Akinyemi, Service Chiefs, Retired Diplomats, and Others Applaud Enikanolaiye’s New Appointment

A coalition of former foreign ministers, former members of the federal executive council, service chiefs, retired diplomats, and other prominent figures has voiced strong support for the recent appointment of Ambassador Audu‑Rafiu Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

This endorsement signals the high esteem in which he is held by diplomatic circles and reflects collective confidence in his capacity to manage complex international relations.

The praise from such a varied group of seasoned professionals underscores belief in Enikanolaiye’s leadership and vision for the future.

Notable diplomats, including Professor Bolaji Akinyemi and General Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu—both former “External Affairs Ministers” under the military regimes of Generals Muhammadu Buhari and Ibrahim Babangida from 1984 to 1993—have personally expressed admiration for him.

They described him as a dedicated patriot who has spent many years advancing nation‑building efforts.

Prominent military and governmental figures have also celebrated Enikanolaiye’s appointment.

General Gabriel Olonisakin, the Chief of Defence Staff during President Buhari’s administration, and Professor Eyitayo Lambo, former Health Minister under President Olusegun Obasanjo, praised his exceptional service in earlier administrations.

The group highlighted Enikanolaiye’s tenacity and exemplary commitment, noting that his involvement in the current administration is expected to yield significant productivity and results. Additionally, Rear Admirals Mackson Makanju Kadiri and Murtala Bashir—both former Commandants of the Nigerian Defence College—congratulated him on his elevation to the Federal Executive Council by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the move as timely and crucial for strengthening the administration’s foreign‑relations agenda.

Support has also come from various organizations and institutions. Correspondence has been received from the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, the Society for International Relations Awareness, and the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria.

These bodies conveyed congratulations, reflecting a broad consensus about Enikanolaiye’s integrity and expected effectiveness in his new role.

Messages of support have also arrived from the Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics, the Nigerian Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic, the Federal University Lokoja, and Kogi State University in Kabba, all expressing confidence in his capabilities.

On the community front, Member representing Yagba federal constituency, Hon Leke Abejide, and local associations such as the Ife‑Olukotun Descendants Union, the Ekinrin‑Adde Community Development Association, the Jege Development Association, and the Okun Development Association have joined in celebrating Ambassador Enikanolaiye’s recognition and achievements. Abejide specifically praised the President for appointing an “erudite, quintessential diplomat.”

In a personal gesture, the Vice‑Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, sent heartfelt congratulations to Enikanolaiye, who also serves as the Asoju‑Oba of Ife‑Olukotun Kingdom. He described Enikanolaiye as an extraordinary diplomat, technocrat, and humanitarian.

In a goodwill message shared with the media on Sunday in Kabba, spokesman of Kogi State University, Tade Oshaloto, conveyed the sentiments of the Vice‑Chancellor, Prof. Kehinde Imisi Temitope Eniola, that Enikanolaiye’s appointment recognises a life of excellence, discipline, integrity, and dedicated service to the nation.

Moreover, the Vice‑Chancellor praised Enikanolaiye for establishing the Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence at Kogi State University.

He highlighted this decision as a commendable gesture, inspired by the support Enikanolaiye received as one of the best graduating students at several institutions over the decades.

This act is viewed as a testament to his patriotism and unwavering commitment to fostering the values of hard work, dignity in labour, and academic excellence, he said.

Professor Eniola noted that the endowment will positively impact students’ lives by recognising and rewarding deserving candidates, and emphasised that it will serve as a lasting legacy of the diplomat’s dedication to youth development and education, which he believes is essential for the country’s future.