By Echezonam Ibezim
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka played host to the maiden symposium of the Emeka Anyaoku institute for International Studies and Diplomacy with theme : “Nigeria in the comity of nations” under the distinguished chairmanship of Chief Olusegun Mathew Obasanjo, GCFR.
The vice chancellor of the University, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS in his welcome address appreciated the highly distinguished guests, expressing his delight to have such epoc making event and ground breaking institute in his institution.
The chief guest of honor, the executive governor of Anambra State Chief Willie Mmaduaburochukwu Obiano thanked the Former president of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo for gracing the occasion as he extolled the organizers of the event in one of the great institution in the state, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The governor alongside the University Vice Chancellor, Okechukwu Esimone earlier went to welcome the visiting President at the Anambra international Cargo Airport, Umueri.
Quite remarkably enough, the event had the “State’s Trinity” of the past, present and future Governors of Anambra state present.
Obasanjo in his humorous nature heaped praises on the 89year old chief Emeka Anyaoku for his meritorious honor of installing the institute in his name while appreciating Gov. Obiano for his legacy projects in the state. He described Charles Soludo as a son in whom he’s well pleased having served as his Central bank Govenor and economic adviser.
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The keynote speaker Prof. Ambassador Jide Osuntokun gave an elaborate speech themed :Nigeria’s foreign policy, a retrospective view.
In his 16paged book, he described Emeka Anyaoku as a man whom as at the time he contested with the former prime Minister of Australia, garnered the support of the heads of government of the commonwealth who saw him as the symbol of unity, probity and integrity necessary to run an international organization embracing a quarter of humanity.
According to the erudite Professor, chief Emeka Anyaoku is a global citizen, a highly polished man, an author, fantastic public speaker, man of letters and culture.
Delving into foreign policy and Diplomacy, he described it as the articulation of the ways and means by which a country’s interest is promoted in the international community as well as the defence of such interests by using the opportunities and institutions available in the international community and doing this through relations forged by the head of state and his diplomatic agents and instruments of government.
On the other hand, Diplomacy is the art and skill of putting into action and attaining the ends of foreign policy which is usually carried out by the ministry of foreign affairs and its diplomatic missions in foreign countries and multilateral institutions and by whatever arms of government that is fit for purpose of carrying out missions of government extraterritorially.
The floor was laid bare for the two seasoned discussants, Ambassador Joe Keshi and Ambassador Humphrey Orjiakor.
He has over 35 years working experience at the highest levels of government as a career diplomat, serving as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, The Presidency; Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of Nigeria, The Hague, Netherlands; and Consul-General of Nigeria, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
Humphrey Orjiako Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva, Switzerland.
At the end of the symposium, a birthday cake 🎂 was presented to the chairman of the event, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to make his 85th birthday that just took place few days ago.
