.jpeg "Nigerian Independence Day: Sarafa Isola is honored by the British community")
The aforementioned event took place on Sunday, October 1st, 2023 at the Council Headquarters located in Tooley Street, London. It was arranged under the direction of the Mayor of the London Borough of Southwark, His Worshipful, Michael Situ.
The purpose of the event was to critically examine the representation of Nigeria and the contributions made by Nigerians within British society. The event titled "Integration and the Nigerian Perspective" featured a diverse panel of speakers who aimed to shed light on the various issues faced by Nigerians residing in Britain.
During the event, the Mayor used the opportunity to express gratitude for Ambassador Isola's contributions in enhancing Nigeria's reputation. In recognition of his exceptional performance throughout his tenure, the Mayor bestowed upon him an award.
During the prize presentation, Mayor Situ expressed his regret over the possible departure of the High Commissioner, emphasizing the proactive approach demonstrated by the Ambassador in his role as the High Commissioner of Nigeria.
According to the statement, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola effectively communicated and engaged with both the British and Nigerian populations in the United Kingdom.
During the presentation ceremony, Mayor Situ bestowed Ambassador Isola with the Excellent Stewardship Award, recognizing his exceptional and committed service to the Nigerian community residing in the United Kingdom. Mayor Situ expressed that this award serves as a farewell gesture from the community, acknowledging the Ambassador's outstanding achievements, unwavering support, and influential advocacy throughout his relatively short term in office as High Commissioner.
During the presentation ceremony, he expressed that the Southwark Council holds great esteem in acknowledging individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the region and its inhabitants. As a gesture of appreciation, Ambassador Isola was bestowed with the Southwark Council plaque of Excellence, along with a collection of commemorative items including the Southwark flag, tie, lapels, scarf, and umbrella.
Wherever you may travel across the globe, Your Excellency, we kindly request that you bear us in mind and proudly display the emblem of Southwark. The Mayor expressed enthusiasm.
In his response, Ambassador Isola expressed his acknowledgement to the Mayor for orchestrating the forum aimed at deliberating on matters pertaining to integration and the Nigerian standpoint, in commemoration of Nigeria's 63rd Independence Day.
Ambassador Isola, in response to the concerns highlighted during the panel discussion, advocated for the formation of a shared Nigerian goal within the United Kingdom community. The speaker made an appeal to the Nigerian population, urging them to perceive variety as a valuable resource rather than a hindrance.
Highlighting the significance of patriotism, social cohesion, interpersonal connections, and unity within a revitalized association, Isola draws attention to the case of India, which comprises 51 distinct ethnic groups. Isola asserts that upon their arrival in Britain, these groups amalgamate into a singular entity, leading to the emergence of a British-Indian individual as the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
The individual issued a call to convene a regular meeting, at least once every quarter, for the purpose of engaging with seven Members of Parliament hailing from Nigeria, as well as Mayors, Councillors, Professionals, Captains in the commercial sector, and other key stakeholders. The objective of these gatherings would be to deliberate on and develop strategies aimed at effectively tackling shared concerns.
The ambassador offered counsel to the Diaspora, urging them to educate Nigerians residing in their home country about the need of refraining from emigrating solely for the sake of traveling overseas. The diplomat emphasized that the British Society heavily relies on individuals with specialized expertise, and so individuals lacking the necessary abilities should consider remaining in Nigeria to partake in various prosperous ventures.
According to Ambassador Isola, Nigeria remains the most lucrative country for conducting business. The ambassador expressed confusion over the decision of many Nigerians to accumulate a sum of five million naira, only to relocate to Britain and afterwards experience homelessness.
In relation to the Japa syndrome, the individual expressed concern over the trend of bankers departing from their positions to relocate to the 'Island of fantasy' with the misguided belief that it represents a prosperous opportunity akin to Eldorado within the United Kingdom.
He additionally recommended that the Diaspora community refrain from fixating on pessimistic tales via WhatsApp and other social media platforms. He clarified that individuals from various countries residing in Britain utilize these channels to endorse commercial endeavors and foster constructive connections.
If individuals propagate unfavorable narratives concerning Nigeria, it is likely that others residing in the United Kingdom will adopt a similar lens to scrutinize Nigerians within the UK. The speaker noted that the aforementioned profiling has a discernible adverse effect on the Nigerian population residing in the United Kingdom.
The individual recommended that Nigerians should consider adopting a different mindset, transitioning from mere social gatherings to engaging in networking activities and utilizing platforms for constructive conversation over matters that impact Nigerians residing outside of their home country.
The individual expressed that despite possessing the necessary intellectual and personal capabilities, there seems to be a lack of effective utilization of these potentials. They also disclosed their imminent departure from the UK, expressing a hopeful expectation that the Mayor and other Nigerians residing in the UK will persist in their efforts to enhance the living conditions of Nigerians in the country.
The event was graced by the presence of politicians from the United Kingdom, members of parliament, community leaders, former and current chairpersons of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK), and a significant assemblage of Nigerians residing across the United Kingdom, who were represented by leaders from various professional organizations such as the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO), British Nigerian Law Forum (BNLF), among others.