Abeokuta: By Sina ODUNTAN
Published, Thursday, June 15, 2023
THE NIGERIA HIGH COMMISSIONER TO THE UNITED KINGDOM has been described variously in the diplomatic circle as well as among Nigerian professionals living in the United Kingdom (the UK) as the most active, extraordinary, competent, tireless advocate, humourous and charismatic diplomatic envoy in the United Kingdom (UK) as he clocks second year in office.
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, the Nigeria High Commissioner was hailed to have scored high in performance within two years of his tenure. Among his achievements are within 90 days of assumption of office, he was cleared over 20,000 passport backlogs before his arrival, and consequently, introduced the rollout of the enhanced Nigerian E-passport.
According to the UK-based African Voice newspaper, High Commissioner Isola has done a lot to protect and enhance Nigeria’s image in the UK by speaking out against the travel ban that was introduced at the time of discovering the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
African Voice also reported that Ambassador Isola’s cultural advocacy of Nigerian culture and heritage resulted in the repatriation of the Benin bronzes from Oxford University, London last year.
He met the Speaker of the House of Commons, engaging in bilateral discussions and raising the Nigerian Flag at the Palace of Westminster on 8th February 2022, which was assessed to be Nigeria’s best time in the Court of St James’s.
His engagements at the UK-Nigeria security and defence inaugural partnership dialogue at the Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office, London on 31st January-2nd February 2022, and support for the reelection of Baroness Scotland as Commonwealth Secretary General were rated high in the diplomatic circle.
The 14th High Commissioner of Nigeria to the Court of St James’s, His Excellency, Sarafa Tunji Isola, OFR arrived in the UK on Sunday, 2 May 2021 and resumed at No. 9 Northumberland Avenue London office of the Nigeria High Commission on Monday 3 May 2021.
Nigerian professionals and groups residents in Britain have also adjudged Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola’s interpersonal and official interactions with Nigerians community in the UK as stellar and encouraging, particularly his messages of goodwill at the occasion of Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Anniversary.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, among several others who showered encomium on Ambassador Sarafa Isola, wrote in the House visitor’s book: “I am delighted to be here in London together with other world leaders to witness the historic coronation of King Charles lll, on this day, 6th May, 2023. My participation at the event is a testimony of the highly beneficial bilateral relations existing between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. I commend the High Commissioner, His Excellency, Sarafa Tunji Isola and members of staff of the High Commission for successfully hosting my delegation and l. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Secretary General, Rt. Hon Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary General Commonwealth said High Commissioner Sarafa Tunji Isola was a tireless advocate for his country, his passion and patriotism were evident to anyone who engages with him, adding that his commitment and dedication to serving his country and his people to the best of his abilities is commendable.
“His incisive mind and wisdom always shine through his judicious interventions. He diligently and consistently represents Nigeria in various fora in the UK, you cannot miss the High Commissioner at meetings as he dons colourful agbadas and Ankara fabrics and the traditional fila or Yoruba hat which he wears with grace."
She also added that High Commissioner Isola is an active participant within the Commonwealth family, saying he's 'assiduous in discharging his duties and makes his presence felt, from his ideas and insights into how the Commonwealth family can grow, evolve and become better, to his humour and charisma', as Milton Tella described him as dynamic, progressive and quintessential.
Kate Osamor, member of Parliament for Edmonton said, Isola is patient and communicative, saying it was great to see him engaging with Parliamentarians and lots of members of the diaspora who were eager to see greater UK-Nigeria engagement.
Dr Alex Vines, OBE, Director, Africa Programme, Chatham House, an international Affairs Think Tank said Sarafa Isola had enhanced Nigeria’s High Commission profile across the UK, from engagement with diaspora to encouraging the restitution of cultural goods and deepening bilateral relations with Britain: “H.E Sarafa is one of the most active diplomatic envoys accredited to the Court of St James’s.”
Ambassador Hakim Hajoul, High Commissioner of Morocco to the UK describes Ambassador Sarafa Isola as distinguished by his natural leadership and innovative thinking. “He is a key driver in the collaborative dynamic of the AU Heads of Mission group.
