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Q: Could you please provide a bit of background about your career?
Ambassador: Welcoming you once again Mr. Akande to the Embassy of Nigeria in Spain. To start with your question,I have never served in any Nigeria embassy outside Nigeria. This is my first call as an Ambassador:. You know,this is a political appointment. It is a privilege and honor to serve my country in this disposition. We went through a lot of screening by the members of the Nigeria National Assembly. Later,we had induction training programs to prepare us all fully for the task ahead and most especially focusing on the mission and programs of the federal government.
Q: Since you came to Spain, in just less than a year,we have seen and feel positive changes in the embassy building, staff relations and most especially your free interactions with Nigerians. Sir,What measures are you taking to improve the welfare of Nigerians living in Spain especially in this economic melt down period?
Ambassador: Thanks for your observations and acknowledgments. You know this is a mission of the external department of foreign ministry of the federal republic of Nigeria. The embassy carries out bilateral relations with the host country and the rest of the world, that is representing Nigeria in the World Trade Organization. The embassy is responsible for the welfare of Nigerians living in Spain,and represent the interest of Nigeria in the World Trade affairs. Since I got to Spain on 16th of May,2008, and presented my letter of credence as the new Ambassador:,we have been receiving cordial relations with the Spanish government and the Nigerians in all parts of Spain.
The Embassy is divided into different departments to ease daily work: load. We have Head of Chancellor, that is Head of administration,the Secretary,administrative staff,Economic department which is headed by Commerce Attache. There is Account department which is also headed by a qualified Accountant. We also have political,education and social affairs departments respectively. We have cleaners and drivers. Everybody is very important here from the cleaners to the head of the mission.
We all aware of the economic crunch sweeping across Europe. The Embassy is now moving their services closer to Nigerians wherever they are living in Spain. To reduce their transportation cost of coming to Embassy office in Madrid,we have been going to Bilbao,Barcelona, Sevilla and Palma Mallorca to provide all related services to Nigerians except the scanning for new international passport that requires their physical presence at the head: office. The embassy is also collaborating with non: governmental organizations on this issue. We help in giving emergency services to those Nigerians that are suffering due to the economic melt down and encourage those that cannot cope with the situation here to go back home. Those willing to go back are well informed about the situations and opportunities at home. We should remember that if Africa is develop. the immigration problems will be reduced drastically. Europe and international communities should address the development of Africa now.
Q: What are some of the strongest misconceptions Spanish people have about Nigeria and Nigerians? How is embassy handling the issues of Nigerians in Spanish prisons and indiscriminate deportation?
Ambassador: There is this general impression that every black people comes from Nigeria. And there is also a misconception that all Nigerians are criminals. That bad impression is far changing now. This does not mean we still don’t have bad eggs. What is lacking here is integration. Integration issue is very important when somebody leaves his country and decides to live in another man’s country. For example,if a Nigerian who have been living here for almost four years cannot say a word in Spanish when stopped by a policeman. It is against traffic law to drive a car without a driving licence or current car insurance certificate. Some people are still braking this rule. They need to learn the language and their cultures as most of the white men will do with keen interest on getting to the African soil.
On the issue of deportation,the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave order last year to find out the numbers of Nigerians in prison abroad and their offences. This has been done with Spanish government cooperation. This action was a follow up of the Bilateral relations agreement signed between Spain and Nigeria purposely for rehabilitation of those deportees taken home. It was an agreement of cooperation in terms of technical assistance. With this,there is Centre for Immigration which give information and guide for africans seeking for jobs abroad. This is way of encouraging legal immigration for skill and and careers development as informed in your book. (Study and Work Abroad published by Spectrums Books limited). Some jobs centers offices are now open in Mali,Morroco and Mauritania for all immigrants seeking jobs abroad,especially in Europe.
Q: Your Excellency, I believe that Nigerians can benefit from the educational and technological advancement of this country to improve their future career. What is the embassy doing on the issue of Nigeria Educational Certificates and Driving License convalidation as enjoy by other immigrants in Spain?
Q: Could you please provide a bit of background about your career?
Ambassador: Welcoming you once again Mr. Akande to the Embassy of Nigeria in Spain. To start with your question,I have never served in any Nigeria embassy outside Nigeria. This is my first call as an Ambassador:. You know,this is a political appointment. It is a privilege and honor to serve my country in this disposition. We went through a lot of screening by the members of the Nigeria National Assembly. Later,we had induction training programs to prepare us all fully for the task ahead and most especially focusing on the mission and programs of the federal government.
Interview with Nigeria's Ambassador To Spain Obed Wadzani
Obed Wadzani
Nigeria's Ambassador To Spain
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By Adewale Akande - 12/7/2009
