By Gloria Ikibah.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, has urged participants of the 26th Regular Course, Nigeria Foreign Service Academy to remain disciplined, give their best, and uphold the academy’s standards.
Ambassador Ojukwu made this call while declaring open the 26th Regular Course of the academy on Tuesday in Abuja.
She emphasised that the program is more than just a training exercise; it is a vital stepping stone for the participants’ future in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ojukwu further stated that their selection for the course is proof of their potential, discipline, and commitment. According to her, they are now on the path to becoming Nigeria’s diplomats, who will represent and shape how the world perceives the nation.
He said: “Your admission into this prestigious training programme is a testament to your potential, discipline, and dedication. You are now on the path to becoming Nigeria’s diplomats, one of the critical mirrors through which the world will see and assess our great nation.
“This is both an honour and a great responsibility. As aspiring Foreign Service Officers, you must always conduct yourselves with dignity, professionalism, and a strong sense of duty. Your comportment, attitude, and mode of dressing should reflect the excellence and decorum expected in diplomatic circles. The image of Nigeria’s Foreign Service is partly shaped by how you present yourselves, both in and out of the Academy.
”A diplomat is not only a nation’s representative but also a custodian of its values, traditions, and aspirations. Therefore, I urge you always to embody the principles of discipline, respect, and integrity”.
Ambassador Ojukwu stated that the training has been designed to prepare participants for the complex and demanding world of diplomacy and it will also challenge them intellectually, test their resilience, and shape their ability to think critically and decisively.
She further encouraged them to approach every lesson, every discussion, and every assignment with an open mind and a commitment to excellence.
“Take full advantage of the knowledge and expertise that your instructors will impart.
Learn from one another, build lasting relationships, and develop the skills that will make you exceptional representatives of Nigeria on the global stage.develop the skills that will make you exceptional representatives of Nigeria on the global stage.
“Success in this programme requires your total commitment. I urge you to do your best, maintain discipline, and meet academic standards. Remember, this is not just a training programme but a crucial stepping stone to your future in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Your ability to complete this course successfully, pass your examinations, and demonstrate readiness for the responsibilities ahead will determine whether your dream of joining the Ministry
becomes a reality.
“To excel, you must also cultivate qualities beyond academic brilliance. Diplomacy demands patience, tact, cultural sensitivity, and excellent communication skills. You will be called upon to navigate complex negotiations, mediate disputes, and promote Nigeria’s interests in diverse
international settings. This requires knowledge, wisdom, adaptability, and a keen sense of global affairs. Develop
these qualities now, for they will serve you well throughout your career”, she advised.
The Minister commended the management team of the Foreign Service Academy for their dedication to grooming Nigeria’s future diplomats, and further encouraged the course participants to remain focused, disciplined, as she said “the journey ahead may be challenging, but it is also filled with opportunities for growth and achievement”.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed appealed to the participants to take maximum advantage of the course and sharpen their skills and develop diplomatic character.
He said: “More significantly the idea of patriotism, loyalty and devotion to serve must be deeply embedded in their character and conduct.
”I will urge you to master the art of speech and report writing and delivery, the production of memoranda and briefs as well as the nuances of colour combination, tie-knotting and etiquette.
“More significantly, the ethos of patriotism, loyalty and professional devotion to service must be deeply embedded in your character and conduct. As representatives of Nigeria, you must begin to embody these virtues and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to he principles that define our nation’s diplomacy.
“You must also realize that many of you will be the only Nigerians that members of the international community will see and interact with”.
The Director General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA) who was represented by Director Training, Ambassador Musa Musa Abubakar congratulated the participants for being chosen to attend this all-important course, which is the foundation of training in the diplomatic service.
“I also wish to appreciate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly the support and roles played by the Honourable Ministers and the Permanent Secretary in ensuring the successful take off of the 26th FSA.
”Your Excellency, it is pertinent for me to express my satisfaction at the existing cooperation between the Ministry of foreign Affairs and the Agency which today has manifested in the organization of the Foreign Service Academy programme. I must however, stress on the need for continued synergy and maintaining cordial relationship among the Ministry and Agency personnel while serving in Missions abroad, he stated.
“This synergy connotes that the collective responsibility of the MFA and the Agency is to protect Nigeria’s national interests abroad. Hence the need to further strengthen the synergy between the two organisations to uplift the nation. It must be reiterated that there is the need to protect the identity of Agency officers, at post in the discharge of their duties. In a determined move for excellence, I urge and recommend to the Academy to seek affiliation with any fore most Nigerian University for further professional training to enhance the FSA programme.
“As you embark on your studies, I strongly urge you to pay attention and get the maximum benefit from the various resource persons who are well versed in the art of diplomacy, as this is but a rare opportunity for you to gain first-hand knowledge, he said.