Last Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu announced the sack, redeployment and appointment of some ministers. Among the Ministerial nominees is the widow of late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, who was nominated as minister of state for foreign affairs.
This singular nomination has generated several comments, especially considering that Mrs Ojukwu is from a different political party from the president. With this nomination, Mrs Ojukwu has become the second minister to be so appointed in the APC government of President Bola Tinubu behind the minister of federal capital territory, Mr Nyesom Wike.
Notably, Bianca Ojukwu is a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Her appointment has been said to mark a remarkable milestone, as Ambassador Ojukwu is expected to brings her wealth of experience and expertise to the forefront of Nigeria’s foreign affairs.
As a member of APGA’s BOT, Ambassador Ojukwu’s appointment also highlights President Tinubu’s commitment to building bridges across party lines and fostering national unity.
This move is likely to resonate positively with the Nigerian public, demonstrating the administration’s willingness to engage diverse perspectives and talent.
Many have argued that the appointment was merely to placate the Igbo and woe them into the centre, considering the controversial nature under which the Tinubu administration came into being, but others have seen the appointment as a well deserved one that Mrs Ojukwu merits all by herself, which out it being attached to any sentiment.
Mr Tony Okafor, a journalist while analysing the appointment said: “Her new role is expected to bolster the country’s diplomatic relations and international cooperation. It’s worth noting that President Tinubu’s cabinet has been taking shape since August 2023, with various ministers sworn in to tackle the nation’s pressing challenges.
“The appointment of Ambassador Ojukwu is seen as a strategic move, leveraging her diplomatic acumen to promote Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.”
Another commentator on Social media, Mr Big Joe rather saw the appointment as a way of currying the favour of the Igbos by Tinubu government. He said: “This appointment of Bianca Ojukwu is like killing two birds with one stone. Tinubu appointed the wife of former Biafra Warlord and an ally of his opponent in 2023, Mr Peter Obi as minister.
“With this appointment, Igbo people and followers of Peter Obi who felt bad during the last election may be placated, but also Tinubu did not just choose any one, he choose a woman who has a big record in the diplomatic field. She is widely read, and had been ambassador and high commissioner, so the foreign affairs ministry if not new to her.
*Profile of Amb Bianca Ojukwu ”
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is a Nigerian politician, diplomat, lawyer, and businesswoman born on August 5, 1968.
She’s the widow of former Biafra president Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and has made a name for herself in various fields.
Bianca is the sixth child of Christian Onoh, former old Anambra State Governor, and Carol, a college principal.
She spent most of her childhood in rural Ngwo with her siblings.
For her education, she attended Ackworth School, Pontefract, St Andrews College, Cambridge, and Cambridge Tutorial College, where she obtained her A-levels.
Bianca initially pursued a combined honours degree in Politics, Economics, and Law at the University of Buckingham but later transferred to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to focus on Law.
She won Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (1988), Miss Africa (1988), and Miss Intercontinental (1989), becoming the first African to win the latter title.
Bianca served as Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs under President Goodluck Jonathan and later became Nigerian high commissioner to Ghana and them Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain.
Bianca practiced law briefly before venturing into other pursuits
She married Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in 1994, and they had three children together.