Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has reiterated the Nigerian Government’s commitment to implementing the nation’s 4D Foreign Policy Agenda anchored on Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography.
In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Minister emphasised citizen diplomacy and strategic autonomy as key pillars of Nigeria’s international engagements.
She also reaffirmed her commitment to sustaining and consolidating the achievements of the Ministry under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further stressed the importance of “professionalism, institutional efficiency, innovation, and unity of purpose in addressing contemporary global challenges and advancing Nigeria’s strategic interests on the regional, continental, and global stages.”
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu also commended the dedication and sacrifices of officers and staff of the Ministry, reaffirming “her commitment to staff welfare and effective service delivery.”
The Minister pledged to work closely with the Permanent Secretary, management, staff, and agencies under the Ministry to ensure the effective implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and the protection of the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
In his welcome remarks, the Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed congratulated the Minister on her appointment, describing it as a ‘reflection of her dedication, professionalism, and exceptional service to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.’
He noted that Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu demonstrated remarkable ‘leadership and commitment during her tenure as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs’ and expressed confidence in her ability to further strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and international partnerships.
The Permanent Secretary assured the Minister of the loyalty, cooperation, and full support of the staff of the Ministry in advancing the foreign policy priorities of the Nigerian Government, including the promotion of Nigeria’s national interests, enhancement of bilateral and multilateral relations, protection of Nigerians abroad, attraction of foreign investment, and promotion of peace, security, and development.
In their separate Goodwill messages, the agencies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs as well as the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS, Ambassador Olawale Emmanuel Awe, pledged their support towards the success of the Minister’s tenure.
The Minister was hosted to a reception led by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed and the Directors-General of Agencies under the Ministry.
