The Netherlands Consulate in Lagos hosted a vibrant King’s Day celebration, bringing together dignitaries, creatives, and members of the diplomatic community. The event doubled as a farewell moment for Consul General Michel Deelen after over two decades in Nigeria.
Held at the consulate grounds on Lagos Island, the gathering honoured King Willem-Alexander while highlighting the strong ties between Nigeria and the Netherlands. Guests included government officials, cultural figures, and industry leaders across various sectors.
Representing the Lagos State Government, Secretary to the State Government Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin joined notable attendees such as Steve Ayorinde, Yeni Kuti, Theo Lawson, Jelili Atiku, and Motunrayo Alaka. The guest list also featured diplomats, entrepreneurs, media professionals, and stakeholders from the NGO and entertainment spaces.
In his remarks, Consul General Michel Deelen announced his upcoming transition to Malaysia, where he will serve as ambassador in Kuala Lumpur. Reflecting on his 21 years in Nigeria, he spoke about his deep connection to Lagos, particularly his experiences engaging with creatives across communities like Bariga and Agege. He also highlighted Nigeria’s importance as a strategic partner, noting ongoing collaborations in trade, agriculture, water development, and culture.
The evening blended diplomacy with culture, as guests enjoyed food, drinks, and live performances. Musician Made Kuti delivered a standout performance, drawing from his own work as well as the legacy of his father and grandfather. He also shared a personal memory of spotting Deelen at the New Afrika Shrine years ago, underscoring the Consul General’s long-standing connection to the local music scene.
While the Consulate, Michel Deelen was giving his speech, he disclosed that he would be leaving Nigeria soon to become the new ambassador in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia after spending 14 years in Nigeria. The senior role as the ambassador will see him leave the bustling city of Lagos where he said he enjoys the frequent visits between freedom Park and the New Afrika Shrine.
He said he would miss the engagements with dancers and performance in Bariga, creatives in Agege, and entrepreneurs across Nigeria. He said that Nigeria remains a strategic partner of the Netherlands and the cordial relations has made the Netherlands government partner with Nigeria in the areas of trade, water development, agriculture, culture, among others.
The audience were serenaded with lots of food and drinks while Made Kuti performed eclectic songs from his album, his father’s and grandfather’s album. Made Kuti also said that Deelen will be surely missed. He recounted that while he was going through photos taken at the Shrine one day, he saw ‘Uncle Deelen’ at the shrine as far back as 2010.
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