- Governor Alex Otti has formally congratulated his predecessor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, following his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain.
- The move is part of the “Tinubu Refresh”, a major overhaul of Nigeria’s foreign missions that saw 65 ambassadors posted after a 30-month vacancy.
- Otti praised President Bola Tinubu for the choice, calling it a strategic opportunity for Ikpeazu to serve the nation and protect Nigerian interests in Europe.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has extended his congratulations to the immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, on his new role as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the appointment is a key highlight of what many are calling the “Tinubu Refresh”, President Bola Tinubu’s long-awaited reorganization of the country’s diplomatic corps.
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The felicitation was delivered via a press statement issued on Monday by Otti’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma.
Governor Otti characterized the appointment as a vital “opportunity for Ikpeazu to serve the country at the diplomatic level while protecting the interests of Nigerians in Spain.”
The “Tinubu Refresh” comes nearly three years after the President recalled all Nigerian ambassadors in September 2023.
The new list of 65 envoys, comprising 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career political appointees is seen as a strategic reset to bolster Nigeria’s global presence.
By including prominent figures like Ikpeazu, the administration appears focused on leveraging seasoned administrative experience to strengthen bilateral ties.
Governor Otti expressed his personal appreciation to President Tinubu for recognizing an Abia indigene for this prestigious role.
He also called on the Federal Government to ensure that the newly appointed ambassadors, including Ikpeazu, receive the full administrative and logistical support required to succeed in their respective missions.
Despite the political differences that characterized the 2023 transition in Abia, this endorsement suggests a unified front in the pursuit of national interests.
Otti concluded by wishing the former governor a fruitful and impactful tenure in Madrid, as the state government and the people of Abia look forward to his representation of Nigeria on the international stage.
The new ambassadors are expected to undergo an immediate induction program before being deployed to their respective host countries.
