Liu proposes stronger Taiwan, Nigeria partnership

By Morayo Koku

Taipei Trade Office representative, Andy Yih-Ping Liu, has proposed a stronger working relationship between Taiwan and Nigeria.

Liu received a warm welcome at the Special Annual General Meeting of the International Affairs Student Association (IASA). The meeting held earlier this week at the Faculty of Social Science, University of Lagos.

In attendance were Dr Tola Odubajo, representative of the Head of Department (HOD) of Political Science, Dr Ottoh F. the staff adviser, invited lecturers and student members of the association.

During the meeting which took place on the 24th of July, 2023, he delivered an impactful lecture titled “Nigeria and the World: fostering a vibrant foreign diplomacy”.

The representative also declared his appreciation for the Nigerian Government and readiness to support further education initiatives.

He said, “We are ready to be approached by the new government anytime a candidate is sworn in. We are ready to provide Nigeria with our referential model for Nigeria to develop herself. “

Furthermore, Liu’s lecture provided an optimistic outlook on the future growth of Taiwan and Nigeria. He opines that there are similarities between both countries’ histories.

In his words, “…Nigeria and Taiwan, we share so much in common. Especially our will of marching into what people will like to do.”

According to the outgoing president of IASA, Solomon Temitope, the meeting was insightful. It aligns with the aims of the association in instituting in members a flair for international affairs and diplomacy. 

“Diplomatic skills or technique and principles are one of the things we try to inculcate in our members. So, they can be a good ambassador to themself, society, Nigeria, the department and the world at large. That’s one of the reasons we had this particular event today,” he said.

The incoming president of IASA, Adepoju Enitan also expressed a positive view about the association’s future. He intends to improve the present advances of the association. 

In his words, “The future of this association, will be greater. There are plans in place, and we are also working on it. I can only tell what we have now but the future is optimistic. We’ll do our best to build on the current developments the association has recorded.”