By Editor
It was a joyful moment as the Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolor, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, went down memory lane, reflecting on his life and activities as then diplomat, polishing the image of the country before the international community and redeeming it for the overall interest of all.
The Oba reflected on it when former External Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi visited him in his palace in Benin City.
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 added that, that was when Nigeria was tagged a ‘pariah state’, and that, the international community was not pleased with the country at all at that point in time.
“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 added.
Earlier, addressing the Benin monarch, Chief Ikimi, praised Oba Ewuare II for his outstanding contributions that have helped to redefine the country.
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.
