ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

By Gloria Ikibah

Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye on Monday officially assumed duty as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, marking a return to the ministry where he spent more than three decades rising through the ranks of Nigeria’s diplomatic service.

The seasoned diplomat was received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, alongside senior directors and officials of the ministry.

Upon arrival, he held a private meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, before attending a reception organised in his honour.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary described Enikanolaiye’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a recognition of his extensive experience, professionalism and distinguished service to the nation.

He noted that the new minister brings deep institutional knowledge acquired through years of service in the foreign ministry, including his tenure as Permanent Secretary and, most recently, as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

According to him, Enikanolaiye’s wealth of experience would strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, advance the country’s foreign policy objectives and promote economic diplomacy.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations described the appointment as well deserved, praising Enikanolaiye’s dedication to public service and his contributions while serving in the Presidency.

In his remarks, the Minister of State expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility and reflected on the significance of returning to a ministry where he built his career.

He said: “Reflecting on my return to the Ministry where I spent over three decades of service, rising through the ranks from Third Secretary to Permanent Secretary, this moment is both nostalgic and humbling. My appointment is a rare privilege and a testament to God’s faithfulness.”

Enikanolaiye also thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, for the warm reception accorded him and pledged his full cooperation in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities.

He expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary, directors and staff members of the ministry for their support and goodwill since the announcement of his appointment.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture in line with the strategic priorities of the Tinubu administration.

According to him, Nigeria’s foreign policy remains anchored on the protection of national interests, promotion of peace and security, economic development, democratic values and the welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.

He stressed that the protection of Nigerian citizens would remain central to the country’s diplomatic engagements.

“The welfare and protection of Nigerians, both within and outside the country, remain central to the conduct of Nigeria’s foreign policy”, Enikanolaiye said.

He also underscored the importance of maintaining Africa at the heart of Nigeria’s foreign relations, noting the close connection between Nigeria’s stability and that of the wider continent.

“The peace, security, and prosperity of Nigeria are intrinsically linked to those of West Africa and the African continent”, he added.

Outlining his vision for the ministry, Enikanolaiye emphasised the need for teamwork, innovation, professionalism and institutional reform.

He pledged to work closely with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Secretary and members of staff to strengthen the ministry’s coordinating role in Nigeria’s engagement with the international community.

He also revealed plans to improve internal systems, restore professional excellence and build a more proactive and globally competitive foreign service.

Acknowledging challenges facing the ministry, including funding limitations and staff welfare concerns, the minister assured employees that efforts would be made to explore innovative solutions aimed at boosting efficiency and morale.

He called on officers and staff to embrace diligence, discipline and professionalism in carrying out their responsibilities.

According to him: “Exceptional performance will be recognised and rewarded, while conduct inconsistent with the values and regulations of the Foreign Service will not be tolerated.”

Enikanolaiye therefore call for unity and renewed dedication among ministry personnel as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its influence on the global stage.

“The expectations of Nigerians, Africa, and the international community remain high”, he stated.

He urged staff to remain focused on the collective task of advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and enhancing the country’s standing in international affairs.

The appointment marks the return of one of Nigeria’s most experienced career diplomats to the leadership of the foreign ministry at a time when the government is seeking to deepen economic diplomacy, strengthen regional cooperation and expand the country’s global influence.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria and Bangladesh have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with both countries pledging closer cooperation in energy, trade, investment, security and multilateral diplomacy.

The renewed commitment emerged during a meeting between the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Nigeria, His Excellency Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, in Abuja.

The discussions covered a broad range of issues aimed at deepening relations between the two countries, including cooperation within the United Nations, economic partnerships and plans to enhance diplomatic engagements.

A major highlight of the meeting was the recent election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, as President of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The Bangladeshi envoy expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s support during the election process and sought continued collaboration on issues of shared interest.

Ambassador Ahmed congratulated Bangladesh on the achievement, describing it as a significant milestone and reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to support the incoming UNGA President during his tenure.

The two sides also discussed the importance of regular political consultations, exchange visits by senior government officials and the need to conclude several pending bilateral agreements, including the proposed Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation.

During the talks, the Bangladeshi High Commissioner highlighted efforts by his country to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding for the importation of petroleum and gas products from Nigeria.

According to him, Bangladesh is seeking to diversify its energy supply sources and considers Nigeria an important strategic partner in that regard.

The Permanent Secretary assured the envoy that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was working closely with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources to accelerate discussions and facilitate the conclusion of the agreement.

