Ministry Foreign Affairs Honours Outgoing Director, Ambassador Akinremi Alade Bolaji at Farewell Reception
Oru Leonard
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025 held a ceremonial farewell reception in honour of Ambassador Akinremi Alade Bolaji, the outgoing Director of the Department of Reforms and Innovations. The event had in attendance, the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Directors from the Ministry, senior officials, representatives of government agencies, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Held at the Ministry’s Atrium, the ceremony celebrated Ambassador Bolaji’s distinguished career, widely regarded as one of the most impactful within Nigeria’s Foreign Service. Speakers from various ministries and partner organisations testified to his professionalism, discipline, detailed knowledge of diplomacy, and longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s international engagements.
A highlight of the event was the arrival of the Minister of State, whose presence, despite a tight schedule, was acknowledged as a testament to the significance of Ambassador Bolaji’s service.
In her goodwill message, the Minister of State, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described Ambassador Bolaji as “one of the brightest and the best” of the Ministry, noting that his intelligence, meticulousness, and infectious charisma left a lasting impression on diplomats and colleagues both within and outside Nigeria. She highlighted his versatility across joint commissions, often handling multiple sectors singlehandedly, and praised his deep mastery of diplomatic instruments, including the Vienna Convention. She also commended his role as a mentor and stabilising presence for officers facing professional or personal challenges.
Other speakers (including officials of the ICPC, the Ministry of Aviation, private-sector representatives, and members of the diplomatic community (recounted experiences with Ambassador Bolaji during international negotiations and official missions. They cited his commitment to excellence, problem-solving ability, and his reputation as the go-to officer for effective coordination across government agencies.
Representatives from the Nigerian Immigration Service, the High Commission of Malaysia, and the African business community also delivered tributes, describing him as a disciplined diplomat, a bridge-builder, and a strong supporter of entrepreneurs across the continent.
In an emotional response, Ambassador Bolaji expressed gratitude to the Ministry, colleagues, and his family, noting that the send-forth was the first of its kind in over a decade. He recalled that the last formal farewell ceremony for retiring directors was organised in 2013. Expressing appreciation for the accolades, he stated that he was leaving the service “with no blemish,” and pledged continued support to the Ministry as a senior citizen of the Foreign Service.
He assured younger officers that there would be no vacuum, emphasising that many had been groomed to continue the Ministry’s legacy. He also hinted at a forthcoming book documenting his diplomatic experiences.
Cultural interludes, presentation of gifts, and ceremonial cutting of the cake added colour to the ceremony. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the Planning Committee, which described Ambassador Bolaji as a “seven-star diplomat” whose presence would be greatly missed in the Ministry’s corridors. Guests were invited to a brief session of music and celebration to mark the end of a notable career in the Nigerian Foreign Service.
(MFA Press)
