Nigeria's first resident ambassador shares hopes, concerns
(Vatican Radio) Nigeria’s new ambassador to the Holy See, Francis C. Okeke, presented
his credentials to Pope Benedict XVI on Monday, underlining his government’s desire
to work closely with the Vatican on “reduction of religious extremism, interreligious
dialogue, and human rights”. Dr Okeke – he trained and worked as a medical doctor
before taking up this diplomatic post - becomes his country’s first resident ambassador
to the Holy See, though the two states have had diplomatic relations for over three
decades. Speaking to Vatican Radio’s Philippa Hitchen, Ambassador Okeke talked about
his government’s efforts to improve security and tackle terrorism in the north of
Nigeria, as well as about the decision to work more closely with the Vatican on a
whole range of common concerns….
Listen:
"Nigeria has
had diplomatic relations for 36 years........we have a large Christian population
of about 70 million, of which over 30 million are Roman Catholic....I think it's vital
the country keeps in close contact with the Holy See looking after 1 billion Catholics
in the world. Nigeria plays a very important part in West Africa, and in Africa in
general, and needs the experience of the Holy See in areas of reduction of religious
extremism, interreligious dialogue and human rights and I think being resident here
will provide us with a ready contact with the Holy See on these issues.....