Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, the newly appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has declared her unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda, highlighting plans to leverage Nigeria’s substantial diaspora influence and demographic advantages for national development.
The former beauty queen and widow of the legendary Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, made these remarks following her swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. She was among seven new ministers who took their oaths of office before President Tinubu in the Council Chamber.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the ceremony, Ambassador Ojukwu outlined her vision for advancing Nigeria’s international interests through what she described as the administration’s “4Ds” framework – democracy, development, demographic engagement, and diaspora collaboration. Her appointment brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to the role, having previously served in foreign missions.
The new minister emphasized the strategic importance of Nigeria’s diaspora community, noting their significant annual remittance of $22 billion to the country. We have a diaspora that is excelling worldwide,” she stated, expressing her intention to forge strategic partnerships with international financial institutions through these global Nigerian connections.
A key focus of her agenda will be maximizing the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost Nigeria’s economic potential. This aligns with the administration’s broader economic objectives and demonstrates a commitment to regional integration and trade development.
Ambassador Ojukwu also highlighted Nigeria’s demographic advantage, pointing out that 70 percent of the nation’s population is under 43 years old. She expressed her determination to harness the creative potential and skills of this young population, viewing it as a valuable asset for national development.
The minister’s approach to foreign service delivery includes improving consular services abroad, ensuring better experiences for Nigerian citizens in foreign countries, and strengthening democratic institutions across Africa. We want our citizens abroad to feel that their government genuinely cares for their welfare,” she emphasized.
Her appointment comes at a crucial time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen its international relations and economic partnerships. The selection of Ojukwu, with her unique combination of diplomatic experience and high public profile, signals the administration’s commitment to elevating Nigeria’s foreign policy engagement.
During the same event, the newly appointed Minister of Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, complemented Ojukwu’s vision with her own focus on business climate reforms and investment optimization. Oduwole, who brings nine years of experience in business climate reforms, stressed the importance of aligning trade agenda with monetary and fiscal policies to create productive jobs for Nigerians.
The appointments of both ministers represent a strategic move by the Tinubu administration to strengthen Nigeria’s international presence while fostering economic growth through trade and investment. Their complementary roles suggest a coordinated approach to achieving the administration’s foreign policy and economic objectives.
As Nigeria continues to position itself as a key player in African and global affairs, Ambassador Ojukwu’s commitment to implementing the president’s foreign policy thrust, combined with her focus on leveraging diaspora resources and youth potential, could mark a new chapter in Nigeria’s international relations. The emphasis on both diplomatic engagement and economic development indicates a comprehensive approach to foreign policy that could yield significant benefits for Nigeria’s global standing and domestic prosperity.
The coming months will be crucial as these new ministers begin to implement their strategies and work towards realizing President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria’s role in the international community. Their success could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s diplomatic relations, trade partnerships, and economic growth in an increasingly interconnected world.
