Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolor, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, has recalled his life and activities as then diplomat, saying that he has to do a lot of work to portray the then battered image of the country in good light in the comity of nations.
The Oba reflected on it when former External Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi visited him in his palace in Benin City.
Truth Live News Media reports that the Oba Ewuare II, served as Ambassador in one of the Scandinavian Counties when Chief Ikimi was the external Affairs Minister under the regime of Nigeria military junta, General Sani Abacha.
Welcoming Chief Tom Ikimi on behalf of his Chiefs and the Royal family, Ewuare II on the visit, recalled when they were posted as Vanguard, Diplomatic warriors in foreign Mission.
The Oba who went down memory lane on their service in foreign land saying that it was indeed tough adding that, that was when Nigeria was tagged a ‘pariah state’, and that, the international community was not pleased with the country at all.
“We have to do a lot of work to launder the image of the Country. I want to say thank you for your support during that period.
“My posting at that time was like a training ground for me. So, I had all the support at that time because you were in office”, Oba Ewuare II said.
Earlier, addressing the Benin monarch, Chief Ikimi, showered encomium on Oba Ewuare II for his outstanding contributions that have helped to shape Nigeria.
The former external Affairs Minister congratulated the Oba on his forthcoming investiture as Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja.
“Your Majesty, you are one of the leaders in this world that I appreciate.
“I respect our tradition and I have come to congratulate you. You have done a lot in building the revered Kingdom of Benin.
“You have shown respect and everyone respects the Benin Kingdom under your leadership.
“I congratulate you for the effort you made when I was foreign Minister in accepting to be our Ambassador in the Scandinavian where you put in your best”, Ikimi said.