Posted by By UBONG UKPONG, Abuja on
No fewer than 20 of the newly appointed ambassadors are set to depart the country to their various countries of accreditation by the end of this month.
No fewer than 20 of the newly appointed ambassadors are set to depart the country to their various countries of accreditation by the end of this month.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Ojo Maduekwe, who disclosed this at a presidential dinner in honour of the newly appointed ambassadors on Wednesday, in Abuja said the readiness to report to their countries of national assignment was possible on the basis that the letters of agreement from the receiving countries have been sent to Nigeria.
In view of this agreement between the destination countries and Nigeria to welcome the new envoys, Maduekwe said his ministry would get President Umar Yar'Adua to issue the letters of credence to the new ambassadors, which they would present on arrival to their countries of accreditation.
Amongst the ambassadors set to report in their countries of accreditation were former Foreign Affairs minister, Professor Joy Ugwu, for the United Nations (UN), General Buba Marwa, United States of America (USA), former People Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Ahmadu Ali, South Africa and former Senate leader, Tafida Dalhatu, who is going to the United Kingdom (UK).
For several other ambassador designate, whose letters of agreement have not yet arrived in the country, the minister said the delay should not be viewed on negative ground, stressing that it was due to some bureaucratic processes.
Responding on behalf of the new ambassadors, Professor Joy Ugwu said they were enthusiastic and in a very high spirit to fly Nigeria's flag abroad and cause the voice of Nigeria to be heard throughout the whole earth.
In his own address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Baba Gigama, assured them that their sacrifices and commitment would not go unacknowledged or without reward.