By Gabriel Ameh
Prominent government officials, diplomats, traditional rulers and key stakeholders across Nigeria have continued to congratulate Ambassador Audu-Rafiu Olusola Enikanolaiye following his appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Leading the congratulatory messages is the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Walson-Jack, who described Enikanolaiye as an experienced administrator and accomplished diplomat with the leadership capacity required for the position.
Members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) also expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and contribute meaningfully to the country’s foreign policy objectives.
Former Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors Yusuf M. Tuggar and Bagudu Hirse, commended the appointment and expressed optimism about Enikanolaiye’s performance in office. Former Ministers of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. (Mrs) Viola Adaku Onwuliri and Ambassador Zubair Dada, also sent goodwill messages, describing the appointment as well deserved.
Several notable figures from Nigeria’s defence and intelligence community joined in celebrating the new minister. Former National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd), and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Rufai Abubakar, highlighted the importance of experienced diplomacy in promoting national security and international cooperation.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, and former Minister of State for Labour, Prof. Stephen Ocheni, also congratulated Enikanolaiye, expressing confidence in his competence and leadership abilities.
Also among those who sent congratulatory messages are the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and Minister of Environment, Abbas Balarabe.
Other prominent personalities who celebrated the appointment include Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Prince Olusola Akanmode, Chief of Staff to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Morakinyo Olotu, former Commandant of the National Defence College, and Maj. Gen. Olumuyiwa Aiyenigba, former Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army.
The media community also joined in congratulating Enikanolaiye, with Senior Vice Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspaper, Azu Ishiekwene, and former Managing Director of Daily Trust Newspaper, Akogun Isiaka Ajibola, praising the appointment.
Members of the Council of Retired Permanent Secretaries, including Dr (Mrs) Derek Awosika, Dr (Mrs) Timi Koripamo Agary, Dr (Mrs) Remi Aribisala and Dr Goke Adegoroye, also expressed support for the new minister.
Traditional rulers from different parts of the country equally sent congratulatory messages. They include the Agbana of Isanlu, Oba Moses Etombi; the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun; the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi; and the Oba of Ejuku, Oba Funso Ayeni.
The widespread endorsements reflect growing confidence in Enikanolaiye’s ability to effectively manage Nigeria’s diplomatic affairs and strengthen the country’s international relations.
