The Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, on Thursday, 10 September, 2026 reiterated the welfare and interests of Nigerian citizens both at home and in the diaspora as the centre of Nigeria’s foreign policy, noting that it is an integral and pivotal component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister, made this known when Women from Yagba South East District in Yagba East Local Government Area, Kogi State, led by their National President, Chief Ms Ojo Iyabode, paid him a solidarity visit in his office.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye, who is the Patron of the grassroots women’s group and Chairman of the umbrella body, Yagba South East Development Association and Agba Akin of Yagba South East, extolled their dedication to medical outreach, women and youth empowerment as well as general community service.
This was contained in statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communications of the Minister, Mr Elesho Richard.
The Minister, who pledged his unstinting support to the women group, explained the 4Ds of Nigeria’s foreign policy (encompassing demography, development, diaspora and democracy) as the foreign policy direction of the Federal government.
He also told them about various international platforms that offer support for micro businesses, trade and investment, and charged women across the country to take maximum advantage of such opportunities.
“It’s an honour to be visited by you. Its a rare thing to be recognised and celebrated at home, especially by women. I do not take this visit for granted. Anyone who plays with the role of women is playing with fire.
Ambassador Enikanolaye further explained that the leadership of the Foreign Affairs Ministry was working to ensure that the country’s foreign policy better promotes national interest, welfare, prosperity, and economic wellbeing. “That is why the President goes around to promote Direct Foreign Investment, DFI. That is why we carry our people in the diaspora along as critical assets for national development”, he said.
Earlier the National President of the group said they were delighted over the national recognition of their son and patron, and congratulated the Minister over his appointment and wished him a successful service to the nation.
“Your new office comes with significant responsibilities, as you are representing Nigeria and contributing to the advancement of our nation’s diplomatic relations and international interests. We are confident that your wisdom, experience, integrity, and commitment to service will make a meaningful difference in this important role,” she stated..
She expressed the group’s joy over their patron’s recognition and achievements and thanked the President for having considered their son worthy of the appointment. She prayed for wisdom, strength, good health, and courage required for him to successfully discharge his duties.
