The Indonesia Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Usra Harahap, has handed over to the Head of Chancery, Pak Mahmudeen Mahmudeen, urging the diplomat and others to work hard to further strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and Nigeria.
The Handover ceremony was held at the Indonesia Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Harahap said after close to six years of his diplomatic stewardship in Nigeria, a lot has been achieved but there is still the capacity to further grow the relationship as he tasked the diplomats to feel free and make Nigeria their second home, as both countries share a lot in common
“Indonesia and Nigeria have more and more capacity to get stronger our relationship, Work hard, make Nigeria your second home.”
He charged the staff not to renegade their responsibilities, even in the face of challenges, as such philosophy made him succeed in many areas while serving in Nigeria.
The Envoy called on them to imbibe the legacy he left behind.
“I don’t want you to move back. Always move forward. My legacy is that let’s move forward. Never-ending, never give up. It’s very important,” he said
According to Harahap, he combined his military background as a retired Air Force officer with diplomacy to achieve the successes recorded in Nigeria, promising to make himself available for consultations as he is retired but not tired.
“Of course, I’m a military man, but I’m a diplomat. I try to combine them in my leadership to implement diplomatic actions. I did and already have the results.
So I’m very proud. Just let me know. Just call me, if you have any need. I’m retired, but I’m never tired. Never tired until I die.”
The Envoy urged them to always work peacefully with subordinates, especially the low-ranking officials, saying “Allah gives power by looking at behaviour and not by rank.”
He was presented with an award for good relationship with the media and communities, especially the grassroots among others, by a group of media personnel, led by the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba-Ndace
Testimonies of his relationship were given by staff, especially Nigerians who served in various capacities in the office and at home.
Hashim Umar Farooq Lawal, who works with the Defence Attaché Office of the Indonesia Embassy described Ambassador Harahap as an epitome of humility, kindness and motivation.
“Our relationship has been that of a father and a son. He pushes me to do things extraordinarily because he believes in me, right from the day one that we met. As Nigerians, we face a lot, economically. But because of His Excellency, a lot has happened at the Embassy, especially to our junior staff, including the senior staff. Salary scales have improved greatly. One thing I will miss is his leadership style,” said Farooq
Haruna Williams, who is a domestic assistant in the Embassy said Mr. Harahap is always interested in their welfare, shares in their pain and happiness stressing that he is the best amongst the three ambassadors he has worked with since 2011.
“During his time in Nigeria, I want to say that I’ve achieved a lot. He helped me, I am able to secure a place of my own. You know, build a house. And then, he helped me to pursue my academic career. Presently, I’m a 400-level student at the National Open University. And very soon, I will be graduating.
“I am able to learn a little of the Indonesian language. Yes, because of the good relationship,” said Williams
The Gardner of the Embassy, Mr. Godwin Owoicho, said the Wife of the Ambassador is like the husband character-wise, as she cares for what they eat every day amongst other things.
“She supported me to have a home, a two-bedroom flat. What I will miss from this woman is that each time in the morning, she always call me, Godwin come so that we play table tennis. She gingers me in that area, through this woman, I can play table tennis.”
The testimonies continued as more staffers said, that the Ambassador’s family was also good at providing foodstuffs of various types and clothing to the workers, assisting in medicals and teaching the Chef patiently how to cook Indonesian cuisine.
PIAK
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