Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has charged Nigerians to be patriotic citizens, rally around the flag, and support ongoing government efforts rather than amplify divisive sentiments.
Speaking at the launch of the book “Diplomacy, Diaspora and Dedication: Memoirs of a Nigerian Diplomat and Stories of Unsung Nigerian Professionals in the Diaspora”, authored by Ambassador Yahaya Faruk, the Minister appealed to diplomats to support ongoing national efforts.
“This quality audience, the ambassadors serving and retired, particularly the retired ambassadors, it is time for you to support what the President is doing. And where you can, come in through third-party engagement to help ameliorate some of the challenges the country is facing,” he said, insisting that the moment calls for collective patriotism.
Congratulating the author, the Minister further encouraged other career ambassadors, particularly those retired, to document their experiences, emphasising that “there are lessons in memoirs.”
Urging seasoned diplomats to mentor younger generations through their writings, Idris emphasised that many of today’s accomplished ambassadors “did not just happen by chance,” but rose through diligence, loyalty, and years of service.
He was represented at the event by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, VON, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace.
Similarly, the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Ambassador Yemi Oniyide, stressed the need for Nigeria to move beyond celebrating its diaspora to integrating and collaborating with them for national development.
Stressing that diaspora remittances have contributed immensely to the country’s economy, Amb. Oniyide said: “We need to encourage them more, particularly when we are talking from the point of view of national orientation, or the Ministry of Information on how diaspora can be cultivated and made to become pro-Nigerian voices speaking for Nigeria, defending Nigeria. We need to come up with how these can be worked out such that at any point in time… so beyond what we have done so far, beyond what the book has portrayed today, there has to be the R2B for our diaspora. We must encourage them to engage in R2B. And R2B is returning to build. Let us encourage them to return to build.”
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The reviewer of the book and former Nigerian Ambassador to Brussels, Amb. Usman Baraya noted that Ambassador Faruk’s story mirrors the evolution of Nigerian diplomacy itself, shaped by dedication, mentorship, and a deep sense of duty.
He praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its longstanding culture of service and commended Ambassador Faruk for demonstrating that true greatness is built on character, not merely achievement.
Amb. Baraya urged more senior diplomats to document their experiences for the benefit of younger generations.
The author of the book, Amb. Yahaya Faruk, noted that his memoir is intended to encourage young diplomats and civil servants on the values of diplomacy during service.
He also implored Nigerians to allow diplomacy, collaboration, and a unilateral position to guide affairs between Nigeria and the United States.
The well-attended launch, graced by representatives of governors, ministers, traditional rulers, senior diplomats, and academics, marked a celebration of service, legacy, and the power of storytelling in nation-building.
Several other speakers, including traditional and community leaders, praised Ambassador Faruk as an accomplished and proud son of Nupe land and commended him for producing a work they believe will inspire both serving and retired officers.