In a heartfelt send-off at the State House in Abuja, Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, praised Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as a true national asset. The ceremony, held on Wednesday, marked the transition of the career diplomat from Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and International Relations to Minister of State-designate for Foreign Affairs.
Gbajabiamila, reflecting on their three-year partnership, admitted he had little knowledge of Enikanolaiye when he first selected him from three candidates. “I can’t remember exactly why I chose him, but I am happy I did,” he said. “You have proven yourself to be a man of exemplary work ethic. With your commitment and dedication, I have no doubt you will succeed wherever you go.”
President Bola Tinubu appointed Enikanolaiye to the ministerial post on April 29, recognizing his extensive experience in diplomacy, academia, and public service. Gbajabiamila emphasized that the minister-designate’s distinguished career—spanning over three decades—has prepared him to excel, adding that Nigeria will benefit immensely from his expertise in international relations.
Enikanolaiye, in his response, thanked President Tinubu for the trust and Gbajabiamila for fostering a productive work environment. He urged staff to prioritize excellence, tolerance, and mutual respect, citing his own interfaith marriage as an example of harmony. “Religion and differences should not become sources of discord,” he noted.
The event, organized by the Office of the Chief of Staff, drew praise from colleagues like Senior Special Assistant Oyinade Nathan-Marsh, who called the appointment well-deserved. Enikanolaiye, a First Class graduate of Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, joined the Ministry of External Affairs in 1982 and rose to Permanent Secretary in 2016 before retiring in 2017.
