By Emma Peter
Nigerians resident in Trinidad and Tobago have welcomed the newly appointed High Commissioner of Nigeria to the country, Ambassador Jerry Samuel Manwe, at a grand reception designed to foster stronger relations between the diplomatic mission and the Nigerian community.
The event brought together Nigerian professionals, community leaders and representatives of diaspora organisations who gathered to formally receive Ambassador Manwe following his assumption of duty in Trinidad and Tobago.
Ambassador Manwe arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on July 15 to commence his diplomatic assignment and was received at the reception by members of the Nigerian community, including the Iroko Group, an association of Nigerian medical professionals in the country, and Africa Sixth Region Global, a diaspora organisation headquartered in Canada.
The reception offered members of the community an opportunity to congratulate the new envoy and assure him of their willingness to work closely with the Nigerian High Commission throughout his tenure.
Speaking at the gathering, Ambassador Manwe expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and commended Nigerians in Trinidad and Tobago for their achievements and contributions to their host country.
He described the accomplishments of Nigerians in the diaspora as a source of pride to the nation and urged them to remain committed to activities that would continue to project Nigeria positively internationally.
The High Commissioner also thanked the organisers for putting together what he described as a grand reception in his honour. He prayed for success in the various fields of endeavour of the participants and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their pursuits.
Ambassador Manwe further spoke on developments in Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting ongoing government projects and reforms. He stressed the importance of maintaining a strong connection between Nigerians abroad and the development aspirations of their home country.
Speaking on behalf of Africa Sixth Region Global, the organisation’s Secretary-General, His Excellency Dr. Macaulay Kalu, underscored the significant role of the Nigerian diaspora in national development.
According to Kalu, Nigerians living outside the country contribute to the nation’s growth through remittances, investments, professional expertise, knowledge transfer and international networks. He called for greater unity among Nigerians in the diaspora, arguing that a cohesive community would be better positioned to support Nigeria’s economic and social advancement.
Kalu also assured Ambassador Manwe of Africa Sixth Region Global’s support and cooperation as he carries out his diplomatic responsibilities in Trinidad and Tobago.
One of the facilitators of the reception, Ambassador Peace Onuiri, Director of Sports and Culture at Africa Sixth Region Global, expressed appreciation to Ambassador Manwe for accepting the invitation and attending the event.
Onuiri pledged the organisation’s continued cooperation with the High Commissioner and the Nigerian diplomatic mission.
Dr. Kerry Benjamin, a Nigerian medical practitioner at Acropolis Hospital in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, also played a prominent role in facilitating the gathering. He is a member of the Iroko Group.
The Chief Host, Dr. Verinton Okolo, an accomplished Nigerian medical doctor and member of the Iroko Group, proposed a toast in honour of Ambassador Manwe and wished him a successful tenure in Trinidad and Tobago.
Other prominent Nigerians at the event included Professor Abayomi Odekunle, regarded as one of the senior members of the Nigerian community in Trinidad and Tobago; Dr. Uche Okoli; Dr. Stephen McBenedict; Dr. Kerry Benjamin; Mr. Simeon Adewale, Finance Attaché at the Nigerian High Commission; Dr. Macaulay Kalu; Ambassador Peace Onuiri; and Dr. Verinton Okolo.
The reception came shortly after Africa Sixth Region Global paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in Port of Spain on Monday. The delegation used the visit to engage the High Commissioner and formally extend an invitation to him for the reception.
Beyond welcoming the new envoy, the gathering provided an avenue for discussions on strengthening cooperation between the Nigerian mission and the diaspora community, promoting national unity and encouraging Nigerians abroad to remain active participants in the development of their country.
The event also reinforced the commitment of Nigerian professionals and diaspora organisations in Trinidad and Tobago to working with the new High Commissioner in advancing Nigeria’s interests and projecting a positive image of the country abroad.
