The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojajaja II, has congratulated the newly appointed Nigerian ambassadors and diplomatic representatives announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while specially acknowledging the Yoruba sons among the appointees.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the revered monarch described the appointments as a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic presence across the world.
Ooni Ogunwusi, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, particularly congratulated former Minister of Health, Isaac Folorunso Adewole, an indigene of Ilesa in Osun State, on his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Canada.
The monarch also extended his congratulations to former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, a native of Ile-Ife, who has been appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany.
Similarly, the Ooni felicitated with Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, an indigene of Igbotako in Ondo State, on his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Commending Senator Ibrahim’s academic and professional background, the monarch described him as well equipped for the diplomatic assignment. He noted that the senator holds a doctorate degree from the University of Cambridge, a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a Master of Science degree from the University of Oxford.
While acknowledging the Yoruba sons among the appointees, the Ooni congratulated all the newly appointed ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, describing their appointments as a call to serve the nation with dedication, patriotism and excellence.
The monarch expressed confidence that the appointees possess the competence, experience and global exposure required to effectively represent Nigeria and promote the country’s interests on the international stage.
He urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by discharging their responsibilities with commitment while projecting a positive image of Nigeria in their various postings.
Ooni Ogunwusi also commended President Tinubu for the appointments, praising the President’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic corps and ensuring that capable Nigerians are positioned to advance the nation’s interests globally.
He further expressed optimism that the newly appointed ambassadors would contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s foreign relations and national development through effective diplomatic engagement across the world.
