Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Ifedi was recently appointed an Honorary Consul-General to Nigeria by the Government of Belize. He serves on the Board of Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Americas as the regional director for Central/South America and the Carribean. He is a consultant and is currently a visiting professor in public policy at Nasarawa State University, Keffi. In this interview with ABIODUN OLUWAROTIMI, he reflects on several issues. Excerpts:
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Sir, for the first time, Belize has appointed a representative in Africa. How did this come about; how were you appointed, and why this long?
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I will answer the last first. Most countries normally review their relationships with other countries, and the nature of that relationship may naturally necessitate the establishment of mission post. Regarding my appointment, my diplomatic journey from Belize is an act of God. It was also given a boost ?by the fact that I have a good knowledge of Belize and Nigeria, and the desire to serve both countries with ?my physical, intellectual and moral strength. I was nominated to the Belizean Government and, following due consideration, my name was forwarded to the Nigerian government, the receiving state, and subsequently by mutual consent of the two governments, ?following strict guidelines ?of the Vienna convention for diplomatic and consular ?protocol, I received the confirmation to open the Belize Consulate in Nigeria.
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As the Consul-General of Belize in Nigeria, what are your roles and may I say diplomatic responsibilities?
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In a nutshell, my mission as Consul of Belize to Nigeria includes ?assisting Belizeans visiting Nigeria and ?the duty of promoting improved bi-lateral trade, tourism, foreign investments, technological transfers, mutual understanding, ?cultural diplomacy and technical assistance. These efforts, in the long run, I hope, will assist in the re-configuration of the contemporary horizontalism between Central America and Africa, and replace it with a wider, vertical economic relationship in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Region (ACP) – ?concepts with possibilities of complimentarity. I also intend to promote ?vigorously ? exchange programmes ?between Belize and Nigeria in the areas of education, culture and a well articulated technical aids scheme. The issue of friendship between the two countries will be accelerated and given a sense of momentum and urgency. This is my road map.
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Do you issue visas to Belize in the consulate in Nigeria, and what are the requirements?
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Yes. My commission has full authority to issue Belize visa and process Belize passport, but with strict guidelines. The requirements are fully listed on the consulate website. Simply stated, the ?process is that the visa applicant submits all required documents to the consulate and, after the documents are vetted, they are duly ?scanned and visa requests are made to the Director of Immigration in Belize. The director is the only one who can issue approval or denial. ?And it is only when that request is approved ?from Belize that ?I can issue the visa in Abuja. Some applicants call the consulate with questions regarding the turn around period for answers to visa request. It is important for them to know that it varies, depending on when the information in the documents submitted can be verified by both the consulate and Belize Immigration, for example, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, purpose of travel and valid international passport.?
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We have occasions when people who received visas are sent back at their final destinations, what can you say about that?
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That is certainly possible. You may obtain the visa,, but at the port of entry or disembarkation you may not satisfy the immigration officers with questions regarding your ?purpose of visit, or accommodation plans, etc . If the traveller cannot answer questions to the satisfaction of the immigration officer processing their entry, of course, it will be a dereliction of duty on the part of the immigration officer if such visitor is granted permit to enter the country.
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Can we know what you are currently doing in terms of the bilateral relations?
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I returned recently from Belize where I led an investor in hospitality industry. Land has been acquired in Belmopan, Belize, to build bed and breakfast inn and another project will be for ?time share homes. There is an ongoing negotiation in the agriculture sector in the Stan Creek District of Belize to have garri processing plants for onward shipment to consumers in USA and Canada. There is huge market in that sector because at this time all the garri consumed in the Americas comes from mainly West Africa. Belize has great amount of cassava which are not processed into garri, but used mainly as cakes. Another major investor is currently making a feasibility study regarding the oil industry in Belize, with specific interest in refining. I also concluded discussion with the Belize Ambassador for foreign trade on the need to establish Belize-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and the planned visit of key Nigerian legislators to Belize Parliament. At this moment, I am engaged in facilitating a dialogue between Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria ?and the University of Belize, and we are mutually studying a proposal for a linkage program and I will be meeting the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos to conclude discussions on the concepts of exchange scholarship programmes with Belize universities.
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What are your parting words?
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I am indeed blessed to be representing Belize – what has been described as nature’s best-kept secret to my country Nigeria. Belize, despite her population, has always been aware of the importance of being a member of the international community and actively striving to contribute to the stability and peace of the global village and the establishment of a better future for humankind. Belize has more than its vibrant cultural heritage and great pristine water. Belizeans have a lively spirit and a way of life of which I find myself in great affinity.