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I really enjoy Nigeria’s suya, jollof rice and pepper soup –Suomela- Chowdhury, Finland ambassador

Pirjo-Suomela-Chowdhury

Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury

The outgoing Finland ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury, in this interview with TUNDE AJAJA, speaks about the trade relations between Nigeria and Finland, the highlights of her stay for the past five years and her impression about her host country

For the past four years that you’ve been in Nigeria as the ambassador, how would you describe your stay so far?

I have thoroughly enjoyed my years in Nigeria. It has been a very busy time, and professionally a very fulfilling one. It has been a privilege to represent Finland in Nigeria, and I have worked hard throughout to promote relations between our countries. I have had great cooperation with different quarters of the Nigerian society, including government, private sector, and the media. Relations between Finland and Nigeria have been very active during the past four years. We have had three high-level visits from Finland to Nigeria, all very successful. Last year, as part of the official 100th anniversary programme of Finland, we brought to Nigeria the ‘CodeBus Africa’ project. Together with young local instructors, we provided computer coding workshops for students of four public schools, most of the participants being girls. The project created a huge amount of interest, and was well appreciated by students as well as teachers. At our 100th Independence Day reception, I was very honoured to have the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria by my side. Nigerian ministers have made themselves very much available to the cause of promoting Finland Nigeria relations, which I am grateful for.

People in foreign countries have different perceptions about Nigeria, based on the things they had read or heard about Nigeria. What were your immediate thoughts or fears when you were appointed as the ambassador to Nigeria?

I was very keen to come to Nigeria, so I was extremely pleased with the appointment, and I have not been disappointed. Before being appointed as ambassador to Nigeria, I had only set my feet on the continent twice, on two brief visits. It was high time for me to start knowing this great continent, and I was very happy that I was given this opportunity. However, this has been my first experience of being posted to Africa, and I could not think of a better place than Nigeria to start to get to know this beautiful continent. Nigeria is a country of great opportunities and challenges. Its population is dynamic, resilient and talented, and certainly capable of overcoming the challenges, and making most of the opportunities. It is a country full of energy and of vast human and natural resources.

Looking at the diverse culture, weather and uniqueness of the two countries, how would you assess the notable similarities and differences?

Both countries produce great culture, and understand its value. Nigeria has produced some amazing writers, for instance, that can capture the imagination of readers all over the world. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is my favourite so far. Climates of the two countries are of course quite different – I like them both.

Your country has a very cold weather whereas it’s a blend of cold and hot here. Would you say coming here is a relief from that cold weather or you still prefer the cold weather in your country to what we have here?

I enjoy Nigeria’s climate very much. It always seems to be warm here, and almost always sunny. For somebody coming from Finland, it is quite a luxury, but I also have to say that I do love the four very different and distinct seasons in my own country. Finland almost seems like a different country in winter and in summer. In the summer time, everybody is out and about, and the country is full of cultural events that take place in open air. But, talking about similarities and differences, the main strength of Finland in my mind is being quite an egalitarian society. We pay high taxes, but we also get a lot of services from the government, and we try to make the most of all our human resources. Finland is of course a much smaller country than Nigeria. Our population is only 5.5 million, whereas in Nigeria you are almost 200 million.

Some see huge population as a burden while some see it as a blessing, in terms of human capital. On which of the divides do you belong?

Nigeria is a much more complex environment than Finland. Mine is a country of under six million people, and quite homogenous in terms of its cultural, linguistic and ethnic aspects. Nigeria has a very large population that is a major asset to it, a very young and dynamic one. At the same time, population growth is also a major challenge. In all societies, large and small, the basic needs of people have to be taken care of for them to be able to contribute their maximum to the common good. Education and health care are among the most essential basic needs that have to be satisfied.

Finland has one of the best education systems in the world, what makes that possible?

