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President Tinubu Submits 32 Ambassadorial Candidates for Senate Approval
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a fresh list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Nigerian Senate, following an earlier submission of three candidates. This move marks a significant step in filling key diplomatic positions across the globe.
Breakdown of Ambassadorial Nominees
In two formal communications addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu requested swift consideration and confirmation of the nominees. The list comprises 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career appointees, reflecting a blend of seasoned foreign service professionals and distinguished individuals from various sectors. Notably, the career ambassadorial group includes four women, while the non-career list features six female nominees, underscoring a commitment to gender inclusivity in Nigeria’s diplomatic corps.
Noteworthy Non-Career Ambassadorial Appointments
The non-career nominees include prominent figures such as Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu from Abia State, a former presidential aide; Reno Omokri from Delta State; Mahmud Yakubu, the ex-chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and Erelu Angela Adebayo, the former First Lady of Ekiti State. Additionally, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is among the candidates.
Other distinguished names are Tasiu Musa Maigari, ex-speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly; Yakubu N. Gambo, a former Plateau State Commissioner and deputy executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC); Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, a former senator from Plateau State; and Otunba Femi Pedro, who served as deputy governor of Lagos State.
The list also features Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former aviation minister from Osun State; Barrister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu of Anambra State; Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former First Lady of Oyo State; Lola Akande, ex-Lagos State Commissioner; Grace Bent, former senator from Adamawa State; Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, ex-governor of Abia State; Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, a businessman and lawyer from Ondo State; and Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu, Nigeria’s former envoy to the Holy See from Benue State.
Career Ambassadors and High Commissioner Nominees
The career diplomats nominated include Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa), Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi), Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa), Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi), and Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun).
Additional career nominees are Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo), Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah (Edo), Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger), Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina), Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna), Ambassador Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kwara), and Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun).
Strategic Diplomatic Postings Await Confirmation
Once ratified by the Senate, these nominees are slated for deployment to countries with which Nigeria enjoys robust and strategic bilateral ties. Potential postings include major global players such as China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa, and Kenya. Additionally, some will represent Nigeria at key international organizations including the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union.
Earlier Ambassadorial Submissions and Future Plans
Last week, President Tinubu had already sent three ambassadorial candidates for Senate screening: Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun). These nominees are expected to be assigned to high-profile diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom, United States, or France upon confirmation.
President Tinubu has indicated that further ambassadorial nominations will be announced shortly, signaling ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence worldwide.
