Ambassador Yordanov Hails Media’s Contribution to Bulgaria-Nigeria Friendship

By Iyojo Ameh

The Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yanko Yordanov, has praised the Nigerian media for its role in strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between Bulgaria and Nigeria.

Speaking at the Excellence Award ceremony organized by Diplomat Extra Magazine in Abuja, Ambassador Yordanov acknowledged the media’s significant contribution to fostering a strong people-to-people relationship between the two nations.

“I consider this award a very important milestone, showing that Bulgaria and Nigeria have moved forward in recent times. We have succeeded in rebuilding a very strong bond, particularly through people-to-people contact. And when we talk about people-to-people contact, we must always recognize the vital role of the media,” Yordanov said.

The ambassador expressed satisfaction with his interactions with the Nigerian media over the past four years, describing the experience as filled with “positive energy” and mutual enthusiasm for promoting deeper cooperation. He reiterated his commitment to working towards a future of stronger global collaboration between Bulgaria and Nigeria.

Responding to the award presented to him, Ambassador Yordanov dedicated the honor to all Nigerians and Bulgarians who had supported his mission in Nigeria.

“This award is dedicated to all the people—Nigerians and Bulgarians—with whom I have worked throughout my tenure. It is a tribute to those who believed in the need to rebuild and strengthen the relationship between our two nations. Bulgaria and Nigeria are partners, and it is only natural for every ambassador to work towards solidifying this bond. Thank you very much for this great honor,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, former Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ogbole Ode, commended Ambassador Yordanov’s diplomatic achievements, describing them as worthy of emulation.

“When the Ambassador responded to the award, he highlighted the immense positive energy present in Nigeria. He effectively tapped into that energy to reset and revitalize Bulgaria’s relationship with Nigeria. Diplomats are expected to continually strive to enhance ties between their host and home countries, and Ambassador Yordanov has done this exceptionally well,” Ode remarked.

On his part, Dr. Oche-Martin Ejembi, a Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Queens Hospital, emphasized the importance of further strengthening the revived Bulgaria-Nigeria relationship to reclaim lost achievements.

“Years ago, the relationship between Bulgaria and Nigeria was very strong, but it eventually weakened. Ambassador Yordanov has not only revived it but also rejuvenated associations of Nigerian alumni from Bulgarian institutions. We now look forward to deeper ties in business, agriculture, mining, medicine, and more. Nigerians need to explore Bulgaria more; there is so much untapped potential there,” Dr. Ejembi said.

The diplomatic relationship between Bulgaria and Nigeria has spanned over sixty years. Both countries remain optimistic that their renewed partnership will lead to more substantial achievements, further enhancing the longstanding friendship between the two nations.