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Jonathan urges new ambassadors to portray Nigeria as a united country

President Goodluck Jonathan has charged the newly appointed ambassadors to do all they can to portray Nigeria as a united country and reflect Nigeria’s aspirations … Continue reading Jonathan urges new ambassadors to portray Nigeria as a united country


President Goodluck Jonathan has charged the newly appointed ambassadors to do all they can to portray Nigeria as a united country and reflect Nigeria’s aspirations and priorities as a democratic nation.

The president was speaking in Abuja while issuing out letters of credence to 93 Nigerians who have been appointed as ambassadors to other countries. He urged the envoys to serve with dedication and pride, while bearing in mind that economic diplomacy and Africa remain at the centre of the country’s foreign policy agenda.

He told them that their major responsibility is to attract investments into the country as well as open up markets for local goods and services.

President Jonathan also admonished them to defend the interest of Nigerians living lawfully in their countries of accreditation and also make consular support a priority.

He expressed the determination of his administration to work with region blocs and global bodies, such as ECOWAS, the African Union, the Common Wealth and the United Nations, to build a safer, more secure, just and equitable world.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs is Nigeria's envoy to Canada

The ambassadors at the State House on Tuesday, filed out, one after the other to receive their letters of credence from the president, who told them that they are now the torch bearers of the vision and purpose of his administration.

The 93 ambassadors are to move immediately to their countries of posting.

Maduekwe to Canada

Though their countries of posting were not announced, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, told the audience that they are already acquitted with their duties.

Amongst the new ambassadors, that revealed their postings to Channels Television include, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ojo Maduekwe, who is the nation’s envoy to Canada, former Minister of Aviation, Fidelia Njeze, Ambassador to Switzerland and former General Manager of Nigerian Television Authority, Ibadan, Akinyemi Farounbi, who goes to Philippines.

Some of the 93 ambassadors are former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja and former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Cornelius Oluwateru.

Also among the envoys are 11 women including, Fidelia Njeze; wife of late Biafra leader-Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Hadiza Mustapha, Victoria Onipede, Katherine Okon and Chigozie Obi-Nnadozie.

Other female envoys are Matilda Kwashi, Katyen Jackden, Nonye Okpara, Sifawu Momoh and Martine Gereng-Sen.