By Fiona Freddy
Nigeria’s Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Khadijat Abba-Ibrahim has urged some newly deployed ambassador-designates to make country’s interest a priority in the course of their duties abroad.
Abba-Ibrahim stated this while presenting letters of credence to some non-career ambassadors who have just been deployed to different countries across the world.
While congratulating the ambassadors, the minister said: “I want to congratulate you to serve as ambassadors of Nigeria to various countries which Nigeria has unique and strategic relations.
“The conferment of this prestigious position with cement responsibility is a testimony of your invaluable and mutual services to the country.
“There is no doubt therefore that you will do your country proud in your respective posts.”
According to Abba-Ibrahim, Nigeria occupies a strategic position in the international scene as the most populous black nation and the largest economy in Africa.
“Our rich culture also places the country in a prominent position in our bilateral and multilateral engagements.
“The country is therefore expected to capture the interest of other countries with regards to political, economic and other social cultural matters.
“I am pleased to note the government’s expectation of you in your esteemed role as ambassador in your respective countries of deployment with this regard.”
She assured them of the Ministry’s support to ensure that their individual mandates are actualized.
She noted that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had prioritized security, anti-corruption, economy and job creation as the key cardinal pillars that the country would be projected to a greater height.
She said that this should serve as a guide in their engagements with the Nigerian community and their host country with the aim to achieve strategic partnerships and benefits to Nigeria
“I assure you of the ministry’s support of achieving this prime objective,” she said, adding that “eventhough lack of fund has been a challenge to the ministry, and the country as a whole. However with the gradual recovery of the country from recession, we are hopeful that the ministry’s financial situation will improve to enable it discharge its duty effectively in the ministry and in her mission abroad.”
Meanwhile, Amb. Eniola Ajayi who responded on behalf of other ambassadors-designates pledged that they won’t disappoint President Muhammadu Buhari and the nation in general for the confidence reposed on them.
“We want to reassure the president who has reposed the confidence in us to serve as ambassadors and represent him in different countries that the confidence will not be misplaced
“We understand the enormous tasks and the challenges ahead of us, as well as the socio-environmental, political, security and economic situations across the world.
“We hope to make the life of every Nigerian count through inclusion at our various countries of posting, whether young or old, weak or strong, male or female, irrespective of tribe or religion,” she said.
Ajayi expressed determination to support in re-building Nigeria’s national image, that President Buhari was already achieving abroad.
“We hope to attract more foreign investors to the country through our mutual relationship with our host countries. With God on our side, we shall not disappoint the nation,” she said
