Nigeria’s foreign policy is now firmly anchored on the welfare and interests of ordinary citizens at home and in the diaspora, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye said on Thursday.
The minister made the remarks when women from Yagba South East District in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, led by their National President Chief Ms Ojo Iyabode, paid him a solidarity visit in his office. Enikanolaiye, who is also patron of the grassroots group, Chairman of the Yagba South East Development Association and the Agba Akin of Yagba South East, praised the women for their work in medical outreach, women and youth empowerment and community service, and pledged continued support.
He described the visit as a rare honour. “It’s an honour to be visited by you. It’s 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,” he said.
“I’m impressed by your level of organisation. I thank you for your love, discipline and integrity. I’m aware of your impacts in the areas of medical outreach, which has saved many lives, and your cooperative society. You have been remarkably successful in community development and especially in the empowerment of women and children. We can only continue to support you and inspire the younger ones.”
Enikanolaiye linked the focus on citizens to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and explained the government’s 4D foreign-policy framework — demography, development, diaspora and democracy. “Demography is about the people. About you and I, everyone of us. That is the view that foreign policy must impact in 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 the ministry is working to ensure foreign policy promotes national interest, prosperity and economic wellbeing, noting the president’s push for direct foreign investment and the treatment of the diaspora as critical assets. Development, the second of the 4Ds, centres on human security, education and infrastructure, he added.
The minister highlighted practical opportunities for Nigerians, including low-interest loans through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme. He encouraged women nationwide to take advantage of international platforms supporting micro businesses, trade and investment, and to improve product packaging for global acceptance. He recently discussed Lake Chad Basin security in Maiduguri and the ECOWAS scheme in Bauchi.
Enikanolaiye promised to remain focused on his people’s interests and urged the women to continue supporting and praying for the federal government, saying the prayers of mothers avail much.
Earlier, the group’s National President congratulated the minister on his appointment, expressed confidence in his experience and integrity, and thanked President Tinubu for recognising their son. She prayed for the wisdom, strength, good health and courage needed for the role.
