Chairman Senate Committee on House Services, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his confidence in Veteran Diplomat as he congratulated Ambassador Rafiu Olusola Enikanolaiye on his inauguration as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
In a statement personally signed and made available to journalists, Senator Karimi described the appointment as well-deserved, noting that it reflects Ambassador Enikanolaiye’s decades of dedicated and distinguished service to the country.
The lawmaker praised the veteran diplomat’s remarkable career, which he said has been characterized by professionalism, integrity, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to national development.
Karimi noted that Ambassador Enikanolaiye, a prominent son of Yagba Land in Kogi State, rose through the ranks of Nigeria’s diplomatic service to become Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He highlighted the ambassador’s wealth of experience gained through key diplomatic assignments in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.
According to the senator, Enikanolaiye’s previous role as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations further equipped him with the expertise and leadership required for his new responsibility.
“This appointment is a source of immense pride for Yagba Land, Kogi State, and Nigeria as a whole,” Karimi stated. “I am confident that Ambassador Enikanolaiye will deploy his vast diplomatic experience and exceptional professionalism in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and strengthening the nation’s bilateral and multilateral relationships.”
Senator Karimi also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding the seasoned diplomat worthy of the appointment. He described the President’s decision as a demonstration of his commitment to competence, merit, and excellence in public service.
He added that the appointment underscores the importance of experience and dedication in nation-building, stressing that Ambassador Enikanolaiye possesses the qualities necessary to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements at a crucial period in the country’s development.
The senator wished the new minister a successful and impactful tenure and prayed for divine wisdom, sound health, and guidance as he undertakes the responsibility of representing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.
