Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, recently appointed as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has expressed her firm commitment to advancing the foreign policy objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a statement made on Monday, Ojukwu pledged to align her efforts with the strategic vision set forth by the President to enhance Nigeria’s role on the global stage.
Bianca Ojukwu, the wife of the late national icon and leader of Biafra, Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, was among the seven newly appointed ministers who took their oaths of office in a formal ceremony led by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
As the newly sworn-in ministers take on their respective roles, their collaborative efforts will be pivotal in tackling the various challenges currently facing Nigeria. With diverse backgrounds and expertise, they are expected to bring fresh perspectives and dedication to government policies and initiatives.
After the swearing-in ceremony, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, known not only for her diplomatic experience but also as a former winner of the “Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria” pageant, spoke with correspondents at the State House. She emphasized her intention to leverage Nigeria’s membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a means of unlocking the country’s vast economic potential.
Responding to questions on her prior experience in foreign missions and what she would contribute to this new role, Ojukwu reaffirmed her dedication to strengthening democratic institutions across Africa. She noted that her experience would be instrumental in promoting stable and effective governance on the continent.
She said, “In this respect, I am fully committed to aligning with the foreign policy direction of this government.”
Ojukwu went on to explain that President Tinubu’s administration has provided clear guidance on foreign policy objectives, structured around the “4Ds”: democracy, development, demographic engagement, and diaspora collaboration. According to her, these pillars will serve as a roadmap for enhancing Nigeria’s diplomatic impact and addressing key issues both domestically and internationally.
Ambassador Ojukwu highlighted the importance of the AfCFTA as a tool for economic growth, saying, “We must leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area to harness our economic potentials.”
In addition to economic strategies, the Minister outlined her focus on Nigeria’s demography, particularly the nation’s substantial youth population. “We have a large and dynamic youth population, with 70 percent of Nigerians under the age of 43,” she noted. “This demographic is crucial for the country’s development, and we intend to tap into the creative potential, skills, and energy that these young people bring to Nigeria.”
Moreover, she emphasized the importance of engaging the Nigerian diaspora, stating, “We have a diaspora that remits approximately $22 billion annually. Our diaspora is excelling in various sectors around the world, and if we can establish strong partnerships with them, we can integrate them into the administration’s initiatives.” Ojukwu highlighted the potential to work with global financial institutions and create strategic partnerships that will bolster Nigeria’s development efforts and improve the services delivered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister also expressed her commitment to enhancing consular services, aiming to ensure that Nigerians living abroad experience more effective support and feel valued by their government. “Our citizens abroad should have a positive experience when interacting with their government, knowing that their welfare is a priority,” she said. “Thank you very much.”
In a similar spirit, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, also addressed journalists. She highlighted her dedication to advancing Nigeria’s economic growth through optimized trade policies and investment strategies.
Oduwole shared insights from her nearly nine years of experience working on business climate reforms in Nigeria. She emphasized the importance of maximizing the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA, not only to boost Nigerian businesses but also to attract and retain both local and international investments.
“We need to focus on creating productive jobs that bring meaningful value to Nigerians,” she said. Oduwole stressed that a cohesive approach to trade, monetary, and fiscal policies is critical, stating, “This alignment is significant and essential, and it will be a short-term priority in our agenda.”