Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Steve Karimi, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the nomination of Audu-Rafiu Olusola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, describing the decision as a reflection of merit and professionalism.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Karimi expressed gratitude to the President for what he termed a “well-considered choice,” noting that Enikanolaiye’s appointment aligns with Tinubu’s long-standing preference for competence and experience in governance.
“I find it expedient to appreciate Mr President for nominating Ambassador Enikanolaiye. He is not only from Kogi West, whose people I represent, but is also one of Nigeria’s most grounded diplomats,” Karimi said.
The lawmaker, who chairs the Senate Committee on Services, said the nomination had been widely welcomed across the seven local government areas of the senatorial district, describing it as a source of pride for the region.
According to him, the President’s decision underscores a consistent pattern of appointing individuals with deep institutional knowledge and proven track records.
Karimi highlighted Enikanolaiye’s extensive career in the foreign service, spanning over four decades, noting that the diplomat began his journey in 1982 under former President Shehu Usman Shagari and rose through the ranks to become a substantive ambassador in 2013 during the administration of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
He added that Enikanolaiye later served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under former President Muhammadu Buhari, before being appointed Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs by President Tinubu, a role from which he has now been elevated to ministerial level.
“Mr President has chosen a diplomat who inhales and exhales diplomacy. His career reflects depth, discipline, and a lifetime of service,” Karimi stated.
The senator further praised Enikanolaiye for building a distinguished reputation in Nigeria’s diplomatic corps and for sustaining the legacy of notable diplomats from Kogi West.
He also pointed to the minister-designate’s strong academic background, including a First Class degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University and advanced studies in international law and diplomacy from the University of Lagos and the University of Oxford.
Karimi expressed confidence that Enikanolaiye’s wealth of experience and global exposure would significantly enhance Nigeria’s foreign policy direction and international engagements.
The nomination, he added, reinforces confidence in the administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic architecture at a time of evolving global dynamics.