High Commissioner

Welcome Message

GREETINGS FROM THE HIGH COMMISSIONER 

HC Portrait Dear Fellow Nigerians and other visitors to our official website site,


I assumed duty as Nigeria’s High Commissioner in this welcoming, peaceful and fascinating country, Canada, on the 19th June 2008.
In this privileged position, I seek to vigorously pursue closer ties between our country Nigeria and our host country Canada, with whom we share historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties. Nigeria and Canada are members of the commonwealth, share the same colonial experience and share common aspirations in sustaining democracy, through the rule of law and equity in our diversities. As members of the United Nations, Canada and Nigeria share a similar outlook on many global issues.
Our country Nigeria is the heart of Africa, where one out of four Africans is Nigerian. Not only is Nigeria the most populous African country. It’s also a leading country in Africa, and has contributed immensely in peace-keeping operations in Africa. Nigeria is witnessing change at rapid speed. Its democratic credentials and its huge economic potential have been enhanced by strategic reforms that have made Nigeria the destination for the serious investor, business traveller and tourists.
The vision of Nigeria, is to rapidly take advantage of its vast human and natural resources (especially in Oil, Gas and Agriculture) to become one of the Worlds best 20 operating economies by the year 2020. My vision as High Commissioner is to help foster a dynamic bilateral relationship between Canada and Nigeria based on mutual benefits and mutual respect and co-operation.
My duty at the High Commission is to enhance Nigeria’s foreign policy of “citizen diplomacy”. As High Commissioner, I have no higher priority than the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in or visiting Canada. The Nigeria High Commission will offer efficient and selfless service in a timely manner to all. This website will continue to provide all relevant information to our services, to residents and visitors alike.
We also encourage a rigorous feedback from Canadians and other foreigners who have worked in Nigeria or visited Nigeria, even if only in their minds, to join our “friends of Nigeria” project to strengthen the bond of friendship between our two countries. Details are also in the website.
Friends, compatriots, whether you are a permanent resident or just visiting Canada for vacation or business purposes, my desire and wish is that you enjoy your time in this wonderful country. Our Consular Section’s web pages explain in greater detail how the High Commission can assist you during your stay in Canada.

About High Commissioner

Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher,   after obtaining his PhD in Theatre and Drama at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria taught at his Alma Mater and the University of Jos Nigeria, where he rose to become a full Professor of Theatre for development, and resident playwright.  He is the leading authority on the Kwagh-hir Theatre, a poet and one of Africa’s best playwrights


Iyorwuese Hagher, entered politics while yet an academic and was elected into Nigeria’s upper legislative house, as Senator and Deputy Chief Whip of Senate, representing Benue – East Constituency in 1983.   Hagher was later again elected into the Constitutional conference of 1994 – 1995.  In 1995, he was appointed Minister of State, Power and Steel in Nigeria where he emphasised the opening up of the rural areas, focusing on new transmission lines in the local government areas.  He was re-appointed Minister of Health in 1997 where he initiated a bold plan to incorporate drama and performance in the fight against HIV-AIDS in Nigeria, which is still being utilized by people working in this area. 


Hagher is recipient of Nigeria’s National Honour, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).   He is founder and Honorary President of Leadership Institute Nigeria, and Director of the Association of Nigerians against Corruption (ANAC) as well as member, International Council for Management Consulting Institutes (ICMC).  He is Fellow Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists, and Fellow Institute of Management Consultants.


He has been Ambassador of Nigeria to Mexico and con-current to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Panama, before his present appointment as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada.  While in Mexico, Hagher emphasised the use of Culture and Education as a major Diplomatic strategy and attracted Mexican investments in Nigeria in Communication and Oil Services.


Hagher’s vision is to bring to Canada, a greater understanding of Nigeria.  Since arrival in Canada, he initiated his first diplomatic strategy to establish the friends of Nigeria project, by working closely with eminent personalities in Canada previously conversant with Nigeria and Nigerians in the Diaspora. Through these, he hopes to build a greater and closer relationship and understanding with Canada.  He hopes to re-invigorate the Bi-national Commission and improve trade between his host country and Nigeria.  


Ambassador Iyorwuese Hagher is married to Barrister Nancy Hagher and have five children.

Past High Commissioners

  • 1973 –1976 Ambassador Peter A. Afolabi
  • 1976 - 1981 Ambassador M. Bello
  • 1981 - 1984 Ambassador (Prof.) Y. M. Maiangwa
  • 1984 –1987 Ambassador A. A. Attah
  • 1987- 1990 Ambassador Dehinde O. George
  • 1990 – 1991 Ambassador A. E. B. Ayeni
  • 1991 – 1993 Ambassador I. C. Olisemeka
  • 4/99 – 12/99 Ambassador A. Garuba
  • 1999 – 2003 Ambassador P.O. Bejide
  • 2004 – 2007 Ambassador O.O. George

Speeches

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