The meeting also explored opportunities for increased economic cooperation, particularly in sectors targeted under Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

Ambassador Ahmed encouraged Bangladeshi investors to take advantage of investment opportunities in Nigeria’s mining, agriculture, pharmaceutical and information technology sectors.

He also expressed Nigeria’s interest in collaborating with Bangladeshi businesses to revive the country’s textile industry, a move officials believe could stimulate industrial growth, create jobs and help address youth unemployment.
On security matters, both countries discussed the need for stronger cooperation in tackling common threats, including terrorism and other transnational security challenges.

Nigeria also used the opportunity to seek Bangladesh’s support for its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2030–2031 term.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to work towards finalising dates for the inaugural session of their bilateral consultation mechanism, which is expected to provide a platform for regular high-level engagements and closer cooperation.

The development underscores growing efforts by Nigeria and Bangladesh to expand diplomatic, economic and security relations as both countries seek stronger partnerships across Asia and Africa.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

…as Women of Glory Foundation Marks Decade of Community Service

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has been recognised for her contributions to humanitarian causes and community development with the Humanitarian Award for Excellence in Service.

The honour was presented during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Women of Glory Foundation, held in Abuja at the weekend.

Organisers described Ike as one of the most influential figures in media mobilisation, citing her commitment to advocacy, public enlightenment and initiatives that have positively impacted communities within and beyond the Federal Capital Territory.

The award formed part of activities commemorating a decade of humanitarian service by the Women of Glory Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable women across Nigeria.

Over the past 10 years, the foundation has focused on empowering widows, elderly women, single mothers and other disadvantaged groups through a range of interventions, including skills acquisition programmes, mentorship initiatives, healthcare support and economic empowerment schemes.

The organisation has also built a nationwide network spanning the 36 states of the federation, where members engage in awareness campaigns on issues such as gender-based violence, child protection, public health, environmental sustainability and national development.

Speaking during the anniversary event, founder of the foundation, Dr Nneka Evelyn Nzewi, reflected on the journey of the organisation, tracing its roots to personal experiences that inspired a mission centred on compassion, hope and service to humanity.

She highlighted the foundation’s growth over the past decade and its impact on the lives of thousands of women who have benefited from its programmes and support initiatives.

She said: “At a very young age, I lost my father. My mother was suddenly left to raise five children with no support system, and in the midst of that struggle my mum endured the heartbreaking loss of two of her children. I watched her fight every day to survive—to provide, to stay strong, and to keep hope alive when the odds were stacked against her.”

“As a child I did whatever I could to help support our family.

“I remember seeing my mother work tirelessly, often in tears, wishing for just a little help. What she needed was not charity alone, but support, dignity, opportunity, and someone who believed in her potential.”

It was in the midst of these harrowing challenges that she made a promise to God: if He got her through that difficult childhood and she became successful, she would dedicate herself to supporting women in situations like her mother’s. The rest, as they say, is history.

The award ceremony was well attended by women from all strata of society, many of whom are making significant impacts in different spheres of life.

When presenting the award to the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike who was represented by Sharon Emephia, Assistant Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council, the organisers praised her outstanding leadership in mobilizing and integrating journalists for proactive national interest.

Sharon Emephia, speaking on behalf of Chairman Grace Ike, commended the founder of the Women of Glory Foundation and her team for sustaining the impact of their humanitarian work over the past ten years.

“Ten years of sustained impact is no small achievement.

“It reflects resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to service. In a time when many initiatives struggle for continuity, your decade-long journey stands as a testament to purpose-driven leadership”, she said.

The Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council also thanked the organizers for the recognition.

“I sincerely appreciate the organizers for this recognition.

“I receive this honour with gratitude and humility, and I see it not just as a personal award but as a reflection of the collective efforts of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council and the values we uphold in promoting truth, development and societal progress”, she said.

The organisers expressed deep gratitude to everyone who has supported their humanitarian work over the past ten years.

“Thank you for standing with us, believing in our mission, and being part of this journey of impact.

“Join us in making a difference your involvement can help change lives. With gratitude and faith,” she added.

The anniversary celebration brought together community leaders, civil society advocates, media professionals, women groups and development partners to honour individuals and organisations that have contributed to humanitarian causes and social development.

For many attendees, the recognition of Grace Ike underscored the increasingly important role of the media in promoting social change, amplifying the voices of vulnerable groups and mobilising support for humanitarian interventions.

The award also adds to a growing list of recognitions received by the NUJ FCT chairman for her contributions to journalism, leadership and community service.

As the Women of Glory Foundation enters its second decade, the organisation says it remains committed to expanding its outreach programmes and deepening its support for women and families facing social and economic challenges across the country.