During my time as ambassador in Nigeria, education must have been the single issue that I have most frequently spoken about. Education is a very central building block of the equality – gender and otherwise – that characterises my country. Free good quality schools are available for all, no matter where you live, or what your background is. Highly-qualified teachers are an important element of the school system. Teachers’ training is taken very seriously, and teachers are respected professionals who have strong autonomy in their work. We have also tried to avoid ‘dead ends’. It is possible, for instance, to enter higher education after vocational school. There is a genuine appreciation of vocational education and training, and a large proportion of students choose vocational education. I have noticed that there is a lot of interest in Nigeria towards the Finnish education system. This June, I was very pleased to have a delegation from Finland participating in the TOSSE education fair in Lagos. I look forward to increased collaboration between Finland and Nigeria in the area of education.

What has been the most striking feature of Nigeria that you have observed?

The most striking feature of Nigeria, without doubt, are the people – their dynamism, confidence, positive approach, and great sense of humour. Nigerian women particularly have made a great impression on me, with their confidence, assertiveness and intelligence. My life here is very much focused on work, and that is how I like it, but in my daily work, I have the privilege of meeting a lot of interesting Nigerians. Nigerian people are very active and open. They have a great sense of humour and a very positive attitude towards life in general. I have truly enjoyed the countless discussions that over the years I have had the opportunity to have with Nigerians from different walks of life. The country is full of talent and entrepreneurial spirit. And even though parties, whether in Nigeria or Finland, seem to be about eating and music, I do have to say that Nigerian parties are particularly impressive and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to attend several Nigerian weddings.

How easy was it to adapt to the food here or you still have to shop for your country’s local delicacies here?

In this age of globalisation, you can find many similar food items on supermarket shelves in Finland and in Nigeria. Actually now you can even find lactose free Finnish milk powder, it was recently brought to the country by one of our dairy companies. Nigerian food in general is spicier than food in Finland, but I do really enjoy suya, jollof rice, and pepper soup. My family has even ventured into things like giant snails and goat’s head (laughs).

Nigeria and Finland would seem to have had robust diplomatic relations, but not all Nigerians are aware of the trade relations between Nigeria and Finland. Could you tell us more about that?

Several Finnish businesses are active in Nigeria. Nokia and Wärtsilä have offices in Lagos, so Finnish telecommunications and power presence in Nigeria is strong. We see great promise in private sector cooperation, and we have worked hard to realise that potential. Last November, our Minister of Foreign Trade and Development was in Nigeria with 20 Finnish companies. The year before, our Deputy Minister also visited with a business delegation. A year ago, we hosted in Abuja a matchmaking event for Finnish and Nigerian companies, and in Finland, I have regularly spoken about Nigeria as a business destination to companies who are interested in this market. Our trade promotion office in Lagos is an important part of these efforts. There is a lot of expertise in Finland that could be very useful to Nigeria – in infrastructure, power, telecommunications, ICT, CleanTech, health and well being, education, for instance. Cultivating win-win opportunities in trade relations can greatly benefit both countries and their people.

Can we put a figure to the volume of trade between the two countries?

With a globalised economy, and the very international nature of Finnish businesses, it is in fact difficult to give figures that would adequately reflect the reality. Some exports of Finnish companies for instance are routed through third countries, and therefore might not appear in official statistics. What is clear, is that while I see many Finnish companies doing business in Nigeria, and many more actively exploring the opportunities, I would always like to see more trade between our countries.

What is the history of the diplomatic/trade relationship between Nigeria and Finland?

Finland established in Lagos in 1963 its first embassy in Sub-Saharan Africa. In recent years, the relations have been very active, and last year was particularly busy. It was an important anniversary year for my country, as we reached the 100-year milestone as an independent nation. In November, the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development of Finland visited Nigeria with a large business delegation, and in June our Minister attended the Nordic and African Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Abuja. The previous year, our Deputy Minister for External Economic Relations visited Nigeria with Finnish companies. A few weeks ago, I was very pleased to see Finnish participation at the TOSSE education fair. I have noticed that in Nigeria there is a lot of interest towards the Finnish education system, and I believe there seems to be many opportunities for cooperation. From Nigeria, too, several important personalities have visited Finland in recent times, including only a couple of months ago the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, as well as the Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos, and a few weeks ago a delegation from the National Defence College of Nigeria.

Finland is the happiest country in the world, according to a recent United Nations report, how would you describe the life and experience of an average Finn?

