By Oluwafemi S, Ayoade
Every June 2 of the year is a day of joy and festivity in Italy, a time of national merriment and jubilation; with citizens trooping out in their millions to celebrate a land and sovereignty they cherished and treasured so much and are proud to call their own home. It’s typically a time of reflection and thanksgivings, as Italians at home and abroad come out from their various assignments and abodes adorning traditional attires with various displays of national colours, emblems and souvenirs. Italian flags are conspicuously displayed across the land and the ambience speaks of nationwide jollity and elation.
At home are formal parades, military displays, speeches from national leaders, presence of celebratory friends from other nations, music, dancing, refreshments, happy mingling and sometimes memorable reunions, usually it’s always an atmosphere of fiesta and triumph.
For Italians abroad, the moods are the same, and these diasporians usually led by their foreign missions and Envoys gather to celebrate their country’s National Day in the nations they are, only if it is safe to do so. In Nigeria, Italians who are working, visiting, married or permanently stays in the country, assemble with the aid of their mission’s efforts: Embassy or Consulate General, come together as they have always done over the years at designated places to mark their National Day.
Give it to the Italian Consulate General, Lagos, under the distinguished leadership of Consul General Ugo Boni for an amazing 2025 Day celebration. Mr Boni and his team put up excellent planning and preparations to ensure the event’s venue was comfortable, conducive and cosy for such auspicious and much-attended event.
The evening reception was held at the spacious and resplendently adorned Consulate edifice, The occasion as a matter of fact, also provided an opportunity for guests ‘Friends of Italy’ to have a formal glimpse of the newly refurbished Consulate, even to their admiration, applause and re-visit.
Consul General Boni is broadly known as a friendly Envoy and one at the fore of strengthening Italy-Nigeria Ties in no small terms. The presence and elated mood of the invitees from all walks of life further testifies of a mission and man with respect for friendship, freedom and forwardness.
The evening event kicked off with the singing of both nations national anthems. Thereafter, Mr Boni delivered a rousing welcome address emphasising on the age-long cordiality existing between Nigeria and Italy, the conviviality between Italians and Nigerians over the years, the interactions with Lagosians, ongoing developments daily experienced and interesting activities within the mega city.
He also applauded and appreciated the leadership of the Lagos state government and the enviable relations that existed between the Consulate and State Government, and particularly praised the efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in making Lagos a liveable and lovable City-State.
On her part, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundenyin, who represented Mr Governor and led the Lagos State team to the event, also appreciated the Italian Mission in Nigeria, with particular reference to the Consulate General of Italy in Lagos for the synergy, productive relations, and mutual growth recorded in the course of their association. She spoke of Governor Sanwo-Olu commitments to Italy and Italian development efforts in the state and reassured of a peaceful, prosperous and progressive environments enjoyed by all at all times.
It was another time of exposure to best Italian cuisines, as there was much to eat, drink and share.
Kudos to Consul General Boni, His wife Mrs Gulzhanat Kaiyrbekova and consulate team for a wonderful time of gathering again.
Long Live Italian Consulate In Lagos,,,Long Live Italy-Nigeria Relations
Acclaim Nigeria International Magazine, ANIM, was there and also covered the event.
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