Nigeria is truly well represented – Toyin Saraki celebrates Dr Florence Ajimobi on Austria ambassadorial posting
Toyin Saraki, wife of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, has congratulated former Oyo State First Lady Amb. (Dr) Florence Ajimobi on formally commencing her duties as Nigeria’s ambassador to Austria, qed.ng reported.
Dr Ajimobi presented her Letters of Credence to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna on Thursday, formally beginning her duties as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Austria and Permanent Representative to international organisations in Vienna.
Mrs Saraki shared pictures and a video of the presentation on Facebook on Friday, describing Ajimobi’s appointment as recognition of her service.
“Warm congratulations to H.E. Dr (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi on her posting by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organisations in Vienna,” she wrote.
Saraki also recalled Ajimobi’s work as Oyo State first lady, particularly her support for women and vulnerable households and her work through the ABC Foundation, which focuses on cancer awareness and support.
“As First Lady of Oyo State, you stood firmly for women and vulnerable households, and through the ABC Foundation you continue to bring hope to so many affected by cancer,” she wrote.
Ajimobi also reflected on the milestone in a series of social media posts, paying tribute to her late husband, former Oyo State governor Abiola Ajimobi, and their late daughter, Abisola Kola-Daisi.
Ajimobi described Abiola as her “best friend” and “companion” and recalled their 40 years together, saying she could imagine the pride and happiness with which he would have witnessed her appointment.
Ajimobi also remembered Abisola, whom she described as her “first fruit” and said had brought joy, love and warmth into her life for 44 years.
“Today, as I present my Letters of Credence to the President of the Republic of Austria as the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Austria, I know that both of you would have been the icing on the cake,” she wrote.
Ajimobi said she chose gratitude despite the emotions surrounding the occasion, thanking God for the years she shared with her husband and daughter.
“Though you are no longer physically here to witness this milestone, you remain forever woven into the fabric of my life and my story,” she wrote.
In another post, Ajimobi expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the confidence placed in her and pledged to represent Nigeria with dignity and purpose.
“I accept this responsibility with humility, a strong sense of duty, and an unwavering commitment to representing Nigeria with dignity and purpose,” she said.
Ajimobi identified trade and investment, innovation, sustainable development and people-to-people relations as areas where Nigeria and Austria could deepen cooperation.
Dr Ajimobi arrived in Vienna in July to begin her duties. Her appointment also makes her Nigeria’s permanent representative to international organisations based in the Austrian capital.