According to Ambassador Hajoul, Isola has fostered excellent relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and Nigeria, adding that he firmly believes that their friendship and other fellow African High Commissioners and Ambassadors would continue to promote and enhance the British partnership with the African Continent.
Ambassador Johnston Busingye, High Commissioner of Rwanda to the UK said, Ambassador Sarafa was revolutionary and induces a positive change, adding that he’s a true diplomat, inspirational and reliable.
Others diplomats who showered encomium on Ambassador Sarafa Isola included Ambassador Lounes Magrammane of Algeria to the United Kingdom, and Linda Scott, High Commissioner of Namibia and Chairman Board of Governors of the Commonwealth. The Algerian ambassador said he has built beneficial professional and personal relationship with Ambassador Isola to give “the best image for our respective countries and for our continent through the African Union”; while the Namibia High Commissioner to the UK said “We have relied on his insights and wisdom in regard to how Africa engages with the Government of the United Kingdom and with the Commonwealth, in business and political areas of interest”.
Professor Rotimi Jaiyesimi, Group Associate Medical Director for Patient Safety at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust commented that Ambassador Isola has associated with Nigerians by opening his home to many. “With a gentle mien, he has worked closely with community leaders and cultural organisations to provide support and assistance to Nigerians living in the UK, and to promote awareness of Nigerian culture and heritage, resulting in the repatriation of the Benin bronzes from Oxford among other activities. He is a highly respected diplomat who continues to work tirelessly to promote Nigerian interests and the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and the UK and other nations. This has seen an accompanying increase in collaboration between Nigeria and the UK across sectors such as trade, education, health and security."
Prince Afolabi Andu, Pan-African Chairman, Nigerian British Business Forum & CEO Visage World Limited, Otunba Bimbo Roberts Folayan, former Chairman of CANUK, Founder of NDDIS, Prof. Oba Nsugbe KC, Barrister, Head of Pump Court Chambers and former Chairman of British Nigeria Law Forum, Professor Rotimi Jaiyesimi, Group Associate Medical Director for Patient Safety at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, and Adebimpe Kudehinbu, former Chairman Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) UK, all commended High Commissioner Isola for his intervention in clearing passport backlog and reducing passport processing time and his interventions with the International community when Nigerian travellers were being blacklisted during the covid crises.
"His strong response to the action of the international community was invaluable." They said he has shown himself as a natural leader.
Others were, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, Chief (Dr) Cllr. Kate Anolue (Aunty Kate), former double Mayor, London Borough of Enfield, Wendy Olayiwola-Odutola, BEM, FRCM FRSA President, Nigerian Nurses Association UK, Amir Bagwanje, Chairman Support Staff of the High Commission London, Dr. Boma Douglas PhD, CEng MEI (Chartered Energy Engineer) immediate past Chairman, Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK), Hon Tunde Doherty, Chairman APC UK Chapter and APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen (CDC), Bolaji Lewis, Chairman Nigerian Think Tank Group, Charles Iyore, Investment analyst and Principal partner at the UK based Dion & Associates Limited, and Alistair Soyode, founder of BEN TV said Nigerians in the UK consensually looked forward to Ambassador’s continuous service.
Still others who spoke glowingly of Sarafa Isola were Pastor Olukayode Owolabi, Senior Pastor, The Everlasting Arms Ministries, Alhaji Teju Kareem MD, Zmirage UK, Otunba, Arc. Mobolaji Falase, Custodian General Yoruba Council of Elders and member, Nigeria Council of Elders in the UK, Morenike Ajayi MBE, Author and Director of Corporate Services at Gravesend Churches Housing Association (GCHA), Chief Adebayo Oladimeji former Chairman Nigeria Council of Elders in the UK, Dr Falalu Dahiru Danwata, Member Board of Trustees of Africa Healthcare Development Trust (AHDT), Akintokunbo A Adejumo, Global Coordinator, Champions For Nigeria, and Ibironke Adeagbo FCCA FCA, CEO/Founder - IA-Foundation, all saying Isola seamlessly, excellently interacts with people regardless of their Nigerian tribes or backgrounds.
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