The Convener and Director-General of the Okun Agenda Global Network (OAGN) and Senatorial Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for Kogi West, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, has sent warm felicitations to the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency, Ambassador Audu-Rafiu Olusola Enikanolaiye, on the occasion of his birthday.
In a tribute issued on Monday, September 14, 2026, Aiyenigba described the seasoned diplomat as an ultimate standard-bearer and a definitive icon of the cherished Omoluabi ethos of the Okun people.
Aiyenigba joined family, friends, foreign service colleagues, and mentees in honoring Ambassador Enikanolaiye, extolling his decades of meritorious service, intellectual depth, and uncompromising commitment to ethical public leadership.
“Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye is an accomplished administrator and an epitome of professionalism whose commanding presence in global diplomatic circles remains a source of pride,” Aiyenigba stated. “Despite his elevated national and international stature, he has consistently remained rooted in his Okun heritage, using his platform to promote community development, philanthropy, and youth empowerment.”
Highlighting his career trajectory, Aiyenigba recalled how Enikanolaiye rose to the zenith of the Nigerian foreign service as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after representing the country at the United Nations, African Union, Commonwealth, and various bilateral missions.
He further commended the Minister’s current contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy framework, particularly the shift toward citizen-centric diplomacy under the “Nigeria First” initiative powered by the 4-Ds Framework (Democracy, Demography, Development, and Diaspora).
“Within his short time as Minister of State, his professional acumen has significantly enhanced Nigeria’s international standing,” Aiyenigba added, while paying homage to the diplomat’s traditional titles as the Aare Atona of Ekinrin-Adde and Agba Akin of South-East Yagba.
Concluding his statement, the SDP candidate wished the veteran diplomat continuous good health, wisdom, and fulfillment in his service to the nation.
