WorldStage– Italy has said it remained committed to strengthening its longstanding bilateral relations with Nigeria through renewed cooperation, including the resolution of issues surrounding energy giant ENI.
The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Roberto Mengoni stated this at the celebration of Italy’s 80th National Day held on Tuesday night in Abuja.
He highlighted the contributions of Italians to Nigeria’s development since the 1930s, particularly in the infrastructure, energy, and construction sectors.
According to him, thousands of Italians came to Nigeria in search of economic opportunities, with many settling in the country and contributing to its growth.
“Companies like AGIP, now known as ENI, Salini, B-Stabilini, Cappa D’Alberto and Orobica, among others, have played important roles in Nigeria’s development.
“We hope that more companies and people will come to Nigeria to foster economic, commercial and social relations, and the embassy is ready to assist them all.
“We are sure that the resolution of the long-pending controversy involving ENI, thanks to the efforts of the Nigerian Government, will attract more investments and interest from Italy.
“Italy will support Nigeria, its democracy and progress, as well as the efforts of the Nigerian Government to protect all its people, regardless of religion or ethnicity,” he said.
The envoy recalled that President Bola Tinubu attended an international conference on counter-terrorism in Rome last year, where he met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
He added that Nigeria and Italy would jointly chair the international conference for the replenishment of the Global Partnership for Education later in the year.
ENI S.p.A. is a major Italian multinational energy company headquartered in Rome. Founded in 1953, the company operates in more than 60 countries and ranks among the world’s leading oil and gas firms.
Mengoni said this year’s National Day celebration focused on the progress made by Italian women since 1946 and the efforts undertaken by successive governments to eliminate discriminatory laws and practices.
He recalled that Italian women had fought against stigma and prejudice to reclaim their dignity and rightful place in society.
“They took control of their lives, their bodies and their future.
“They can choose any role they want, what to study, where to work, whom to love, whether and when to marry, and how many children to have.
“Until 1981, a man who raped a woman could escape punishment if he married the victim. That absurdity changed when a 17-year-old girl in Sicily refused to marry the man who raped her for eight days.
“These changes were brought about by the determination of Italian women. They should not scare anyone.
“As Tina Anselmi, Italy’s first female minister, said: ‘When women commit to change, their victories are victories for the whole society’.”
The ambassador, however, noted that the struggle for gender equality in Italy was not yet complete.
“We had our first female prime minister only in 2022. Women remain underrepresented in parliament and on the boards of major companies.
“Salaries between men and women are often unequal. Unemployment rates are higher for women. Many women still have to choose between raising a family and pursuing a career.
“An unacceptable number of women are killed every year by their husbands or partners.
“Yet, the path was made clear in 1946. Women have built modern Italy through their work and dedication,” he said.
A major highlight of the event was the screening of a short documentary showcasing the progress made by Italian women since 1946.The ambassador also guests to a physical exhibition on the advancement of women in Italy at Fraser Garden.
