Belgian envoy pledges improved ties with Nigeria, builds synergy with DICAN

The Embassy of Belgium in Nigeria has promised improved bilateral relations with Nigeria and as well discussed areas of collaborations with Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DICAN).

The Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt made this known last week when a delegation from the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DICAN) led by its Chairman, Frederick Idehai paid him a courtesy visit at the Belgian Embassy in Abuja.

It was a meeting where potential areas of partnership and collaboration between the Embassy and DICAN were discussed with special emphasis on intellectual capacity development for DICAN members and other mutually beneficial areas of interest.

The Ambassador, while addressing the visiting team, expressed disapproval of the raging saga between the President of the Senate, Senator, Godswill Akpabio and the embattled Kogi Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which in his words has ’caused unnecessary distractions.’

He said, he expects leaders of thought and powers-that-be in the country to strike a balance and get the conflicting factions sheathe their swords for the overall interest of the country.

Speaking further, Ambassador, Leenknegt also reservation over what he described as “sloppy journalism” among Nigerian Journalists which needs to be corrected.

This unpalatable adjective, according to Pieter Leenknegt, stems from an experience he had when he visited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

“It was a fruitful meeting I had with the FCT Minister with key areas of interest well highlighted.

“However, the next day I was surprised to find in over 13 print and online media that the meeting the previous day, was between the outgone Ambassador of the Embassy and with his photograph attached.

“This was a meeting I personally attended so how could they attribute it to my predecessor and attached his photo?

“That’s terrible and what it meant was that one person goofed and others copied from the original source without due verification,” he lamented.

Earlier, Idehai Frederick while introducing DICAN to his host, stressed the manifold benefits that the partnership has in store, highlighting enhanced cultural exchange and diplomatic correspondence between Nigeria and Belgium.

He said the role of media in promoting democracy, good governance and bilateral relations cannot be overemphasized.

“We will provide your country with the needed support in the area of quality and credible reportage for the sake of humanity,” Idehai said.

The visit also touched on the upcoming DICAN Diplomatic/ Security International Conference, where stakeholders in the diplomatic, security, intelligence and media on June 19, 2025 will converge on Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja to brainstorm on how to make the world a better and safer place.

“We want to enhance bilateral relations through our engagement and agenda setting.

“When governments across the nations of the world know that journalists are interested in monitoring their programmes, they wake up and address their challenges,” Idehai remarked.