By George Ozalla
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary, Engr. Abasi Ogwime Braimah, has pledged to prioritise the welfare, unity and legitimate interests of Nigerians in Hungary, calling for sustained dialogue and cooperation between the Nigerian Embassy and the Nigerian community.
Braimah made the commitment on Friday in Budapest when he received the executive members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Hungary Chapter, led by its Chairman, Hon. Chief Komolafe Omotunde, during a familiarisation meeting at the Nigerian Embassy.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the Ambassador and NIDO leadership to discuss issues affecting Nigerians in Hungary and consider practical ways of improving the relationship between the Embassy and the Nigerian community.
The engagement also allowed the NIDO delegation to familiarise itself with the Ambassador and discuss matters of mutual interest, particularly issues concerning the welfare, representation and participation of Nigerians living in Hungary.
Addressing the NIDO leadership, Ambassador Braimah said the welfare and advancement of Nigerians in the Diaspora could not be achieved through isolated efforts, stressing that sustained dialogue, cooperation and a shared sense of responsibility were necessary.
He said the Embassy would continue to support initiatives capable of advancing the aspirations and legitimate interests of Nigerians in Hungary, while encouraging community leaders to work together in dealing with challenges confronting members of the community.
Braimah also emphasised the importance of unity among Nigerians in Hungary, urging community stakeholders to maintain constructive engagement and avoid divisions that could affect efforts to address common concerns.
The Ambassador said the Embassy was ready to work with NIDO and other Nigerian community organisations, noting that regular engagement would help improve communication and make it easier to understand the issues confronting Nigerians in the country.
He encouraged community organisations to bring forward initiatives that would promote the welfare and advancement of Nigerians, while also creating opportunities for members to contribute positively to the society in which they live.
Braimah further stressed that the relationship between the Embassy and the Nigerian community should not be limited to official occasions, but should involve regular interaction on issues affecting Nigerians in Hungary.
He said a stronger and more organised Nigerian community could contribute positively to Nigeria’s image, strengthen people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Hungary and support the country’s wider diplomatic and economic interests.
The Ambassador therefore urged NIDO and other community organisations to see the Embassy as a partner in addressing issues affecting Nigerians and promoting initiatives that would benefit the wider community.
Responding on behalf of the Nigerian community, NIDO Hungary Chairman, Hon. Chief Komolafe Omotunde, assured Ambassador Braimah of the organisation’s readiness to work closely with the Embassy in advancing initiatives designed to improve the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians in Hungary.
Omotunde pledged NIDO’s support for programmes that promote unity, responsible citizenship, mutual assistance and meaningful engagement between Nigerians and the Embassy.
He said NIDO was prepared to support the Ambassador’s efforts to maintain closer contact with Nigerians in Hungary and ensure that issues affecting members of the community receive appropriate attention.
The NIDO chairman also expressed confidence that regular engagement with the Embassy would provide a better opportunity for community leaders to present concerns affecting Nigerians and work with the diplomatic mission towards finding practical responses.
Omotunde said the organisation would continue to encourage Nigerians in Hungary to conduct themselves responsibly and contribute positively to the society.
In a brief remark that captured the position of the organisation, the NIDO chairman said, “We must work together,” assuring the Ambassador that NIDO was ready to partner with the Embassy.
The NIDO delegation included the General Secretary, Aese Agaigbe; Financial Secretary, Oyun Adesoye; Social Secretary, Aese Cynthia Aese; and Treasurer, Erenwa Olaedo Cynthia.
Omotunde assured Ambassador Braimah that NIDO was ready to work with the Embassy in pursuing issues concerning Nigerians in Hungary.
