Nigeria’s envoy in New York mulls renewing sister city relations with Newark

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Lot Egopija, has pledged to renew sister city relations, which existed between some cities in Nigeria and the city of Newark, New Jersey, U.S.

A sister city or a twin town relationship is a form of legal or social agreement between two geographically and politically distinct localities for the purpose of promoting cultural and commercial ties.

Egopija made the pledge at a flag-raising ceremony, with the theme, “Hurdling to glory’’ at Newark, New Jersey, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) New Jersey Chapter.

The event was put together to commemorate Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day anniversary.

The envoy thanked the Mayor of Newark City, Ras Baraka, for supporting NIDO New Jersey to host the annual event, noting that Nigeria would love to revive sociocultural and economic relations between some of its cities and Newark city.

“It’s good for us to move one more step further. I got to understand that there have been sister city relations between some cities in Nigeria and Newark.

“We have agreed that we’re going to revive such relationships and see how we can take one or two aboard,’’ he said.

Egopija commended Nigerians in the city, assuring them that their efforts would not be in vain.

“You have always worked to improve this city and as such, it’s time for us to work together to also remember where you are coming from, and we will support you in this regard.

“It’s 62 years since the independence of Nigeria and we continue to huddle on to glory with you, doing what you are doing, and excelling in your given vocations.

“We are marching towards that glory,’’ he said.

The envoy also encouraged Nigerians in New York and New Jersey to give their utmost in whatever vocation they engaged in saying, “we are proud of you.’’

Egopija said the Consulate would continue to support their efforts to give their utmost to their host city.

In his speech, Mayor Ras Baraka, said the Council had always honoured people of African and Caribbean descent.

Baraka called for the teaching of history as a subject in African schools so that citizens would understand the contribution of heroes who fought for independence in Nigeria and other African countries.

He said the subject should be taught even in African schools in the U.S.