Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Ambassador Syndoph Endoni, has arrived in Ouagadougou to assume duty as Nigeria’s principal diplomatic representative in the West African country.

Endoni, who arrived to a rousing welcome at the airport, was received by the Director of Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities at the Burkinabe State House Protocol, Albert Djiguembe, Nigerian Embassy officials, representatives of the Nigerian community, members of the African diplomatic corps including Ghana’s Ambassador, Kenneth Akibate, and his Chadian counterpart, Mahamat Ahmat, representing the African Group of Ambassadors. Also in attendance were diplomatic officers of the Burkina Faso Ministry of Foreign Affairs and duty station officers.

At the Embassy, Endoni was greeted with another colourful welcome from schoolchildren, cultural groups, staff and members of the Nigerian community. The reception featured cultural displays and a dinner organised in honour of the new Nigerian envoy.

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According to a statement from the Nigerian Embassy, arrangements were underway for Endoni to formally present his Letters of Credence to the Burkinabe authorities, which will formally mark the commencement of his ambassadorial responsibilities and full diplomatic engagement with the government of Burkina Faso.

Speaking during a brief interaction with Nigerians at the Embassy, Endoni pledged to strengthen unity within the Nigerian community and maintain close engagement with its members.
He assured the community of his readiness to work with Nigerians across Burkina Faso and promote a stronger sense of common purpose.

“We will work closely together to ensure that we remain one family, one community and one Nigeria,” Endoni said.

The ambassador stressed the importance of diaspora unity in strengthening Nigeria’s image, protecting citizens’ interests and supporting effective bilateral relations.

Endoni, a career diplomat, has represented Nigeria in several diplomatic missions and assignments across the world and, until his appointment as Ambassador to Burkina Faso, served as Chargé d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York.

According to Endoni, Nigeria and Burkina Faso share long-standing political, economic and people-to-people relations as well as common interests in peace, security and development within the sub-region.

He stated that the Nigerian Embassy in Ouagadougou will deepen consular support for Nigerians living and doing business in Burkina Faso, while giving the assurance that his assumption of duty would strengthen diplomatic engagement with Burkinabe authorities and promote the welfare and unity of Nigerians in the country.

He said the warm reception on his arrival by Burkinabe officials, fellow African diplomats and the Nigerian community signalled expectations of stronger cooperation during his tenure.

The ambassador is expected to begin formal engagements with the host government after the presentation of his Letters of Credence soon.

His posting comes at a significant period in relations among West African states, with security, trade, migration and regional stability remaining major issues on the diplomatic agenda.