It was a scene of mixed emotions as senior Nigerian government officials, non-state actors and representatives of civil society groups poured encomiums on Ms Samuela Isopi, Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS at a farewell reception in Abuja on Monday to mark the end of her three-year tour of duty in the region.

The Italian diplomat, who assumed the dual role in August 2021 is returning to the Foreign Affairs Ministry in her country after 15 years abroad.

She had occupied the same position of EU Ambassador at the EU Delegation in Bangui, Central African Republic and, previously served as Italian Ambassador to Cameroon, with concurrent accreditation to Central African Republic, Chad and Equatorial Guinea.

At the farewell ceremony anchored by acclaimed Nigerian broadcaster, Moji Makanjuola, Plateau state Governor Caleb Mutfwang, opened the repertoire of praises,  describing Ms Isopi as a humble person with a passion for inclusiveness and a go-getter who injected humanism into her diplomatic work.

In the same, vein, Hannatu Musawa Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, said the EU envoy demonstrated her versatility in the quality of proposals she shared with her ministry for implementation.

Sunday Dare, former Minister of Youth and Sport, also complimented the Italian diplomat for support to the ministry.

Describing Ambassador Isopi as a sister, Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development said the departing envoy made a difference in the EU support for high-impact programmes on women and the youth in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.

Similarly, Jake Eppele, CEO of TAF Africa, formerly The Albino Foundation, which advocates for people with disabilities, was generous in his gratitude to the envoy for the EU’s great support for minority groups and the inclusive approach she adopted during her tenure.

The ceremony featured traditional dances, a fashion parade and a presentation of gifts to the departing EU envoy, including a plaque by TAF, specially designed attires with Nigerian fabrics and a fashion show.

On behalf of her team, a beaming Ms Isopi, who was joined in cutting the cake to mark the occasion, expressed her gratitude to the Nigerian government, the people, ECOWAS citizens and the attendees, including members of the diplomatic corps for facilitating her job in the region.

She expressed optimism that the excellent cooperation between the EU and Nigeria and the EU and ECOWAS would expand and grow for the mutual benefit of both regions and their peoples.

West Africa is the EU’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa.

According to the European Commission’s Trade Department, the EU imports from West Africa in 2022, were estimated at €38 billion against imports of nearly €42 billion.

The figures went down to about €32 billion and €35 billion, respectively in 2023.

In October 2023, ECOWAS and the EU announced the launch of a major package to help stabilise and drive the socio-economic development of West Africa, including €212.5 million, focusing on peace and security, transport, water management, environment, digitalisation, health, and education.

These are part of the EU’s broader commitment to invest up to €150 billion in Africa from 2021 to 2027, supporting regional economic integration and sustainable growth.

EU’s major support to ECOWAS in the past decade is estimated at over €1 billion, covering various areas such as peace and security, the fight against terrorism and piracy, support for governance and sustainable democracy, agriculture, mitigating climate change effects and humanitarian programmes.

A career diplomat, Ms Isopi boasts vast experience gained from 27 years of working with the Italian foreign service and that of the European Union.

She is returning home, to continue to work on strengthening EU foreign policy and relations with the rest of the world, with a promise to maintain contact with her numerous friends in Nigeria, West Africa and other parts of the world, where she had served.

Her previous postings, include the Russian Federation, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as Deputy Head of Mission and First Counsellor.

Her profile states that she has “worked in some of the most demanding political terrains in far-flung regions of the World, including South-east and Southern Asia, West and Central Africa as well as Eastern Europe.”

In her capacity as Ambassador of the European Union in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Ms Isopi regularly engaged with government officials, the diplomatic community, multilateral organisations and development partners, the civil society, the youth, the business community and the private sector, as well as with the media, to explain the policies, programmes and values of the European Union.

She ”sees Nigeria, as a key player in Africa, in the Region and on the international stage, as a strategic and indispensable partner for the EU.”

The envoy considered her posting to Nigeria and the ECOWAS region, “as an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties and develop a strategic partnership, based on shared values and common views and objectives on key bilateral and global challenges.”

From the testimonies, she made a great impact during her tenure.

Ejime Is An Author, Global Affairs Analyst, And Consultant On Peace & Security And Governance Communications