Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on Tuesday urged trainees at the Foreign Service Academy to prioritise cultural sensitivity in their diplomatic careers to succeed professionally.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the statement during the inauguration of the 174 trainees for the 26th regular course of the FSA, which started in March and will run until October 2025 at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria in Abuja.
The Foreign Service Academy was established in 2006 as the Foreign Service Institute, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity in policy research, analysis, and monitoring its foreign policy.
In 2017, the institute was upgraded to an academy to provide specialised training and better respond to the changing demands of global diplomacy.
In her address, the Minister highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity in diplomacy.
She noted that each country has its own customs, traditions, and conventions that must be respected by diplomats.
“As aspiring Foreign Service Officers, you must always conduct yourselves with dignity, professionalism, and a strong sense of duty. Your comportment, attitude, and mode of dressing should reflect the excellence and decorum expected in diplomatic circles.
“The image of Nigeria’s Foreign Service is partly shaped by how you present yourselves, both in and out of the Academy. A diplomat is not only a nation’s representative but also a custodian of its values, traditions, and aspirations.
“Therefore, I urge you always to embody the principles of discipline, respect, and integrity,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu encouraged the trainees to take full advantage of the specialized training programme, which she described as an essential preparation for the challenges they will face in their careers.
She emphasised that the training would help them become exemplary diplomats, adhering to best international practices while serving Nigeria with professionalism and dedication.
