WALE OJO LANRE, Editor, Tribune Travel and Tourism Magazine had an encounter with Professor Romero Rodrigues, Ambassador Itinerant - Africa Affair, Uruguay Republic who was on official visit to Nigeria with Jose Maria Lesis , Director General, Uruguay – Nigeria Centre, Montevideo.
COMING from far away Uruguay to Nigeria must be stressful?
“My friend, I did not experience any stress coming to Nigeria. Technology has not only simplified travelling but made it eventful, stress free and exciting. Coming to Nigeria for me is not only a blessing, but an unforgettable experience which will remain evergreen in my heart.
Can you let us into those things that fascinate you so well in Nigeria?
Many things . Being my first time in this big black African country , I have to say that I fell in love with this country. I have read a lot about your country. A lot, both in positive and negative terms which every developing country must bear with. However, as I stepped on the Nigerian soil, there was this warm ambience enveloping the environment . A feeling of being at home . I was also impressed by the hospitality and pleasantries displayed and lavished on us by the members of Nigeria – Uruguay Association under Baba Fola right from the airport till now. It has been pleasant story of good people, exciting culture and good food.
Why are you in Nigeria?
This is an official visit to Nigeria. As the Itinerant ambassador for Uruguay, my official call involves visiting countries where we hope to establish relationship and where we believe mutually benefitted relationship cannot only be established but sustained.
“My friend, I did not experience any stress coming to Nigeria. Technology has not only simplified travelling but made it eventful, stress free and exciting. Coming to Nigeria for me is not only a blessing, but an unforgettable experience which will remain evergreen in my heart.
Can you let us into those things that fascinate you so well in Nigeria?
Many things . Being my first time in this big black African country , I have to say that I fell in love with this country. I have read a lot about your country. A lot, both in positive and negative terms which every developing country must bear with. However, as I stepped on the Nigerian soil, there was this warm ambience enveloping the environment . A feeling of being at home . I was also impressed by the hospitality and pleasantries displayed and lavished on us by the members of Nigeria – Uruguay Association under Baba Fola right from the airport till now. It has been pleasant story of good people, exciting culture and good food.
Why are you in Nigeria?
This is an official visit to Nigeria. As the Itinerant ambassador for Uruguay, my official call involves visiting countries where we hope to establish relationship and where we believe mutually benefitted relationship cannot only be established but sustained.
Also, the government of Uruguay cares for the interest of its citizens so well that it has to do everything humanly possible to oil their wants and needs anywhere in the world.
Is Nigeria one of those countries?
Yes. Nigeria is a great country which cannot be ignored by any country in the world. Its greatness lies not only in its abundant mineral and human resources and looming image in Africa, but also in its global historical relevance particularly in the American world, whether Latin , Spanish North , Central or South America story, there is a tinge of Nigerian story there . For instance, in Uruguay, there is an impressive presence of a group of citizens who claimed to be Yoruba and these people practices Yoruba culture and tradition. Many of these people claimed they are Yoruba and from what I have seen in Nigeria since I arrived here bear close testimony to their claims.
Is Nigeria one of those countries?
Yes. Nigeria is a great country which cannot be ignored by any country in the world. Its greatness lies not only in its abundant mineral and human resources and looming image in Africa, but also in its global historical relevance particularly in the American world, whether Latin , Spanish North , Central or South America story, there is a tinge of Nigerian story there . For instance, in Uruguay, there is an impressive presence of a group of citizens who claimed to be Yoruba and these people practices Yoruba culture and tradition. Many of these people claimed they are Yoruba and from what I have seen in Nigeria since I arrived here bear close testimony to their claims.
Our government must have to satisfy and keep hope in these people by helping them to fulfill their dreams. Also, Uruguay and Nigeria share a lot in common and there are a lot to benefit from each other in terms of trade, maritime, commerce, education and most important agriculture and cultural – tourism.
Anything of interest since you arrived Nigeria?
