With a remarkable journey marked by dedication and service, Ambassador HRM (Queen) Efe A. Clark-Omeru, JP stands as an exceptional figure in Nigerian diplomacy. Her illustrious career has seen her hold pivotal roles both on the international stage and within her homeland. Notably, Queen Clark-Omeru’s distinguished tenure as Acting High Commissioner at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, showcased her Diplomatic prowess. Furthermore, her leadership extended to Heading the Diplomatic Mission in Argentina, among other significant responsibilities.

The profound impact of Amb. Queen Clark-Omeru’s efforts becomes evident when considering her involvement with the Littoral and the West Regions. These regions not only house a substantial Nigerian population of over five million but also play a pivotal role in fostering trade and bilateral relations between Cameroon and Nigeria. Amb. Queen Clark-Omeru’s contributions have been felt deeply in various capacities, including as a Political, Economic, Trade and Investment, and Multilateral Desk Officer within different departments of the Ministry and during her assignments abroad.

Beyond her Diplomatic achievements, Amb. Queen Clark-Omeru’s personal journey is equally captivating. A union of leadership and heritage, she is married to the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Michael G. Omeru, JP, CON with whom she shares the blessing of children.

Amb. Queen Clark-Omeru’s character transcends her Diplomatic endeavors, as she is recognized as a devoted philanthropist and an enigmatic presence. Her dedication to the betterment of Nigeria and humanity at large has shaped her legacy. With unwavering commitment, she has woven her years of service into the fabric of the nation and the world, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of diplomacy, leadership, and philanthropy.

In recognition of decades of meritorious services to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigerian Foreign Service, former President Mohammadu Buhari (GCFR) conferred on her Ambassador-In-Situ in February, 2022. She was also conferred with Justice of the Peace (JP) in May 2023 by the Government of Delta State, Nigeria, in recognition of her Service to Humanity, Social Justices and Community Development.

Being a Woman in a Male dominated Line of work. Can you tell us how you started your career?

I started my career after my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Warri, Delta State, Nigeria from 1998 – 1999. I am delighted to say that I joined the Nigerian Foreign Service (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) as a Third Secretary on 13^th February 2001 and attended the 16^th Regular Course of the Nigerian Foreign Service Academy, from September 2003 – August 2004. I rose through the Ranks to become an Ambassador in the space of twenty-two years in the Foreign Service.

As a seasoned Nigerian Diplomat who has represented the nation in various well-known nations. What aspect of your job do you like the most?

Well, having served in several countries as a Nigerian Diplomat, the most interesting aspect is meeting people of various cultures, being able to interact with people of these countries and your fellow Diplomats from other parts of the world. Having a friendly bond among the people you meet while serving in your host countries, and selling the potentials of my country to them.

How do you fit in family activities given that your career involves travelling a lot?

Having served my beloved country for over 22 years in the Diplomatic Service both in the Ministry and outside Nigeria, my beautiful family has been part of this beautiful journey. My family is always with me as they are used to the type of job I do. They are quite supportive.

As a Queen, has this job given you the opportunity to carry out your royalty preference?

Quite an interesting question. Well, to say that as a Queen and Royalty, that remains in the Palace. As a Diplomat, the job comes first. I have to function as a Public Servant and there is no way you can combine both functions together.

Knowing that you have a lot of things to accomplish, how do you unwind?

I read a lot of great books; I go on vacations with my family when I am on Home Leave. I swim, I do charity works, watch television, mostly news, movies, I admire Nature and listen to music.

You have been in Cameroon for two years, tell us how you feel taking a Diplomatic charge in the country? And what are using missing out here?

I have been in Douala, the Littoral Region of the Republic of Cameroon for over two years now. I would say that been the Consul-General of Nigeria to Douala, the Littoral and West Regions of this great country has been both pleasant and wonderful. Overseeing the Consulate General of Nigeria here has been great. Ours is mostly based on Consular Matters between our two brotherly countries. Bilateral Issues are also of importance. There are no issues missing out because Nigeria and Cameroon are brothers and we have millions of Nigerians residing in the Littoral and West Regions of this great country. Most of these Nigerians are 3^rd and 4^th generations of Nigerians that were born in Cameroon. They are both hardworking and law-abiding citizens.

Cameroon is a bilingual country with English and French as its official languages and you are in charge of French-speaking compatriots. How do you intend to interact with your French speaking audiences?

Cameroon is a bilingual country, as you are aware, there are no issues regarding my overseeing of the French-Speaking Regions. Since my arrival, I have been able to express myself in the two official languages, which is a bit of French and English. My interaction with the people in my area of jurisdiction has been perfect and I have been trying to improve in the aspect of the French Language, which is very important. I have previously served in Buenos Aires, Argentina, South America, as Chargé d’Affaire, IA, which is a Spanish country. The whole of South American countries use Spanish or Portuguese as their official channel of Diplomatic communication. It is good to know that most of the Government officials and the citizens of Cameroon that I have interacted with also speak English perfectly.

Nigerians living in Cameroon have boosted the economy with their various business ventures whilst several companies also keep coming from Nigeria to establish in this country. What is your reaction about this and how do you appreciate business climate in Cameroon?

Nigerians living in the Republic of Cameroon are doing exceptionally well in their various areas of businesses. They have boosted the economy of this great country. Nigerians in the Littoral and West Regions are mostly into Small and Medium Businesses; they are mostly into import of spare parts from Nigeria, Electronics, Building Materials, Provision and Cosmetics, Food Stuffs. We also have Nigerian Companies that are domiciled and operating in Douala such as Dangote Cement Cameroon, United Bank for Africa, Air Peace Limited, MRS Corlay, Access Bank Cameroon amongst others. These Companies are in fact headed by both Nigerians and Cameroonians with skills. Cameroon as a country is business friendly with Nigeria based on the numbers of Nigerian Companies that are doing business in Douala and other parts of Cameroon. I often say that Douala is like Lagos of Nigeria and Johannesburg of the Republic of South Africa because of its Economic potentials.

Permit me to also say that the religious domain is not left out as there are a number of Nigerian churches such as Dunamis International Gospel Centre, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Winner Chapel International, Deeper Life Bible Church, etc. established in Cameroon. There churches bring Nigerians and Cameroonians together to worship under same roof, while catering for their spiritual needs.

You have been moving around your jurisdiction in Cameroon with progress to encourage and ensure sanity among Nigerians in the host country… How will you describe the attitudes of Nigerians in the country?

My meeting with Relevant Stakeholders in the host country revealed that Nigerians in the Littoral and West Regions are well behaved and are law-abiding and there are no criminal cases recorded against them, if any maybe few. The only problem they have is misunderstanding among themselves and when reported before the Consulate General, it is treated with dispatch. I always appeal to them to be law-abiding to Rules and Regulations of the Host country. On my arrival, I met with the Governor of Littoral Region, H.E. Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, the Mayor of Douala City, Dr Roger Mbassa Ndine, as well as other stakeholders in the Region and they all spoke well of Nigerians as serious minded and business oriented who have been of great economic value to the Republic of Cameroon. Furthermore, my tour of duty to the West Region from 31^st May to 3^rd June 2022 is another testimony that Nigerians over there are doing well. During my one-one interaction with the Relevant Host Stakeholders, most importantly, the Governor, H.E Awa Fonka Augustine, he applauded and hailed Nigerians in the West Region for the way and manner they conduct themselves.

What should Nigerians in areas of your command be expecting from Your Excellency as regards their welfare and well-being?

Apart from the basic Consular Services which includes issuance of Consular cards, Age Declaration, Emergency Travel Certificate, the Consulate General attends to several Consular issues bordering on child and human trafficking, incessant harassment and detention of Nigerians by Host Security Agents, excessive taxation by host authorities, disputes between and among Nigerians, financial assistance to stranded Nigerians, to mention just a few.

The Consulate also covers the Riverine and Hinterland areas in the Littoral Regions such as Manoka Sub-Division, Toube I and II, Moungangde Village, Tonde Nkam-Yabassi, and Nigerians resident in these areas are mostly Farmers and Fishermen. From time to time, the Consulate General embark on Consular visits in these areas to see how they are faring.

May I also mention that the role of the Consulate General has expanded with the introduction of the E-passport to Nigerian citizens. The Consulate General of Nigeria, Douala, Republic of Cameroon is the only Mission that issues passport in the Central African Region and Nigerians in the Region have been patronizing it.

In fact, the Consulate General is committed to render its normal Consular services as well as promote the economic interests of Nigerians in the Littoral and West Regions. We are also committed to promote trade and investment of Nigerian Companies in Douala, Republic of Cameroon.

Having up to seven million Nigerians in Cameroon means the country really has something special to offer. How do you assess the hospitality of Cameroon?

We have an estimated seven million Nigerians residing in the Republic of Cameroon and out of this seven million, we have five million of them residing in the Littoral and West Regions. The Republic of Cameroon is indeed a beautiful and a great country in the CEMAC Region. Both countries enjoy cordial Diplomatic Relations and we also have great Bilateral Relation. My visits to various government officials in the two Regions have attest to the fact that Nigerians have lived among their Cameroonian brothers for years. They also affirmed that Nigerians are very hardworking and industrious people who contribute to the economy of Cameroon. The Nigerian Community in the Littoral and West Regions have also confirmed to me that they have lived in harmony with their Cameroonian brothers for years. Also, along the line many of these Nigerians have married Cameroonian women and men, which have produced children. To sum it up, I have lived in Douala for over two years and I can say hundred percent to you that the Republic of Cameroon is indeed wonderful in terms of hospitality to us Nigerians and our Nigerian companies.

Other than the Nigerian National Day on 1st October that brings Nigerians together, could you in your capacity initiate other events that will bring Nigerians together to showcase their culture, food, dances, talents etc.

The Consulate General of Nigeria in Douala, Littoral and West Regions of the Republic of Cameroon is home to over 5 million Nigerians. We celebrate our National Day which draws our Nationals from the two Regions that are under my jurisdiction. I receive several invitations from the Nigerian Union and various State Chapters to participate in their activities, these ceremonies bring them closer. These showcase the rich culture and heritage of our people through food, music, dressing, etc. The Consulate General has participated in the International Women Day Celebrations and I lead the women during the celebrations since I am a female Consul-General. Also, the Consulate General pays courtesy call on our host authorities to address the issues of Bilateral Relations between the two countries and also visits to Nigerian companies that are in Douala.

Last year, a fundraising for the New Nigerian Union Secretariat took place. Nigerians in the Littoral Region turned out to support the building of the Secretariat. I also led my staff and Nigerians to the foundation laying of the new Secretariat building. The Fundraising of the secretariat was successful due to the efforts of committed Nigerians, our Cameroonian brothers and sisters and Nigerian companies.

In addition, during the African Day Celebration on 25^th May 2023, hosted by the Ministry of External Relations (MINREX) Branch Office in Douala, the Consulate General of Nigeria, Douala participated fully, whereby we showcased our rich culture through various traditional dishes (food), music and dances. During festival period such as Christmas, Easter, Salah, we celebrate as one Nation.

You have been recent been awarded Exequatur… How do you feel and what does it mean to your ability?

It is imperative to mention that following my assumption of duty as the Consul-General of Nigeria to Douala, the Littoral and West Regions of the Republic of Cameroon on 28^th June, 2021, I was presented my Exequatur by the Governor of the Littoral Region H.E. Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua on 23^rd June 2022. Undoubtedly, my commissioning has paved way further for me to rigorously pursue Nigeria’s interests in my area of jurisdiction, which have been yielding positive results.

What advice can you give to Naija Diaspora Magazine?

My advice to Naija Diaspora Magazine is, please be objective and factual in your reporting. Continue to promote, project and enlighten people about the good Bilateral Relations between Nigeria and Cameroon. Continue your good work with our Diplomatic Missions in Yaounde, Douala and Buea. The sky is your limit.

What message do you have for Nigerians in your jurisdiction and Cameroon at large?

I have met with our Nigerian brothers and sisters several times since I assumed office in June 2021 and my message of advice to them is that they must respect the laws of the Republic of Cameroon, their immigration status must be up to date, they have to live in peace with their fellow Cameroonian brothers and be good ambassadors of Nigeria