By Lizzy Okoji
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, says humility can achieve better results in diplomacy when applied to the implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
Onyeama stated that this postulation goes contrary to the ideology presented by some scholars who prefer Nigeria to “throw its weight around”.
The minister expressed this thought on Thursday in Abuja during the launch of the book, ‘Humility in Diplomacy’ authored by the Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bello Kazaure.
According to him, humility does not connote weakness but rather shows the strength of the country.
He lauded Kazaure for the book title which he described as a departure from the everyday perception of so many.
“I really like the tittle which is humility in diplomacy and I think this is very important for a country like Nigeria.
“Very often, over the past seven years, we hear scholars and others in international relations and foreign affairs writing about what the ministry should and should not be doing, as well as what the diplomats should and should not be doing.
“They expect us as a big country to be banging the tables hard and throwing our weigh around.
“Humility in diplomacy is very apt, especially in the context of a lot of what is happening globally. Yes, you might be big, but ultimately, humility is very important.
“And humility does not denote weakness, rather strength, and especially in the context of diplomacy where you are trying to achieve your own national interest.
“You very often find that humility can actually help you to be more successful and achieve those interests rather than throwing your weight around, being a bully and being extravagantly proud.
“So, I think it is a very apt tittle and it also represents the individual.
“It is an excellent read and also an important tool for generations to come and history.
“And it is testament to a very important period in the life of not just the author and the country but also where the world is at this particular period of time and to development during this period,” Onyeama said.
Also speaking, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari said it was a kown fact that diplomacy had helped to create an international order conducive for non-violent approach to the resolution of disputes.
Gambari, who was represented by Amb. Janet Olisa, Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, added that diplomacy has also fostered greater cooperation among state and non-state actors for sustainable peace and security.
“There is gainsaying that public diplomacy encourages people-to-people contact across borders or boundaries which the author is vastly conversant with,” Gambari said.
Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado–Bayero, described the book as a hallmark in the history of foreign affairs.
“I have read two books and I find it very rich in content and detailed in presentation which I believe will provide some good lessons to foreign officers.
“It will also be a reference book to students and researchers of international studies,” Ado Bayero said.
Kazaure expressed appreciation to all the dignitaries for their commendation, said that he was inspired by his experiences and the need to contribute to the development and improvement of the Nigerian Foreign Service..
“When I joined foreign service, I noticed it is a profession that connects the world and I am opportune to move around. I travelled all over the world.
“In the course of my work, I noticed that humility is key to succeeding if you want to become a diplomat and so I came up with the idea of putting my experiences both at home and abroad in a book.
“This is to enable me pass the message to the younger ones and those interested in becoming diplomats,” Kazaure said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that also in attendance were the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami; Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu; and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Musa Bello; amongst others.
(NAN)
