REMARKS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AMB. DUNOMA UMAR AHMED, PhD AT THE LAUNCH OF THE BOOK “FRAGMENTS OF TIME: MY FOREIGN SERVICE YEARS” BY AMBASSADOR EINEJE ONOBU HELD AT THE ROTUNDA, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON TUESDAY 5, MAY 2026
Distinguished guests,
Your Excellencies,
Esteemed members of the diplomatic corps,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today on this auspicious occasion marking the launch of Fragments of Time: My Foreign Service Years, a remarkable work by Ambassador Eineje Onobu.
Today, we gather not only to celebrate the publication of a book, but to honour a lifetime of dedicated service, intellectual reflection, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives. Ambassador Onobu’s distinguished career in the Foreign Service embodies the very ideals upon which our diplomatic institution is built—professionalism, patriotism, resilience, and integrity.
This book, as its title aptly suggests, offers us carefully preserved moments—fragments that collectively form a compelling narrative of service to nation and humanity. Through his personal experiences, Ambassador Onobu provides invaluable insights into the complexities of diplomacy, the evolving dynamics of international relations, and the critical role Nigeria continues to play on the global stage.
For those of us within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this work serves as both a historical record and a guide. It reminds us of the sacrifices and dedication required to represent our country abroad. It also challenges younger officers to uphold the high standards set by seasoned diplomats like Ambassador Onobu.
Beyond the diplomatic community, this book is a significant contribution to scholarship and national memory. It enriches our understanding of Nigeria’s foreign engagements and offers lessons that are relevant to policymakers, academics, and the general public alike.
Ambassador Onobu’s reflections come at a time when the world is undergoing rapid transformation—geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainties, and emerging global challenges.
His experiences remind us that diplomacy remains an indispensable tool in navigating these complexities and advancing national interests.
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I commend Ambassador Onobu for documenting his journey and for sharing these invaluable experiences with us. This publication will undoubtedly inspire future generations of diplomats and serve as a reference point for years to come.
Ladies and gentlemen, as we celebrate this milestone, let us also reaffirm our collective commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s foreign policy and enhancing our presence in the international community.
I congratulate Ambassador Eineje Onobu on this remarkable achievement and wish this book the wide readership and impact it truly deserves.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.