Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s human-face diplomacy

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu’s recent interventions in South Africa, Ethiopia and Ghana offer a timely illustration of a foreign policy that places citizens at its centre. In an age when diplomacy is often measured by summit photographs and policy statements, her approach reminds us that its primary purpose should be the protection, dignity and welfare of ordinary nationals wherever they find themselves.
When xenophobic violence flared again in parts of South Africa, the minister acted swiftly. Reports of attacks and intimidation directed at foreign nationals, Nigerians among them, demanded urgent attention. Odumegwu Ojukwu coordinated evacuations, eng...