His Royal Majesty, Amb. Uzochukwu Jerome Ezeneche, the king of six nations, has reiterated his call for strong socio-political and cultural ties between Africa and Asia. He stated this at the Jim Thompson Art Center, where he was fielding questions from journalists about international friendship and relation between Asia and Africa with focus on Thailand. Ezeneche who is the leader of Ndi Igbo in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, China, Vietnam and Thailand stated that there was need to strengthen the socio-cultural connection that has existed between the two continents through migration and pledged his support to the Afro-Asian culture and identity project initiated by CHE OneJoon. He further stated that it could only be through this kind of programmes that the two continents could continue to understand their differences and the best way to work together.
According to Ezeneche, there was need to smoothen immigration processes by Asian countries for ease of movement which will in turn lead to exchange of ideas, strong cultural ties and cordial business relationship. He stated that Africa has a lot to offer Asia and believed that gone are the days when Africans are seen as parasites in the world affairs.
Speaking further, he reiterated that Africa has continued to produce the best doctors, teachers, engineers and scientists who are in high demand all over the world, making great impact and added that most Igbo people travel to broaden their worldview and become contributors to their host countries. “The Igbos are naturally sojourners and in Igbo philosophy, travel is part of education. We believe that travelling and exposure to other cultures deepen experience, enriches understanding and contributes to a man’s wisdom”. Ezeneche urged some of the Asian countries particularly Thailand to see ways it could assist Africa in technology transfer and sciences as part of their contribution towards boosting the ongoing development processes in Africa. He noted that gone are days when any country would feel they’re self-reliant adding that we are in a globalized world where countries need each other to survive. “Our technical know-how is still at the rudimentary stages. So it presents an opportunity for foreign investors with access to capital to hit gold by investing in our markets. No continent offers the insane returns to investment like Nigeria does. Asians should take advantage of the Nigerian market and reap bountifully. Infrastructural challenges are evident, but so also are the opportunities. More risk, more reward”. He stated.
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