News Investigators/ Director-General Voice of Nigeria (VON) Jibrin Ndace says the indelible legacies of Indonesia’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ursa Harahap, in grassroots engagement, media diplomacy, and promoting Indonesia-Nigeria relations will endure.
Mr Ndace stated this while eulogising Harahap at a ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, organised to bid farewell to the ambassador, who concluded his tour of duty after six years.
The VON DG said the envoy’s notable achievements included media diplomacy, numerous donations to several communities across Nigeria, which underscored his commitment to grassroots development that helped to promote people-to-people ties.
He described Mr Harahap, a retired Air Vice Marshal in the Indonesian military, as a quintessential diplomat, an exemplary and visionary leader with a dedication to hardwork.
According to him, Mr Harahap has worked tirelessly to foster greater cooperation and understanding between Indonesia and Nigeria, hence strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The chief noted that with such amazing landmark achievements, Harahap was leaving an indelible mark in the sands of time in Nigeria and the ECOWAS subregion, to which he had concurrent accreditation.
“Your Excellency, you have been a true ambassador of Indonesia, promoting the interests of your country, while also building bridges of friendship and cooperation across Nigeria.
“These include but not limited to the regular donation of food items and rams during Sallah festivities, which bring joy and relief to many families.
“Your generosity and kindness go beyond these donations, as you also personally built a befitting mosque in a community, which endeared you to the people.
“Together with your wife, you are a dynamic duo, who have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian diplomatic community,’’ Ndace said.
In his remarks, the ambassador thanked Ndace for the eulogies and expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian government and its people for their warm hospitality and support during his tour of duty.
He also appreciated the members of staff of the Indonesian Embassy for their hard work, commitment, cooperation and dedication to duty.
“I could not have achieved anything without your tireless efforts and commitment to excellence,” Mr Harahap stated.
The domestic staff of the Indonesian Embassy were visibly emotional as they shared their experiences and fond memories of working with Harahap and his wife.
William Haruna, one of the embassy’s staff members, also eulogised the ambassador for his kindness and generosity.
“He has been like a father to us, always caring about our well-being and supporting us in everything we do,” he said.
Hassim Farouk, another staff member, extolled Harahap’s humility and kindness.
“His Excellency is a true example of a humble leader. He always puts the needs of others before his own, and his kindness and generosity have touched the lives of many Nigerians,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Nigerian government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and Indonesian embassy staffers, among others.
NAN also reports that the highpoint of the handover ceremony was the presentation of “Award of Excellence in Diplomacy,” from Diplomats Extra Magazine, which was presented to Harahap by Ndace.
NAN
