By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

Avalanche of praise and endorsements has continued to trail the appointment of Ambassador Audu-Rafiu Olusola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, with former foreign ministers, ex-service chiefs, retired diplomats, academics, and community leaders describing the development as a fitting recognition of decades of dedicated national service.

Leading the chorus of commendation were renowned former External Affairs Ministers, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi and General Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu, who personally conveyed their admiration for the veteran diplomat.

The duo, who served during the military administrations of Generals Muhammadu Buhari and Ibrahim Babangida between 1984 and 1993, described Enikanolaiye as a patriotic statesman committed to nation-building and diplomatic excellence.

Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, alongside former Minister of Health, Prof. Eyitayo Lambo, also applauded the appointment, praising Enikanolaiye’s track record of service, resilience, and professionalism in previous national assignments.

According to them, his inclusion in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy direction and boost diplomatic engagements on the global stage.

Similarly, former Commandants of the Nigerian Defence College, Rear Admirals Mackson Makanju Kadiri and Murtala Bashir, described the appointment as timely and strategic, noting that Enikanolaiye’s wealth of diplomatic experience would enhance the Federal Government’s international relations agenda.

Support has also poured in from several institutions and professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs (NIIA), Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Society for International Relations Awareness (SIRA), and the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN).

Other organisations that sent congratulatory messages include the Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics (AERE), the Nigerian Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic, the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), and Kogi State University, Kabba, all expressing confidence in the ambassador’s ability to excel in his new assignment.

At the grassroots level, Member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, Hon. Leke Abejide, joined several community associations in celebrating the appointment.
Among the groups were the Ife-Olukotun Descendants Union (IDU), Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (ECDA), Jege Development Association (JDA), and the Okun Development Association (ODA).
Abejide commended President Tinubu for appointing what he described as an “erudite and quintessential diplomat” to the Federal Executive Council.

In separate goodwill messages, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, and the Vice Chancellor of Kogi State University, Prof. Kehinde Imisi Temitope Eniola, described Enikanolaiye as an accomplished diplomat, technocrat, and humanitarian whose life has been defined by discipline, integrity, and service.

The institutions particularly praised the establishment of the Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence at Kogi State University, describing it as a visionary initiative aimed at promoting academic distinction and supporting outstanding students.
Prof. Eniola noted that the scholarship scheme would leave a lasting impact on students and serve as a legacy of Enikanolaiye’s commitment to youth empowerment, education, and national development.

The overwhelming endorsements from across diplomatic, military, academic, and community circles underscore the confidence reposed in Enikanolaiye as he assumes his new role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy and international engagements.