The Consul of the Honorary Consulate of Grenada in Nigeria, Abidemi Oluwagbenga Sonoiki, represents a fascinating blend of banking expertise and international diplomacy. With a distinguished career in banking and finance spanning over 25 years, Sonoiki has made significant contributions to the industry. However, his trajectory took a remarkable turn after a chance encounter at Buckingham Palace, setting him on a new mission to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and Grenada.
In a recent interview in his Lagos office, Sonoiki shared insights into his journey, his role, and the initiatives aimed at fostering stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Grenada, His journey to becoming the Honorary Consul of Grenada began with a visit to Grenada, where he submitted his resume and personal profile for consideration. The process included comprehensive paperwork, interviews and international security checks. Following the election of a new government in Grenada, Sonoiki was invited for further evaluation by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Trade and Investment. His appointment was confirmed by the new Prime Minister, marking the start of his diplomatic mission.
Sonoiki said that his primary responsibility is to serve as the intermediary between Grenada and Nigeria. “My mission is to harness the talents and skills of people from both nations to promote investment and trade, and to foster collaboration in various sectors such as education, health, tourism, culture, and waste management,” he added.
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He noted that the consulate will also provide consular services, offering essential information and support to Nigerians traveling for business, education, and leisure, as well as those seeking citizenship pathways.
Sonoiki’s major initiatives is the establishment of the Nigeria-Grenada Chamber of Commerce, designed to bring together business people from both countries, said ‘This initiative has already seen progress, with the hosting of Grenadian investors in Nigeria and plans for a business exhibition in October 2024 to showcase Nigerian small and medium enterprises’.
Sonoiki envisions a successful partnership between Nigeria and Grenada that will enable Nigerians to consider Grenada their second home and vice versa. He highlights the potential for increased foreign exchange earnings through various ventures, including medical education, real estate investment, and renewable energy projects. Sonoiki is optimistic about the possibility of direct flights between Nigeria and Grenada, which would significantly reduce travel time and enhance bilateral exchanges.
“We plan to intensify the synergy between both countries. You know, to ensure the growth of both economy (Nigeria and Grenada) Nigeria and Nigerians need to rise to the occasion where Nigeria plays big brother to Grenada and the entire Caribbean. I desire to see Grenada and the Caribbean to be the first-choice trade partner of Nigeria in the world. If we can have a good handshake we could take both countries to greater heights, I have no doubt”, he said.
The consulate said that Sonoiki is currently in discussions with a Finnish firm to provide capital for Nigerians and Grenadians to make investments. He emphasizes the myriad opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, ranging from service delivery to franchising global fast-food outlets. Such ventures could foster a symbiotic relationship between enterprising Nigerians and Grenadians, leading to substantial economic benefits.
Grenada, Sonoiki noted, is strategically positioned as a gateway to North and South America, with direct access to the United Kingdom. As an active member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Grenada plays a vital role in regional economic and security initiatives. The country has established strong diplomatic and trade partnerships globally, contributing to its growing influence on the international stage.
Tourism is a significant area of potential growth, and Sonoiki sees immense opportunities for Nigerians to invest in Grenada’s real estate and medical tourism sectors. “By developing short-term rentals and other accommodations, Nigerians can tap into the lucrative tourism market while simultaneously expanding their business interests.”
Obtaining Grenadian citizenship offers numerous advantages, including visa-free access to about 150 destinations and the possibility of securing long-term visas for the USA and Canada. Sonoiki encourages Nigerian youths to consider Grenada as a viable alternative to more traditional destinations like the UK and Canada, offering a more streamlined path to global citizenship.
The St. George’s University in Grenada stands out as a premier institution, particularly in medical education. Sonoiki highlighted the opportunity for Nigerian students to pursue medical degrees and potentially transition to careers in Canada or the USA, thereby contributing to a global exchange of medical expertise.
Sonoiki, restated his commitment to enhancing trade relations between Nigeria and Grenada, focusing on increasing export volumes and creating opportunities for Nigerian exporters to access markets in North America and Europe through Grenadian partnerships. “He envisions a robust Nigeria-Grenada Chamber of Commerce that will serve as a cornerstone for future economic collaborations”.
Sonoiki’s vision for the future is one of intensified synergy between Nigeria and Grenada, with Nigeria playing a pivotal role in fostering development across the Caribbean. He aspires to see the bilateral relationship flourish, with both nations benefiting from a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership