In recognition of the accomplishments of prominent Lebanese emigrants, the Lebanese Emigration Research Center at Notre Dame University awarded H.E. Honorable Consul of Lebanon in Kano, Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed-Ali Fadlallah, in a ceremony held at Notre Dame University in the presence of NDU President Father Walid Moussa, Vice-President for Sponsored Research and Development Dr. Assaad Eid and the Ambassador of Nigeria to Lebanon H.E Hameed Opeloyeru and members of the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Beirut.
H.E. Consul Fadlallah on his first visit to NDU and LERC (March 2008) (From L to R): H.E. Mr. Fadlallah, Father Moussa, Ms. Hourani, and Mr. Sfeir, Chairman and General Manager of Bank of Beirut.
The ceremony began with a tour of the Lebanon and Migration Museum at NDU, where the guests were guided round the various collections.
Gathered around the Nigerian and Brazilian Collections (from L to R): Mr. Roda, H.E. Mr. Opeloyeru, Mr. Makarem, Mr. Fadlallah, Ms. Hourani, and Mr. Khatlab (April 2009).
Ms. Hourani explains to members of the Nigerian Embassy and LENIFRA about some items collected by the Center. (April 2009).
The Director of LERC, Ms. Guita Hourani, opened the event and welcomed the guests, among whom were the President of the Lebanese-Nigerian Friendship Association (LENIFRA) Mr. Issam Makarem, its Vice-President Mr. Hani Safieddine, and member of the LENIFRA Board of Trustees Mr. Jawad Roda. Also present were members of the Fadlallah family Mr. Haidar Fadlallah, the Consul's brother who was representing him in the ceremony, the President of the Municipality of Jwaya Mr. Sari Fadlallah, and Mr. Mohammed Hassan Fadlallah, as well as NDU staff, and LERC friends.
In his speech, NDU’s President Father Moussa expressed his sincere feelings in acknowledging Consul Fadlallah as a distinguished member of the Lebanese community in Nigeria. He added that the Lebanese Emigration Research Center of Notre Dame University has recognized various individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Lebanese migration communities. Two awards have been given so far; the first was given to Mr. Roberto Khatlab, a Brazilian-Lebanese, for his authorship of many valuable studies on the Lebanese emigration to Brazil. The second went to Mr. Victor Sahade, a Lebanese-Australian, for his devotion and services to the Lebanese Community in Australia. President Moussa stressed the success of Mr. Fadlallah in business, his knowledge of Nigeria and his devotion to the Lebanese community in Kano.
Consul Fadlallah was appointed Honorary Consul in Kano, Nigeria, in 1987, and since then he has dedicated himself to serving and supporting the Lebanese community and to strengthening Lebanese-Nigerian relations. He also highlighted the efforts made by NDU to support LERC's research infrastructure and museum and encouraged emigrant Lebanese to join in this effort.
A section of the audience listening to Ms Hourani’s introductory speech (April 2009)
Following his speech, Father Moussa presented Mr. Haidar Fadlallah with the Acknowledgment Award. In the name of the recipient, Mr. Fadlallah thanked NDU and LERC for this noble initiative that recognizes the accomplishments of various Lebanese emigrants. H.E Mr. Opeloyeru expressed gratitude to NDU for appreciating the role that Consul Fadlallah has played not only in the lives of the Lebanese in Kano but also in sharing his knowledge of Lebanon with those who seek information. H. E. mentioned that when he was appointed to Lebanon he contacted Mr. Fadlallah to familiarize himself with the country and found him to be very erudite and generous. He ended his speech by emphasizing the successful endeavors of Consul Fadlallah in boosting the Nigerian-Lebanese relations.
Mr. Haidar Fadlallah receives the Award on behalf of his brother H.E Mr. Mohammed-Ali Fadlallah, from H.E. Mr. Opeloyeru and Father Moussa (April 2009)
The event was closed by a presentation given by Ms. Hourani showing the electronic collection of the Lebanese Emigration Archive and Database.
A souvenir picture to mark the event (April 2009).
