Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Syndoph Endoni, has arrived in Ouagadougou to assume duties as Nigeria’s chief diplomatic representative in the West African country.
Endoni, who arrived at the airport to a warm welcome, was received by the Director of Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities at the Burkina Faso House of Protocol, Albert Djiguembe, officials of the Nigerian Embassy, representatives of the Nigerian community, members of the African diplomatic corps, including the Ghanaian ambassador, Kenneth Akibate, and his Chadian counterpart, Mahamat Ahmat, representing the African Group of Ambassadors. Diplomatic officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso and officials from the duty station also attended.
At the Embassy, Endoni was greeted with another colorful welcome by schoolchildren, cultural groups, staff and members of the Nigerian community. The reception featured cultural displays and a dinner organized in honor of Nigeria’s new envoy.
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According to a statement from the Nigerian Embassy, arrangements were being made for Endoni to formally present his Letters of Credence to the authorities of Burkina Faso, which will formally mark the beginning of his responsibilities as ambassador and his full diplomatic engagement with the government of Burkina Faso.
During a brief interaction with Nigerians at the Embassy, Endoni pledged to strengthen unity within the Nigerian community and maintain close bond 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 to ensure that we remain one family, one community and one Nigeria,” Endoni said.
The ambassador highlighted the importance of diaspora unity in strengthening Nigeria’s image, protecting the interests of citizens and supporting effective bilateral relations.
A career diplomat, Endoni has represented Nigeria in various missions and diplomatic assignments around the world and, until his appointment as Ambassador to Burkina Faso, served as Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
According to Endoni, Nigeria and Burkina Faso share long-standing political, economic and people-to-people relations, as well as common interests in peace, security and development within the sub-region.
He stated that the Nigerian Embassy in Ouagadougou will deepen consular support to Nigerians living and doing business in Burkina Faso, while assuring that its assumption of duty would strengthen diplomatic engagement with the authorities of Burkina Faso and promote the well-being and unity of Nigerians in the country.
He said the warm reception upon his arrival from Burkinabe officials, fellow African diplomats and the Nigerian community indicated expectations of stronger cooperation during his tenure.
The ambassador is expected to soon begin formal engagements with the host government after the presentation of his credentials.
His appointment comes at an important period in relations between West African states, with security, trade, migration and regional stability remaining important issues on the diplomatic agenda..
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