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ABUJA – The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has described Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s elevation to substantive Minister of Foreign Affairs as well-deserved.
The President of NICASA, Frank Onyekwelu, disclosed this in a congratulatory message to the minister on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday elevated Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu from the minister of state to the substantive Minister of Foreign Affairs
The elevation follows the resignation of former minister Amb Yusuf Tuggar to pursue his governorship ambition in the 2027 elections.
The NICASA president said that Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s distinguished track record in diplomacy, public service, and national representation inspired confidence in her capacity to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives with excellence, integrity, and strategic vision.
“We are confident that your leadership will further strengthen Nigeria’s global engagement and enhance the protection of Nigerians in the diaspora.
“As an organisation at the forefront of representing Nigerian citizens in South Africa, NICASA warmly welcomes you to this critical office and hereby pledges our full cooperation and commitment to working closely with the ministry.
“We remain dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote the welfare, safety, and dignity of Nigerians residing in South Africa.”
He urged the minister to engage robustly with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, to further strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa, to ensure protection, security, and well-being of compatriots.
“We believe that proactive diplomatic engagement, reinforced institutional collaboration, and sustained dialogue will significantly tackle concerns around xenophobia, law enforcement conduct, and community safety,” he said. (NAN)
