Raphael Oni
The Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Ndace, has praised the outgoing Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Ursa Harahap, for leaving an indelible mark in Nigeria during his tenure. At a handover ceremony organized by the Indonesia Embassy in Abuja to bid farewell to Dr. Harahap, Mallam Ndace presented him with the Excellence in Diplomacy Award, given by Diplomats Extra Magazine.
The prestigious award recognizes Dr. Harahap’s exceptional contributions to promoting grassroots development, media diplomacy, and Indonesia-Nigeria relations. During his tenure, Dr. Harahap worked tirelessly to foster greater cooperation and understanding between Indonesia and Nigeria. His commitment to grassroots development and media diplomacy has helped to promote people-to-people ties and strengthen bilateral relations.
One of Dr. Harahap’s most notable achievements was his donation to several communities in Nigeria. During Sallah, he donated food items and rams to mosques, bringing joy and relief to many families. His generosity and kindness extended beyond these donations, as he also built mosques in a community, providing a place of worship and gathering for the people.
Mallam Ndace eulogized Dr. Harahap and his wife, describing them as “a dynamic duo who have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian diplomatic community.” He praised Dr. Harahap’s exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to his work, saying, “Your Excellency, you have been a true ambassador of Indonesia, promoting the interests of your country while also building bridges of friendship and cooperation with Nigeria.”
The domestic staff of the Indonesian Embassy were visibly emotional as they shared their experiences and fond memories of working with Dr. Harahap and his wife. William Haruna, one of the staff members, praised Dr. Harahap’s kindness and generosity, saying, “He has been like a father to us, always looking out for our well-being and supporting us in everything we do.”
John Owejo, another staff member, commended Dr. Harahap’s wife, saying, “She has been an inspiration to us all, with her warmth, humility, and kindness. She has made us feel like part of the family, and we will miss her dearly.”
Hassim Farouk, who worked closely with Dr. Harahap, spoke about the Ambassador’s humility and kindness, saying, “His Excellency is a true example of a humble leader. He always put the needs of others before his own, and his kindness and generosity have touched the lives of many Nigerians.”
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries and officials from the Nigerian government, the diplomatic community, and the Indonesian Embassy. In his remarks, Dr. Harahap expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian government and people for their warm hospitality and support during his tenure. He also thanked his staff for their hard work and dedication, saying, “I could not have achieved anything without your tireless efforts and commitment to excellence.”
As Dr. Harahap departs Nigeria, he leaves behind a legacy of friendship and cooperation between Indonesia and Nigeria. His commitment to grassroots development, media diplomacy, and people-to-people ties has helped to strengthen bilateral relations and promote greater understanding between the two nations. The Excellence in Diplomacy Award is a testament to his dedication and hard work, and he will be remembered fondly by the Nigerian people and the diplomatic community.
