A day steeped in great spirituality but also with a high institutional profile: it was the one that took place yesterday, Sunday 30 October, at the “Salvation Gate” evangelical church in Ferentino, a reference point for a large Nigerian community whose members reside in various municipalities of the province.
The presence of the Nigerian ambassador made the occasion extraordinary and historic Yaya Adisa Olaitan Olaniran, who is also permanent representative for his country at FAO, Ifad & amp; Wfp and who wanted to celebrate his 80th anniversary in the pastor’s church Benson Ekakitieof which he is the spiritual father.
In front of a crowded and participating church, between prayers, music, songs and religious dances typical of Nigerian culture and spirituality, the ambassador attracted the attention of those present with speeches and preaching that touched everyone’s heart and spirit. . The diplomat was also welcomed by the highest administrative authorities of Frosinone: in the front row the commissioner Danilo Magliocchetti representing the mayor Riccardo Mastrangeli. The mayor, unable to be physically present due to previous engagements, then intervened via Zoom bringing all the greetings of the city and his personal ones. Is Mastrangeli that Magliocchetti they had words of great appreciation for the constructive presence in Ciociaria of the vast Nigerian community and for the work of the pastor’s church Benson.
“We are happy with your presence among us – remarked the two administrators – a community that we perceive as very active, proactive and calm, which enriches us and encourages us to adopt increasingly effective inclusive policies”.
Mastrangeli he then addressed the ambassador officially inviting him to a subsequent meeting in which to plan initiatives for the mutual growth of the Nigerian and Ciociara communities. Nice the curtain between the two on their respective gastronomic specialties: “Mayor – said the diplomat – it will be a pleasure to let you taste our dishes” – “It will be for me too to let you taste our Ciociare delicacies, maybe a nice plate of fettuccine …” .
Yaya Adisa Olaitan Olaniran (accompanied by his wife Regina Olaniran), as well as the pastor Bensonthanked Italy for having kindly welcomed the Nigerian people and, turning to Magliocchettiexpressed his intentions to work to encourage greater interaction between the respective communities, an appeal promptly received by the councilor.
The “cult” – present also the pastor Giuseppe Antonelli with his wife Ines Barroso and the president of the Nigerian Edo Union Uyi Asemota – as happens every Sunday it went on for several hours, at the end of which there was a lunch in which a rich and tasty dish of jollof rice with chicken and vegetables was served (very spicy and spicy like all Nigerian cuisine and generally Sub-Saharan).
“I am leaving enriched by the encounter with your community and your culture – greeted the commissioner Magliocchetti – I will definitely come back to you, but already today I will carry the experience of this extraordinary day within me ”.