Abuja Chamber of Commerce hosts reception honouring outgoing Bulgarian Ambassador, Yanko Yordanov

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By Anthony Maliki, Abuja

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) hosted a special cocktail reception in honour of His Excellency Yanko Yordanov, the outgoing Ambassador of Bulgaria to Nigeria.

The event celebrated Ambassador Yordanov’s remarkable contributions to strengthening economic ties, trade relations, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

This was contained in a statement by Olayemi John-Mensah, Media & Strategy Officer, ACCI.

In his address, ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, PhD, commended Ambassador Yordanov for his unwavering dedication to fostering bilateral cooperation.

He highlighted key initiatives championed by the Ambassador, including:

Strengthening Francophonie Relations: Facilitating collaborations between ACCI and the Francophone community, including hosting Francophone Ambassadors and welcoming the Francophonie Regional Director for West Africa.

Francophonie Business Hub: Spearheading discussions on establishing a platform to enhance business engagement between Francophone nations and Nigeria.

Capacity Building: Sponsoring ACCI members for a two-month French language program, with prospects for expansion.

Educational Partnerships: Facilitating academic collaborations between ACCI and Bulgarian universities.

Trade and Investment Promotion: Connecting Nigerian businesses with Bulgarian companies in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and steel manufacturing, including a successful trade webinar.

Support for the Abuja International Trade Fair: Advocating for Bulgarian participation and reinforcing bilateral trade opportunities.

In recognition of his outstanding support for trade and cultural exchange, Chief Obegolu, presented Ambassador Yordanov with an Award of Excellence.

Expressing his gratitude, Ambassador Yordanov reflected on his tenure, highlighting the significant progress made in Bulgaria-Nigeria relations over the past four years.

“When I arrived in Abuja, I was Bulgaria’s youngest ambassador, and our relationship with Nigeria needed strengthening. Today, I am proud of the progress we have made together. Chief Obegolu, SAN, PhD, you are not just a friend but a brother. Since your assumption of office as ACCI President, our engagement has deepened, and I sincerely appreciate the collaboration and support from the entire ACCI leadership. Though I am departing, Nigeria will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to maintaining strong ties with this great country.”

Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, 2nd Deputy President of ACCI, described Ambassador Yordanov as a true friend of the ACCI and Nigeria’s business community.

“The Ambassador has been a strong advocate for Nigeria and a firm supporter of the business community. We are confident that wherever he goes, he will continue to champion Nigeria’s interests. The relationship between Nigeria and Bulgaria remains strong, and we will continue to nurture it,” Dr. Hong stated.

ACCI’s Director General, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, emphasized the Ambassador’s role in fostering cultural exchange, as staff adorned traditional attire in tribute to the strong bilateral relationship.

“If you look around, you will see our staff in their cultural attire. This represents the kind of relationship Ambassador Yordanov has cultivated, one of mutual respect and cultural appreciation,” Mr. Jideani noted.

The reception was attended by distinguished members of the ACCI Executive and Council, including; Dr. Agada Elachi, SAN, Vice President, External Affairs, Dr. Iliasu Gashibaki, Vice President, Finance, Mr. Olasetemi Bode Thompson, Vice President, Agriculture, Dr. Johnson Anene, Chairman, Abuja Trade Centre, Present and former members of the ACCI Executive Council, heads of ACCI Centres, staff and other esteemed guests.

The event concluded with a toast to Ambassador Yordanov, celebrating his diplomatic achievements and lasting impact on Nigeria’s business landscape.