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Ambassador: Immediately after the visit of the Spain Prime Minister came to Nigeria in June, the Nigeria Ministry of foreign affairs have came up with a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish government. Spanish Embassy which is resolving this issue of educational and technological advancement. For a Nigeria certificate to be recognized here, firstly,it has to be convalidated. This involve Nigeria federal ministry of education and federal ministry of affairs verification,necessary legal translation and stamps from the Nigeria embassy in Spain. The same thing apply to any foreigner or even Spanish doctor that wants to work in Nigeria with foreign certificates. There is need for genuine proof of the certificates. It takes a lot of long processes but we are making progress on this issue.
On issue of driving,we have to be very sincere with ourselves on the using Nigerian driving license to drive here. We have to do a lot of driving orientations. Back home,there should be more driving schools and programmes to help learn more about international road signs,markings etc.
Definitely, a lot of things should be known before driving here. With more seriousness and serious preparation, anybody can pass their driving test and qualify without problems. After all,you can sit for the test in English language. The Federal Road Safety at home is doing fine especially with their new standard and computerized driving license and we need to cooperate with them.
Q: The Prime Minister of Spain, Jose Luis Zapatero was in Nigeria on June 23 this year, to talk about the potential of working along with Nigeria’s oil,gas and renewable energy companies. Before, he left Aso Rock villa, he signed major bilateral agreement with President Sheu Yar’Adua on avoidance on establishment of bi: national commission for culture and tourism. What is the embassy doing on this issue of intercultural and tourism diplomatic relations?
Ambassador: This is the first time any Spanish Prime Minister will be visiting Nigeria. His visit is a good plus to our established relations as they consider the role of Nigeria in Africa. With the visit of foreign minister Madueke in 2008 as a follow up to former President Olusegun Obasanjo visit in 2005,a stage was set for the Spanish Prime Minister his historical visit to Nigeria. With his visit,a joint commission was established between Spain and Nigeria with high levels of the two governments to meet every year bilateral economic relations. Agreement for the reduction double taxation was signed. Nigeria is doing very well with Spain in the area of economic and trade relations. Just last year (2008),there was a Trade Expo in which Nigeria pavilion displayed a lot of opportunities abound in Nigeria. It was a great platform where we launch our investment opportunities to the whole world. Day 21 was set aside as Nigeria day at the Trade Expo with attendance of Nigeria minister of trade and commerce,officials of Nigeria Investment Promotion Council and representatives of the public and private businesses. All these are yielding positive results.
In the area of tourism,the administration of President Yar Ardua is doing everything possible to make tourism as an investment opportunity for the country like we have in Spain. Spain is the third largest country in the whole world in terms of arrivals and departures of tourists. The Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation headed by Otunba Olusegun Runsewe (Director General) is doing all what it takes to employ practical approach to Nigeria tourism and live to its diverse opportunities in tourist attractions and holiday resorts. This gesture will surely generate fund for the government. Most states in Nigeria are coming up with carnivals to attract tourists. For example, Abuja and Calabar.
Festivals are now globally recognized and frequently attract a lot of foreigners every year. If you don’t talk or demonstrate the good things you have,nobody will recognize it.
The memorandum of cultural cooperation was signed with Spanish government. As am speaking with you, the Spanish ministry of culture in collaboration with British cultural department,and sponsored by Santander Bank is exhibiting Ife Art culture collections here in Spain. I was at the opening ceremony. The exposition will be on display in Spain till December this year. It will be on display in London in January and February 2010 and in United States of America in March,2010.
Q: What have been your most trying and most memorable experiences as an Ambassador:?
Ambassador: My most trying moment was when I got to Spain and met the challenges of the passport issue. Something positive have been done to rectify the problems.
My most memorable event was when the Spanish Prime Minister took off to Nigeria. Top levels discussion were held and some many issues were discussed.
Q: Your job sounds very demanding. What do you do in your leisure time?
Ambassador:: I enjoy sporting activities during my leisure time. I play badminton. Like walking in the park with my children and engage in some exercise at home.
Q: Sir, Any message or word of advice for Nigerians in Diaspora including those in Spain?
Ambassador: All Nigerians should have confidence in their country. They should give full support to the government. Every Nigeria is very important. They should be good for the country in foreign land. Nigerians abroad should shun criminals activities that keep on tarnishing the image of our great country. We should join hands with our wealth of experience to contribute to Nigeria development. I am appealing to Nigerians to travel home frequently and get familiar with the system. I am proud to be a Nigeria. Everybody should be proud of his country. I believe the future of Nigeria is bright. We should bring ourselves together. If we are together, we stand tall. Thanks.
Continuation of Interview with Nigeria's Ambassador To Spain Obed Wadzani
By Adewale Akande - 12/7/2009
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