By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, has said Nigeria has excellent diplomatic relations with all countries of the world, noting that the strict implementation of the Nigerian foreign policy thrust and diplomacy by Nigerian envoys across the globe was responsible for the excellent diplomatic relations Nigeria enjoys with the rest of the world.
Onyeama disclosed this during the Investiture and presentation of Letters of Commission and conferment of the title of Ambassadors In-Situ on serving and retired foreign service officers, in Abuja.
President Muhammadu Buhari approved the conferment of the title of ambassador-in-situ on 115 serving and retired foreign service officers who had attained the rank of Deputy Director and above.
While conferring the title on 72 serving and 43 retired Nigerian envoys, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, applauded the officers for attracting foreign investments to grow the nation’s economy, noting that Nigeria was not unmindful of their personal sacrifices, especially as it related to their children’s education, which was often interrupted due to their regular positing, in and out of the country.
He said: “The Federal Goverment appreciates the sacrifices that require you to serve in different countries around the world very often for a relatively short period of time. And then you come back for three years and then go out again.
“We also, very much appreciate the economic sector investments that you have helped to bring into the country. The role you play in consular services, looking after the interest of individual Nigerians around the world. And I always tell people, one aspect of our foreign policy and diplomacy that a lot of people take for granted and do not appreciate sufficiently is the fact that we have excellent relations with every single country on Earth”.
In his goodwill message, a retired foreign service officer, Amb. Walter Ajobo thanked the president for the honour, adding that the recognition was a career motivation for those still serving and career fulfilment for those already retired.
In a vote of thanks during the investiture, the Charge D’affaires, Nigerian Embassy in Libya, Amb. Kabiru Musa, assured that they will give their all to deliver on the foreign policy thrust of the government, and the core mandates of the ministry.
