“I Was Quite Nervous”: Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Reflects on Ministerial Screening, Thanks Aide for Support

In a candid reflection on her recent experience, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s minister-designate for state for foreign affairs, admitted to feeling “quite nervous” during the senate screening for her ministerial role. Speaking in Abuja, Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed gratitude for the support provided by Basheer Lado, the president’s special adviser on senate matters, who offered guidance throughout the process.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a former ambassador, shared her experience on behalf of her fellow ministers-designate in a meeting with Lado, commending his proactive approach. “We cannot thank you enough for how you have navigated us all through this process and made us comfortable,” she said. Reflecting on her personal journey, she added, “I was quite nervous, wondering if this day would come and go, but your guidance made a real difference.”

The minister-designate highlighted how Lado personally reached out to each candidate, ensuring they were prepared with the necessary documents and insights to successfully complete the screening. “From start to finish, you were available even during odd hours, which speaks volumes of your commitment,” she noted.

On Wednesday, the senate confirmed Odumegwu-Ojukwu alongside six other nominees for various ministerial roles, including Nentawe Yilwatda as minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi as minister of labour and employment, and Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as minister of state for housing and urban development. Others confirmed were Idi Mukhtar Maiha as minister of livestock development, Jumoke Oduwole as minister of trade and investment, and Suwaiba Said Ahmad as minister of state for education.

The screening process itself saw some lighter moments; at one point, Senate President Godswill Akpabio had to remind senators to focus on Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s qualifications, following multiple comments on her appearance.