The Nigeria high commissioner to The Gambia and dean of the Diplomatic Corps was recently honoured with an award in recognition of her "support to arts and culture” in the country.

Her Excellency Esther John Audu was presented with the award by the Ebunjan Performing Arts Association during an award ceremony held Friday at its Theatre Hall in Kanifing.

The Gambia’s Foreign Minister, Susan Waffa-Ogoo, presented the award to High Commissioner Esther Audu on behalf of the Ebunjan Performing Arts Association. The award ceremony dubbed “Nigeria Night” also witnessed a stage performance by the Ebunjan Theatre Troupe.

Speaking at the ceremony, the executive director of Ebunjan Theatre, Janet Badjan, spoke highly of High Commissioner Audu, describing her as a woman of exemplary standing who has been a voice for women and children in the societies she lived and worked.

She said the diplomat is the first person to be honoured by the Association, in recognition of her numerous contributions towards the development and propagation of culture. She stated that as a manifestation of the diplomat’s love for culture, upon her arrival in the country in 2008, one of her first places to visit was the Gambia National Museum located at the National Centre for Arts and Culture in Banjul.

“Nigeria is unique because of her cultural diversity and endowment that translates to a deep respect and appreciation for fraternal cultures beyond its borders. “She has endeared herself to Gambians in all spheres as she received the country’s highest honour – Officer of the National Order of the Republic of The Gambia,” she added.

High Commissioner Audu's commitment to cultural exchange, according to Madam Badjan-Young, has reflected in how she has used her office to facilitate visits by Nigerian artistes to The Gambia. "Due to her persistent unstinting support to so many art exhibitions staged by Gambians and Nigerians in the country, High Commissioner Audu was made the patron of the Gambia Association of Comedians," she added.

On her part, the Nigeria high commissioner expressed gratitude to the organisers for the honour. She also recited a long poem entitled ‘Woman’.

About Audu

High Commissioner Esther John Audu was born in 1961 in Kaduna State, Nigeria. She has an impressive educational background, and has bagged degrees in education, economics and business. She has worked and excelled in various fields including politics, business, culture and sports. She has been Nigeria’s chief diplomat to The Gambia since 2008, and is currently the dean of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps in the country.