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….
"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....."