On November 2, 2023, a farewell ceremony was held in honor of the outgoing Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ambassador Rafiu Adejare Bello. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mrs. Carmen Moreno, representing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who was unavoidably absent.
Ambassador Bello thanked former President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing him and incumbent President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recommending him. He also expressed his gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to serve his country outside of Nigeria after serving as Minority Leader and Speaker in the Osun State House of Assembly for 12 years.
Ambassador Bello’s tour of duty in Mexico was marked by a number of achievements, including strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Mexico, promoting trade and investment, and deepening cultural ties. He was also a vocal advocate for the interests of the Nigerian community in Mexico.
In her remarks, Deputy Minister Moreno praised Ambassador Bello’s contributions to the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Mexico. She noted that his work had helped to strengthen ties between the two countries in a number of areas, including trade, investment, and culture.