ECOWAS APPLAUDS ENDURING LEGACIES OF NIGERIAN RETIRED AMBASSADORS, URGES INTEGRITY TO INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION OF DIPLOMATS By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s retired diplomats, urging a renewed commitment to integrity, professionalism, and visionary leadership as guiding principles for the next generation of foreign service officers.
This charge was delivered at the 2025 African Awards Ceremony hosted today in Abuja by the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, where distinguished diplomats were honoured for decades of service and contributions to Nigeria’s global engagement.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Alieu Oumar Touray, the Commissioner for Internal Services, Dr.Habib Yaya Bappah, praised the retired ambassadors as individuals whose careers were defined by diplomacy, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to peace and cooperation across borders. He noted that while their achievements are remarkable, their enduring legacy—marked by experience, counsel, and example—remains invaluable in shaping and inspiring the next generation of diplomats and public servants.
He further described the awards as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for decades of sacrifice, integrity, and excellence, emphasizing that the honourees had consistently built bridges, encouraged dialogue, and strengthened international understanding. He conveyed the congratulations of the ECOWAS leadership and expressed hope that their legacy would continue to guide and inspire future generations.
Bappah further noted that the evolving global landscape demands renewed creativity and bold thinking from diplomats, especially in addressing complex issues such as security, economic transformation, climate change, and regional integration.
“The legacy of those we celebrate today must therefore serve as both inspiration and challenge — to do more, to think more boldly, and to act more decisively in the service of our nation and continent,” he said.
He concluded by congratulating the award recipients and commending their decades of sacrifice, integrity, and excellence in representing Nigeria on the global stage.
“To our award recipients, your service has not gone unnoticed. Your sacrifices have not been in vain. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations of Nigerian diplomats to come,” Bappah affirmed.
In his welcome address, ARCAN President, Joe Keshi, described the award ceremony as both a celebration of excellence and a solemn recognition of the often unseen sacrifices made by career diplomats.
“It is with great honour and profound pleasure that I welcome you all to the ARCAN 2025 Awards Ceremony,” he said. “Six years ago, the ARCAN Award was created to recognize outstanding achievements, dedicated service, and significant contributions to Nigerian diplomacy.”
Keshi emphasized that diplomacy remains a profession where success is rarely visible, noting that many of Nigeria’s diplomatic victories are reflected not in headlines but in sustained peace, strengthened partnerships, and protected national interests.
“Today’s honourees embody the best of the Nigerian Foreign Service — serving with dignity, professionalism, patriotism, and excellence, often in challenging conditions, often working quietly behind the scenes,” he stated.
He further highlighted the historical significance of the event, noting that the ceremony also honoured three eminent African figures whose vision led to the establishment of ECOWAS in 1975. Among them were Yakubu Gowon, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, and Adebayo Adedeji, whose collective foresight laid the foundation for regional integration in West Africa.
According to Keshi, their legacy continues to underscore the importance of unity, cooperation, and visionary leadership in addressing contemporary regional challenges.
The ceremony also paid tribute to late diplomats, with special recognition extended to their families, acknowledging the enduring impact of their service and sacrifice.
Keshi expressed appreciation to members of the ARCAN programme committee for their dedication in organizing the event, describing the ceremony as a moment of reflection, gratitude, and inspiration for the future of Nigerian diplomacy.
The Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) is a professional body comprising former Nigerian diplomats committed to advancing the country’s foreign and defence policies. Led by Ambassador Joe Keshi, the association provides policy advocacy, expert advisory services, and organizes lectures and engagements aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s international relations and diplomatic capacity.
