By Goodluck Ikiebe.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Italy, Mfawa Abam, has pledged to push for the establishment of a Nigerian Cultural and Information house in Italy to further promote Nigerian rich culture and strengthen diplomatic ties.
Abam made this known on Sunday during the 2021 Edo Carnival orgaised by the Edo United Union in Rome, Italy with the theme: “Promoting Culture, Tradition, social Integration and Cultural Diplomacy”.
The two-day annual carnival is organized to showcase and preserve the rich Edo culture in diaspora.
This is also as Abam pledged the collaboration of the Nigerian Embassy in Italy to promote the course of Nigeria and Nigerians living in Italy in a bid to strengthen bilateral ties.
“Diplomacy in a way can be enhanced through Culture. That is the reason we have Culture and Information Centre in some countries of the World.
“Nigeria as a country is blessed with very rich culture, considering our over 200 ethnic nationalities that form Nigeria. Indeed our diversity and rich cultural heritage is a huge advantage to Nigeria.
“The Embassy will not relent in its effort to collaborate with any cultural group in promoting our rich culture to the outside world, and in particular to our Italian friends.
“It is my intention to open discussion with our Ministry of Culture and Information and relevant Italian authorities to work out the possibility of having a Nigerian Cultural and Information House in Italy during my duty tour.
“This will afford our Children born here to learn about their culture. Such Centre will also assist Italian students interested in African Culture and Literature to have a practical appreciation of our Culture”, Abam said.
Abam further urged Nigerians in Italy and other countries abroad to remain united, law abiding to host countries as he commended the Italian government for its hospitality and favorable living conditions to Nigerians.
He commended the Edo United Union for organizing the event, which he described as a great platform to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nigerians to the Western World.
“It is heartwarming to know that, though we are thousands of kilometers away from Nigeria, we have not forgotten our home.
“I will not hesitate to commend the orgainsers of this carnival for bringing the rich culture of the Edo people to Italy. Edo state is known all over the World as one of the custodian of the rich culture of Nigeria.
“The Edo artifacts are all over the World and Tourists to Nigeria will never end their tour without purchasing Art works of the Edo people.
“Over the years, the Edo people and in particular, the Benins have refused to adulterate its rich culture that our forefather handed over to us. I am indeed proud to be a Nigerian”, Abam said.
Hon. Edwin Omoregie, President, Edo United Union, said the annual Carnival is organized to showcase the Edo cultural Heritage and also to intergrate with the host Country, Italy.
Omoregie said the Italian government has made Italy home to Nigerians, an example which can be seen by the attendance of the Sindaco Roma (Governor of Rome) at the event.
He added that Nigerians living in Italy would not allow anyone jeopardise their relationship with the Italian authorities as they have never been maliciously targeted.
“Because the Italian Authorities are very good in hospitality, this event will bring more integration between us Nigerians and the host country.
“And again, I also pray that our children will learn and know about their heritage, that they are from the African Continent and to preserve our tradition”, Omoreige said.
The event was attended by representatives of the Oba of Benin’s Palace and the Governor of Edo State.
