
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday urged trainees at the Foreign Service Academy to prioritise cultural sensitivity in their diplomatic careers to succeed professionally.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the statement during the inauguration of the 174 trainees for the 26th regular course of the FSA, which started in March and will run until October 2025 at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria in Abuja.
She encouraged the trainees to prioritize cultural sensitivity in their diplomatic careers, highlighting that each country has its unique customs, traditions, and conventions that must be respected.
As aspiring Foreign Service Officers, Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the trainees to conduct themselves with dignity, professionalism, and a strong sense of duty.
She also emphasized the need for them to embody the principles of discipline, respect, and integrity, as they will be representing Nigeria’s values, traditions, and aspirations.
The Foreign Service Academy, established in 2006, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in policy research, analysis, and monitoring its foreign policy.
The academy provides specialized training to help trainees become exemplary diplomats, adhering to best international practices while serving Nigeria with professionalism and dedication.