The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, has urged participants of the 26th Regular Course of the Nigeria Foreign Service Academy to uphold discipline and strive for excellence in their training. She made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while declaring the program open, emphasizing that the course is not just a training exercise but a vital foundation for their future roles in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Addressing the new trainees, Ambassador Ojukwu highlighted that their admission into the academy reflects their potential, discipline, and dedication. She reminded them that as future diplomats, they will represent Nigeria on the global stage, where the country’s image and influence will be shaped by their professionalism and conduct.
“This training is designed to challenge you intellectually, test your resilience, and enhance your ability to think critically in complex diplomatic environments,” she said.
The Minister also commended the Director and management of the Foreign Service Academy for their commitment to grooming Nigeria’s future diplomats. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, she encouraged the participants to remain focused and determined, assuring them that the training offers significant opportunities for growth and achievement.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, urged the trainees to maximize the learning experience by sharpening their diplomatic skills and developing a strong sense of patriotism and loyalty to the nation.
Similarly, the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, represented by Ambassador Musa Musa Abubakar, congratulated the participants on their selection and emphasized that the course serves as the foundation for a successful diplomatic career.
The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including representatives of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and the Presidency.
As Nigeria continues to strengthen its diplomatic presence globally, the quality of its foreign service officers remains a crucial factor in shaping its international standing. Will these young diplomats rise to the occasion and uphold the nation’s interests with competence and integrity? Only time will tell.
