President Tinubu Unveils Major Ambassadorial Nominations
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made a significant diplomatic move by nominating thirty-two individuals for ambassadorial positions, including Dr. Florence Ajimobi, the former First Lady of Oyo State. The announcement came through an official statement released on Saturday by Presidential spokesman Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
The comprehensive list features a mix of experienced diplomats and prominent non-career appointments, marking one of the largest ambassadorial nominations since President Tinubu assumed office. The nominees have been formally submitted to the Senate for the mandatory confirmation process that will determine their diplomatic futures.
Breakdown of the Ambassador Nominations
According to the detailed breakdown provided in the presidential statement, the thirty-two nominees consist of fifteen career diplomats and seventeen non-career appointments. The list demonstrates considerable gender diversity, with four women nominated as career ambassadors and six women selected for non-career ambassadorial positions.
In two separate official letters addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu specifically requested the Senate to expedite the consideration and confirmation process for all nominees. This development comes just days after the President submitted an initial batch of three ambassadorial nominees for legislative approval.
The non-career ambassador designates include several notable political figures from across Nigeria:
- Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu from Abia State
- Former presidential aide Reno Omokri from Delta State
- Former INEC chairman Mahmud Yakubu
- Former Ekiti first lady Erelu Angela Adebayo
- Former Enugu governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
- Former Katsina House Speaker Tasiu Musa Maigari
- Former Plateau Commissioner Yakubu N. Gambo
- Former Senator Professor Nora Ladi Daduut from Plateau
- Former Lagos deputy governor Otunba Femi Pedro
- Former aviation minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode from Osun State
- Barrister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu from Anambra State
Strategic Diplomatic Postings Ahead
The newly nominated ambassadors are expected to be deployed to countries where Nigeria maintains strong bilateral relationships and strategic partnerships. Potential postings include major global powers and emerging economies such as China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa, and Kenya.
Additionally, some nominees may be assigned to represent Nigeria at important international organizations and Permanent Missions including the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union. The specific diplomatic assignments for each nominee will be finalized only after successful confirmation by the Senate.
This latest nomination batch follows last week's submission of three ambassadorial nominees: Ambassador Ayodele Oke from Oyo State, Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu from Jigawa State, and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are from Ogun State. These earlier nominees are being considered for prestigious postings in the United Kingdom, United States, or France.
President Tinubu has indicated that additional ambassadorial nominations will be announced in the coming weeks, suggesting a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria's diplomatic representation abroad. The current nominations reflect the administration's commitment to strengthening Nigeria's international relations through experienced and diverse diplomatic appointments.
