What does it mean?
The Friends of Nigeria project is an initiative of the Nigeria High Commissioner, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, [OON]. It is expected that this platform will offer an honest assessment of Nigeria and Nigerians devoid of stereotypes which could be explored and diffused to the broad spectrum of Canadian society and the world. The platform seeks to pool together Canadian nationals with a Nigerian experience. The Canadian must have lived or visited Nigeria for a period not less than one month, or may have undertaken a course in any aspect of Nigerian history, politics or culture. Others who have the interest or admiration or passion for Nigeria may also be considered on individual merit.
The objective is to advance Nigeria’s new domestic and foreign policy initiatives through friendly Canadians, and residents of Canada with adequate experience about Nigeria as the heart of Africa, a proud hard working nation of patriots, hospitable and committed to its unity in diversity and its role as a responsible member of the international community.
The High Commission is aware that there are many Canadians who have invested time working in Nigeria, who have first-hand experience about the hard working, resilient, and hospitable nature of Nigerians. We look forward to them in sensitising their fellow Canadians and residents about Nigeria.
There is need to inform about the rapid transformations in politics, economy and social developments of the country, within the framework of democracy and the rule of law. Others need to be informed about the tasks the Nigeria has set for itself to become one of the world’s most developed nations in the near future.
Who should be a member?
The membership of the Friends of Nigeria is open to those who have been conversant with Nigeria or have related with people of Nigeria from within the country itself. They include:
· Former Diplomats, and other Canadian Government officials that had served in Nigeria,
· Diplomats and staff of International Organisations
· Aid workers, Missionaries
· Nigerian-Canadian Professionals
· Heads and employees of Canadian Companies with offices in Nigeria and
· Foreign students in Nigeria
· Tourists and business visitors to Nigeria
· Interested persons (to be considered on individual merit)
The Mission of the Friends of Nigeria would also be to advance a general awareness of Nigeria and stimulate a keen interest in Nigeria’s development in a participatory manner and stimulate dialogue between Canadians and Nigerians towards lasting solutions to developmental challenges facing Nigeria.
As an interested partner in “The Friends of Nigeria Project”, What can you do?
At this point of time we request to visit us or send your contact to enable the High Commission forward to you an official invitation to the inaugural meeting and first event of the Friends of Nigeria through e-mail on by regular mail addressed to:
The Nigeria High Commission
295 Metcalfe Street
Ottawa ON
K2P 1R9
Telephone: +1 613 236 0521 ext 227 or 613 236 9288