From last week, continues the  narrative on the individuals appointed to serve as Nigeria’s ambassadors to different  countries, including Chief Edwin Ogbu who, before then, served in the Northern Region Civil Service and the Federal Civil Service.

In 1963, he was transferred to the Federal Ministry of Finance as Permanent Secretary to help realise the objectives of the First National Development Plan, FNDP, introduced the previous year. Dr Edwin Ogbu remained at the Federal Ministry of Finance until after the military coups in 1966 when he moved to the Federal Ministry of External Affairs as Permanent Secretary where he helped formulate the foreign policy of the new military government.

He was with the Federal Ministry of External Affairs until February 1968 when the Federal Government of Nigeria posted him to the United Nations, UN, as Nigeria’s ambassador to the UN. This appointment was during the height of the Nigerian Civil War and it was evident that his diplomacy skills were needed to articulate Nigeria’s position as the war raged. Even after the war ended in 1970, he continued at the UN until September 1975 when he retired from public service, making him one of the longest serving Nigeria’s ambassadors to the UN.

The achievements of Dr Ogbu were also recognised by Idoma people. In 1995, the Och’Idoma II, HRH Dr. Ajene Okpabi, made him the “Ochojila K’Idoma”, a traditional title which translates to leader of Idoma people. The title was conferred on him in recognition of his contributions to the development of Idoma land.

Dr Ogbu continued his service to Idoma community and when Ajene Okpabi passed away, he was made the chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the transition of Och’Idoma following the death of Ajene Okpabi in late 1995.

When the search for a successor to Ajene Okpabi began, Dr Ogbu was an overwhelming favourite to become Och’Idoma and it was no surprise when he was announced as the Och’Idoma III on January 10, 1996. His ascension to the throne, gave the position of Och’Idoma more prestige and credibility due to the stature of Dr Ogbu in world politics. Unfortunately, Dr Edwin Ogbu passed away in 1997 before he could really establish his mark as Och’Idoma. Dr Ogbu has a place in Idoma folklore, as there is a popular saying that translates into: “no matter how hard you study, you cannot be better educated than Dr Edwin Ogbu Iyanga”. 

Major General Joseph Nanven Garba  (July 17, 1943 – June 1, 2002) served as president of the United Nations General Assembly from 1989 to 1990. He served as federal commissioner for external affairs from 1975 to 1978, commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy from 1978 to 1979 and commander of the Brigade of Guards from 1968 to 1975.

Following the coup in 1975, Garba made a shift from the military to politics and diplomacy. In 1975, he was appointed Nigeria’s foreign minister (Federal Commissioner for External Affairs) by General Murtala Mohammed, and continued in this role under General  Olusegun Obasanjo after the former was assassinated on February 13, 1976. Garba was the head of the Nigerian delegation to the United Nations General Assembly from 1975, culminating in his appointment as President of the United Nations Security Council in January 1978. 

In 1978, as General Obasanjo was preparing to hand over to civilians, Garba was reassigned to the role of Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy. He held this position until 1980, when he left to study at the National Defence College in New Delhi, India. Following this, Garba studied as a fellow at Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration. 

Returning to diplomatic life, Garba was appointed a Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 1984, a role he continued in until 1989. In 1989, he was elected President of the United Nations General Assembly for its 44th session. 

To be concluded