By Our Correspondent

National News – Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, officially assumed office in Abuja on Friday following her elevation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The appointment came after former minister Yusuf Tuggar resigned on March 30 to pursue his governorship ambition in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Permanent Secretary Dunoma Ahmed, received the minister during her official resumption in Abuja.

Heads of agencies under the ministry, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, and Technical Aid Corps, also attended the event.

According to ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the new minister’s appointment reflects confidence in her diplomatic experience, professionalism, and commitment to Nigeria’s foreign policy goals.

Ahmed stated that the ministry would support her efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s international partnerships, improve diplomatic relations, protect Nigerians abroad, and attract foreign investment into the country.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Olawale Emmanuel Awe, alongside other agency heads, delivered goodwill messages during the ceremony.

They expressed optimism that the new leadership would boost Nigeria’s global image and reinforce peace, security, and regional cooperation across West Africa.

Speaking during the handover event, Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked ministry staff for the warm reception and pledged to build on the achievements of the Tinubu administration.

She promised to promote professionalism, institutional efficiency, innovation, and unity within the ministry while addressing global challenges affecting Nigeria’s interests internationally.

The minister also assured Nigerians that her administration would focus on strengthening diplomatic ties, enhancing regional cooperation, and advancing economic opportunities through effective foreign relations policies.