By Zainab Bakare
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of Foreign Affairs following the resignation of Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to prepare for the 2027 elections.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
The President also nominated Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pending Senate confirmation.
This is disclosed in a statement by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga.
Enikanolaiye, a career diplomat, earlier served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and has over 30 years of experience, including postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.
President Tinubu said the appointments aim to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy and global partnerships.
He urged the appointees to promote national interests and protect Nigerians at home and abroad.
Reacting, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has expressed appreciation to president Bola Tinubu following her appointment as the substantive head of the Ministry.
The elevation marks a significant milestone in her diplomatic career, having previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs since November 4, 2024.
The announcement came during a formal dinner hosted by the Ministry to conclude a three-day induction programme for Ambassadors and High Commissioners-Designate, alongside their spouses.
According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr. Magnus Eze, the event inadvertently became her first official engagement in her new capacity.
Addressing members of the diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests, Odumegwu-Ojukwu describes the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility.
“I am truly honoured to step into this new position,” she said, adding, “I wish to express my most profound appreciation to our Nation’s President. Your Excellency, I am truly humbled by your trust and confidence in my abilities.”
She also called on the newly appointed envoys, as well as staff and management of the Ministry, to collaborate in strengthening Nigeria’s global standing.
“I urge all of you to join hands with me in promoting a positive international image for Nigeria while safeguarding our national interests,” she stated.
In a follow-up message shared via her X (formerly Twitter) account, the Minister reaffirmed her commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy goals.
“I look forward to contributing even more to the continued success of the 4D Foreign Policy Priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she wrote, emphasizing her dedication to citizen diplomacy and the protection of Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.
