By Damilola Charles
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Amb. Syndoph Endoni, has arrived in Ouagadougou to assume duty as Nigeria’s principal diplomatic representative in the country.
Endoni received a warm welcome from Burkinabe officials, members of the African diplomatic corps, Nigerian Embassy officials and representatives of the Nigerian community.
A statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, said Albert Djiguembe, Director of Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities at the Burkinabe State House Protocol, was among officials who received him at the airport.
Also present were Ghana’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Kenneth Akibate, and his Chadian counterpart, Mahamat Ahmat, representing the African Group of Ambassadors.
Diplomatic officers from the Burkinabe Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassy staff and members of the Nigerian community also welcomed the new ambassador.
At the embassy, Endoni received another welcome from schoolchildren, cultural groups, staff and members of the Nigerian community.
The reception featured cultural displays and a dinner organised in honour of the new Nigerian envoy.
The statement said arrangements were underway for Endoni to formally present his Letters of Credence to the Burkinabe authorities.
The presentation will mark the formal commencement of his ambassadorial responsibilities and diplomatic engagement with the Burkinabe government.
Speaking during an interaction with Nigerians at the embassy, Endoni pledged to strengthen unity within the Nigerian community and maintain close engagement with its members.
He assured the community of his readiness to work with Nigerians across Burkina Faso and promote a stronger sense of common purpose.
“We will work closely together to ensure that we remain one family, one community and one Nigeria,” Endoni said.
He stressed the importance of diaspora unity in strengthening Nigeria’s image, protecting citizens’ interests and supporting effective bilateral relations.
Endoni, a career diplomat, has served in several Nigerian diplomatic missions and assignments across the world.
Until his appointment, he served as Chargé d’Affaires at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
He said Nigeria and Burkina Faso shared longstanding political, economic and people-to-people relations, as well as common interests in peace, security and development.
According to him, the Nigerian Embassy in Ouagadougou would also deepen consular support for Nigerians living and doing business in Burkina Faso.
Endoni said his assumption of duty would strengthen diplomatic engagement with Burkinabe authorities while promoting the welfare and unity of Nigerians in the country.
He said the warm reception from Burkinabe officials, fellow African diplomats and the Nigerian community reflected expectations of stronger cooperation during his tenure.
Endoni is expected to begin formal engagements with the host government after presenting his Letters of Credence.
His posting comes as West African countries continue to grapple with security, trade, migration and regional stability issues. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade