Ennis is a great model for the integration of non-Irish nationals and should be copied in other centres across Ireland, the Nigerian ambassador, Ekong Omaghomi, said in the town yesterday.
Ennis has one of the largest Nigerian populations in the country, with over 600 living in the town. In 2005, Taiwoo Matthew was elected as one of nine councillors to Ennis Town Council.
Speaking during a visit to Roche Ireland's plant outside Ennis at Clarecastle yesterday, Ms Omaghomi said: "I am very happy with what I have seen in Ennis. The town is a wonderful example that should be emulated in other towns and counties in terms of integration."
She added: "The Nigerian people I have met all have something useful to do, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists. It seems to me that the businessmen are doing very well. They are very happy and seeing how well they are faring pleases me a great deal."
As part of a process of engaging with Nigerian communities in cities and towns across the country, Ms Omaghomi met Cllr Matthew and other members of the Nigerian community in Ennis yesterday, along with the Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Willie Walsh, local politicians and gardaí.
Ms Omaghomi said that the election of Dr Matthew "is a fantastic development and I hope that lots more Nigerians will seek election in other places".
In the last three years over 4,000 applications have been made by Nigerians for asylum and Ms Omaghomi said that one of the aims of her tour of Ireland "is to encourage Nigerians to take part and play active roles in the community so that the process of integration will be easier. I am very encouraged at the way they are settling down into Ireland."
After meeting Ms Omaghomi at his Ennis residence, Dr Walsh said that the Nigerian community and other non-Irish national communities had enriched Ennis with their presence.
Ms Omaghomi also attended an "open forum" for Nigerians in the town.
