President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate commencement of an induction programme for newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners as part of steps to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement across the world.
This directive followed the nomination and deployment of several envoys to various countries by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria).
Among those designated for diplomatic postings are Ambassador Ibrahim Danlami to Kenya; Ibrahim Adeola Mopelola to Cotonou, Benin Republic; Ambassador Ayeni Adebayo Emmanuel to Brussels, Belgium; and Ambassador Akande Wahab Adekola to Berne, Switzerland.
Others include Ambassador Esther Arewa (née Adedokun) to Windhoek, Namibia; Ambassador Gergadi Joseph John to Libreville, Gabon; Ambassador Luther Ogbomode Ayo-Kalata to Sierra Leone; Danladi Yakubu Nyaku to Khartoum, Sudan; and Bello Dogon-Daji Haliru to Bangkok, Thailand.
According to the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu. France has also sent its agrément for Ambassador Ayo Oke.
The ministry further disclosed that nominations of the remaining 62 designated envoys have been forwarded to their respective host countries with requests for agrément, in line with established diplomatic procedures.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said the directive by President Tinubu was aimed at ensuring the envoys are adequately prepared for their diplomatic assignments.
He added that the induction programme would equip the ambassadors-designate and high commissioners with the necessary orientation and briefings before their deployment to their respective missions.
