It is my honour to once again have the privilege of wishing you all a Happy new year, on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire staff of the Embassy of Nigeria in France. As I welcome you into the new year 2020, I wish you the very best for this new decade. I pray that it will be filled with successes in both your personal and professional lives.
The outgoing year 2019 saw the embassy seize opportunities to renew, strengthen and expand bilateral ties between Nigerian and French Businesses and the governments of both countries. During the year the embassy engaged in three major economic events: the Nigeria-France Business Forum held in Abuja, the hosting of Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu who held high level Business meetings with the foremost agencies, organizations and individuals with business interests in Nigeria, and the launching of the Nigeria-France Technology Initiative, to promote budding Nigerian talent in the technology sector. This of course was in addition to the trading and investment activities that regularly occur between the two countries.
The incoming year 2020 bodes equally exciting and promising events and opportunities. We look forward to Nigeria’s participation in the annual Agricultural Fair that takes place in Paris every February; we also look forward to seeing Nigeria’s talents and heritage showcased during the 2020 Season of Africa Cultures an initiative promoted by President Emanuel Macron. There will also be the Africa-France Summit for sustainable cities and regions, scheduled for the first week of June. Other regular Nigeria-focused events will continue to take place, events such as the Nollywood week and Spotlight Nigeria.
As I end this year’s goodwill message, let me assure you of the embassy’s commitment to serving you, our public, the best we can. We have striven to make significant improvements to our visa, passport. and consular services but do acknowledge that there remains room for improvement. We appreciate your comments on how we can improve.
The new year 2020 therefore promises you many exciting opportunities to interact with the embassy, whether you are a member of the Nigerian community, or of the business community. We encourage you to avail yourself of any one or more of them.
Meanwhile, I again wish you a happy and prosperous 2020.
Best Regards.
(DR.) Modupe. E. Irele
Ambassador