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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tasked the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, to deploy his extensive diplomatic experience towards strengthening Nigeria’s influence and advancing the country’s interests on the global stage.
The President gave the charge while congratulating Enikanolaiye on his birthday, describing the minister’s decades-long career in diplomacy and public service as an invaluable asset to Nigeria’s foreign policy.
Enikanolaiye, who turns a year older on September 14, spent 35 years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving from August 1982 to August 2017 and rising through the ranks to become Permanent Secretary.
He subsequently served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations before his appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Tinubu, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Enikanolaiye’s extensive experience in diplomacy, international relations, administration and strategic affairs placed him in a strong position to contribute to Nigeria’s global standing.
The President said the minister’s career had been marked by “professionalism, intellectual depth, discipline and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria”, noting that his service at the ministry’s headquarters and diplomatic missions abroad had contributed significantly to the country’s foreign relations.
He also commended Enikanolaiye’s role in the formulation and implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy, as well as the country’s multilateral engagements at the United Nations, African Union, Commonwealth and other international organisations.
“Your extensive experience in diplomacy, international relations, administration and strategic affairs remains an invaluable asset in strengthening Nigeria’s standing and influence in the international community,” Tinubu said.
The President described Enikanolaiye’s appointment to the Federal Executive Council as a fitting recognition of his “exemplary record of service and extensive diplomatic experience”.
He expressed confidence that the minister would continue to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic institutions and promote the country’s interests in the international community.
“As you mark this special day, I pray that Almighty God will continue to grant you good health, wisdom and strength to continue serving your fatherland,” Tinubu said.
