*She’s Now Face Of Nigeria’s Diplomatic Architecture
*Sola Enikanolaiye Is New Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Another promotion has come the way of Ambassador Bianca Odinakachukwu Olivia Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, as President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday elevated her to Minister of Foreign Affairs.
This followed the recent resignation of the Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, to run for elective office in 2027.
For 57-year-old Bianca, the former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, ex-Miss Africa, and ex-Miss Intercontinental, the latest step-up in her diplomatic career is the crowning glory of a journey that has seen her become Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain (2012-2015) during the Goodluck Jonathan presidency as well as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and later, beginning 4 November, 2024, Minister of State, Foreign Affairs.
Bianca is the daughter of Second Republic Governor of old Anambra State, the late Chief CC Onoh.
A statement by Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, which disclosed news of her elevation, said President Tinubu also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.
“Until his nomination, Ambassador Enikanolaiye, from Kogi State, served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
“Enikanolaiye is a distinguished diplomat and seasoned public servant with over three decades of exemplary service in Nigeria’s foreign service.
“He has previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held key diplomatic postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.
“The President noted that these appointments are part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, strategic engagement, and stronger global partnerships.
“President Tinubu congratulates the appointees and urges them to work diligently to promote Nigeria’s national interest, advance economic diplomacy, foster regional stability, and safeguard the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad,” he said.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
