Trending 
Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on Friday formally assumed office as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs following her elevation by President Bola Tinubu.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, was elevated after the resignation of former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down in March to pursue the governorship race in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the minister was received by senior officials of the ministry led by Permanent Secretary Dunoma Ahmed, alongside heads of agencies under the ministry.
The agencies represented included the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Technical Aid Corps, the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, and the Foreign Service Academy.
Ahmed reportedly described her appointment as a reflection of her professionalism and dedication, expressing confidence in her ability to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and international partnerships.
He also assured the minister of the ministry’s support in advancing the Federal Government’s foreign policy priorities, including protecting Nigerians abroad, promoting peace and security, and attracting foreign investment.
Goodwill messages were equally delivered by heads of agencies under the ministry and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Olawale Emmanuel Awe.
In her remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked members of staff for the warm reception and pledged to build on the ministry’s achievements under the Tinubu administration.
She also stressed the importance of professionalism, innovation, institutional efficiency and unity in addressing global challenges and advancing Nigeria’s interests internationally.
