Enikanolaiye: Nigerians’ Welfare Remains Core Of Foreign Policy

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has reaffirmed the welfare and interests of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora as the central focus of the country’s foreign policy.

Enikanolaiye said the Federal Government was repositioning Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure that diplomatic engagements translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians.

The Minister stated this on Thursday, September 10, in Abuja, when women from Yagba South East District of Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, led by their National President, Chief Ms Ojo Iyabode, paid him a solidarity visit.

According to him, Nigeria’s foreign policy direction is anchored on the 4Ds  Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy, which he described as key pillars for advancing the country’s national interest.

“Demography is about the people. We are trying to see that what we do here focuses on the lives of an average Nigerian,” Enikanolaiye said.

He said the Ministry was intensifying efforts to attract foreign direct investment, engage Nigerians in the diaspora as partners in national development and connect Nigerian businesses with international markets and opportunities.

The Minister encouraged women and small and medium-sized enterprises to explore international trade platforms, financing opportunities and programmes available through organisations such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and ECOWAS.

He explained that the development component of the 4Ds focuses on human security, education, infrastructure and other areas capable of improving the living standards of Nigerians.

Enikanolaiye also urged Nigerian businesses to improve the packaging, quality and competitiveness of their products to enable them take greater advantage of international markets.

He commended the Yagba South East women for their contributions to community development through medical outreach programmes, women and youth empowerment initiatives and cooperative activities.

Earlier, Iyabode congratulated Enikanolaiye on his appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, expressing confidence that his experience, integrity and commitment to public service would contribute to Nigeria’s diplomatic and national development objectives.

She also commended President Tinubu for appointing their son to the position and prayed for wisdom, strength and good health for the Minister as he discharges his responsibilities.