Nigeria's former ambassador to Spain and current Minister of State for Foreign Affairs,
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has shared the eyesore challenges she faced during her diplomatic tenure.
Upon her arrival in Spain, she was confronted with the deplorable state of the Nigerian embassy, which she described as an "eyesore."
This situation forced her to reside in a hotel for an entire year.
"The mission building was in such an appalling condition," Ojukwu recounted, highlighting the embarrassment of having the embassy located near the prestigious Santiago Bernabeu stadium, home to Real Madrid.
She noted that the embassy's dilapidated state did not reflect well on Nigeria's image abroad, especially given its proximity to upscale areas where many international events occur.
Determined to rectify this, Ojukwu spearheaded extensive refurbishment efforts.
"The Nigerian embassy in Madrid that you see today is the product of my time in that country," she stated, emphasizing her commitment to restoring Nigeria’s image to one that "truly deserves a designation of outstanding."
Ojukwu also pointed out the broader issue of inadequate funding for Nigerian embassies worldwide, which hampers their ability to maintain dignified facilities.
"In most missions, because of no more funding, most ambassadors are constrained when it comes to carrying out refurbishments," she explained.
This financial shortfall, she argued, diminishes Nigeria's standing on the global stage and impacts the country's diplomatic effectiveness.
She urged the government to address these funding challenges, noting that embassies often host international delegations and exchanges, making respectable surroundings crucial.
"It is imperative that when you are in those exchanges, you meet your patrons and colleagues in environments that reflect Nigeria’s true standing," Ojukwu concluded.
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