Tinubu Tasks New Envoys With Results-Driven Diplomacy As Nigeria Inducts Ambassadors
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners-designate to regard their appointments as a sacred national responsibility.
The President made this known on Monday during an induction ceremony organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja to prepare the envoys for their forthcoming diplomatic assignments.
The programme is designed to deepen the envoys’ understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, diplomatic practice, mission administration, consular responsibilities, and the expectations of the Federal Government.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, congratulated the appointees and reiterated that Nigeria’s foreign policy has been repositioned to place citizens at the centre of diplomatic engagement.
He charged the envoys to ensure their assignments yield tangible benefits for Nigerians, strengthen national development, enhance the country’s global standing, and advance its strategic interests.
The President also urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, patriotism, discipline, respect for the laws and cultures of their host countries, and unwavering loyalty to Nigeria.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, congratulated the envoys, noting that their appointments reflect the confidence reposed in them by President Tinubu.
She described the envoys as the face, voice, and strategic representatives of Nigeria in their respective countries of accreditation, stressing that their conduct would shape international perceptions of the country and strengthen its bilateral and multilateral relations.
The minister urged them to promote Nigeria’s national interests in line with the administration’s foreign policy thrust, anchored on the 4Ds: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.
She further tasked them with advancing economic diplomacy by attracting foreign direct investment, promoting trade and tourism, and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
Emphasising consular responsibilities, she said Nigerians in the diaspora must feel the presence, responsiveness, and protection of their government through missions abroad. She added that prompt consular services, effective crisis response, and sustained engagement with Nigerian communities should remain central to mission activities.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu also called for professionalism, discipline, integrity, prudence, and accountability in mission management, warning that diplomatic privilege must not be misconstrued as a licence for misconduct.
Goodwill messages were delivered on behalf of the National Assembly. A representative of the Senate assured the envoys of continued legislative support, particularly in oversight and funding for missions abroad.
Similarly, a representative of the House of Representatives reminded them of their constitutional and statutory responsibilities, especially regarding accountability, financial prudence, and strict compliance with regulations.
The induction programme will continue with technical sessions covering key areas such as diplomatic practice, mission management, protocol, consular affairs, multilateral engagement, economic diplomacy, security coordination, and the role of spouses in diplomatic service.
The ceremony reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic service and equipping its representatives to deliver purposeful, proactive, and results-driven diplomacy.
Among those who participated in the induction were former First Lady of Imo State, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Priscilla Ohakim, MNI; former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; former Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau; and former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.
Others include former presidential spokesman, Mr. Reno Omokri; Chief Olufemi Pedro, Barr. Joe-Kyari Okocha, SAN, former Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd); Mrs. Esther Arewa; Alhaji Dahuru Muhammad; former First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi; Mrs. Lola Akande; Dr. Jerry Manwe; Engr. Abasi Braimah , Mrs. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu Senator Ita Enang, Senator Grace Bent among others.