Oh, yes. Baba Fola the President, Nigeria – Uruguay Centre in Nigeria with his team religiously conducted us on an edu-cultural and economic tour of Nigeria in most exciting and interesting way I ever experienced. I and Jose Maria Leisis, Director – General , Uruguay Nigeria Centre , Montevideo witnessed the superb Osun Osogbo and saw with our own eyes cultural affinity which some Uruguayans share with Nigeria . We were also at the palace of Ajero of Ijero, Oba Adewole in Ekiti State who lavished on us the royal hospitality and care. We experienced culture, norms, and mores in their natural and undiluted form.We also visited the University of Lagos where we discussed the possibility of establishing a department of Spanish Language.
What is your visit translating to?
It is an experimental and exploratory visit which has enabled me to understand and gain deep insight into the cultural, education, political, commercial, cultural and tourism potentialities of Nigeria. I have been able to see different and many areas of mutually beneficial relationship.These and others will be harnessed in subsequent months.
But why should a Nigerian seek to come to your country?
Great, though we are of just over 3 .5 million in population, Uruguay is one the best two countries in South American countries which their economies are developing and growing at economically advantageous rate. Uruguay is regarded as the world basket of food because when it comes to agricultural outputs, the small country contributes big portion to the world. Also This is a country which respect and have regard for fundamental human rights with particular attention to women development and growth. It has one of the most flourishing maritime business, and busy port in the South American countries. Its tourism sites are not only spectacular but lovely with clean beaches and historical monuments spread all over. It also be noted that It is a tourists’ destination of note. We record about 1.8 tourists each year and we have the record of being one of the 30 countries primed to be fully democratic in the whole world .The Peso is strong in the global capital market and the crime rate is very low.
Anything of interest since you arrived Nigeria?
Oh, yes. Baba Fola the President, Nigeria – Uruguay Centre in Nigeria with his team religiously conducted us on an edu-cultural and economic tour of Nigeria in most exciting and interesting way I ever experienced. I and Jose Maria Leisis, Director – General , Uruguay Nigeria Centre , Montevideo witnessed the superb Osun Osogbo and saw with our own eyes cultural affinity which some Uruguayans share with Nigeria . We were also at the palace of Ajero of Ijero, Oba Adewole in Ekiti State who lavished on us the royal hospitality and care. We experienced culture, norms, and mores in their natural and undiluted form.We also visited the University of Lagos where we discussed the possibility of establishing a department of Spanish Language.
What is your visit translating to?
It is an experimental and exploratory visit which has enabled me to understand and gain deep insight into the cultural, education, political, commercial, cultural and tourism potentialities of Nigeria. I have been able to see different and many areas of mutually beneficial relationship.These and others will be harnessed in subsequent months.
But why should a Nigerian seek to come to your country?
Great, though we are of just over 3 .5 million in population, Uruguay is one the best two countries in South American countries which their economies are developing and growing at economically advantageous rate. Uruguay is regarded as the world basket of food because when it comes to agricultural outputs, the small country contributes big portion to the world. Also This is a country which respect and have regard for fundamental human rights with particular attention to women development and growth. It has one of the most flourishing maritime business, and busy port in the South American countries. Its tourism sites are not only spectacular but lovely with clean beaches and historical monuments spread all over. It also be noted that It is a tourists’ destination of note. We record about 1.8 tourists each year and we have the record of being one of the 30 countries primed to be fully democratic in the whole world .The Peso is strong in the global capital market and the crime rate is very low.
There are many symbiotic areas of interest and of most important is sport . Nigeria is a great sport country while Uruguay is also an excited sport nation. Citizens of both countries are in for a swell time.
Do you have an Embassy or a Mission here in Nigeria?
Not yet. And that is one of the reasons for our coming to Nigeria and I am glad things are working well according to the perfect will of God. It is in line with this that we are setting up the Nigeria – Uruguay Centre where prospective visitors to Uruguay can access necessary information and contacts . Whoever is interested in the country should feel free to visit the centre and retrieve whatever information needed. The centre will be managed by a team of trusted Nigerian’s with proven credibility and pedigree.
Do you have an Embassy or a Mission here in Nigeria?
Not yet. And that is one of the reasons for our coming to Nigeria and I am glad things are working well according to the perfect will of God. It is in line with this that we are setting up the Nigeria – Uruguay Centre where prospective visitors to Uruguay can access necessary information and contacts . Whoever is interested in the country should feel free to visit the centre and retrieve whatever information needed. The centre will be managed by a team of trusted Nigerian’s with proven credibility and pedigree.
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