Nigeria’s Ambassador to Guinea Bissau pledges loyalty, commitment to duty

By Okuanwan Offiong

Lagos, May 3, 2021

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde, Mr John Usanga, has expressed commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policies.

Usanga said on Monday that he would also endeavour to seek investments that would favour the country.

He made the commitment during a send-off party in his honour.

The event was hosted by the South East/South South Heritage Foundation at Surulere, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2020, replaced two non-career ambassadors-designate.

The president replaced earlier nomination of Oboro Akpabio and Bwala Bukar from Akwa-Ibom and Borno, respectively, with John Usanga and Peter Gana from Akwa-Ibom and Niger State, respectively.

Usanga said that he would build and maintain strong diplomatic and economic relationships with his host nation to promote unity and progress of both countries.

“ It is great honour to be called to serve in this capacity. It is one of the highest honour that anybody could hope for.

“I see it as a call to national service because I am concerned about how we can move our nation forward.

“ I will ensure that I give it my very best to make sure that Mr President does not regret appointing me.

“There is so much work to be done in this country, I will serve well and and redeem and uphold our image.

“We need to be patriotic and committed to the wellbeing of this country, to sustain what was handed over to us and make Nigeria better for the next generation,’’ he said.

The ambassador admonished Nigerians in places of authority to put in more efforts to enhance the welfare of the citizenry.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, advised Usanga to be dedicated to his new responsibilities.

Gbajabiamila was represent by Mr Agboola Dabiri, a former Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Lagos State,

He urged him to continue to promote unity, love and harmony in Surulere, Lagos State and the entire Nigeria.

“We are so happy in Surulere that we have an ambassador-designate.

He advised Nigerians to be detribalised and selfless.

“Let us work for the common good of our nation, state and constituency; we should be united.

“The wife of the speaker is from the north and he is a Yoruba man. Nigeria belongs to all of us.

“We should be able to care for one another despite our various backgrounds and tribes,” he said.

The host and President of the foundation, Mr Kenneth Uzoigwe, urged Usanga to focus more on issues that would bring development and peace.

He said that the objectives of the foundation were to preserve and promote cultural heritage.

“We create and advance the political culture and political engagements in various locations for the good of members.

“We urge Usanga to be patriotic and remember his root.

“ He is also expected to be of positive attitude, protect diplomatic ties between both countries to foster peace, progress and harmony,” Uzoigwe said.

NAN reports that dignitaries at the occasion include Desmond Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the Vice Chairman of Surulere Local Government Council, Mr Yusuf Sulaimon.