It was a landmark gathering as Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Okanlomo of Odua, delivered a rousing address at the Malta Family Get-Together, emphasising the power of collaboration between the country and Nigeria in business, sports, education, and culture.
Addressing a gathering of distinguished guests, community leaders, and family members, Chief Sanusi said the event was not just a party.
He stated that it was a celebration of family ties, friendship, culture, and the shared vision between Malta and Nigeria.
He paid a heartfelt tribute to the Fenech Family, noting that the members were not just a family, but a symbol of love, hospitality, and unity.
He added that members of the Fenech Family had opened their hearts and home to people from different nations, cultures, and backgrounds, which he described as the true meaning of humanity.
Chief Sanusi also highlighted the broader implications of collaboration, citing initiatives spanning hospitality, real estate, and sports.
He spoke about the vision for an international hotel in Malta, in partnership with Daniel Zahra and his team, and the dream of real estate expansion across Europe and Africa.
He also mentioned the ambition of the Score 7Bet Group to become a global betting company, describing these projects as economic bridges between nations.
Sports was a central theme of his address. Speaking to members of Swieqi United FC, Chief Sanusi described football as more than a game, stating that it was a language of unity, a tool for youth empowerment, and a pathway to global recognition.
He emphasised the ambition of Maltese football, saying that the dream was to see Malta become a true football nation and to see the country on the road to the World Cup.
Education and health partnerships were also highlighted in his speech. Chief Sanusi praised the efforts of Caroline Gatt, Zainab, and Professor Jesmond Xuereb for advancing the Ilaji educational initiatives between Malta and Nigeria.
He stated that education formed the foundation of innovation, youth empowerment, research, and global competitiveness.
Acknowledging Malta’s political and diplomatic support, Chief Sanusi expressed gratitude to Honourable Robert Cutajar, member of Parliament, and Edmond Zammit, noting their contributions to strengthening cultural, economic, and sporting ties between the two nations.
The Nigerian community in Malta was also recognised for its role in building cross-cultural bridges.
Chief Sanusi said Nigerians in Malta had built not just a community, but a bridge of culture, business, and friendship. He added that through their efforts, Malta and Nigeria were no longer distant, but one family.
He outlined a bold international vision, highlighting, jMatta for Nigerian economic cooperation, JSports for development from grassroots to the global stage, Ilaji FC for bringing football to the world, Ilaji Hotel for hospitality expansion, education and medical partnerships, youth empowerment through football and business, and global investment platforms.
He said: “We are not thinking small. We are thinking global,” expressing gratitude to the Fenech Family for their love, the Maltese community for their friendship, the Nigerian community for their strength, and all partners for their vision.
He called for the gathering to mark the beginning of a new era of unity, sports development, business growth, education, and international cooperation.
The gathering, blending family celebration with a forward-looking manifesto for international collaboration, reflected Chief Sanusi’s ambition to leverage sports, business, and education as bridges between Malta, Nigeria, and the wider world.
