Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu on Friday officially 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, Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down on March 30 to pursue his governorship ambition in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the minister was received on arrival by senior directors of the ministry led by the Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, alongside heads of agencies under the ministry.

The agencies represented included the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the Technical Aid Corps, the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, and the Foreign Service Academy.

Welcoming the minister, Ahmed described her appointment as a reflection of her dedication and professionalism, expressing confidence in her ability to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and international partnerships.

He also assured her of the ministry’s support in advancing the Federal Government’s foreign policy priorities, including the protection of Nigerians abroad, promotion of peace and security, and attraction of foreign investment.

Goodwill messages were also delivered by heads of agencies under the ministry and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to Economic Community of West African States, Olawale Emmanuel Awe.

In her remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked the ministry’s staff for the reception and pledged to consolidate the achievements of the ministry under the Tinubu administration.

The statement noted that she “reaffirmed her commitment to sustaining and consolidating the achievements of the Ministry under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The minister also stressed the need for professionalism, institutional efficiency, innovation and unity in addressing global challenges and advancing Nigeria’s interests internationally. (The PUNCH)

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