The Okun Development Association (ODA), speaking for all sons and daughters of Okunland at home and in the diaspora, has warmly express appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nominating Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of ODA, Dayo Thomas, the group said President Tinubu’s decision is a defining statement in recognition of meritocracy and a resounding vote of confidence in Okun technocrats. By elevating another distinguished Okun patriot to the federal cabinet, ODA said, “Mr. President has reaffirmed that Kogi West remains a wellspring of exceptional competence, unwavering loyalty, and tested character available for national service at the highest levels”
The appointment, the group registered, “strengthens our people’s faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda and in a Federal Government that recognizes competence wherever it is found.”
The statement further read: The ODA President General, Amb Akenson Rotimi, wishes to celebrate Ambassador Enikanolaiye, a distinguished diplomat and seasoned public servant whose career spanning over four decades reflects discipline, intellectual rigor, and the finest in diplomatic practice. According to the ODA President General, Amb Enikanolaiye is a true patriot, and a consistent promoter of Okun interest, balancing global assignments with tangible community development in his homeland.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye brings to the office, over four decades of exemplary service in Nigeria’s foreign relations. He served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and represented Nigeria with distinction in several diplomatic missions, including Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi. Until this nomination, he served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, where his policy insight and institutional memory were invaluable to the machinery of governance.
ODA said it is convinced that the nomination aligns with President Tinubu’s drive to reinvigorate Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater output, strategic engagements, and stronger global presence adding, that Ambassador Enikanolaiye, a quintessential diplomat has protected Nigeria’s national interest with intellect, tact, and integrity across multiple administrations.
“We have complete confidence that Amb Enikanolaiye will advance Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements in regional stability, and safeguard the interest of Nigerians at home and abroad. At a time when global supply chains, security, and energy markets are facing challenges, his experience, and deep institutional knowledge are precisely what Nigeria needs” the statement reads in part.
