By Francis Ajuonuma
Key political leaders, traditional rulers and international figures have applauded Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, describing the decision as timely, strategic and well-deserved.
In separate congratulatory messages contained in a statement released on Monday by Ibrahim’s media team, the stakeholders said the appointment would strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and influence on the global stage.
Among those who commended the appointment were the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
In his congratulatory message, the Ooni of Ife described Ibrahim as a man of “quality, intellect and global exposure,” whose academic credentials and international experience make him well-suited for the diplomatic assignment.
The monarch noted that Ibrahim holds a doctorate from the University of Cambridge and degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of Oxford.
“I congratulate Senator Jimoh Ibrahim on this prestigious appointment. His academic pedigree, international exposure and legislative experience clearly position him to represent Nigeria effectively at the United Nations,” the Ooni said.
He also commended President Tinubu for what he described as a thoughtful and strategic choice.
“The President has once again demonstrated leadership by selecting a descendant of Oduduwa worthy of such a prestigious and strategic responsibility,” the monarch added.
Senate President Akpabio also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the appointment, describing Ibrahim as one of the Senate’s institutional pillars.
According to him, the appointment reflects recognition of the senator’s dedication and long-standing contributions to national service.
“This appointment is a well-deserved recognition of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s dedication, experience and commitment to national service,” Akpabio said.
“With his legislative background and international parliamentary engagements, he possesses the competence required to advance Nigeria’s interests at the United Nations.”
Akpabio added that members of the 10th Senate appreciate the President for the honour and expressed confidence that Ibrahim would discharge the responsibilities of the office with distinction.
Governor Abiodun also welcomed the development, describing it as a recognition of Ibrahim’s distinguished career in public service, business and governance.
“I warmly congratulate Senator Jimoh Ibrahim on his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations,” the governor said.
“His intellectual depth, global exposure and understanding of international affairs place him in a strong position to project Nigeria’s interests and strengthen our voice in global diplomacy.”
Similarly, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, said the appointment reflects the confidence reposed in Ibrahim’s leadership capacity and global reputation.
“It is remarkable that while serving in the Senate, Senator Ibrahim has been called upon to serve the nation at an even higher diplomatic level,” the monarch said.
“This appointment speaks to his reputation, integrity and institutional influence on the international stage.”
Also reacting, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Tulia Ackson, congratulated the new envoy and recalled his brief tenure as Interim President of the organisation in 2023.
Ackson expressed confidence in Ibrahim’s readiness for the diplomatic role, noting that his experience in international parliamentary diplomacy would serve Nigeria well at the United Nations.
Other Nigerians from diverse backgrounds also praised President Tinubu for “putting the peg in the right hole,” noting that Ibrahim’s extensive global networks and diplomatic experience would help advance Nigeria’s interests in multilateral engagements.
They expressed optimism that the new envoy would bring his legislative experience, intellectual depth and international connections to bear in strengthening Nigeria’s voice within the United Nations system.
