New Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland Outlines Role and Opportunities
Chief Onueze Chukwujinka Joe (OCJ) Okocha has been appointed as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Republic of Ireland, with concurrent accreditation to Iceland. He will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians living or doing business in both countries.
Okocha, a senior lawyer with nearly five decades of practice, earned his degree in international law from the University of Ife in 1977 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978. He has described his appointment as a “happy development” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country.
As head of the Nigerian embassy in Dublin, Okocha will oversee consular services, including visa issuance for Irish and Icelandic citizens travelling to Nigeria. He also said he would be the point of contact for Nigerians in Ireland and Iceland, addressing any issues that arise.
He highlighted Ireland’s strong interests in education, healthcare, agriculture, trade and investment, and said he would seek to attract Irish investment in Nigeria’s large market. “Ireland is a leader in agriculture and dairy products, and in technical products such as motor and agricultural vehicles,” he said, adding that these areas offer significant opportunities for cooperation.
Okocha confirmed that former Rivers State Minister Nyesom Wike nominated him for the post, a nomination that was forwarded to President Tinubu. “He has always known that I want to be an ambassador,” he recalled.
“In the practice of law, our main responsibility is the settlement of disputes,” Okocha said. “I will use my experience in alternative dispute resolution to negotiate and settle conflicts, whether between individuals or between countries.”
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
