New ambassadors charged to rebrand Nigeria’s image

Newly appointed Ambassadors have been charged to prioritise rebuilding the country’s global image and diplomatic standing across all the countries they are being posted to. President of the Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC), Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, gave the charge on Friday. In a statement issued in Abuja, Oluwafemi congratulated Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odimegwu-Ojukwu, […]

Newly appointed Ambassadors have been charged to prioritise rebuilding the country’s global image and diplomatic standing across all the countries they are being posted to.

President of the Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC), Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, gave the charge on Friday.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Oluwafemi congratulated Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odimegwu-Ojukwu, and the Minister of State.

Oluwafemi linked the country’s image to the global mobility of its citizens, calling for urgent reforms to ease visa access for Nigerians.

“The difficulty many Nigerians face in accessing visas for business, education, and tourism requires deliberate diplomatic engagement.

“There should be a push for visa-free arrangements, visa-on-arrival policies, and efficient e-visa systems,” he said.

He described their appointments as a defining opportunity to reposition Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage.

“At this critical time in our national journey, Nigeria’s image must be elevated to the centre of foreign policy,” he said.

He noted that negative perceptions of Nigerians in parts of Africa and beyond continue to undermine national pride and dignity.

He stressed that reputation is a strategic asset that influences how Nigerians are treated abroad, how businesses are received, and how the country is positioned globally.

“Nigeria must take ownership of its narrative through structured engagement, consistent communication, and a firm diplomatic presence,” he said.