I’m serving Nigeria again after 20 years, Fani-Kayode speaks on ambassadorial appointment

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has expressed gratitude following his ambassadorial appointment as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, saying the role marks his return to public service two decades after serving as a minister.

In a post shared on his verified X account on Tuesday, Fani-Kayode revealed that he had received his Letters of Credence, officially clearing the way for him to assume diplomatic duties in the Republic of South Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Fani-Kayode said he had already secured the required agrément and was presented with his Letter of Credence on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

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He said the next phase would involve travelling to Pretoria to formally present his credentials to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa before beginning his diplomatic assignment.

“Honoured to have received my letters of credence to serve as the High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of South Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini yesterday.

“Having received the ‘agrément’ and having been presented with the letter of credence from His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by His Excellency Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

“I shall begin the process of reporting to Pretoria, presenting my letter of credence to His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and starting the great and important work that lies ahead,” he said.

Reflecting on the appointment, he described it as a privilege to once again serve the country.

“I thank God for the opportunity to serve my nation once again after being appointed as Minister of Aviation 20 years ago, almost to the day,” he wrote.

The former minister also thanked President Tinubu for entrusting him with the diplomatic responsibility.

“My gratitude goes to our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence he has reposed in me, and I covet the prayers of all men and women of goodwill.

“The Lord alone shall take the glory for this, and He shall do great things. He is faithful!” he added.