Ministerial nominee Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has called for an increased commitment to peace and unity in Nigeria.

She made this appeal on Wednesday during her ministerial screening before the Senate in plenary.

The former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain said, “I am here because I believe that if we are able to come together sincerely to commit to serving this nation, focusing on ensuring that we have peace, then the sky is the limit for this country.”

She emphasised the importance of diplomatic and cultural engagement as essential keys to national growth.

Reflecting on her tenure as ambassador, she noted her efforts to represent Nigeria on various international platforms, particularly in fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and Spain.

Ms Ojukwu, who is nominated as the minister of state for foreign affairs, highlighted that her work earned her the prestigious title of Africa’s Most Outstanding Ambassador.

She also noted that collaboration between cultural, governmental, and diplomatic organisations could be transformative for the nation.

Responding to questions from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Ms Ojukwu expressed concerns about the state of Nigerian embassies worldwide.

“As a former ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, I spent an entire year in one hotel room because when I arrived, the mission building was in such an appalling condition.

“With the recruitment and training of officers, we conducted extensive preservation work, not just on the mission building itself, to give Nigeria a name truly deserving of outstanding designation.

“The Nigerian Embassy in Madrid that you see today is the product of my time in that country.

“Today, the Nigerian Embassy in Spain is magnificent. The building, as well as the ambassador’s residence, received a significant facelift.”

(NAN)