Ireland and Nigeria enjoy special links dating back before our nations won their independence (Ireland in 1922 and Nigeria in 1960).   

Irish people have made an important  contribution to the people of Nigeria, particularly in the areas of education and health. It's extraordinary to think that wherever you might go across the 36 States of Nigeria, the chances are that an Irish woman or man was there before and that their legacy is valued today.

Indeed, wherever you find yourself in Nigeria, you will find people who have a soft spot for the Irish people, interest in our culture, our stories as well as family or friends who have studied, worked or are living in Ireland.

At the same time, wherever you might be on the island of Ireland, you will run into people who had a family member of neighbour who served in Nigeria as a missionary, worked here with Guinness, PW, Órnua or Team Ireland or indeed have family connections to Nigeria. 

And its fair to say that Nigerians are doing their people proud as they excel in all walks of life in Ireland. We are celebrating those successes also while remembering the journey both of our peoples are on - not always smooth but as we say in Ireland -  'giorraíonn beirt bóthar' - two shorten the road - or in the words of the African proverb 'If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together'.

Join us on our shared journey, to celebrate our connections and to build new partnerships and understanding between our nations to benefit our people.