By Dapo Akinrefon
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has officially assumed office as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pledging to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement, deepen international partnerships and advance the foreign policy priorities of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Her arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja was marked by a warm reception from senior management staff led by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, alongside heads of agencies and directors under the ministry.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the appointment of the minister was described as a reflection of the confidence reposed in her leadership capacity, diplomatic experience and commitment to national service by the Federal Government.
Speaking during the reception, Ambassador Ahmed congratulated Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment and described her elevation as recognition of her dedication, professionalism and longstanding service to the country.
He expressed confidence in her ability to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign relations at a critical period in the country’s diplomatic engagement with the international community. According to him, her leadership is expected to deepen bilateral and multilateral partnerships, expand Nigeria’s global outreach and reinforce the country’s role in regional and international affairs.
Ahmed also assured the minister of the ministry’s full cooperation and institutional support in implementing the foreign policy priorities of the present administration.
He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to promoting Nigeria’s national interests across the world, protecting Nigerians living abroad, attracting foreign direct investment and strengthening strategic diplomatic relationships with partner countries and international organisations.
In her remarks, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the ministry for the warm reception accorded to her.
She reaffirmed her commitment to consolidating the achievements already recorded under the administration of President Tinubu while advancing Nigeria’s broader foreign policy goals in an increasingly complex global environment.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the implementation of Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy agenda, which focuses on Democracy, Development, Diaspora and Demography.
She stressed that the changing nature of global politics and international relations requires a foreign policy anchored on citizen diplomacy, strategic autonomy, professionalism and stronger institutional efficiency.
According to her, these priorities will remain central to Nigeria’s engagement with the international community as the government works to protect national interests, expand diplomatic opportunities and respond effectively to emerging global challenges.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also commended officers and staff of the ministry for their dedication, resilience and sacrifices in service to the nation, noting that the work of diplomats and foreign service officers remains vital to Nigeria’s international standing.
She pledged to prioritise staff welfare and to work closely with the ministry’s management team and agencies under its supervision to improve service delivery, enhance policy coordination and ensure better protection of Nigerians abroad.
Those present to receive the minister included representatives of key agencies under the ministry, among them the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, the Technical Aid Corps and the Foreign Service Academy.
Her assumption of office marks a new phase in Nigeria’s foreign policy engagement, with expectations that her leadership will contribute to strengthening diplomatic relations, advancing national interests and expanding the country’s influence on the global stage.
