The Nigeria High Commission in Canada has assured on its readiness to identify with ethnic groups and associations from Nigeria that are keen in promoting the culture and good image of the country.
The High Commissioner, Ambassador Ojo Maduekwe, stated this in Ottawa while receiving the President of Olumo Progressive Association Canada Inc, Chief Femi Shodunke, in his office.
Maduekwe, who was represented by Mr. Oluremi Oliyide, Minister (Education, Information, Sports, Social and Culture Matters) said that while the commission recognised the Nigerian Canadian Association (NCA) as the umbrella body for Nigerians in Canada, it also encourages growth and partnership with other ethnic groups and associations that are particularly promoting the good name and image of Nigeria to the world.
“We’re glad you came, and we welcome this type of group and association. Though we often relate directly with NCA as the umbrella body, but that does not preclude us from identifying with other ethnic groups and associations here in Canada. Of course, we do encourage that,” Maduekwe, a one-time Foreign Affairs minister, who also introduced the Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Charles Nduka Onianwaduring the visit,said.
Shodunke (left) presenting the association's letter to Oliyide...in Ottawa
He added: “And we quite recognised the fact that we are all Nigerians, but the coming together of people of different tribes and ethnic backgrounds makes up Nigeria, and we thus know and recognised that.”
Maduekwe, who held the portfolio before as minister for Culture and Tourism, and Transport, assured that the commission would partner with any association that carry it along in its programmes and activities, particularly in efforts geared toward the good image of Nigeria.
His words: “We shall partner with associations of this type, particularly once we are informed of their activities and invited to participate in any of their programs. No doubt, we encourage this type of relationship with the high commission and we shall surely show our concern and identify with any ethnic group or association of this type whenever we are call upon regarding their events, meant to promote the good image of Nigeria.”
The ambassador commended Shodunke on his leadership zeal to bring fellow Nigerians of Egba and Yewa origins together, while also promising that the commission would identify with the Egba National Association (ENA) on its 6th biennial convention holding in Canada next year.
“I commend you on your efforts to gather your people together because it’s not easy to do so, particularly outside the country where people are too busy and often mind their businesses. And we shall be present at your convention once we are informed and invited,” he assured.
Earlier, the OPAC President had informed the ambassador that his fellow Egba and Yewa indigenes in Canada considered it worthy to formally introduce the association, formed in 2006, to the commission on its existence and to partner with it in promoting the good image of Nigeria in the host country.
“It’s our greatest pleasure to let you be aware of the existence of our association in Canada and to inform you that we are ready to be closer to our home country through the high commission here in Ottawa,” Shodunke, who is the Ba’aroyin of Igbeinland, said.
Shodunke stressed further: “And we want to let you know that we shall be informing and inviting you to our programmes, particularly on our national body’s convention which will be held here in Toronto in Canada next year.
Shodunke (left) explaining a point of interest to Oliyide during the visit.
“This is an event that all chapters of Egba National Association in US and Canada would come together under the Grand Royal Father of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, to celebrate their cultural heritage and also showcase Nigeria to the outside world.”
The president told the ambassador further that OPAC – in association with ENA – has been contributing its quota to the growth of the Nigerian society, particularly in the education sector.
Shodunke disclosed that N1 million scholarship awards would be given to indigent Egba and Yewa indigenes higher institutions in Nigeria this March.
He explained that no fewer than 14 students benefitted from the financial assistance last year, with the cheques presented by Oba Gbadebo during the last Lisabi Day at Ake Palace in Abeokuta, Ogun State. According to him, members of the association while contributing their quota to Canada would continue to offer necessary assistance and diverse professional pieces of advice to Nigeria in areas they can assist.
