By Florence Joshua
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday hosted diplomats, policymakers, and members of the public at the official launch of Fragments of Time: My Foreign Service Years, a memoir by veteran diplomat Eineje Onobu.
Speaking at the event held at the Ministry’s Rotunda in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, described the book as a remarkable work that captures decades of diplomatic service and offers critical insight into Nigeria’s engagement with the world.
He said the occasion was not merely about celebrating a publication, but about honouring a lifetime of dedicated service, intellectual reflection, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
The permanent secretary noted that Onobu’s career reflected the core values of the nation’s diplomatic corps such as professionalism, patriotism, resilience, and integrity, adding that the memoir provides a rare window into the realities of international diplomacy.
“This work serves as both a historical record and a guide,” Ahmed noted, emphasizing its relevance to both serving diplomats and younger officers in the Foreign Service. “It reminds us of the sacrifices required to represent our country and challenges the next generation to uphold the high standards set by seasoned diplomats.”
The Permanent Secretary further highlighted the broader significance of the book beyond government circles, describing it as an important contribution to scholarship and national memory. He said it deepens understanding of Nigeria’s foreign relations while offering lessons for policymakers, academics, and the general public.
The memoir is also situated within the context of a rapidly changing global landscape marked by geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainties.
“His experiences remind us that diplomacy remains an indispensable tool,” Ahmed said.
The event drew members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, and media representatives, many of whom commended the author for documenting his journey and preserving key moments in Nigeria’s diplomatic history.
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