The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians has applauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s UN ambassador, saying the decision has already yielded significant diplomatic dividends.

OAN stated this in a statement signed by its president, Tomi Aregbesola, following a courtesy visit by its leadership to Mr Ibrahim at the Nigeria House in New York. The diaspora group said Nigeria’s diplomatic profile and influence within the United Nations had risen in barely 60 days of Ibrahim’s assumption of office.

Ms Aregbesola said the visit enabled the organisation to assess the ambassador’s performance and Nigeria’s growing diplomatic footprint at the world body. She described Mr Ibrahim’s stewardship as strategic, proactive and results-oriented.

She said Nigeria recorded a major diplomatic breakthrough with Mr Ibrahim’s election as chairman of the UN General Assembly Fifth Committee, the assembly’s principal budgetary and administrative committee.

Ms Aregbesola also highlighted the election of Olufemi Elias to the United Nations International Law Commission, describing it as another demonstration of global confidence in Nigerian expertise.

She cited Nigeria’s election to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women for the 2027–2030 term through Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia. The OAN president equally welcomed the appointment of Ahunna Eziakonwa as the UN secretary-general’s special adviser on Africa.

The OAN leader urged Mr Tinubu to replicate the same merit-based approach in other strategic appointments. She specifically urged the president to appoint more accomplished Nigerians to agencies with strategic international responsibilities, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

According to her, such appointments would deepen collaboration between the government and the diaspora while promoting national development.

Ms Aregbesola commended Jimoh for pledging support to OAN’s programmes, including the annual Nigerian Independence Day Parade in New York in October.

(NAN)