By Zainab Bakare
The new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has officially assumed duty at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This is disclosed in a statement issued by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
Upon arrival, Ambassador Enikanolaiye was received by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed and senior directors of the Ministry.
He later held a private meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
At a reception held in his honour, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed described the appointment by President Bola Tinubu as recognition of Ambassador Enikanolaiye’s distinguished diplomatic career.
He notes that the new Minister of State brings decades of experience, having served as Permanent Secretary and most recently as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
According to him, Ambassador Enikanolaiye’s expertise will strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy, economic diplomacy, and international engagements.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations also described the appointment as well-deserved.
She praised Ambassador Enikanolaiye’s dedication to public service and expressed confidence that his return to the Ministry would support the implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities.
Enikanolaiye thanked God and President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him.
He described his return to the Ministry, where he spent over three decades rising from Third Secretary to Permanent Secretary, as both nostalgic and humbling.
The Minister also appreciated Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu for her warm reception and pledged his full cooperation.
He further thanked the Permanent Secretary, directors, and staff for the goodwill extended to him.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
He said Nigeria’s foreign policy remains focused on protecting national interests, promoting peace and security, advancing development, and safeguarding Nigerians at home and abroad.
He also stressed the importance of Africa in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, noting the close ties between Nigeria’s prosperity and that of the continent.
