The Academy of International Affairs (AIA) is to be formally inaugurated to strengthen Nigeria’s national image and international standing.
Founded by leading scholar and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi two years ago, the Academy which is the highest private think-tank on issues of international relations, foreign policy and diplomacy brings together leading experts such as former Ministers of Foreign Affairs, top career diplomats, leading scholars and former heads of security and military agencies.
As a group of senior Nigerians, the focus of the academy is to undertake deep and critical thinking on all thematic issues pertaining to strengthening Nigeria’s national image and international standing.
A statement by the Chairman, Planning Committee, Ambassador Godknows Igali read: “This it to bring to the attention of the Nigerian public that the formal inauguration of the Academy of International Affairs (AIA) will be held on Monday, 25th March, 2024. The event is expected to take place at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja, at 10 am.
“The inauguration activity to be chaired by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon will include a keynote address by President of Afrexim Bank, Cairo, Egypt, Professor Benedict Oramah which will focus on the problem of economic integration, inter-African trade relations and the operationalisation of effective payment systems. It will also feature the investiture of honorary fellowships on a number of deserving Nigerians, including pioneer career diplomats such as Chief Philip Asiodu, Amb. Abdullahi Atta and first female permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Judith Atta, several economic operators.”
