Former foreign ministers, ex-service chiefs, retired diplomats and other public figures have welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Audu-Rafiu Olusola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi and Gen. Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu, who both served as External Affairs Ministers between 1984 and 1993, described Enikanolaiye as a dedicated patriot with years of service to nation-building.
They said they had personally called to congratulate him.
Other former officials including ex-Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin and former Health Minister Prof. Eyitayo Lambo cited his track record in previous administrations and said his inclusion in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet would boost productivity in foreign relations.
Rear Admirals Mackson Kadiri and Murtala Bashir, former Commandants of the Nigerian Defence College, called the appointment timely.
Institutions also joined in the commendation. The Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Society for International Relations Awareness, and the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria said Enikanolaiye’s integrity and experience would serve the country well.
Messages of support came from the Nigerian Embassy in Prague, Federal University Lokoja, FUL, Kogi State University, KSU, and several civil society groups.
At home, Hon. Leke Abejide, member representing Yagba federal constituency, and community groups including the Ife-Olukotun Descendants Union, Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association, Jege Development Association and Okun Development Association celebrated the appointment.
Abejide praised Tinubu for choosing what he called an “erudite, quintessential diplomat.”
FUL Vice-Chancellor Prof. Gbenga Ibileye and KSU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kehinde Eniola described Enikanolaiye, the Asoju-Oba of Ife-Olukotun Kingdom, as an accomplished diplomat and humanitarian.
Eniola noted his establishment of the Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence at KSU, saying it would reward deserving students and promote academic excellence.
Enikanolaiye’s appointment is seen by supporters as recognition of a career built on service, discipline and integrity.
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