Olukayode Babalola
Amb. Joanna Tarnawska, outgoing Polish Ambassador to Nigeria has urged Nigerians to remember the importance of unity despite their religious and ethnic differences.
She made the comments on Monday in Keffi local government area of the state at a farewell lunch organized in her honour by the management of Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK).
In her remarks, Tarnawska said nothing was more vital than unity to the building and survival of a nation hence the call to Nigerians to continue to live in peace and unity.
“My advise to Nigerians is that you should build your own nation and remember the importance of unity. You may be arguing but it doesn’t mean you cannot live together because you are already doing it.You can live together in peace and love.
“That is what I want to congratulate Nigerians for because inspite of the diversity, different cultures and languages Nigerians have continued building their own nation together. I urge them to keep doing that,” she said.
She also lauded the kindness and hospitality shown her by Nigerians during her time as the Polish Ambassador to the country, adding that Nigerians were always eager to make friends with her.
She said that during her tenure since 2018, Nigerians did everything possible to ensure she had a fruitful and successful tenure and she will certainly miss the interactions, love and kindness shown her.
“My experience in Nigeria has been very good. I believe it’s people is the most wonderful asset any country would love to have.
“They are so loving, kind and ready to teach you about their own traditions, cultures and history. One of the most challenging moments was during the pandemic.
“But even during that period, Nigerians will not leave me alone. They called and wanted to help me, buy some food, medicines. I will always cherish those moments,” she said.
The outgoing Polish Ambassador then described Nasarawa state as her second home and thanked the management of NSUK for the relationship between the institution and the polish Embassy.
Also speaking, Prof Sa’adatu Liman Vice Chancellor of NSUK described the diplomat as a true friend, distinguished diplomat and a pillar in the institution’s quest for internalization for the past six years.
“Being a rising citadel of learning within the global university space, we have had the privilege of hosting numerous diplomats including three past polish ambassadors and a minister of the foreign affairs of the republic of Poland.
“But none stood by us like Ambassador Joanna Tarnawska. In the course of her tour of duty, Her Excellency visited NSUK five times and at various times had to either participate in our convocation ceremony or deliver a public lecture.
“Today we can boast of hosting the first Institute of European studies in Africa courtesy of strong support we received from this academic turned diplomat. Her Excellency did not only help in ensuring it’s takeoff but also performed the inauguration of the institute last year,” she said.
Liman added that NSUK gained more international reckoning and visibility and recorded increasing number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with Polish institutions, higher frequency of staff and students exchange among others.
“In her personal capacity, Ambassador Joanna has agreed to sit on the Board of the Brunon Holyst Institute of European Studies, NSUK and to also serve as a faculty member of same,” she said
She also pointed out that the Polish Ambassador ambassador was also the first diplomat to undertake a state visit to Nasarawa state under the current leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule.
“Ladies and gentlemen I am sure you will agree with me that it is not easy to bid farewell to such an international asset to the NSUK, Nasarawa state and the country,” she added.
The NSUK VC then announced the naming of the main theatre in the Brunon Holyst Institute of European Studies after the outgoing Polish Ambassador and also presented an award of distinction to her.
In his vote of thanks, Dr Kitso Nghargbu, NSUK Director of Linkages and International Cooperation who played a pivotal role in linking the institution with the Polish Embassy praised the ambassador for making it possible for graduates of the university to pursue their postgraduate studies in Poland.
“Till date we have about 20 Masters and Doctoral candidates in Poland. They are not only students. Poland has provided them with jobs. All these students that pass through NSUK are actually working,” he said. (NAN)