Minister pledges support to proposed foreign relations institute
NAN-H-51
Institute
By Kabir Muhammad
Abuja, Feb. 23, 2017 (NAN) Malam Muhammad Bello, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pledged to support the proposed Institute of Foreign Relations in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the institute is aimed at promoting diplomacy and stimulating multi-lateral discourse in Africa.
Bello gave the assurance while receiving members of the Forum of Former Ambassadors of Nigeria (FOFAN), led by the National Coordinator, Amb. Jerry Ugokwe, that visited him on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, FCTA will support the forum because the country requires an independent think-tank on foreign affairs to complement the good work being done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said the administration would also discuss the issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see how the lofty idea could come to fruition.
“In addition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we need an independent think-tank to assist in interfacing with international organisations and we need to leverage on the experiences of these former Ambassadors,” he said.
He commended the efforts of the former envoys on the proposed establishment of the institute in Abuja.
Bello noted that if established, the institute would be similar to CHATHAM House in London and Council on Foreign Relations in New York.
“It will also be as well as Washington DC in USA, it will have a positive impact not only on Nigeria as a country, but the entire continent of Africa,’’ he added.
The minister noted that the patriotic zeal of the forum will boost those that are still in service to continue offer their best in service of their fatherland.
He directed the forum to liaise with the officials of the FCT administration to identify a prime location befitting for the development of that kind of project.
Speaking earlier, the National Coordinator of the forum disclosed that Nigeria has more than 5,000 people who have served the country as Ambassadors in various countries across the globe.
Ugokwe said that the forum has the vision of being Nigeria’s international relations and current affairs think tank.
“The forum intends to analyse and promote true understanding of Nigeria’s international relations, diplomacy and current affairs through research and publications,” he added.
He noted that the dream institute of the forum would create a place where people will go and speak about foreign policies. (NAN)
KM/MST Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola