From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Director, International Organisations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Samson Itegboje, has said that strong diplomacy remains the key to the functioning of a strong country.
Itegboje made the submission while delivering the anniversary lecture on the 88th birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin Kingdom and Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.
The lecture by the former Nigerian Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, New York, United States, was titled ‘Diplomacy and Nigeria’s Fortunes: Private Sector Action Through Education, Practice and More.’
He said a nation’s fortune is often tied to, and reflected in its economy and that a country’s foreign policy is often equated to being as strong as its local currency.
He said a nation’s fortune is clearly decipherable from its diplomatic strength, which includes the viability of its foreign policy, the aptitude of its diplomats and resources at their disposal.
“In other words, a strong diplomacy is key to the functioning of a strong country and vice-versa. A simple assessment of the global diplomatic landscape will reveal that the countries with the most effective diplomacy also happen to be countries with the most thriving economies.”
He said it was imperative for countries to continue to seize every opportunity at strengthening their diplomatic credentials, including setting strategic foreign policy agenda.
He stated that Nigeria has done well in that circumstance, as its diplomatic assets and credentials remain glowing around the world.
Itegboje also said through diplomacy, Nigeria played a significant role in ending racial discrimination in apartheid South Africa, questioned international injustice in the Congo, French high-handed nuclear proliferation in the Sahara, and American meddlesomeness in Angola, among several others.
He said while Nigeria continued to engage bilaterally and multilaterally within the international system, it was clear that challenges have occurred due to dwindling resources.
He further said that public opinion is usually turned against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as government is pressured to pursue a policy of closing diplomatic missions.