By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

Prominent Nigerians across government, diplomacy, security, media, and traditional institutions have continued to pour encomiums on Ambassador Audu-Rafiu Olusola Enikanolaiye following his appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, describing him as a seasoned diplomat and accomplished public servant well prepared for the task ahead.

Leading the wave of congratulations is the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Walson-Jack, who praised Enikanolaiye’s leadership qualities, administrative competence, and distinguished record in public service. Members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) also joined in celebrating the appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

Former Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors Yusuf M. Tuggar and Bagudu Hirse, commended the appointment and described Enikanolaiye as a respected diplomat with the experience required to advance Nigeria’s international relations. Former Ministers of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. (Mrs.) Viola Adaku Onwuliri and Ambassador Zubair Dada, equally sent congratulatory messages, noting that his wealth of diplomatic experience would serve the nation well.

Top security and intelligence figures also applauded the appointment. Former National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd), and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Rufai Abubakar, highlighted the strategic importance of experienced diplomacy in safeguarding national interests and promoting security.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and former Minister of State for Labour, Prof. Stephen Ocheni, also expressed confidence in Enikanolaiye’s capacity to deliver effectively in the new role.

Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, alongside several serving ministers, conveyed their goodwill messages. Among them are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of Environment, Abass Balarabe.

Other notable personalities who felicitated with the new minister include Prince Olusola Akanmode, Chief of Staff to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; former Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Morakinyo Olotu; and former Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Olumuyiwa Aiyenigba.

The media community also joined in celebrating the appointment, with Senior Vice Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspaper, Azu Ishiekwene, and former Managing Director of Daily Trust Newspaper, Akogun Isiaka Ajibola, sending congratulatory messages.

Similarly, members of the Council of Retired Permanent Secretaries, including Dr. (Mrs.) Derek Awosika, Dr. (Mrs.) Timi Koripamo Agary, Dr. (Mrs.) Remi Aribisala, and Dr. Goke Adegoroye, among others, praised the appointment and expressed optimism about Enikanolaiye’s tenure.

Traditional rulers were not left out, as the Agbana of Isanlu, Oba Moses Etombi; the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun; the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi; and the Oba of Ejuku, Oba Funso Ayeni, extended their royal blessings and congratulations.

Policy makers, experts say the widespread endorsements from across political, diplomatic, military, media, and traditional circles underscore the confidence reposed in Enikanolaiye as he assumes a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement on the global stage.