The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr Sola Enikanolaiye, has approved the appointment of a new media team to strengthen communication of the Ministry’s mandate and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The new appointments are Mr. Richard Elesho, who will serve as Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communications, and Mr. Raphael Oni, appointed Special Assistant on Digital and Public Diplomacy.
According to a statement by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the two appointees bring decades of combined experience in journalism, public affairs, government communication, strategic communications and media management.
READ ALSO: Foreign Affairs Ministry, NTAC Push for Public Diplomacy
Elesho, a graduate of Delta State University, Abraka, and Kogi State University, Anyigba, previously served as Chief Press Secretary and Director-General, Media Affairs, to former Kogi State Governors Ibrahim Idris and Idris Wada.
Until his appointment, he was the North Central Bureau Chief of The News/PM News, a leading Nigerian media organisation.
Oni, on his part, has over 15 years of experience in diplomatic reporting, government communication, public diplomacy and international relations.
An award-winning photojournalist and diplomatic correspondent, he holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Abuja.
He has been the Publisher of Diplomats Extra Magazine since 2013, a publication focused on diplomacy and international affairs and read by government ministries, departments and agencies, diplomatic missions and other stakeholders.
Oni has also served two terms as Secretary-General of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) and previously served as Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents Chapel, Abuja.
The Ministry said the appointments are expected to enhance its strategic communication efforts and strengthen public engagement around Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities.
The new media team is expected to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective dissemination of the Ministry’s activities, policies and programmes, as well as Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements.
The Ministry called for the necessary support and co-operation for the new appointees, expressing optimism that their expertise would contribute to a cordial and productive working relationship.
