President Bola Tinubu is preparing to finalise the appointment of ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions worldwide after months without envoys in many countries, Punch has gathered.

Presidency insiders familiar with the process told our correspondent that Tinubu has ordered a “final cleanup” of the nominee list ahead of publishing it.

The officials, who requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed that the exercise is nearing completion.

“It is going to be concluded very soon,” a senior official disclosed.

According to the source, the revision became necessary because some nominees listed earlier have either died, retired, or fallen short of eligibility requirements due to having less than a year left in service.

He noted that although the Senate had already screened the earlier nominees, the cleanup ensures only qualified individuals remain.

“The list of those screened has left the Senate long ago; it has been returned to the President,” he added.

Another government source confirmed that security and background checks had been completed months ago, but adjustments became necessary after nominees passed away, accepted new positions, or stepped down due to health concerns.

“The earlier list sent to the Senate is outdated. Some of the nominees have died, while others are no longer qualified,” the official stated.

He emphasised that the fresh review will ensure the final list reflects updated and eligible candidates, describing the verification process as quick and straightforward.

The development follows Tinubu’s September 2023 directive recalling all ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions — consisting of 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates — for what the Presidency described as a “comprehensive diplomatic review.”

Since then, most missions have been overseen by chargés d’affaires and senior consular officials who have limited authority to engage in high-level diplomacy.

“The truth is that most foreign governments do not give the same regard to chargés d’affaires as they do to ambassadors,” a senior Foreign Service officer told Punch.

“At a time like this, with many diplomatic demands, it is crucial that ambassadors be appointed,” the source added.

The renewed push to complete the exercise follows mounting diplomatic tension with the United States triggered by comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened potential military intervention in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

Trump, on Friday, wrote on his social media platform that he was designating Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern.”

He subsequently claimed he directed U.S. lawmakers to investigate the matter and provide feedback.

On Saturday, Trump further escalated his statement, saying he had asked the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria.

He warned that if the Nigerian Government “continues to allow the killing of Christians,” the U.S. could halt aid and “may very well go into that disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to wipe out the Islamic terrorists committing these atrocities.”

A top Presidency source however clarified that the absence of ambassadors did not directly cause the crisis but noted that diplomatic engagements would be smoother with ambassadors in place.

Foreign partners generally prefer dealings at ambassadorial level “especially in moments of crisis or negotiation,” the official said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, is expected at the State House today (Tuesday) for a meeting with Tinubu, with sources suggesting the agenda includes finalising the ambassadorial list.

“When the President is ready to make that appointment, it will be made public. The Presidency will release an official statement very soon,” another top official confirmed.

Punch reported in April 2025 that the Federal Government had concluded vetting and security checks for nominees, but funding challenges delayed the appointments.

More than $1bn is required to settle foreign service arrears, upgrade diplomatic vehicles, rehabilitate embassies, and support operational overheads worldwide.

Tinubu had also previously acknowledged the complexity of balancing political and professional considerations in selecting ambassadors.

“It’s not easy stitching those names,” Tinubu remarked during a meeting with The Buhari Organisation on September 2, 2025.

“I couldn’t appoint everybody at once. I still have some slots for ambassadorial positions that so many people are craving for,” he noted.

ZenithEdge Consulting, a people development and hospitality training firm, has announced the launch of its 3-Day Service Excellence Workshop, designed to empower professionals and businesses to deliver exceptional customer experiences and strengthen service culture across industries in Nigeria.

According to Oluwatosin Yusuf, Hospitality Professional and Lead Consultant at ZenithEdge Consulting, “Service excellence is not just about meeting expectations, it’s about creating moments that customers never forget. Through this workshop, we want to help businesses and individuals enhance their service delivery and leadership approach.”

“We’re building a community of service-minded professionals who will set the standard for excellence in every interaction,” Tosin added.

The 3-Day Service Excellence Workshop will feature sessions on:

1. Communication & Service Etiquette.
2. Handling Difficult Guests & Service Recovery.
3. Leadership in Service Delivery.

Each session is designed to provide participants with actionable insights and techniques to understand that great service is the foundation of growth and brand loyalty.

The workshop will run from November 25th to 27th, 2025. It will be held virtually via Zoom, bringing together experts and professionals from diverse sectors to discuss practical strategies for improving communication, handling difficult customers, and building strong service-driven teams.

The event is open to professionals, entrepreneurs, and corporate organizations across hospitality, tourism, retail, and corporate sectors. While the training is free to attend, participants can opt for a ₦3,000 e-certificate of participation issued by ZenithEdge Consulting.

Registration is currently open.
To participate, visit: https://forms.gle/k1TaFyBs28wnabQw8

For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 08144977063
Instagram: @zenithedgeconsulting | LinkedIn: ZenithEdgeConsulting

Pastor Ifeoluwa Akindayomi, the youngest son of the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pa Josiah Akindayomi, has passed away at the age of 63.

He reportedly died on Sunday, November 2.

His death occurred approximately 45 years after the passing of his father and seven months after the death of his older brother, Pastor Kolade Akindayomi, who died on May 4 this year.

A close family friend told Church Times that the news of his passing came as a shock.

‘Nobody would have thought he would die barely 24 hours after he was chairman of a wedding ceremony.’

The source added that “he was very okay and had no sign of any illness. For him to have served as chairman of a wedding a day before he died was clear indication that he was okay to many of us. But the unexpected did happen.”

According to the account, “he had gone for a prayer walk on Sunday morning and came back to his house at the RCCG Camp and was about to prepare for the Sunday service when he missed his steps and fell headlong, hitting his head on a sharp object in the house. He sustained injury from the fall and passed out. Before he could be helped to the hospital the worst had happened.”

Until his passing, Pastor Ifeoluwa Akindayomi served as Assistant Provincial Pastor of Ogun Province 5 of RCCG and operated a thriving printing press.

According to the source, his wife and children had relocated abroad, “Leaving only him in Nigeria.”

The family had reportedly encouraged him to join them in Canada, where they reside, but he chose to remain in Nigeria due to his business and ministry commitments.

He was also said to have been deeply concerned that his family was not living with him in Nigeria and made efforts to persuade his son to return home to assist with the family business.

“The young man was said to have turned down his father’s request and did not show any interest in coming back to Nigeria,” the source added.

When it became evident that his family would not return, he reportedly made plans to relocate. “I was told he just secured a permanent stay in Canada and was preparing to go and meet his family before his eventual death,” a close acquaintance said.

One of his childhood friends and fellow RCCG pastor, Debo Akinyemi, described him as a humble, gentle individual.

“He was not given to show and lived a very quiet life. Many people never knew him as the son of the founder. He was not the type that would want any attention for himself. He was just content with his business and the bit he could do in God’s vineyard,” Akinyemi said.

He recalled his strong interpersonal skills and commitment to friendships. “He had a good human relations and was doing quite well. The last time I saw him was during the convention of the RCCG. His house was home to many people who came for the convention. I am really devastated to hear of his death.”

Reflecting on their school days at Molusi College, Ijebu Igbo, Akinyemi added, “He was a perfect gentle man. He picks his words and was generally pleasant. There was no air around him… he was just like any other student.

“He did not go about bragging. As a pastor he truly loved God. He would not fight for anything. One would have thought he would have risen to a very high position in the church. But I guess he must have decided by himself to keep low and not agitate for anything. I am personally going to miss him.”