Tinubu rebuilding global confidence in Nigeria, says Akume
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on Tuesday, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is rebuilding international confidence in Nigeria through economic diplomacy, strategic partnerships
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on Tuesday, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is rebuilding international confidence in Nigeria through economic diplomacy, strategic partnerships and stronger regional cooperation.
Represented by Professor Babatunde Bolaji, the SGF described the event as more than a book launch, saying it was a celebration of Nigeria’s diplomatic history, institutional memory, and commitment to national service.
Represented by Professor Babatunde Bolaji, the SGF described the event as more than a book launch, calling it a celebration of Nigeria’s diplomatic history, institutional memory, and commitment to national service.
“It is indeed an honour for me to be present at this public presentation,” Akume said.
“Today’s event is not merely a book presentation; it is a celebration of service, diplomacy, institutional memory and commitment to national duty.”
He said the memoir chronicled Nigeria’s diplomatic journey over several decades and highlighted the sacrifices made by diplomats in protecting the country’s image and strategic interests abroad.
“Ambassador Eineje Onobu’s memoir captures the decades of Nigeria’s diplomatic journey and reflects the dedication of men and women who worked tirelessly to uphold the image, sovereignty and strategic interests of our dear nation within the international community,” he said.
Akume praised the foreign policy direction of the Tinubu administration, noting that Nigeria had continued to pursue purposeful international engagement anchored on economic diplomacy and regional stability.
“Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria’s foreign policy has continued to witness purposeful engagement anchored on economic diplomacy, regional stability, strategic partnerships and renewed international confidence in Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the administration has consistently projected Nigeria as “a responsible and influential leader on the African continent.”
He added that Tinubu’s foreign policy thrust was focused on strengthening cooperation through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), promoting peace and democratic governance across Africa, attracting foreign direct investment and deepening bilateral and multilateral relations.
The SGF said the Federal Government was also repositioning Nigeria as a preferred destination for trade, innovation and economic growth.
“It is fitting that we gather today to honour Ambassador Eneje Onobu, whose remarkable career contributed immensely to the shaping and strengthening of Nigeria’s foreign relations over several decades,” he stated.
“I commend the author for documenting these experiences with clarity, patriotism and historic depth. In preserving these memories, Ambassador Onobu has not only chronicled personal experiences but has also contributed significantly to the preservation of Nigeria’s foreign policy history.”
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), however, used the occasion to call for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s diplomatic architecture, including the establishment of a Foreign Service Commission.
Chairing the event, Nwachukwu warned that continued politicisation of ambassadorial appointments and weak institutional structures were undermining Nigeria’s diplomatic effectiveness.
“It is time to establish a Foreign Service Commission that will ensure only the best minds enter the service and are properly groomed to represent Nigeria as ambassadors across the world,” he said.
He lamented that career diplomats were increasingly sidelined in ambassadorial appointments, with many officers retiring without attaining the peak of their profession.
“Today, that balance has collapsed. It is disheartening for officers who dedicate decades to service yet never get the opportunity to serve as ambassadors,” he said.
Nwachukwu recalled that during his tenure as foreign affairs minister, Nigeria maintained a 70-30 ratio between career and political ambassadors to preserve professionalism and institutional memory.
He proposed an 80-20 formula in favour of career diplomats to strengthen efficiency in Nigeria’s missions abroad.
The former minister also identified chronic underfunding as a major obstacle to effective foreign policy implementation.
“There is no way we can continue to budget in naira for missions that operate in foreign environments and expect optimal performance,” he said.
“If we put the wrong people in the wrong places or fail to support the right ones, we cannot achieve meaningful results.”
Nwachukwu commended Onobu for his professionalism and dedication, describing him as one of the most dependable officers he worked with during his time in office.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ambassador Godknows Igali, described diplomacy as a largely invisible profession conducted through sensitive negotiations and confidential engagements.
“Diplomacy is often carried out behind closed doors through sensitive communications and delicate engagements. As a result, many people do not fully understand how policies are formulated or decisions are reached,” Igali said.
He described Onobu’s nearly 1,000-page memoir as a landmark contribution to Nigeria’s foreign policy literature and urged serving and retired diplomats to document their experiences for future generations.
In his remarks, Onobu reflected on his diplomatic career spanning 40 years, from 1975 to 2015, describing it as demanding but fulfilling.
He paid tribute to former foreign ministers, including Nwachukwu and Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, for shaping his professional outlook.
“He created an environment where experienced officers were retained and encouraged to excel. His commitment to mentoring helped many of us grow in the service,” Onobu said of Nwachukwu.
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Sule Lamido also attended the event and commended Onobu’s contributions to the Foreign Service.
The ceremony attracted serving and retired diplomats, academics and senior government officials, who stressed the need for reforms to reposition Nigeria’s Foreign Service to meet growing global challenges.
