By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The Diaspora Coalition for Good Governance (DCGG) has congratulated former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Olufemi Pedro, on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Australia.

In a statement, the coalition’s president, Tochukwu Onah, described the appointment as a “masterstroke of diplomatic foresight,” noting that Pedro’s experience in banking and governance would help strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagement with the Oceania region.

Onah said the appointment comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to deepen its economic partnerships and strengthen ties with its citizens in the diaspora.

“Ambassador Pedro is not just a politician; he is a refined economist and a veteran of the boardroom,” Onah said. “His arrival in Australia signals the beginning of a new era of engagement between Nigeria and the diaspora community across Australian states.”

He added that members of the Nigerian community in the region are ready to support the new envoy in advancing the diplomatic mission and promoting the administration’s development agenda.

According to him, the coalition and other diaspora groups in Australia are prepared to work closely with the Nigerian High Commission to promote improved consular services, encourage investment opportunities and support initiatives aligned with the government’s Renewed Hope agenda.

The DCGG also noted that Australia presents significant opportunities for Nigeria in areas such as mining, agriculture and educational technology, stressing that many Nigerian professionals in the country are willing to contribute to national development.

Onah expressed confidence that Pedro’s leadership would help reposition Nigeria’s mission in Australia towards stronger economic diplomacy and deeper engagement with the diaspora.

He also called on Nigerians living in Australia and neighbouring Oceanic countries to rally behind the new ambassador to ensure the success of his assignment.

“As Ambassador Pedro prepares to assume office, he should be assured that the Nigerian community in Australia stands ready to support him in strengthening relations between both countries and promoting the interests of Nigerians abroad,” he said.