AMBASSADOR UDO

Letter From Editor

Nigeria and Belgium have diplomatic relations in existence dating back to 1969. During their 56th year of diplomacy the new Ambassador of Nigeria to Belgium presented Letters of Credence to His Majesty , Phillip I, King of the Belgians on Wednesday, September 17, 2017 Ambassador Udo made made history as the first female Ambassador of the Federal Republic of of Nigeria to the Kingdom of Belgium. Allegedly, no woman has had the opportunity to be appointed Ambassador of Belgian to Nigeria. Possibly, Ambassador Udo’s presence stirs the pot for change.

Ambassador Udo has been described as a fine Foreign Service Officer. She truly is a career diplomat. She’s served as Nigeria’s Missions to the United Nations, then later in appointment as Director of International Organization at the Abuja Headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria.

Ambassador Udo’s appointment affords great opportunities for collaborations in a myriad of endeavors that include, manufacturing, trade and investment, agriculture, machinery, energy, power production and distribution, sports and culture just to name a few. The anticipation of new business alliances with a network of entrepreneurs and other influential players collaborating together is truly exciting and significant.

Let’s enjoy Her

Excellency’s story of her Christian upbringing, challenges and victories in her own words.

- Dr. B. F. Gibson

AmbassadorNyone Udo

“The path of the righteous is like a shinning light that shear brighter and brighter each day.

Growing up as a child of two servants of God, who were also fasting and praying, it gradually became my normal approach and transcended everything I did. There was no acceptance of mediocrity because I heard my parents admonish other parents to teach their children to strive for the best in all things. This ‘‘high standard’’ caused me to give all my endeavours, studies, work, church activities my very best. Nothing short of that was good enough for this God that my parents introduced me to as Jehovah. Thus began my journey into distinguishing myself in each assignment that I was given. It quickly set me apart.

Working two jobs to pay for my tuition, rent and upkeep while maintaining good grades to be an Honours student was normal. It was not until I was interviewing for the very competitive placement into the foreign service did I become aware that graduating with honours mattered. Getting accepted and working with colleagues that seemed to know each other from the universities they attended made me, an outsider joining from a university abroad, a loner. I plunged myself into my work determined to excel and make my parents proud.

Coming from a humble home kept me focused. It did not take long for reality to hit me that I was in a male-dominated environment that catered to the well connected. My faith in God grew with each challenge and accusation of ‘‘dating the boss’’ I faced.

Growing up reading the Bible was our lifestyle and with it came scriptures that were engraved in my heart. The Lord is my shepherd; I can do all things through Him that strengthens me; I am the head and not the tail; God is for me so no one can succeed to undermine me; and many other scriptures.

As I matured in my profession, so did my walk with God. The attacks however increased. Why Lord, I asked, Is this not the reward of sinners? Will everyone say that I am a terrible sinner? The vision of gold being tried in the fire to make it shine encouraged me but did not encourage moments of deep pain. Temptation to become entangled with people that seemed to be from the ‘’right part’’ were thrown at my face constantly. Those you could turn to for help would easily become embittered towards you and become your oppressor if they knew the nightmare you were living. My decision was made easy for me if God cannot do it for me then I do not need whatever promotion, placement and appointment is at stake. This was where my anchor now held fast in God and He proved Himself faithful every step of the way.

As a woman in a man’s world, there must be a defining moment that will bring you to your Queen Esther and Joshua reality, I am not afraid of ‘‘fake giants’’ because with the Greater One inside of me, I can take down every giant. Each battle is a stepping stone for me to climb higher.

The Journey has just begun.”