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By Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has reiterated the welfare and interests of Nigerian citizens both at home and in the diaspora as the center of Nigeria’s foreign policy, stressing that it is an integral and fundamental component of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
The minister made this known when women of Yagba South East District in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, led by their National President, Mrs Ojo Iyabode, paid him a solidarity visit to his office.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye, who is the patron of the grassroots women group and president of the umbrella body, Yagba South East Development Association and the Agba Akin of Yagba South East, extolled their dedication to medical care, women and youth empowerment as well as overall community service. She pledged her unconditional support to the women’s group.
The Minister explained the 4Ds of Nigeria’s foreign policy (which includes demography, development, diaspora and democracy) as the foreign policy direction of the Federal Government. She also told them about various international platforms that offer support for micro-businesses, trade and investments, and charged women across the country to make the most of such opportunities.
“It is an honor to receive your visit. It is a rare thing to be recognized and celebrated at home, especially by women. I do not take this visit for granted. Anyone who plays with the role of women plays with fire.
“I am impressed by your level of organisation. I thank you for your love, discipline and integrity. I am aware of your impact in the areas of medical awareness, which has saved many lives, and your cooperative society. You have had remarkable success 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 is seeking to align foreign policy with the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, explaining the significance of the 4D policy thrust. He said the 4Ds now constitute the critical components and core of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
“Demographics is about people. It is about you and me, every one of us. This is the idea that foreign policy must impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Otherwise, foreign policy remains only foreign, with the Ministry dealing more with foreigners. We are trying to change that. We are trying to see that what we do here focuses on the life of an average Nigerian.
Ambassador Enikanolaye further explained that the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to ensure that the country’s foreign policy better promotes national interest, welfare, prosperity and economic well-being. “This is why the President promotes foreign direct investment, DFI. This is why we bring with us our people in the diaspora as a key resource for national development,” he said.
Furthermore, the Minister of. The State said that the main activity of the Ministry at this time is to harness all the efforts and potentials of the country to bring development, which is the second component of the 4Ds, stressing that development is about people, human security, education, infrastructure, among others.
“We are trying to demonstrate that foreign policy promotes the lives and well-being of Nigerian citizens. We are trying to encourage small and medium-sized businesses to do better. We encourage better packaging of our products so that they receive immediate international acceptance. There are immense opportunities such as low-interest loans through OIC, for example, and ECOWAS, which Nigerians don’t know much about or how to maximize Toh7. Our job is to raise awareness and we encourage you to take this into account,” the minister said State.
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 the ECOWAS commercial libralisarion programme. He said Nigerians could take advantage of these opportunities.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye promised to stay focused and not disappoint his people. However, she urged women to continue their support and prayers for the federal government, stressing that mothers’ prayers go a long way.
Earlier, the National President of the group said he was happy with the national recognition of their son and patron, congratulated the Minister on his appointment and wished him successful service to the nation.
“Your new position carries significant responsibilities as you represent Nigeria and contribute to the advancement of our nation’s diplomatic system
international relations and interests. We are confident that your wisdom, experience, integrity and commitment to service will make a significant difference in this important role.
He expressed the group’s joy at the recognition and achievements of their patron and thanked the President for considering his son worthy of the position.
He prayed for wisdom, strength, good health, and courage so that he could successfully fulfill his duties.
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