Adeola, others make list as Tinubu sets to announce new ambassadors

A list containing the names of prospective Nigerian Ambassadors to various countries is currently before President Bola Tinubu for consideration, The PUNCH reported on Friday.

A high-ranking official in the nation’s foreign service, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed to our correspondent that one of those being considered for the top diplomatic jobs is the Founder of Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr Tajudeen Afolabi Adeola, who will be designated Nigeria’s ambassador to one of the world’s top three economies.

The source stated, “Yes, the President has the list and is considering it already. In fact, one of those I saw on the list is Fola Adeola, the Founder of GTB. He is being considered as the Nigerian ambassador to one of the world’s top three economies.”

Explaining the rationale for the President’s choice, the source noted that the Tinubu administration was keen on deploying technocrats and captains of industry as its front persons in foreign lands.

“There are politicians on the list I saw. But the President is reserving many of the slots for technocrats, people who have built a strong reputation in their respective fields and who have built companies employing thousands of Nigerians. We need people who can use their influence to secure deals and partnerships for the benefit of their country.

“It is not a new thing. When choosing envoys, the most developed economies send their best hands for those jobs. And Tinubu is following that path.

“For example, Adeola is an investor and is not a strange face on the foreign scene and the global business community. He knows them and they know him. And he is not the only one. You can see that this speaks of the administration’s pursuit of more Foreign Direct Investment,” said the source.