” Oyebola said. He said that it was as a result of the support of High Commissioner that NIDO Sierra Leone Chapter came to reality, and recalled that when a fire incident occurred at Sackville Street in Freetown and stores owned by Nigerians and Sierra Leoneans were completely burnt, the High Commissioner personally went and empathized with the victims and gave cash support to them. He said that the seeds the diplomat had sown will continue to grow. ”Let us continue to follow his glorious footprints,” he implored the Nigerian community.
The four vice presidents of NIDO, Corporate Executives of Nigerians banks, corporate institutions and other Nigerians described the outgoing ambassador as a man of great humility and impeccable character; one who is down to earth, and who maintains an open door policy. They said doors at the embassy and his residences were always open to Nigerians irrespective of their status. They said he had visited almost every business owned by Nigerians in Freetown. They described him as a man of humility and empathy whose love for Nigerians and Nigeria is incomparable to none. They said if Nigeria has few of his kind at the helm of affairs that nation would be prosperous. “He has been so wonderful to us,” they said. They prayed for God to alleviate him and stand for him.
The Outgoing High Commissioner, Dr Habiss Ibrahim Ugbada in response said: “I appreciate your gesture and you have made me proud in this country.” He appreciated his countrymen for the fervent support they had given to him during his stay in the country. He also applauded his wife and children for the wonderful support they had given him.
The outgoing High Commissioner implored the captain of industry (Nigerians running businesses in Sierra Leone) to create more development activities in Sierra Leone. He also implored staff of the Nigerian High Commission to treat all Nigerians visiting the embassy equally irrespective of tribe, region, and religion. “Never frown your face to a person you come across. We should not discriminate; we are all one,” he said.
The program was climaxed with the presentation of gifts to the High Commissioner by the Nigerian Community.
By Alusine Sesay
2/11/2020. ISSUE NO: 7941