His Excellency, Bongbon Marcos, President, Commander-in-Chief Armed Forces Of Tge Federal Republic Of The Philippine
THE Philippines Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mersole J. Mellejor, has promised a more robust, concrete, active and credible partnership with Nigeria for business, manpower development, digital technology, promotion of two-way investment and tourism and education through the Philippines Graduates’ Association of Nigeria (PHILGRAN).
Mersole Mellejor gave the promise while speaking as a guest at the 8th national convention and gala night of PHILGRAN held at Enugu, Enugu state capital at the weekend.
HE Mersole Mellejor, Philippines Ambassador ti Nigeria addressing the convention
The Philippines ambassador welcomed the existence of PHILGRAN as a body and it’s respected members as individuals.
He eulogized them for their love of Filipino nation, saying: “After my assumption as Philippines ambassador to Nigeria, my colleagues at the embassy told me the existence of the Philippines Graduates’ Association of Nigeria (PHILGRAN), and as the name implies, it is composed of Nigerians who studied in the Philippines. To me, this reflects the kind of connection that PHILGRAN members have for the Philippines in the same measure that they love Nigeria”.
“On behalf of the Filipino nation the Philippines envoy congratulated PHILGRAN for successful 8th convention and gala night.
“Today allow me, on behalf of my country, the Filipino nation and the Philippines Embassy in Abuja, to congratulate you, as you mark your 8th Foundation Anniversary. I also want to thank you for the opportunity that you gave to the Philippines and the Filipinos to be enriched by your warmth and rich culture that Nigeria is so renowned for.
“Looking round this room, I see a testament of your achievements in your chosen field of profession – engineering – medicine – humanities, and others. Manay of you have found equal success in the private sector and government”.
Chief Patron Pharm. Sir Nnamdi Obi, Mersole Mellejor, the newly elected PHILGRAN President Eze Engr. Sir Gabby Dimude
He charged the association and members to use the opportunity to explore and exploit the business and economic potentials through credible and healthy relations.
“As a group of Nigerians who studied and leaved in the Philippines, PHILGRAN fits into the thrust of the two countries for stronger relations in all aspects of our cooperation. Together Philippines-Nigeria relations have gone a long way since October 1962, from the initial presence of Filipino teachers in the 1970s, the arrival of professionals in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, hospitality, academy and many more. Conversely, many Nigerians went to Philippines for academic studies.
“Today, the relations remain robust and cordial. Yet there are many areas where opportunities abound for further engagement for the mutual benefit of both countries. Partnership for business, manpower development, digital technology, promoting two-way investment and tourism, education and the new area called -creatives”.
“PHILGRAN is in a good position to take active part in this endeavor because you are foremost in creating what I called “human bridge of connectivity” having been in the Philippines. You are already cultural ambassadors even before the concept of cultural diplomacy was born”.
The Philippines ambassador further assured PHILGRAN as an organization and members the partnership readiness of the Philippines Embassy in Nigeria for mutual collaboration that promote business partnership among companies in the two countries.
”The Philippines Embassy in Abuja, along with our Honorary Consul in Lagos Emmanuel Akpakwu, stands ready to work with PHILGRAN in our desire to build stronger relations for mutual benefit in our common of our democratic environment”
“Talking about concrete step, I am please to inform you that we have initiated the formation of business council (PHIL-Nigerian) in the Philippines, in Nigeria to promote business partnership among companies in the two countries. I think this is a step in the right direction, as we win soon have platform for more systematic, and credible engagements for the stakeholders in the private sector” Mersole Mellejor posited
Earlier, Eze Engr. Sir. Gabby Dimude, President Philippines Graduates’ Association of Nigeria (PHILGRAN) on behalf of the association warmly welcomed the Philippines Ambassador to Nigeria and his entourage.
He expressed delights of the association to the ambassador for accepting to honor their invitation. He said “Your Excellency Mersole. J. Mellejor the Philippines Graduates’ Association of Nigeria, feel honored honoring our invitation to be part of our 8th convention and gala night. It’s an indication that a promising future is there for us to explore and exploit. We look forward to enhanced engagements with Filipino nation for a noble purpose.” The PHILGRAN President stated.
- The theme of the 8th convention and gala night was Renewal and Bonding. Highlights of the event were election of new executive of PHILGRAN, felicitation of old school mates, business colleagues. There were cultural dances display and entertainments galore.
