By Ismaila Chafe
President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the diplomatic community in celebrating with former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Blessing Akporode Clark, on his 90th birthday, on April 16, 2020.
The president, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Wednesday, affirmed Clark’s contributions to shaping and implementation of the country’s foreign policy.
According to the president, the diplomat, who started his public service career in 1957 with the old Western Region Civil Service, and joined Foreign Service in 1961, played an active role in building and sustaining good relations in the early years of independence with countries and multilateral institutions.
He noted that Clark had diligently risen to become Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerian Permanent Representative to United Nations (New York), Permanent Representative to United Nations (Geneva), and Permanent Representative to Organisation of African Unity.
Buhari commended the diplomat’s focus and discipline in representing the country with empathy, grace and confidence.
He also lauded him for advancing his contributions after retirement by serving as member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs, while inspiring the right values of patriotism and nobility in younger diplomats.
The president felicitated with Clark’s family on the auspicious milestone, his friends and professional colleagues, especially the Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries (CORFEPS) and the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN).
He prayed that the almighty God would grant the renowned diplomat good health and more strength. (NAN)
