Turkish envoy celebrates Republic Day, pledges deeper friendship with Nigeria
Ambassador Mehmet Poroy reaffirms Ankara’s ‘Century of Türkiye’ vision and praises growing cooperation with Nigeria.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to peace, resilience and enduring friendship with Nigeria, as Türkiye celebrates the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.
Speaking at a National Day reception at the Turkish Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday, Ambassador Poroy described the commemoration as “a proud reflection of courage, reform and modern nationhood,” rooted in the vision of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the republic’s founder.
“The guiding principles he offered our republic remain our nation’s compass: peace at home, peace in the world,” Poroy told a hall of diplomats, Nigerian officials, business leaders, and members of the Turkish community.
The event, Poroy’s first Republic Day celebration in Nigeria since assuming office in April, was attended by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and several members of the Nigerian–Turkish Parliamentary Friendship Group, among other dignitaries.
Poroy expressed gratitude for what he described as “the warmth and generosity of the Nigerian people,” underscoring Ankara’s growing ties with Africa’s largest economy in trade, education, and humanitarian partnership.
During the ceremony, the ambassador delivered a special message from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who urged citizens at home and abroad to uphold the values that shaped modern Türkiye.
Erdoğan’s address, read in full, recalled the struggles of the War of Liberation that birthed the republic in 1923 and celebrated the nation’s evolution into what he called “a powerful state with deep-rooted traditions and global vision.”
“We are working with all our strength to safeguard the legacy of our martyrs and veterans,” Erdoğan said, pledging continued progress under the ‘Century of Türkiye’ vision — an initiative he says will drive growth in defence, energy, technology, and diplomacy.
The Turkish leader also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to peace in conflict zones, notably Gaza and Palestine, saying Türkiye would continue to act as a “defender of rights and truth.”
“At a time when wars and crises are eroding universal values, Türkiye is working for a more just world,” he said.
In a nod to cultural diplomacy, the evening also featured an art exhibition titled “An Illusory Original,”curated by Nigerian professors John Odeyemi and Lamide Lasisi, as a tribute to the late artist Benin Otutoglu.
The ambassador unveiled a gifted artwork from Professor Odeyemi depicting Atatürk at his mausoleum in Ankara, describing it as “a powerful expression of artistic respect and friendship between our peoples.”
“It is gestures like these that strengthen the bridge of understanding between Türkiye and Nigeria,” Poroy said, drawing applause from guests.
Over the years, Türkiye and Nigeria have strengthened cooperation across trade, education, health, and humanitarian services. Turkish businesses and schools in Nigeria continue to serve as vital channels of engagement between both nations.
Ambassador Poroy reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to deepening this relationship, saying the Turkish mission will continue to promote dialogue and cultural exchange.
“Our nations share not just mutual interests but mutual respect,” he said. “Together, we will continue to uphold peace, progress, and the enduring values that have guided our Republic for more than a century.”
As the reception drew to a close, guests mingled over Turkish and Nigerian cuisine while sharing warm toasts to friendship and prosperity.
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