Monday, 10th August, 2015 was not going to ring with the ubiquitous buzz of the first day of the week. The Nigeria High Commission on Northumberland Avenue was preparing to play host to gentlemen of the press on a parley called by the High Commissioner, Dr. (Senator) Dalhatu Tafida, OFR, CFR. The quiet climate of change in Nigeria was already unsettling the summer buzz that hung outside the Mission House.
The High Commissioner had only recently been at a fun banqueting assembly, well attended by fellow citizens of Nigeria. In the past weeks, he had made statements into the public earpiece giving his opinions on a wide range of issues, including his expectations about the relationship between Great Britain and Nigeria, which he felt could certainly use a booster shot of trust and greater co-operation.
Everyone was soon seated and Dr. Tafida soon began relating accounts of his tenure. He reflected on his arrival at the Mission House nearly eight years back and how he had presented his papers for an agreement. With a solemnity that did not take away his usual self from the opportunity to make records good and straight, he recounted the condition of the Mission he inherited. There was need for funds to renovate the building. Staff morale had to be boosted. Public relations had to be improved and services had to be refined to make its large clientele of Nigerians happier and proud.
Given his experience in the public service of Nigeria as a civil servant, medical practitioner and politician, he knew where to start. With his friends and colleagues in Nigeria’s Upper House, he was able to make a strong case for a budgetary injection to transform not only the working environment of the Mission, to all intents and purposes, but also a befitting office, which would soon begin to host business forums, diplomatic gatherings, town hall meetings and other major events at its banking hall.
Dr. Tafida spoke of his policy of inclusion and engagement with the Nigerian populace in the UK, which brought about greater participation and involvement in fulfilment of the Mission’s core duties as a ‘home away from home’ to Nigerians. The issue of poor or unsavoury conduct on the part of one or two staff was soon dispensed with, and consular issues were quickly addressed to make that sector more responsive to the public’s expectations.
In an intervention occasioned by His Excellency’s modesty, the head of the political section, Dr. Cyril Gwam, stated the elevated ranking of Nigeria in the pivotal committee of eight in the Commonwealth (something akin to the five permanent seats of the UN) was achieved during his tenure and cited this as a major accomplishment.
In response to a question fielded by the Nigerian Guardian, the High Commissioner stated that he enjoyed the trust and confidence of some four Nigerian presidents, and as a consequence was able to achieve a longer tenure and introduce reforms that served Nigeria’s foremost Mission well. He pointed out that, while he did not necessarily enjoy a close relationship with two of the former leaders, he took advantage of the fact that his reputation and integrity had preceded him.
The bureau chief of Thisday Newspapers then asked Dr. Tafida if he had solved all the problems at the Mission, and if not what was outstanding. With his usual affable candour, His Excellency’s prompt response was finance. He pointed out the need for adequate funding and how a lot of goodwill, support and co-operation from staff and the use of political “pressure buttons” had always helped to overcome difficulties at crucial times.
But it was not all to be about Q and A’s. Next on the agenda came the presentation of keepsakes, namely a plaque and pictorial memento in recognition of the High Commissioner’s meritorious service and achievements. Though Mr. Ogar (Head of Information, Culture and Sports) had earlier explained that the occasion was facilitated to meet press inquisitions before the eventual departure of His Excellency, the presentations changed the mood of the gathering, which was already speaking volumes about how sorely the recalled Ambassador would be missed.
The African Voice family was well represented as they presented a plaque displaying the newspaper’s corporate image to His Excellency. Led by publisher Mike Abiola, arts editor and actress of no mean repute, Golda John, made the presentation with Abiodun Teriba, Patience Urhiofe, and Peter Olorunnisomo in close attendance. The Mission’s indefatigable librarian, Mr. Anthony Adeloye, also took to centre stage with his presentation acknowledging the working relationship he enjoyed during the Ambassador’s tenure and his valued contributions.
When time enviously broke up the parley, all those present took deliberate steps of departure. Their hearts must have been saying ‘tata Tafida’, though none were particularly keen to say it.
