PRESS RELEASE
His Excellency, Abdullahi Shehu Yibaikwal, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Russian Federation has concluded a two-day official visit to the Voronezh region of Russia from 14th to 16th July 2023. The visit by the Ambassador was aimed at strengthening the bilateral economic, education, scientific and cultural cooperation between Nigeria and his host country. The Voronezh region, with a population of 2,4 million is hosts to about 27 specialized universities with many Nigerians studying in them. This year, 21 Nigerians graduated from the Universities in Voronezh with 9 obtaining First Class degrees. The region is also home to vast industrial and agricultural resources that can be beneficial to Nigeria.
Upon arrival, the Ambassador paid a courtesy call on the Governor of the Voronezh region, Alexander GUSEV. During their bilateral meeting in the office of the governor, the Ambassador recalled that the bilateral education cooperation between the two countries which started during the Soviet era has been one of the main thrusts of Nigeria’s relations with the Russian Federation. He expressed appreciation to the governor for the support and opportunities given to Nigerians in the region both in their studies and vocation after graduation. He informed the governor that Nigerians are law abiding and urged him to continue to provide the enabling environment for their well-being in his region.
The Governor thanked the Ambassador for the visit, which is a demonstration of Nigeria’s concern for her citizens. He informed the visiting envoy about the vast potentials of the region and expressed the hope that Nigerian companies would take advantage to strengthen bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
Exploring the economic and industrial potentials of the region, the Ambassador paid a visit to the KOMOS OIL and GAS, a company that specializes in oil and gas services. Mr. Alexander DUDETSKY, Executive Director of the All-Russia Public Organization (Business Russia), received the Ambassador and took him on a guided tour of the facilities of the company.
Similarly, the Ambassador paid a visit to the Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, where many Nigerians are studying on scholarship. He was received by Madam Olga KORNEEVA, the Rector of the University, who confirmed to the Ambassador that Nigerian students are hardworking and are among the best graduating students. The Rector also requested the Ambassador to facilitate the signing of memorandum of understanding between the university and Nigerian universities not only in scholarship, but also in research and development.
The high point of the Ambassador’s visit was the meeting with the Nigerian Community in Voronezh, as well as award and recognition of 36 Nigerian students who graduated with First Class Honours degrees in Medicine, Engineering and Biotechnology in the Russian Federation and one in General Medicine in the Republic of Belarus. The Ambassador urged members of the Nigerian community to leave in peace and remain law abiding. He also urged them not to forget their home and do every thing they can to contribute to the development of Nigeria as there is no place like home no matter how long they live in foreign land.
While congratulating the First-Class graduating students, the Ambassador informed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hit the ground running with landmark policies and reforms that would make Nigeria better. He noted that all citizens have ample opportunities to contribute to nation building, and urged the students who benefitted from the Federal Government Scholarship to give back to their father land in their specialized areas. He assured them that the award and recognition of outstanding Nigerians in the Russian Federation will be an annual event of the Embassy. The students thanked the Ambassador and members of his entourage for that initiative, which according to them was the first, and wished them a safe journey back to Moscow.
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Moscow, The Russian Federation,
16 July 2023.
