Ambassador Ojukwu Urges Participants To Maintain Discipline And Meet Academy Standards,Declares Open 26th Regular Course Nigeria Foreign Academy.

By Helen Udo, Outlook Media ABUJA.

The Honourable Minister of State for foreign affairs,Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu has called on the participants of the 26th Regular Course of the Nigeria Foreign Academy to do their best, maintain discipline and meet academy standards.

The Minister made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while declared open ceremony of the 26th Regular Course of the Nigeria Foreign Service Academy.-

According to the Minister, the participants should remember that the course is not just a training Programme but they should see it as a crucial stepping stone to their future in the ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Ojukwu believed that their admission into the training Programme is testament to their potential, discipline and dedication. Saying they are now on the path to becoming Nigeria’s diplomats through which the world will see and assess out great nation.

The Minister said the “Your admission into this prestigious
training programme is a testament to your potential,
discipline, and dedication. You are now on the path to
becoming Nigeria’s diplomats, one of the critical mirrors
through which the world will see and assess our great
nation.

This is both an honour and a great responsibility.
” As aspiring Foreign Service Officers, you must always
conduct yourselves with dignity, professionalism, and a
strong sense of duty. Your comportment, attitude, and mode
of dressing should reflect the excellence and decorum
expected in diplomatic circles. The image of Nigeria’s
Foreign Service is partly shaped by how you present
yourselves, both in and out of the Academy.

” A diplomat is
not only a nation’s representative but also a custodian of its
values, traditions, and aspirations. Therefore, I urge you
always to embody the principles of discipline, respect, and
integrity.” He stated.

Ambassador Odumegwu further explained that the training they will undergo has designed to
prepare them for the complex and demanding world of
diplomacy and it will also challenge them intellectually, test their
resilience, and shape their ability to think critically and
decisively.

She also encouraged them to approach every lesson, every
discussion, and every assignment with an open mind and a
commitment to excellence.
“Take full advantage of the
knowledge and expertise that your instructors will impart.
Learn from one another, build lasting relationships, and
develop the skills that will make you exceptional
representatives of Nigeria on the global stage.develop the skills that will make you exceptional
representatives of Nigeria on the global stage.

“Success in this programme requires your total
commitment. I urge you to do your best, maintain discipline,
and meet academic standards. Remember, this is not just a
training programme but a crucial stepping stone to your
future in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Your ability to
complete this course successfully, pass your examinations,
and demonstrate readiness for the responsibilities ahead
will determine whether your dream of joining the Ministry
becomes a reality.

“To excel, you must also cultivate qualities beyond
academic brilliance. Diplomacy demands patience, tact,
cultural sensitivity, and excellent communication skills. You
will be called upon to navigate complex negotiations,
mediate disputes, and promote Nigeria’s interests in diverse
international settings. This requires knowledge, wisdom,
adaptability, and a keen sense of global affairs. Develop
these qualities now, for they will serve you well throughout
your career.” She further advised.

The Minister while commended the Director and the entire Foreign Service
Academy management team for their dedication to grooming Nigeria’s future diplomats, he also encouraged the course participants to remain
focused, disciplined, and saying that the journey ahead
may be challenging, but it is also filled with opportunities for
growth and achievement.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the permanent secretary, ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed has appealed to the participants to take maximum advantage of the course and sharpen their skills and develop diplomatic character.
More significantly he said, the idea of patriotism, loyalty and devotion to serve must be deeply embedded in their character and conduct.

” I will urge you to master the art of speech and report writing and delivery, the production of memoranda and briefs as well as the nuances of colour combination, tie-knotting and etiquette.“More significantly, the ethos of patriotism, loyalty and professional devotion to service must be deeply embedded in your character and conduct. As representatives of Nigeria, you must begin to embody these virtues and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to he principles that define our nation’s diplomacy. “You must also realize that many of you will be the only Nigerians that members of the international community will see and interact with” He Stressed.

In the same vein, the Director General NIA who was represented by Ambassador Musa Musa Abubakar Director (Training) congratulated the participants of the 26th Regular Course of the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) on being chosen to attend this all-important course, which is the foundation of training in the diplomatic service.

“I also wish to appreciate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly the support and rolesplayed by the Honourable Ministers and the PermanentSecretary in ensuring the successful take off of the 26th FSA, he said.

” Your Excellency, it is pertinent for me to express mysatisfaction at the existing cooperation between the Ministry ofForeign Affairs and the Agency which today has manifested inthe organization of the Foreign Service Academy programme.I must however, stress on the need for continued synergy andmaintaining cordial relationship among the Ministry and Agencypersonnel while serving in Missions abroadabroad, he stated.

“This synergy connotes that the collective responsibility ofthe MFA and the Agency is to protect Nigeria’s nationalinterests abroad. Hence the need to further strengthen thesynergy between the two organisations to uplift the nation. Itmust be reiterated that there is the need to protect the identityof Agency officers, at post in the discharge of their duties.5. In a determined move for excellence, I urge andrecommend to the Academy to seek affiliation with anyforemost Nigerian University for further professional training toenhance the FSA programme. As you embark on your studies,I strongly urge you to pay attention and get the maximumbenefit from the various resource persons who are well versedin the art of diplomacy, as this is but a rare opportunity for you to gain first-hand knowledge, he said.

Head of Service who was represented by Mrs Fatima Mahmod, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, urged course participants to be discipline in their assignment.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS : The Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E
Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, was ably represented by
the Hon. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E Amb.
Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Permanent Secretary,
Amb (Dr) Dunoma Umar Ahmed, Head of the Civil
Service of the Federation, ably represented by the
Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office
(CMO), Hajia Fatima Sugra Mahmoud, the Senior
Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs,
Amb. Olushola Enikolaiye, the Director General of the
Public Service Institute (PSI), the Director FSA, Amb.
Chimezie Okeoma Ogu, other Directors and senior staff.