Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Shettima has urged Graduating officers of the Foreign Service Academy to project the narrative of a reformed, confident, and forward-looking Nigeria.
Shettima stated this while speaking at the graduation Ceremony of the 26th Regular Course of the Foreign Service Academy in Abuja on Tuesday.
Represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, the Vice President stated, “today, marks an institutional milestone and the induction of another cohort of Nigeria’s diplomats. Men and women who will go forth as the face, the voice, and the conscience of our nation to the global stage.
“…you have endured a rigorous programme designed to test your discipline, hone your skills and deepen your understanding of the complex world you are about to encounter. You now join the noble ranks of Nigeria’s Foreign Service—an institution that functions in the shadows but whose impact is intended to shape the destiny of our nation”.
According to him, the Foreign Service was a calling to represent Nigeria’s dignity and aspirations. “Every word you speak, every negotiation you enter, and every decision you are part of, will project the image of this great Country. This is a profession that demands patriotism, integrity and most importantly, competence”, he said.
Shettima explained that we live in an era where diplomacy itself was being redefined. The world had become more interconnected, and international relations more complex, driven by technology, data, and artificial intelligence.
Therefore, it was in recognition of this evolving reality that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently created a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Desk and hosted a seminar on Artificial Intelligence in Modern Diplomacy.
“These initiatives are part of our broader commitment to ensuring that Nigerian diplomacy remains forward-looking, adaptive, and competitive.
“For our Foreign Service, this imposes a clear mandate: to project the narrative of a reformed, confident, and forward-looking Nigeria. Our missions must serve as economic outposts, actively promoting investment, trade, and technological cooperation in every host country.
“The Ministry has commenced a review process of its Station Charters to set new, contemporary performance targets that reflect modern diplomatic demands. Our goal is to derive greater value from Nigeria’s presence in over 109 countries, not just through political engagement, but also through human capital development, business process outsourcing, local minerals processing, and trade facilitation”, he said.
The Vice President continued: “our diplomats must understand their role within the framework of the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), an initiative championed by President Tinubu to strengthen democratic institutions, promote stability, and address the root causes of insecurity across West Africa.
“As representatives of Nigeria, you will serve on the front lines of this task, helping build coalitions to protect democracy and development in our region. Bear in mind that RPD recognises the variable geometry of Democracy- it’s different forms and speeds of application, especially in our region and our continent.
“For our Foreign Service, this imposes a clear mandate: to project the narrative of a reformed, confident, and forward-looking Nigeria. Our missions must serve as economic outposts, actively promoting investment, trade, and technological cooperation in every host country. You must also debunk false narratives at every opportunity”.
Earlier, the Director, Foreign Service Academy, Amb. Chimezie Ogu in his welcome address noted that, “today’s event marks the end of months of intensive training, rigorous intellectual engagement and practical stimulation in the art and craft of diplomacy for the 26th regular course participants.
“It is also a day of celebration, of perseverance, renewed commitment, hope to serve our dear country in the light of lessons and knowledge acquired.
“This is in line with the mantra of the present administration of Mr. President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to create a new Nigeria with hope for Nigerians across every sector in our national lives”.
Ogu informed that the Foreign Service Academy of Nigeria remained the cradle institute where Nigerian diplomats are trained with essence. It had groomed brilliant officers who had contributed in the craft and management of the Foreign Service Trust and Nigerian international relations.
“Through hard work, innovation and dedication, the Academy continues to equip Foreign Service officers with knowledge, character and global perspective required to represent our great country with dignity and honour”, he said.
On her part, wife of the Vice president, Hajiya Nana Shettima advised the 172 graduating officers to be of good conduct as they would be the face of the nation wherever they went.
