“I Lived in a Hotel for a Year Due to the Embassy’s Poor Condition – Bianca Ojukwu”

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a nominee for Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, shared her challenging experiences as Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain, where she lived in a hotel for a year due to the poor condition of the Nigerian embassy in Madrid. She expressed that the embassy’s dilapidated state did not represent Nigeria’s status abroad and inspired her to spearhead a significant refurbishment project....(CONTINUE READING)

Reflecting on her time as ambassador, she said, “I spent an entire year in a hotel because the mission building was in terrible shape.” She found it particularly embarrassing that the embassy was situated near the affluent Galagao estate, where many people could see its rundown condition. “It was disheartening that such a dilapidated structure represented Nigeria in such a prestigious area,” she remarked.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted her proactive efforts, which included coordinating substantial repairs to both the embassy and the ambassador’s residence, as well as other Nigerian properties in Spain. “The Nigerian embassy in Madrid today reflects my efforts during my time there,” she stated, underscoring her ambition to enhance Nigeria’s image internationally.

She also addressed the persistent challenges faced by Nigerian embassies worldwide, particularly the issue of inadequate funding that hinders essential maintenance. “In many missions, a lack of funding restricts ambassadors from carrying out refurbishments,” she pointed out, explaining how this financial constraint undermines the embassies’ ability to represent Nigeria effectively on the global stage.

“It’s unfortunate that many embassies encounter this issue, which has considerably weakened our international standing,” she added. Emphasizing the necessity of respectable diplomatic representation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the Nigerian government to prioritize the upkeep of embassies in the current administration. She asserted that maintaining dignified facilities is vital for advancing the nation’s foreign policy goals, which include promoting democracy, development, and supporting the Nigerian diaspora.

“This is something the government should address,” she stressed, pointing out the importance of providing suitable environments for international delegations and exchanges. “It’s crucial that during such exchanges, you meet your peers in settings that reflect Nigeria’s true standing,” she concluded, calling for immediate action.Following her remarks, she was asked to bow and exit. Bianca is one of seven ministerial nominees currently undergoing screening by the Senate.