Hundreds of Nigerians across the UK and members of the diplomatic community gathered in London on Thursday to participate in the launch of a book dedicated to the high commissioner to the UK, Dr Dalhatu Tafida aimed at promoting punctuality.
Organised by the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit in collaboration with the International Strategic Alliance Committee, the launch is the first in a series. Titled “The Legacy of Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida OFR, CFR”
Held at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in central London, the event attracted several other ambassadors to the UK, including those of Cyprus, Mauritius and Indonesia. Also in attendance were all the community leaders in the UK as well as Mohammed Lere, the special assistant to the Kaduna State governor on trade and investment, who stood in for his boss and Baroness Linda Chalker, the UK’s former international development minister.
Chief Bimbo Afolayan, the chairman of the Central Association of Nigerian in the UK, said: “Having worked with Dr Tafida for the past five years, I have come to know him as a strict time-keeper. He is always punctual to events and has introduced this type of discipline at the high commission too.”
Baroness Chalker, who launched the book added: “In the 40 years I have been involved with Nigeria since I first entered parliament, I have had the privilege of working with several high commissioners but Dr Tafida stands out among all of them. One thing that makes him unique is that you will never find anyone who has a bad word to say about him.”
Dr Tafida responded by saying he was overwhelmed by all the love and affection shown to him by the Nigerian community in the UK and was humbled by the fact that such an event was organised in his honour. He recently celebrated his birthday too, so a cake was also cut to mark the occasion.
Among the community leaders who attended the event were the former mayors of Enfield, Brent, Hackney and Waltham Forest Kate Anolue, Michael Adeyeye, Susan Fajana-Thomas and Anna Mbachu. A brief biography of Dr Tafida, the book was put together by medical practitioner Dr Nkem Ezeilo, who spoke to several people close to the high commissioner, including his wife and staff.
According to Chief Afolayan, the book is the first in a series and over time, more will be published, highlighting the need to address other serious issues. Dr Ezeilo added that punctuality was a good one to start with as it has become a dominant feature among Nigerians in the UK, who regularly show up late for events.
