By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to placing the welfare and interests of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora at the centre of the country’s foreign policy.
Enikanolaiye said the policy direction was an integral part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at ensuring that Nigeria’s international engagements translate into tangible benefits for its citizens.
The minister stated this on Thursday, September 10, when women from Yagba South-East District in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, led by their National President, Chief Mrs Ojo Iyabode, paid him a solidarity visit in Abuja.
Enikanolaiye, who is the patron of the grassroots women’s group, Chairman of the Yagba South-East Development Association and Agba Akin of Yagba South-East, commended the women for their contributions to community development, particularly through medical outreach, women and youth empowerment, cooperative activities and other social interventions.
He pledged his continued support for the group and urged them to sustain their efforts toward improving the lives of people in their communities.
The minister explained that Nigeria’s foreign policy was now anchored on the “4Ds” of Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy, describing the four pillars as critical components of the government’s foreign policy direction.
According to him, demography places Nigerians at the heart of foreign policy, stressing that the country’s diplomatic engagements must ultimately improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
“Foreign policy must impact 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,” he said.
Enikanolaiye said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was working to ensure that Nigeria’s external relations promoted national interest, citizens’ welfare, prosperity and economic wellbeing.
He explained that this was partly responsible for President Tinubu’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment and engage Nigerians in the diaspora as critical partners in national development.
On the development component of the 4Ds, the minister said the government was seeking to harness Nigeria’s international relationships and resources to advance human security, education, infrastructure and economic opportunities.
He urged women and small and medium-sized enterprises to take advantage of international platforms offering support for businesses, trade and investment.
“There are immense opportunities such as low-interest loans through the OIC and ECOWAS that Nigerians don’t know much about or how to maximize. Our job is to raise awareness and we encourage you to key into them,” he said.
The minister disclosed that he had recently visited Maiduguri to discuss security issues around the Lake Chad Basin and Bauchi to engage stakeholders on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, saying such initiatives provided opportunities Nigerians could leverage for development and economic growth.
He assured the women of his commitment to their cause, while urging them to continue supporting the Federal Government through prayers and constructive engagement.
Earlier, the National President of the group, Chief Mrs Ojo Iyabode, congratulated Enikanolaiye on his appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and expressed the group’s pride in his achievements and national recognition.
She said his new position carried significant responsibilities in advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and international interests, expressing confidence that his experience, integrity and commitment to service would contribute to the country’s development.
Iyabode also thanked President Tinubu for finding their son worthy of the appointment and prayed for wisdom, strength, good health and courage for the minister to successfully discharge his responsibilities.