Nordic nations seem to be doing very well in this happiness ranking. I believe it tells a lot about the way we have organised our societies, and about the kind of things that we value. Our people pay some of the highest taxes in the world. At the same time, they enjoy a very extensive social security system and services provided by the society, including free education for all, and a comprehensive health care system, as well as security, rule of law and good governance. These things allow people to make the most of their lives. I also believe that for people in Finland, happiness very much equals to an ‘ordinary’ well-balanced life, the opportunity to educate yourself, to have a fulfilling career and a good family life. Finnish people enjoy and appreciate the simple things of life.

How do you spend your leisure?

I have very little leisure time. In fact, I sometimes say that my work is also my hobby. It is so interesting and fulfilling that I find myself tempted to give it all my time. When I do have some spare time, I like to read, or to watch movies, or spend time with my family, or just be on my own. My work is very social, and spending time alone provides an important balance. When I have the time, I also love to travel. I have been to many Nigerian cities; in addition to Abuja, to Lagos, Ibadan, Makurdi, Port Harcourt, Kano, Maiduguri, there are so many more I would still love to visit. Lagos is where I have been travelling to most frequently. With trade promotion as our main focus, the commercial capital of Nigeria obviously is of great interest to us. Finland also has a trade promotion office in Lagos, and an Honorary Consul. The Finnish companies Nokia and Wärtsilä have offices in Lagos, and several local representatives of Finnish companies are there. Lagos is an impressive city. The very first time I visited it four years ago was for the annual European Union Nigeria Business forum. It was a great way to start to get to know the commercial capital of Nigeria. As a city, Lagos is very different from Abuja. One cannot but be impressed by all that life and culture crammed into one place. My first visit to Nike Art Gallery in Lagos was a very memorable event. I am not an art expert, but I could tell immediately that the collection of arts there was truly amazing. I must have spent two hours up and down the stairs, admiring the work of so many extremely talented artists. My husband lives and works in Finland, but regularly comes to Nigeria, and stays here extended periods. Our son has also visited Nigeria. Both have really enjoyed their time here.

European countries are known to be conservative; are there residency programmes Nigerians could also benefit from? Nigerians love to explore, both in terms of education and leisure. Are there such attractions/opportunities in Finland?

Finland is part of the Schengen area, and we apply the same rules as other Schengen countries do when it comes to immigration. The Embassy has very comprehensive information on its web pages for anyone who might be interested in visa or residence permit issues. For Nigerian holiday makers, Finland has not been a prime destination, but we have quite a sizeable Nigerian community. Some have come to the country to study and there are also many talented Nigerian footballers in Finland. Some also go to Finland for medical treatment.

As your mission in Nigeria is coming to an end, is there any particular experience or encounter you will never forget about your stay in Nigeria?

I cherish my time in Nigeria, and there have been many memorable experiences during my four years here. The historic elections in 2015 were among the most important. While in Nigeria, I have spoken a lot about gender equality, and very much also appreciated the opportunity last year to take part in the International Women’s Day programme, together with the most powerful ladies of Lagos State, including the Deputy Governor. Celebrating the 100 years of Finland’s independence in December together with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria was a privilege, and of course having our ministers in Nigeria were the highlights of my time here. Visiting Maitama Hospital maternity clinic, NAPTIP shelter and a Finland funded school health project in Ibadan will all stay in my mind, as well as our cooperation with the Ventures Platform business incubator, and our minister’s visit to Abuja Airport control tower to see the Finnish technology installed there. CodeBus Africa was a unique opportunity to interact with local youngsters, and to see how computer coding can bring together people from Finland and Nigeria. My several visits to Nigerian universities in Lagos, Ibadan and Port Harcourt have all been memorable, and I will definitely not forget the recent National Defence College visit to Finland. I am also very grateful for the two visits I have been able to do to Maiduguri, and pleased that during my time here, Finland has channeled significant humanitarian aid to Nigeria. And I must mention that throughout my four years here, I have always enjoyed a great relationship with the Nigerian media, which I am very grateful for. In every country, media play a crucial role in informing, educating and creating awareness among the populace. I have been repeatedly impressed by the very active and interesting media in Nigeria. I am very pleased also that we have had the opportunity to send several Nigerian journalists to visit Finland.

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