Nigeria’s UN Envoy Amb Jimoh Ibrahim Encourages Dominican Students to Embrace Nigeria
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Chairman of the UN Budget Committee, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has urged students from the Dominican Republic to regard Nigeria as their second home, highlighting the country’s growing diplomatic influence, economic potential and educational opportunities on the global stage.
Ibrahim made the call while hosting a delegation of Dominican Republic students at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission House in New York, where he held an interactive session on diplomacy, education, foreign policy, leadership, development and Africa’s evolving role in international affairs.
Addressing the students, the Nigerian envoy described Africa as a highly interconnected continent blessed with abundant natural and human resources that continue to play a critical role in global development.
He encouraged the visitors to look beyond stereotypes often associated with Africa and instead appreciate the continent—and Nigeria in particular—as a region rich in opportunities, innovation and strategic importance.
“Nigeria should be seen as your second country. Africa is a continent of immense possibilities, and Nigeria remains one of its most influential voices and largest economies,” Ibrahim said.
Speaking on Nigeria’s position within Africa and the international community, the diplomat noted that the country continues to shape regional and global policy through its active participation in organisations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations.
He explained that Nigeria’s foreign policy is anchored on principles of friendship, cooperation, peaceful coexistence and non-interference, while maintaining a strong commitment to democracy, development and international partnerships.
Ibrahim further outlined what he described as Nigeria’s contemporary foreign policy framework built around the four pillars of Democracy, Development, Diaspora and Demography.
According to him, the framework seeks to strengthen democratic institutions, accelerate national development, harness the contributions of Nigerians living abroad and leverage the country’s large and youthful population as a strategic asset for growth and global competitiveness.
On bilateral relations with the Dominican Republic, the Nigerian envoy expressed optimism about expanding economic and diplomatic cooperation between both countries, noting that they occupy important positions within their respective regions.
He described Nigeria as a nation of vast economic potential, citing its large population, growing economy and expanding investment opportunities across multiple sectors despite existing developmental challenges.
The session also focused on education, personal growth and leadership, as Ibrahim shared his own academic and professional journey with the students.
He recounted how determination, resilience and access to quality education enabled him to rise from a rural community in Nigeria to study at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, Oxford University and the University of Cambridge, before pursuing careers in business, public service and diplomacy.
The ambassador urged the students to pursue academic excellence relentlessly, describing education as one of the most powerful tools for leadership, social mobility and global relevance.
“Education remains one of the strongest pathways to leadership and meaningful contribution to society. Young people must invest in knowledge and skills if they are to compete effectively in a rapidly changing world,” he said.
Ibrahim also stressed the importance of technical and vocational education, arguing that governments must support multiple learning pathways to develop skilled workforces capable of driving innovation and economic growth.
Responding to questions on project management and national development, he attributed the failure of many public projects to poor conceptual planning, political interference and inadequate alignment with local realities.
He advised aspiring leaders and policymakers to focus on capacity building, discipline and what he termed “definite courage” — the determination to pursue goals consistently despite obstacles.
The interactive session concluded with the Nigerian diplomat encouraging the students to sustain their interest in Africa, deepen people-to-people relationships with Nigeria and embrace diplomacy as a platform for service, humanity and global progress rather than privilege.
The visit formed part of broader efforts by Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to promote cultural exchange, strengthen international understanding and foster closer ties between Nigeria and young leaders from across the world.