Outgoing Consul General of Nigeria in New York, United States of America (USA), Ambassador Lot Peter Egopija has called on Nigerians in the states covered by the New York Consulate to give maximum cooperation to his successor, expressing gratitude for the level of support he enjoyed during his tenure.
Ambassador Egopija spoke at a send forth program organized in his honor by the Regional Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Dominion Cathedral, Orange New Jersey, Pastor (Dr.) Toyin Laoye in collaboration with Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), New Jersey chapter, on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
The Envoy, who attended the program, held in the Church’s premises with his wife, Mrs. Florence Egopija, said he made up his mind from the onset to give the assignment his all and was able to get Nigerians in his coverage area to trust and fully support him and his colleagues at the Consulate by being accessible to all and transparent in all they did.
He said he also ensured that nationals were always treated with dignity noting, for instance, that they created a holding room, for nationals who came for any business in the office, within the Consulate to ensure that they were no longer left outside in the street, at the mercy of the weather and in full view of passers buy.
Noting that they also did their best to resolve the passport booklet scarcity issue that posed a serious challenge at some point, he acknowledged that Nigerians within the jurisdiction of the Consulate must continue to demand their rights rather than succumb to despair and the notion that nothing can be done for them by their government and its representatives.
He promised to continue to advance the cause of Nigerians in the 20 states covered by the Consulate where he finds himself, including pursuing to logical conclusion the Sister City initiatives that he vigorously canvassed.
Ambassador Egopija paid special tribute to Nigerian nationals in New Jersey for their support and active participation in the activities of the Consulate as well as for programs such as the Nigerian Flag Raising events to commemorate the independence day anniversary of the country that they organised annually at the Newark City Hall.
Earlier, Pastor Laoye, in her welcome address hailed the Ambassador as the exceptionally good and exceptionally Godly, stressing that he is the best Consul General that nationals in the Consulate’s area of jurisdiction have ever had.
She thanked God for standing by him during his tenure, insisting that Egopija went about showing love to Nigerians, encouraging them and supporting all their programs. She noted that the tenure of the Consul General was also marked by peace in the community.
Pastor Laoye, who oversees all RCCG Churches in New Jersey and Vermont admitted that the Consul General ensured that through a regime of transparency and an open door policy that the era when it was difficult to get anything done in the Consulate became a thing of the past.
She prayed that by the grace of God the glorious legacy will be continued and improved upon by Ambassador Egopija’s successor. She also prayed, among others, that because he served Nigerians so selflessly and supported his nationals wholly, that God will likewise support the Ambassador and his family.
President of the Orange City Council, Hon. Christopher Awe, also showered encomiums on Ambassador Egopija for his exemplary leadership style, noting particularly his unalloyed support for and mentorship of Nigerian youths in the Consulate’s area of coverage.
President of Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), New Jersey chapter, Dr. Adeola Popoola, was also full of praise for Egopija, articulating in his speech the many major milestones of the Envoy in the time he spent at the Consult.
Dr. Popoola, for instance, recalled that within his about three years in the office, Egopija presided over 12 Town Hall meetings, visited about 26 cities in the the states under his jurisdiction, taking passport issuance and renewal services to Nigerians where they live. He recalled that the Diplomat also transformed the Consulate with the addition of, not only the holding room, but a Library and Museum.
The Office of the Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, was also fully represented by a strong team that included Anthony Afolo, Chief Okems Okemezie and Ms. Temitope K. Adeshina.
It was a gathering of the leaders of the Nigerian community in New Jersey, including Princess Joy Apampa nee Olateru-Olagbegi, Dr. Adeniyi Ogunkoya, Attorney Ejike Uzor, Dr. Nelson Aluya, Engr. Ladi Omole, Mrs. Adeola Owoade,
Chief Timothy Adedoyin (Boltimo), Dr. Kazeem Bello, Chief Mrs. Nike Awolayo (Lord &
Nike’s), Mrs. Monisola and Sir Lawrence Ibe.
States under the New York Consulate’s jurisdiction include New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Ohio, Indiana, Connecticut, Illinois, Rhode Island, Iowa, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Winconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Minnesota.
Pictures here show some of the personalities who graced the memorable event.