From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Minister of State, for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has reiterated the welfare and interests of Nigerian citizens both at home and in the diaspora as the centre of Nigeria’s foreign policy, noting that it is an integral and pivotal component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister, made this known when Women from Yagba South East District in Yagba East Local Government Area, Kogi State, led by their National President, Chief Ms Ojo Iyabode, paid him a solidarity visit in his office.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye, who is the Patron of the grassroots women’s group and Chairman of the umbrella body, Yagba South East Development Association and the Agba Akin of Yagba South East, extolled their dedication to medical outreach, women and youth empowerment as well as general community service. He pledged his unstinting support to the women group.
The Minister explained the 4Ds of Nigeria’s foreign policy (encompassing demography, development, diaspora and democracy) as the foreign policy direction of the Federal government. He also told them about various international platforms that offer support for micro businesses, trade and investment, and charged women across the country to take maximum advantage of such opportunities.
“It’s an honour to be visited by you. Its a rare thing to be recognised and celebrated at home, especially by women. I do not take this visit for granted. Anyone who plays with the role of women is playing with fire.
“I’m impressed by your level of organization. I thank you for your love, discipline, and integrity. I’m aware of your impacts in the areas of medical outreach, which has saved many lives, and your cooperative society. You have been remarkably successful in community development and especially in the empowerment of women and children. We can only continue to support you and inspire the younger ones.
The Minister told his guests that the Ministry was trying to align foreign policy with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, explaining the significance of the 4D policy thrust. He said the 4Ds now formed the critical components and fulcrum of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
“Demography is about the people. About you and I, everyone of us. That is the view that foreign policy must impact in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Otherwise, foreign policy remains just foreign, with the Ministry dealing more with foreigners. We are trying to change that orientation. We are trying to see that what we do here focuses on the lives of an average Nigerian.
Ambassador Enikanolaye further explained that the leadership of the Foreign Affairs Ministry was working to ensure that the country’s foreign policy better promotes national interest, welfare, prosperity, and economic wellbeing. “That is why the President goes around to promote Direct Foreign Investment, DFI. That is why we carry our people in the diaspora along as critical assets for national development”, he said.
In addition, the Minister of. State said the Ministry’s main activity at this time was to harness all efforts and the country’s potentials to bring development, which is the second component of the 4Ds, noting that Development is about the people, human security, education, infrastructure, among others.
“We are trying to show that foreign policy promotes the lives and wellbeing of ordinary Nigerians. We are trying to encourage small and medium enterprises to do better. We encourage better packaging of our product so that they receive immediate international acceptance. There are immense opportunities such as low interest loans through OIC for example and ECOWAS out there that Nigerians don’t know much about or how toh7 maximise. Our job is to raise awareness and we encourage you to key into them”, the Minister of State said..
He told the group that he was in Maiduguri about four weeks ago to discuss security along the Lake Chad Basin, and in Bauchi last week for ECOWAS Trade Libralisarion Scheme. He said Nigerians could leverage on these opportunities.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye promised to stay focused and not to let down his people. He however, urged the women to continue in their support and prayers for the Federal Government, noting that the prayers of mothers avail much.
Earlier the National President of the group said they were delighted over the national recognition of their son and patron, and congratulated the Minister over his appointment and wished him a successful service to the nation.
“Your new oflice comes with signilicant responsibilities, as you are representing Nigeria and contributing to the advancement of our nation’s diplomatic
relations and international interests. We are confident that your wisdom, experience, integrity, and commitment to service will make a meaningtul difference in this important role.
She expressed the group’s joy over their patron’s recognition and achievements and thanked the President for having considered their son worthy of the appointment.
She prayed for wisdom, strength, good health, and courage required for him to successfully discharge his duties.
