The Nigerian Embassy in Portugal and Associação Afro Euforico have agreed to strengthen cooperation on consular services, community welfare and cultural diplomacy.

The agreement followed a meeting between the association’s delegation and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Portugal, Erelu Angela Adebayo, in Lisbon on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

The meeting focused on challenges facing Nigerians living in Portugal and explored areas of closer collaboration between the embassy and the association.

The delegation, led by the association’s President, Jideofor Obidike, included Vice President Austin Ndeze, Youth and Sports Coordinator Francis Ofre, and Women and Welfare Coordinator Sophina Omanilam Gilbert.

The association raised concerns about access to passport services, welfare support, employment, accommodation, entrepreneurship and community networking.

It also highlighted the contribution of Yusuf Oladimeji Oyeleke, a member of Associação Afro Euforico, who it said had facilitated more than 30 jobs for Nigerians in Portugal’s Algarve region.

Adebayo said the embassy was working to facilitate the production of Nigerian international passports in Lisbon, adding that the initiative, if implemented, could improve access to consular services for Nigerians in Portugal.

The association also called for greater promotion of Nigeria’s cultural heritage through tourism, music, fashion, food and entrepreneurship.

The ambassador commended the objectives of the association and urged its leadership to demonstrate initiative, consistency and commitment to community development.

She also requested a designated list of board members who could serve as community focal points to strengthen communication between the embassy and Nigerians across Portugal, particularly in the Algarve region.

During the visit, the association presented Adebayo with a commemorative portrait, a floral arrangement and an AFRO EUFORICO Gold Medal.

The presentation made her the inaugural recipient of the association’s AFRO EUFORICO Merit Award, which is scheduled for official launch in 2027.

The delegation also presented its flagship initiatives, including the AFRO EUFORICO Festival, AFRO EUFORICO Cup, AFRO EUFORICO Fashion Show, International Conferences and AFRO EUFORICO Merit Awards.

The programmes are scheduled to hold in Nigeria, Portugal and other locations in 2027, with a focus on cultural exchange, youth participation, business networking, entrepreneurship and stronger links among Nigerians in the diaspora.

The AFRO EUFORICO Festival 2027 is also expected to expand to Lisbon, Algarve, Madrid and Paris under the L.A.M.P. initiative, with support from its associates, Plantel Euforico in Portugal and Plantagenet King in Nigeria.

The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to cooperation in community welfare, cultural diplomacy, youth development, business networking and entrepreneurship, as well as promoting a positive image of Nigeria in Portugal and beyond.