Nigerian in Qatar celebrate Independence Day in style

DOHA THE Cultural opulence of Nigeria was highlighted by Nigerian expatriates in Qatar as part of the celebration of the golden jubilee of their independence, at Marriott Hotel on Saturday.
The event — organised to mark the Independence Day of Nigeria which falls on October 1 — was an occasion for the Nigerian expats to demonstrate unity in diversity as represented by various ethnic groups in the country.
Each group showcased its typical traditional heritage and culture for the audience, which included the Ambassador of Nigeria to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), HE Bashir Yuguda, and envoys of many other countries.
Addressing the gathering, HE Yuguda expressed his happiness over the unity among Nigerians despite their ethnic differences.
“I am elated to see the patriotism, passion and commitment Nigerians in Qatar demonstrated in celebrating this special day.
Nigeria is a country with over 150 million people, 250 ethnic groups and 4,000 dialects.
But, with the special grace of God, we remain one as a nation,” the ambassador said.
He pointed out that though Nigeria went through difficult times during the civil war and military governments, the country was moving forward as a leading economic and political nation in Africa.
He said that Nigeria, as a regional power in Africa, was faced with many responsibilities.
“The challenges of regional power come with heavy burden.
I am proud to say that with active support of my countrymen in international community, Nigeria is living up to the expectations in maintaining law and order in Africa as well as contributing to the United Nations peace-keeping missions across the globe,” Yuguda said.
The envoy was appreciative of the Nigerians’ conduct and wellbeing in Qatar despite having no Doha-based ambassador over the years.
He hoped that Qatar would have a full-fledged Nigerian ambassador by next year.
South African Ambassador to Qatar HE Dr Vincent Zulu, Japanese Ambassador HE Kenjiro Monji, Egyptian Ambassador HE Mahmoud Fawzy Abou Dounya, Senegalese Ambassador HE Adama Sarr, Sudanese Ambassador HE Ibrahim Abdullah al Faqiri, Eritrean Ambassador HE Ali Ibrahim Ahmad as well as Libyan and Tunisian ambassadors attended the colourful ceremony.
Various cultural and dance groups like Otu Ofuobi women, Egbe Omo O’Odua, Edo/Benin and Oghene groups, as well as a solo Hausa musical performance by Rakiya Lawler, entertained the guests on the occasion.
While the ‘Identity Sisters’ opened the entertainment floor, Nigerian artiste Mina Ochoche stole the thunder with her special track ‘Let us pray for Nigeria’.
A Nigerian R&B singer, Mima Ikyor, who was flown into the country especially for the occasion, captivated the audience with her soulful songs.
There was also a special poem (Ewi) recitation by Yemi Emiola.
Commenting on the event, Egyptian Ambassador to Qatar HE Mahmoud Fawzy Abou Dounya said: “This is a spectacular National Day celebration.
I am highly impressed.
This shows that Qatar is a friendly country where all nationalities can flourish and live a peaceful normal life.
I congratulate Nigerians on this occasion.” His Japanese counterpart HE Kenjiro Monji said: “Nigeria and Japan are good friends.
I am here to show Japanese solidarity with Nigeria and share the joy of the country’s 50th independence celebration.” Earlier, in his welcome address, President of Nigeria in Diaspora, Qatar chapter (NIDO-Qatar), OJ Millar, said this year’s independent celebration was special to Qatar residents because it was the first show which Nigerian ambassador to Qatar had witnessed.
He thanked all Nigerians in Qatar for their support and cooperation for the successful organisation of the event.
Qatar Airways and Marriott Hotel Doha supported the event.

Romanian Special Envoy envisions Improved Qatar Ties


The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its Ambassador at large or Special Envoy, Vasile Sofineti recently visited Qatar to boost the relationship between its Country and Qatar, with other Gulf Countries.

The Ambassador at Large visited the Ministry of foreign Affairs , where dialogue and discussions centered on opening new bridges of understanding and partnership between the two nations.Also the meeting touched on ways of boosting relationship and creating a portfolio of opportunities for Qatari business men and other GCC nationals.

The visit to Qatar is the first in the region by the Ambassador who will visit other Gulf Countries in the coming days.

The Ambassador said, " My Mission is not easy but it has the chance to succeed, we are organizing a Romanian Business Forum come next April 2010, the forum is for Romanians, Central European and GCC businessmen to come see the business potentials and opportunities in Romania .A Cultural display by participating nations is also on cue, am thrilled with the meetings that i had, and with the ideas that i got from all those meetings, which help fulfil my mandate"

"Am Promoting the ideas of partnership, we invite Qatari business men to look into the Romanian Market, where they will find a lot of opportunities and they can be assured of our full support", said Vasile Sofineti.

"Romania has excellent Political relations with Gulf Countries, the Political dialogue is very sincere and friendly,in the last 20 years we align our relationship with the European Union and NATO because they are closer and we are in the same Continent, we want to ignite and open new bridges with friends"

"Traditionally we have had a lot of Arab Students studying in Romania now we have a few thousands, because of that we have large numbers of Arab Communities in Romania.So many have taken Romanian Citizenship, the people who study in Romania are large assets for us"

"We have had good economic ties with the Arab World.We can work together in oil inspection field, we can also assist the big projects that Qatar is envisaging, like the security systems in the new airport, also Information technology, though India is close, we have had successes in Tunisia. In Tourism and Agriculture there is open invitation to know each other better as a member of the EU and NATO, am sure Romania will be a pleasant surprise for Qatari businessmen.

The new Ambassador at Large for the relations with Arab countries in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is a Journalist Cum Diplomat, he served as Editor in Radio Bucharest (1978-1990)in charge of Persian Language, he has also served as Ambassador in Jordan, India and accredited to Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.