The Marshal of Diplomatic Corps Mr. Alistair Harrison paid a farewell visit on behalf of HM King Charles III to the High Commissioner, His Excellency, Sarafa Tunji Isola on 16th October, 2023, the significant event took place at the Nigeria High Commission in the United Kingdom.
The occasion marked the presentation of a gift from His Majesty King Charles III by the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps in the United Kingdom to the High Commissioner.
The meeting, was skilfully anchored by the Head of Chancery, Benita Obazee who set the stage for this ceremonial exchange of goodwill.
The Head of Chancery in her opening remarks informed all attendees that the purpose of the meeting was twofold. Firstly, it served as an opportunity to witness firsthand message from His Majesty King Charles III, and secondly, it was an occasion for all officers present to introduce themselves, fostering camaraderie among Diplomatic representatives.
Ambassador Cyprian T. Heen, on behalf of the Mission, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps. He emphasized the close working relationship between the Nigeria High Commission and the United Kingdom government, stressing the shared beliefs and priorities that both sides hold. He considered the Marshal’s visit to the High Commission as a testament to this harmonious partnership, and expressed confidence that the message from His Majesty King Charles III would further strengthen the existing relationship.
The Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps Mr. Alistair Harrison was invited to deliver his message. The Marshal commenced his speech by extending warm greetings from His Majesty King Charles III to all attendees.
He expressed gratitude to the High Commissioner for his remarkable contributions. The Marshal emphasized that the formal relationship between two countries remains mutually beneficial to both governments and citizens. He wished the High Commissioner well as he returns to Nigeria and presented a gift from the King as a measure of appreciation. Additionally, the Marshal noted that the Nigeria High Commissioner held the honour of being the last to present his letter of Credence to the late Queen Elizabeth and the first during the reign of King Charles III, a testament to the High Commissioner’s service under two monarchs.
The High Commissioner, Amb. Sarafa Tunji Isola expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the continuous support received during his tenure. He used the occasion to introduce the Acting High Commissioner ad interim, Amb. Cyprian T. Heen, and requested the Marshal’s support for the Acting High Commissioner during the transitional period. Amb. Sarafa Tunji Isola also thanked the Marshal for the unwavering support extended to him and Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of maintaining this relationship and finally presented a gift to the Marshal as a measure of gratitude.
The impending Acting High Commissioner, Amb. Cyprian T. Heen, applauded the Marshal’s speech and expressed his eagerness to work closely with both the Marshal and the United Kingdom government. He acknowledged the strong foundation established by the High Commissioner and anticipate a continued growth of this relationship.
The staff of the Nigeria High Commission, UK present were Amb. Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR High Commissioner, Amb. Cyprian T. Heen Minister/Head (Political), S.D Muhammad Minister/Head (Protocol), A. Abdulsalam Bukar Minister/Head (ICS), Adamu Akinola MC/Head (Immigration), Captain Mai DD (Navy), Eleojo Obaje Audu Senior Counsellor (Political), Benita Obazee Counsellor/HOC, Deborah Agwase Counsellor (CEW), Irene L. Onuh Counsellor (Protocol), Friday Uche Communication Officer, and Remi Onasanya PA (High Commissioner).
Kindly follow us on twitter:@AfricanVoice2
