The appointment of Ambassador Audu-Rafiu Olusola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has triggered an unusual wave of consensus among Nigeria’s diplomatic elite, retired military chiefs, academics, and community leaders, with many describing the move as a strategic boost for the country’s foreign policy direction.
In what observers see as a rare convergence of voices across generations of public service, former foreign ministers, ex-service chiefs, retired ambassadors, universities, and professional organisations have openly endorsed the appointment, praising Enikanolaiye’s long-standing reputation in diplomacy and governance.
Leading the endorsements were former External Affairs Ministers, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi and General Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu, who reportedly commended Enikanolaiye’s patriotism and decades-long contribution to nation-building.
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, and ex-Health Minister, Professor Eyitayo Lambo, also hailed the appointment, describing the diplomat as a tested administrator whose experience would strengthen Nigeria’s engagement on the global stage.
Retired senior military officers, including Rear Admirals Mackson Makanju Kadiri and Murtala Bashir, both former Commandants of the Nigerian Defence College, described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision as timely, especially at a period Nigeria seeks stronger international partnerships and diplomatic visibility.
Beyond government circles, support has continued to pour in from institutions such as the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Society for International Relations Awareness, and the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria.
Academic institutions including Federal University Lokoja and Kogi State University also joined in celebrating the appointment, pointing to Enikanolaiye’s contributions to education and youth development.
Particular attention has focused on his establishment of the Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence at Kogi State University, an initiative university authorities described as evidence of his commitment to empowering future generations through education.
Community organisations and political stakeholders from Kogi State, including Hon. Leke Abejide and several Okun-based associations, equally welcomed the appointment, describing it as recognition of competence, integrity, and years of public service.
Analysts say the broad-based endorsements reflect growing expectations that Enikanolaiye’s diplomatic experience and technocratic background could play a significant role in reshaping Nigeria’s international image and foreign relations priorities.
Enikanolaiye’s Appointment Sparks Rare Bipartisan Elite Consensus
