By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu
The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr Gautier Mignot paid an august to the Awka Museum Foundation on Wednesday, April 21, 2026.
The personable CEO of Awka Museum Barrister Arthur Harris-Eze was on hand to receive him and take the renowned diplomat round the esteemed museum.
Ambassador Mignot was accompanied by the Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha and the Protocol Officer of Government House, Awka.
It was a rewarding visit during which Ambassador Mignot and the Awka Museum CEO Harris-Eze deliberated on issues of mutual cooperation.
Ambassador Mignot who assumed duty as the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS in September 2024 said he was fond of the literary works of Chinua Achebe, and lauded the inspiration of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo naming the state’s airport, Chinua Achebe International Airport, after the acclaimed father of African literature.
Harris-Eze revealed that Awka Museum Foundation was birthed on December 27, 2019. Situated at 261 Zik Avenue of Umudioka Village, Awka Town, in the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, it was primarily set up with a view to erecting a befitting museum at Awka as a quintessence serving as a repository of artifacts from Nigeria and around the world.
Awka which is the capital of Anambra State has a rich history as a great centre for the arts and has illustrious personages in the field that trace their ancestry to Awka such as the legendary Professor of History, Kenneth Onwuka Dike, and the Nigerian/British Artist late Mrs. Chinwe Chukwuogor-Roy (MBE).
The visit of Ambassador Mignot has served to give Awka Museum its pride of place in showcasing the arts of the Igbo and Nigeria to the world.
According to Ambassador Mignot, “I am excited to be in this country. Nigeria is a strategic partner of the EU, regional powerhouse and a key player in continental and global affairs. Together we shall raise the bar and take the EU-Nigeria partnership to even greater heights.”
Before coming to Nigeria, Ambassador Mignot was the Ambassador of the EU to Mexico. He joined the European External Action Service in 2021, and the career diplomat spent 26 years in the Foreign Service of his home country of France. His diplomatic experience spans some of the most demanding regions of the world, including Latin America. Ambassador Mignot who is in his mid-fifties is married and has three daughters.
Ambassador Mignot is in good company with the Awka Museum’s placing to launch into the world of ancient and contemporary arts and culture, thus making it a worthy centre of excellence for tourism, scholarship, and leisure.
