Raphael Oni
The out going of Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yanko Yordanov, has described Nigeria as not only the “Giant of Africa” but also as a country with “many giants” in terms of culture, heritage, and opportunities. He made this assertion during an interactive session with journalists in his office in Abuja as he count down days of departure in Nigeria.
The Ambassador engaged in a fruitful interactive session with journalists, reflecting on his tenure and the remarkable strides made in strengthening Bulgaria-Nigeria relations. The interactive session provided a valuable platform for journalists to engage with Ambassador Yordanov, gain insights into Bulgaria’s foreign policy, and explore future prospects for cooperation between the two nations.
Ambassador Yordanov, who has visited 22 out of Nigeria’s 36 states, expressed admiration for the country’s cultural richness and diversity. “Nigeria is more than just the giant of Africa. This is actually a place where there are many giants—in terms of culture, in terms of heritage,” he said.
Recalling his travels, he noted recent visits to Katsina and his deep appreciation of traditional ceremonies and cultural expressions across regions. “I was in Katsina just ten days ago, and also one year ago for the same ceremony. I’ve been to so many places… and what I can tell you is that this is a place with unique opportunities for tourism and global cultural recognition,” he added.
In a heartfelt reflection, Yordanov confessed his strong attachment to the country. “It will not be an over-exaggeration if I say that I fell in love with Nigeria. Going back to Bulgaria is not an easy process for me. I always return from time to time in my private capacity to experience the vibrance of South-East, South-South, and South-West Nigeria.”
He further emphasized the strong and historical bilateral ties between Bulgaria and Nigeria, particularly in education. According to him, over 4,000 Nigerians have studied in Bulgaria, making them informal ambassadors of Bulgaria in Nigeria.
“Having more than 4,000 Bulgarian alumni on Nigerian soil really facilitates our diplomatic work. Our cooperation is rooted in a rich history and continues to grow stronger,” the ambassador said.
On economic cooperation, Yordanov highlighted achievements such as the revival of trade relations, agricultural projects in Abia and Kano states, and Bulgaria’s role in the EU-supported vaccine production initiative in Nigeria.
“This is a very important achievement—one that has placed Nigeria at the top of EU priorities for local vaccine production,” he stated, referencing the Bulgarian Development Corporation’s involvement.
He also pointed to a 70% increase in trade volumes between both nations as a result of the Bulgarian-Nigerian Business Forum held in Sofia two years ago.
Looking ahead, the ambassador identified agriculture, healthcare, and the creative economy as promising areas for future collaboration. He emphasized the cultural link between the two nations, referencing events such as the Bulgarian Culture Day held in Lagos and Ile-Ife, as well as a Bulgarian Ancient Treasures exhibition that drew parallels with Nigeria’s Benin Bronzes.
Yordanov described Nigeria as a “land of opportunity” and underscored the mutual respect on which Bulgarian-Nigerian relations are built. “Our cooperation is between equals, based on mutual interests, and aimed at providing more opportunities for contact and prosperity on both sides.”
The ambassador’s remarks mark a continued commitment to deepening ties and expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries across multiple sectors.
Key Highlights of Ambassador Yordanov’s Tenure
– Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Ambassador Yordanov’s efforts have significantly enhanced cooperation between Bulgaria and Nigeria, particularly in areas such as trade, defense, and agriculture.
– Promoting Economic Cooperation: His visit to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) underscored Bulgaria’s commitment to exploring economic opportunities in Nigeria and West Africa.
– Fostering Regional Cooperation: The Ambassador has been instrumental in nurturing relationships with neighboring countries, including Cameroon, highlighting Bulgaria’s interest in regional development and cooperation.
-Successfully facilitated dialogue between Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Defence and Bulgarian authorities, paving the way for enhanced defense cooperation.
-Explored opportunities for grant-funded projects in Nigeria, showcasing Bulgaria’s commitment to Official Development Assistance.
– Strengthened ties with the diplomatic corps in Abuja, contributing to a more cohesive and collaborative international community in Nigeria.
