BY OLALEKAN BALOGUN
Like many other memorable days in the lives of people and nations, every June 2 of the year, is a day of unusual joy and jubilation in Italy. It witnesses citizens trooping out in their millions to celebrate a land and sovereignty they cherished and treasured and are proud to call their own and home. It’s typically a time of triumph, thanksgivings, unity and reflecting on the values and paths that forged Italy. Italians at home and abroad also come out from their various assignments, activities and abodes adorning traditional attires, displaying various emblems, souvenirs and objects of national colours. Italian flags are conspicuously flying high across the country with mini flags waved joyously by the people. June 2 obviously elicits an ambience of nationwide merriment and elation.
Consul General Boni delivering his welcome remarks
On Italy soil 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, The homeland is usually an atmosphere of colourful festivity to behold.
For Italians abroad, the moods are the same, as these diasporians usually led by their foreign missions and Envoys gather together to celebrate this Day in the nations they are, albeit, whenever it’s safe to do so. In Nigeria, Italians living, working, and visiting the country, assemble with the aid of their mission’s efforts: Embassy or Consulate General, also come together as they have always done over the years at designated places to mark their National Day.
During the national anthems
This year again, give it to the Italian Consulate General, Lagos, under the distinguished leadership of Consul General Ugo Boni for an amazing 2025 National 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.
Mrs Salu-Hundeyin during her keynote Address
The June 7th, 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 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 event formally kicked off with the singing of both countries’ 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 witnessed within the mega city.
Cross-Section of invited guests
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-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the State Government, 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 reiterated Governor Sanwo-Olu’s appreciation of Italy and Italian development efforts in the state and country, and reassured of Lagos state government commitments of ensuring a peaceful, prosperous and progressive environment enjoyable by all at all times.
Invitees at the reception
The event was another time of exposure to best Italian cuisines, as there was so much to eat, drink and share. The music was good, the pianist was superb, the pool side was alluring, and the surrounding was exquisitely inviting. Kudos to Consul General Boni, his wife Gulzhanat Kaiyrbekova and Consulate team for putting up yet another wonderful time of gathering and celebration with the Italians in Nigeria..
Many thanks to Zenith Bank, Royal Carribean International, (the cruise masters) Sehinde perfumes, Intels: Integrated Logistics Services, LEE ENGINEERING, Power Tech,and other sponsors for adding worth and enjoyability to the occasion.
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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