SOUTH-SOUTH COMMUNITY FCT ABUJA SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH IRELAND AFTER AMBASSADORIAL VISIT
Abuja, Nigeria – April 29, 2026
By Priscilla Kasham Martin
The South-South Community, FCT Abuja, has signaled readiness to establish a strategic partnership with the Government of Ireland following a high-level courtesy visit by the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Peter Ryan, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
The visit was hosted at the Abuja office of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD), which also serves as a meeting hub for the South-South Community in the FCT. Ambassador Ryan was received by ICD Executive Director, Amb. Dickson Omoregie, and members of the ICD team.
After a closed-door meeting on cultural diplomacy and partnership opportunities, the engagement expanded to include South-South Community leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Chief B.A. Nafagha, Vice President of the South-South Community and Chairman of the Delta State Community, expressed strong interest in building a mutually beneficial partnership with Ireland. He highlighted key areas: empowerment initiatives, fish farming, preservation of folktales and cultural heritage, and women and youth development programs.
Chief Nafagha noted that such collaboration would strengthen cultural ties and create economic and social opportunities for community members.
In response, Ambassador Peter Ryan thanked his hosts and commended the forward-thinking approach of ICD and the South-South Community. He said partnership discussions would proceed progressively, noting clear potential for collaboration in structured initiatives like cooperative development and community-based programs.
Also present were Comrade Opakirite Benibo, General Secretary of the South-South Community, and Chief Dickson Sankara, Chairman of the Cross River State Community, among others.
The visit marks a significant step toward deeper engagement between grassroots Nigerian communities and international partners, with ICD facilitating dialogue, cooperation, and sustainable development.
The South-South Community, FCT Abuja, reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive partnerships that empower its people and advance national development.
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