By Godson Azu

There are friendships that transcend official positions, professional engagements and geographical boundaries. They are built on mutual respect, shared values, trust and a genuine appreciation of one another. Such relationships are worth preserving, long after the official assignments and diplomatic postings have come to an end.

This evening, I had the pleasure of catching up over a relaxed cup of tea and coffee in Lancaster Gate, London, with my dear friend, brother and distinguished diplomat, Ambassador Alhaji Ahmed Sule.

Ambassador Sule is a distinguished Nigerian diplomat who has served his country with dedication and distinction across several important diplomatic and public service assignments. His diplomatic career included service at the United Nations in New York, as Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to the Court of St James’s in London, and subsequently as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the Republic of India. He also served as Special Adviser to the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.

Beyond the titles, offices and distinguished responsibilities, what I particularly value is the personal warmth, humility and enduring friendship that define our relationship.

Over the years of my engagement with the Nigerian diaspora community in the United Kingdom, I have always considered it important to maintain cordial, respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with our diplomatic representatives. I have had the privilege of interacting with several Nigerian High Commissioners, Ambassadors and senior diplomatic officials who have served in the United Kingdom. Many of these relationships have continued well beyond their official tours of duty.

For me, diaspora engagement is not merely about attending official receptions, community meetings or diplomatic functions. It is also about building bridges, nurturing relationships, strengthening people-to-people connections and sustaining a culture of mutual respect between the diaspora community and those entrusted with representing our country abroad.

Indeed, diplomacy should not end when an official posting ends, just as genuine friendship should not be confined by the boundaries of an office or assignment.

That is why I remain particularly grateful to Ambassador Sule for reaching out and making time to connect with me during his brief visit to London. These seemingly simple moments of reconnection are meaningful reminders that the most enduring relationships are often built beyond formal settings.

I equally wish to use this opportunity to acknowledge and express my sincere appreciation to my other distinguished diplomatic friends with whom I have shared memorable engagements, cordial relationships and enduring bonds of friendship over the years.

They include Ambassador Extraordinary, Senator Dr Dalhatu. Tafida, Ambassador Alh. Umar, Ambassador Nwanna, Ambassador Alhaji Hassan Hassan, Ambassador Alhaji Sarafa Ishola, Ambassador Bello Jaye, Ambassador Alhaji M. Maidugu, and many other distinguished friends whose names I may not have captured in this brief reflection.

To each of them, I extend my warm regards, sincere appreciation and continued hands of friendship.

As I often believe, the true value of relationships is not measured by how frequently we meet, but by how respectfully we remain connected, even when distance, time and changing responsibilities separate us.

Our individual journeys may take us to different countries, offices and responsibilities, but the values of friendship, loyalty, mutual respect and shared humanity should remain constant.

Tonight’s meeting was more than just tea and coffee; it was another reminder of the importance of sustaining the handshakes of friendship, strengthening our diplomatic relationships and celebrating the enduring bonds that connect us as people.

To friendship, to diplomacy, to our diaspora values, and to the enduring handshakes that keep us connected.

Some handshakes conclude a meeting. Others begin friendships that last a lifetime.

Mazi Godson Odoemelam Azu

MA, BA (Hons), FOSHA, AMILM, MIoD, MIoG

International Development Expert | Global Affairs Analyst | Political Leader | Trade & Investment Facilitator | Leadership & Good Governance Consultant | Author | Pan-Africanist

Founder & CEO, CaterandMerger Consult Ltd, United Kingdom
Convener, London Political Summit and Awards (LPSA)
Director, C&M Centre for Leadership and Good Governance, United Kingdom