Welcome to Abuja, Nigeria.
I, therefore give my personal commitment to your safety throughout your stay.
Since the beginning of the International Junior Science Olympiad competition nearly a decade ago, the Nigerian delegation and indeed that of a number of African countries have traveled halfway around the world to participate in what has now become an annual quest for academic excellence.
From Jakarta in 2004, to Yogyakarta, to Sao Paulo in far away Brazil and then Taiwan and Changwon in South Korea and today here in Baku, Azerbaijan, We have continued to fly our National Flags alongside those of other IJSO members.
In all these places, we have been completely overwhelmed by the level of organization and facilities put in place by the successive host countries and also the high standards and integrity of the examinations. Equally significant is the level of hospitality and warm welcome accorded us on each occasion.
We have always had the wish to get the opportunity to reciprocate this good gesture accorded our officials and students, to also treat the IJSO family to the traditional African hospitality, we have looked forward to the day you will experience our rich culture and tradition and the beauty of our land.
I am glad to say that the opportunity came in December 2007 in Taiwan when you gave Nigeria the honour to host the 7th IJSO in December 2010. We have accepted this honour since then with humility and with the highest sense of responsibility. While the count down to Abuja begins from today, let me assure you of the commitment of the Government and people of Nigeria to organize a memorable International Junior Science Olympiad in Nigeria in 2010. To this end, we assure you of your personal safety and that of all Students, Observers, Tourists, Journalists etc. who intend to come to the 7th Edition of the competition.
Nigeria and in particular the city of Abuja has since its creation more than 30 years ago hosted countless number of Regional, Sub-regional and Continental events recording resounding success on each occasion.
The most recent being the FIFA under 17 World Cup held in 8 different venues and cities across Nigeria with the finals in Abuja on 15th November 2009.
I therefore give my personal commitment to your safety throughout your stay. While awaiting the opportunity to receive you in one year’s time, let me use this forum to congratulate the newly elected President and Executives and to wish you a successful tenure of office. Let me equally congratulate the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan and the Organizing Committee of the 6th International Junior Science Olympiad for a well organized and successful hosting of the competition.
See you in Abuja
Thank you and Bon Voyage.
Welcome Message
