The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to sustain a merit-based approach to appointing Nigerians to strategic public offices, noting that recent diplomatic successes at the United Nations demonstrate the value of competence-driven leadership.
The diaspora organisation appealed while commending the President for appointing Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, a move it said has significantly enhanced Nigeria’s diplomatic standing within just 60 days of his assumption of office.
In a statement signed by its President, Ms Tomi Aregbesola, after a courtesy visit by the organisation’s leadership to Ambassador Ibrahim at the Nigeria House in New York, OAN said Nigeria’s growing influence at the UN underscores the importance of placing qualified professionals in key national assignments.
According to Aregbesola, the visit provided an opportunity to assess the ambassador’s performance and review Nigeria’s expanding diplomatic footprint at the global body.
She described Ibrahim’s leadership as strategic, proactive and results-oriented, noting that Nigeria has recorded several notable achievements since he assumed office.
Among the milestones, she cited Nigeria’s election as Chairman of the UN General Assembly Fifth Committee, the Assembly’s budgetary and administrative committee, as a major diplomatic breakthrough.
She also highlighted the election of Prof. Olufemi Elias to the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC), describing it as further evidence of international confidence in Nigerian expertise.
Aregbesola further pointed to Nigeria’s successful election to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) for the 2027–2030 term through Dr Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia, as well as the appointment of Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Africa.
“Within barely two months, Nigeria has secured major electoral victories, strategic appointments and one of the most influential leadership positions in the United Nations General Assembly,” she said.
“These achievements have significantly elevated Nigeria’s voice, visibility and credibility within the multilateral system.”
While applauding President Tinubu for appointing Ambassador Ibrahim, Aregbesola urged the President to extend the same merit-driven approach to other strategic institutions.
“Nigeria is blessed with exceptional professionals whose competence can transform critical institutions if allowed to serve,” she said.
She specifically called for the appointment of accomplished Nigerians to agencies with strategic international responsibilities, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
