A notable Business Woman, Political Stakeholder and former Commissioner For Women Affairs, Youth And Social Development, Anambra State, Hon. Dr. Mrs. Bridget Obi, has recalled how she and a Group of patriotic Nigerians pushed for thee restoration of Diplomatic Relationship between Nigeria and Israel.
Speaking with Multiple Awards Winning Journalist Don Peter Okoro recently, Hon. Obi stated that: “”I had the opportunity to join the Nigerian – Israeli Association led by the late Chief Godwin Daboh. At that time, I was already politically visible in the State and if there was anything new group coming into the state someone from my network will always invite me to be part of it.
When they wanted to form the Anambra State Chapter of the Association we started mobilising our political network to join. I joined them and we started having meetings on how to bring the Association’s President to Anambra State to discuss and inugurate the state Chapter.
At that time, Nigeria had severed relationship with Israel. And the Group was working on how to restore the relationship.”” Explaining further, she said: “”Our major task was to raise funds for the Cause and attract Christians Leaders and Believers to the Association.
I can recollect how I travelled to Benin City,Edo State to deliver a Letter to Archbishop Benson Idahosa, as at that time, there was no Email or WhatsApp.
When I got there, I was treated like a Queen and I had the privilege of eating on the same table with Archbishop Benson Idahosa.
That is how we continued pressing and networking with Christian Leaders and the media houses on advocacy through the Nigerian — Israeli Association until we achieved our goal of restoring full Diplomatic Relationship with Israel.
When the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria came, I am one of those who received him. The Aims and Objectives of the Nigerian –Israeli Association was to restore Diplomatic Relationship between Nigeria and Israel which we championed and succeeded in achieving.
They later came to reopen their Embassy and we helped them to recruit the right people to be employed. For me, that’s a mission accomplished.”” As of today, the Diplomatic Relationship between Nigeria and Israel is very robust and healthy with thousands of Nigerians going on Holy pilgrimage to Israel every year all due to the efforts of some dedicated, committed and patriotic Nigerians.