OAN stated this in a statement signed by its President, Ms. Tomi Aregbesola, following a courtesy visit by its leadership to Jimoh at the Nigeria House in New York.
The diaspora group said Nigeria’s diplomatic profile and influence within the United Nations had risen remarkably in barely 60 days of Jimoh’s assumption of office.
Aregbesola said the visit enabled the organisation to assess the ambassador’s performance and Nigeria’s growing diplomatic footprint at the world body.
She described Jimoh’s stewardship as strategic, proactive and results-oriented, saying Nigeria has recorded a series of notable diplomatic milestones during Jimoh’s first 60 days in office.
She said Nigeria recorded a major diplomatic breakthrough with Ibrahim’s election as Chairman of the UN General Assembly Fifth Committee, the Assembly’s principal budgetary and administrative committee.
Aregbesola also highlighted the election of Prof. Olufemi Elias to the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC), describing it as another demonstration of global confidence in Nigerian expertise.
She further cited Nigeria’s election to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) for the 2027–2030 term through Dr Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia.
The OAN president equally welcomed the appointment of Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Africa.
“Within barely two months, Nigeria has secured major electoral victories, strategic appointments and one of the most influential leadership positions in the United Nations General Assembly.
“These achievements have significantly elevated Nigeria’s voice, visibility and credibility within the multilateral system.”
Aregbesola said the milestones reflected effective diplomatic engagement and renewed international confidence in Nigeria, and commended Tinubu for “Jimoh’s strategic appointment”.
“President Tinubu deserves commendation for appointing Ambassador Jimoh, whose energetic and strategic leadership has coincided with an impressive series of diplomatic accomplishments for Nigeria.”
The OAN leader urged the President to replicate the same merit-based approach in other strategic appointments.
“Nigeria is blessed with exceptional professionals whose competence can transform critical institutions if given the opportunity to serve.”
She specifically urged Tinubu to appoint more accomplished Nigerians to agencies with strategic international responsibilities, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
“The success already recorded at the United Nations demonstrates that when competent, visionary and globally respected Nigerians are entrusted with national assignments, the country wins.”
According to her, such appointments would deepen collaboration between government and the diaspora while promoting national development.
Aregbesola commended Jimoh for pledging support to OAN’s programmes, including the annual Nigerian Independence Day Parade in New York in October.
She quoted the ambassador as describing OAN’s service to Nigerians abroad as selfless and worthy of encouragement.
“It is increasingly rare to find people who devote their time and resources to serving their community without expecting personal gain,” Jimoh said.
The envoy reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives promoting Nigeria’s image and strengthening unity among Nigerians in the diaspora.
The delegation was led by the Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Abubakar Jidda.
OAN also applauded Jidda for facilitating stronger engagement between Nigeria’s diplomatic missions and the Nigerian community in the United States.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to strengthen diaspora engagement and project a positive image of Nigeria globally.” (NAN
