By joshua 
Head of Service, Foreign Minister, FEC Members, Others Fete Enikanolaiye
Prominent figures from various sectors in Nigeria have continued to extend their heartfelt congratulations to Ambassador Audu-Rafiu Olusola Enikanolaiye on his recent appointment as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. This recognition underscores the significant leadership qualities that Enikanolaiye has demonstrated throughout his career.
Leading the celebrations is Dr Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, who commended his exceptional capabilities and vision as a bureaucrat and leader. She is joined by fellow members of the Federal Executive Council, all of whom are eager to see the positive impact of Enikanolaiye’s leadership in the ministry.
Two former Foreign Affairs Ministers, Ambassadors. Yusuf M. Tuggar and Bagudu Hirse, have publicly expressed their support and admiration for him. Their encouraging words reflect the respect and trust that seasoned diplomats place in their successor. Furthermore, distinguished personalities such as Prof. (Mrs) Viola Adaku Onwuliri and Amb. Zubair Dada, both of whom served as Ministers of State for Foreign Affairs, have also reached out with their congratulations, recognising the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the new minister.
Adding weight to the chorus of commendation are high-ranking officials from Nigeria’s defence and intelligence sectors. Maj Gen Babagana Monguno (Rtd), the former National Security Adviser, (NSA), and Amb Rufai Abubakar, the former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, (NIA), have both praised Enikanolaiye for his appointment, highlighting the importance of discernible diplomatic direction in ensuring national security. Former Ekiti State governor Dr Kayode J. Fayemi and Prof. Stephen Ocheni, who previously served as Minister of State for Labour, have also voiced their support, further emphasising the broad consensus on Enikanolaiye’s capability to fulfil the responsibilities of this critical role.
Prominent among those congratulating Enikanolaiye is Prof. Tunji Olaopa, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, who, along with several current Ministers including Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu, Dr Bosun Tijani of Communications and Digital Economy; Senator Abubakar Kyari of Agriculture and Food Security; Chief Adegboyega Oyetola of Blue Economy; Dr Jumoke Oduwole of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Abass Balarabe of the Federal Ministry of Environment,—have all expressed their best wishes for his success in the ministry.
Support also comes from figures such as Prince Olusola Akanmode, Chief of Staff to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman and CEO of NIDCOM; Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Morakinyo Olotu, former Commandant of the National Defence College, (NDC), and Maj Gen Olumuyiwa Aiyenigba, former Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army. Their collective voices signify the multifaceted support for Enikanolaiye’s new role.
In addition to politicians and military leaders, the media has shown its support, with Azu Ishiekwene, the Senior Vice Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspaper, and Akogun Isiaka Ajibola, the former Managing Director of Daily Trust Newspaper, sharing their congratulatory messages. Moreover, members of the Council of Retired Permanent Secretaries such as Dr. (Mrs) Derek Awosika, Dr. (Mrs) Timi Koripamo Agary, Dr. (Mrs) Remi Aribisala, Dr Goke Adegoroye, among others—have also sent messages of endorsement, adding to the overwhelming support for Enikanolaiye.
Traditional rulers, including the Agbana of Isanlu, Oba Moses Etombi; the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun; Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniy, and the Oba of Ejuku, Oba Funso Ayeni, among others, have also extended their congratulations, demonstrating that Enikanolaiye’s appointment resonates throughout all levels of society. The broad range of recognition and respect from this diverse group underscores the confidence placed in Enikanolaiye as he steps into this pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s diplomatic relations.