By Prosper Mene
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, led a delegation of prominent Nnewi stakeholders on a courtesy visit to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to express gratitude for his support during her nomination and appointment to President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. The visit, which took place at the Old Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Anambra State, shows the strong bond between the minister and the governor, as well as the unity of purpose in advancing Anambra’s interests on the national stage.
The delegation, comprised of elders and key figures from Nnewi, commended Governor Soludo for his solidarity and thoughtful guidance throughout Bianca Ojukwu’s journey to her ministerial role. As a distinguished daughter of Ndigbo and a Board of Trustees member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ojukwu’s appointment has been widely celebrated as a testament to her exceptional leadership and diplomatic experience, including her tenure as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain from 2012 to 2015.
During the visit, Bianca Ojukwu expressed heartfelt appreciation for Soludo’s instrumental role in supporting her nomination, describing his encouragement as crucial to her success. She emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in driving progress for Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole. The delegation also acknowledged Soludo’s broader contributions to the state, including infrastructural projects like the dualisation of the Nnewi-Ozubulu-Okija Road and efforts to tackle insecurity, which have bolstered development in the region.
Governor Soludo, in response, reiterated his confidence in Bianca Ojukwu’s ability to excel in her new role, describing her as a “shining light” in President Tinubu’s administration. He praised her appointment as a reflection of Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance, noting that it marks the first time an APGA member has been appointed to a federal ministerial position. Soludo expressed optimism that Ojukwu’s expertise would enhance Nigeria’s foreign relations and bring pride to Anambra State.
The event served as a platform to celebrate the growing influence of Ndigbo in national politics, with Ojukwu’s appointment seen as a bridge between regional and federal aspirations.
Bianca Ojukwu’s leadership and cultural sensitivity are set to boost Nigeria’s global standing, as evident in her Foreign Service Academy address. The Nnewi delegation’s visit to Soludo also showcases a shared commitment to progress and excellence.
