Nigerian diplomats visit Belize
Assistance in the wake of Hurricane Keith has come from far and wide…and today it came in person from a continent with which Belize has historical roots. A delegation from Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, arrived in Belize on Sunday. Since then, the visitors have been busy meeting with government officials and fellow Nigerians who reside in Belize. This morning His Excellency Ambassador Emmanuel Otuokon, the Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps and Florentina Adenike Ukonga, the Nigerian High Commissioner Designate to Belize, met with Prime Minister Said Musa in Belmopan. During the meeting the delegation presented a cheque for forty thousand Belize dollars on behalf of the Nigerian president. This afternoon both delegates spoke with News Five about their visit.
Florentina Adenike Ukonga, High Commissioner Designate, Bze
“It is my first trip to Belize. I came in the delegation of the Technical Aid Corps (T.A.C.). As you know, I am the Nigerian High Commissioner Designate, but I’m waiting to present my papers and when the president decided to send a delegation to see the members of T.A.C. and also to bring a message of solidarity to the government and people of Belize because of the disaster caused by Hurricane Keith, I was part of that delegation and I’m happy to be here.”
“We met with the Prime Minister earlier today and it was very kind of him to receive us at such short notice. We delivered the message from the president and as I said, the messages expressing the solidarity of the government and people Nigeria over the disaster caused by hurricane Keith.”
Jacqueline Woods
“Have you had the opportunity to meet with Nigerians who live in Belize?”
Florentina Adenike Ukonga
“Yes. Since I came in yesterday I’ve been doing just that. We have about fourteen volunteers who are on the Technical Aid Corps programme and we’ve met with them. They’ve told us what they’re doing, their aspirations, a bit of complaints here and there, but on the whole, the programme is success.”
Jacqueline Woods
“How will the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps be helping Belize?”
Ambassador Emmanuel Otuokon, Dir. Gen., Nigerian T.A.C.
“In many various ways, particularly in the area of medical services, for example with this disaster you have health hazards and health problems and most of our doctors and nurse should be in a position to help.”
Late this evening, the delegation also met with Chief Justice Abdulah Conteh. The Nigerian delegation leaves the country on Tuesday.
