By Emeka Monye
ON MONDAY, October 21st, 2024, Presidential Bola Tinubu made a policy announcement in a major cabinet reshuffle, among which was the appointment of former beauty queen, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of state, Foreign Affairs.
Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, by routine, replaced former Women Affairs Minster, barrister Uju Kenedy-Ohaneye, from Anambra state, who had occupied that office since August 2023.
Bar. Ohanenye’s removal didn’t come as a surprise. It was much anticipated because of her many controversies while she held sway in the Ministry of Women Affairs.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Ojugwu’s appoinemt though didn’t come with much surprise, but some party members of the All Progressive Congress, APC faulted her appointment, citing some infractions to party membership before one could be offered such a position.
Their argument is that Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu isn’t a full APC member and therefore shouldn’t have been appointed a Minister.
While some APC caucus members in the state acknowledged the president’s prerogative in ministerial appointments, they nonetheless express their concerns about the potential for discord within party ranks of the party, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
Their arguments appear plausible in principles, and their grievances seem genuine, however beyond party politics and sentiments, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has very much to offer this present administration in terms of image building, brand positioning, goodwill, and building alliances, both domestically and globally for obvious reasons – she is experienced, exposed, skilled, competent, and has built capacity over the years, both in her private and public lives.
Her appointment by the Tinubu-led administration is a testament of her good work and as a woman who has distinguished herself in both private and public sectors in Nigeria.
Bianca is a remarkable figure celebrated not just for her stunning looks but also for her extraordinary achievements across various fields.
She is more than just a beauty queen; she’s a dynamic politician, diplomat, lawyer, and businesswoman.
Through her various roles, she has effectively bridged cultures and represented her country with elegance and authority, solidifying her status as a multifaceted leader.
Bianca’s journey is a powerful blend of beauty, intellect, and dedication to public service, making her an inspiring role model for many. (Saturday Independent )
The widow of former Biafra president Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, she is a multiple international pageant title holder, having won Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 1988, Miss Africa, and Miss Intercontinental.
The former beauty queen once served as a presidential adviser, Nigeria’s ambassador to Ghana and Spain in 2012 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Certainly, reminding one of her distinguished tenure as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, between 2012-2015, is a clear reference point of her exceptional leadership, diplomatic prowess, and dedication to promoting Nigeria’s interests in the global community.
Her successes as Nigeria’s ambassador resonate in many ways, including fostering bilateral relations, enhancing economic cooperation, and showcasing Nigerian culture, certainly serves as a strong foundation for her success in this new role.
Born into the influential Christian Onoh’s family on August 5th, 1967, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu attended the University of Buckingham, University of Nigeria, Nigerian Law School, Alfonso X El Sabio University
As Minister of State, I have no doubt Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu will bring the skills, experiences, competences, capacity and exposure to play in contributing to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, strengthen international partnerships, and yield tangible benefits for our nation.
Emeka Monye, a journalist, works with ARISE News TV.
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