The newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has officially assumed office, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the Federal Government’s 4-Ds foreign policy agenda.
In a statement issued by the Spokespersonof the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, who stated that the Minister resumed duty on Friday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja following her elevation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
She was received by senior officials of the Ministry led by the Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, alongside heads of agencies under the Ministry, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Technical Aid Corps and the Foreign Service Academy.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmed congratulated the Minister on her appointment, describing it as a recognition of her professionalism, dedication and contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives during her tenure as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
He expressed confidence in her ability to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and international partnerships.
Representatives of agencies under the Ministry, including the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, also pledged their support for the Minister’s tenure.
Speaking during the event, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked the Ministry’s management and staff for the reception and pledged to consolidate the achievements of the administration of President Tinubu.
She reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the 4-Ds foreign policy agenda anchored on Democracy, Development, Diaspora and Demography, while emphasising citizen diplomacy and strategic autonomy as key pillars of Nigeria’s international engagement.
The Minister also stressed the need for professionalism, innovation, institutional efficiency and unity in addressing global challenges and advancing Nigeria’s interests at regional and international levels.
She further assured staff of her commitment to their welfare and pledged to work closely with the Ministry and its agencies to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and protect the interests of Nigerians abroad.