Send-off for Professor Jibril Aminu

The staff of the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, DC, USA on Saturday, February 1, 2003 held a send-off party for the out-going Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States, His Excellency Professor Jibril Aminu.

The party which was held at the New Chancery Building of the Embassy at International Court, N.W., was attended by officers and staff of the Embassy together with their spouses. Special invitees who graced the occasion included the Consul-General of the Nigerian Consulates in New York and Atlanta - Messrs Taofiq Oseni and Joe Keshi respectfully as well as representatives of Nigerian cultural organizations in the D.C. area.

At the occasion, several speakers commended the outgoing Ambassador for the able leadership he provided the Embassy during his tenure as Ambassador. Professor Jibril Aminu's simple and unassuming personality was noted by all the speakers, who urged all Nigerians to emulate the sterling qualities of the accomplished Nigerian who at various times served the Nigerian public service as the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Vice Chancellor of a University and Minister (two different portfolios) of the Federal Republic.

The various departments which constituted the Embassy as well as the local staff and the two Consulates in New York and Atlanta presented party gifts at the ceremony.

Professor Jibril Aminu in his response thanked the organizers of the party and all invited guests for the honour done to him and his entire family by arranging the party. He said his job was made particularly interesting and indeed easy, because of the excellent quality of staff he met at the Embassy. He councelled that the officers should keep up the good work. Professor Jibril Aminu resigned his appointment in order to contest for a senatorial seat in the next national elections scheduled for April, 2003. Already he has won his party's nomination for the election. Professor Jibril Aminu is from Adamawa State and he is a foundation member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Bolaji Adebiyi
Nigeria Information Service Centre
Embassy of Nigeria
Washington, DC
February 3, 2003