Adekanmbi Hails Tinubu’s Diplomatic Appointments Of Ibrahim, Iji

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), Dr. Femi Adekanmbi, has congratulated Senator Jimoh Folorunso Ibrahim and Ambassador Joseph Sola Iji on their recent diplomatic appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement, Adekanmbi described the appointments as well deserved, noting that they reflect merit, competence and the practical implementation of the President’s Renewed Hope agenda.

According to him, the appointments highlight President Tinubu’s commitment to placing capable and visionary Nigerians in key international positions to advance the country’s interests on the global stage.

Senator Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South Senatorial District in the Senate, was appointed as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Adekanmbi described him as a distinguished businessman, philanthropist and legal scholar whose academic and professional achievements have earned him global recognition.

He said Ibrahim’s new role at the UN headquarters in New York will position him to promote Nigeria’s interests in areas such as sustainable development, climate action, peacekeeping, global health, economic cooperation and multilateral diplomacy.

Adekanmbi also noted that the senator’s experience in parliamentary diplomacy, including his participation in the ECOWAS Parliament and the Pan-African Parliament, would strengthen Nigeria’s voice and help advance Africa’s priorities in international decision-making.

Ambassador Joseph Sola Iji was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation. Adekanmbi described him as a seasoned diplomat with deep experience in international relations, protocol and bilateral engagements.

He said the posting comes at a strategic time when Nigeria has opportunities to deepen cooperation with Russia in areas such as energy, trade and investment, defence and security collaboration, educational exchanges and global partnerships within platforms like BRICS and the United Nations.

Adekanmbi, whose agency oversees water resources development, irrigation programmes, agricultural transformation, environmental protection and rural empowerment across Edo, Ondo, Delta and parts of Ekiti and Bayelsa states, expressed pride in seeing Nigerians, particularly those with strong ties to Ondo State and the South-West, receive such important national recognition.

He expressed confidence that both Ibrahim and Iji would make Nigerians proud through dedicated service.

Adekanmbi added that their appointments would inspire young Nigerians and emerging leaders by demonstrating that dedication, competence and commitment to national development are rewarded.

He prayed for wisdom, good health and success for the two diplomats as they assume their new responsibilities, expressing optimism that they would promote Nigeria’s interests and strengthen the country’s global reputation.