Tinubu, Buhari, Dabiri-Erewa Mourn Nigerian Ambassador to France, Kayode Laro

Deji Elumoye and Michael Olugbode in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa have expressed profound sadness over the news of the demise of Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Kayode Laro.
In a statement issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, the President extended his deepest condolences to Ambassador Laro’s family, the diplomatic community, as well as the Government, and the people of Kwara State.

President Tinubu recognised Ambassador Laro’s tireless dedication to fostering mutually-beneficial diplomatic ties between Nigeria and France during his tenure, noting his commitment to diplomacy and the impactful role he played in ensuring the success of the President’s visit to France in June this year, which was the President’s first foreign trip following his assumption of office.

Having devoted himself fully to his duties during 35 illustrious years in service as a Nigerian diplomat, from 1983 to 2018, the President remembered Ambassador Laro’s profound grasp of geo-political intricacies and how he aptly harnessed his wealth of skill and experience in multilateral diplomacy to advance worldwide peace, security, and development.

President Tinubu affirmed that the appointment of the Fellow of the National Defence College as an Ambassador in July 2020 to represent Nigeria in France was in recognition of his widely respected expertise and dedication.
According to him: “Our nation has lost an exemplary diplomat. I will always hold cherished memories of my interactions with him during my attendance at the New Global Financial Pact Summit in France this June. His unwavering dedication and strong sense of duty left an indelible mark. May his legacy continue to inspire us to strive for a more harmonious and prosperous world”.

President Tinubu prayed that Almighty God will continue to console Ambassador Laro’s family, friends, and colleagues while granting eternal rest to the departed soul.
On his party, former President Buhari joined the family of Laro, the government, and the people of Kwara State in mourning the demise of the envoy.
In a statement by the ex-president’s spokesperson, Shehu Garba, Buhari described Ambassador Laro as an outstanding public officer who believed in a strong Nigeria-France relationship.

According to him, the deceased diplomat left behind indelible marks on matters of governance and policy for which he will be remembered.
The former President said Laro’s term as envoy marked an iconic moment in the relations between our two countries.
In her condolence message, Dabiri-Erewa said the death of the envoy at this time was painful and so sudden.
She said: “The death is so shocking to me as we still communicated very recently, and prior to that reminisced on the last visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ to Paris, France in June during which Ambassador Laro successfully hosted the President and his delegation.

She described the late Laro as a thorough-bred professional, and a great diplomat, adding that Nigeria will miss his wealth of experience
She expressed her condolence to the Laro family and the government and people of Kwara State as well as the diplomatic community.
Dabiri-Erewa prayed to Allah to forgive his shortcomings, be with his family and reward him with al-Jannah firdaus.
Meanwhile, a statement earlier by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday signed by its spokesperson. Mrs. Francisca Omayuli said Ambassador Laro died last Friday in Paris, France, after a protracted illness.
The statement read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is deeply saddened to announce the death of Ambassador Kayode Laro on Friday, 11th August 2023 in Paris, France, after a protracted illness.

“Until his death, Ambassador Kayode Laro was Nigeria’s Ambassador to France with concurrent accreditation to Monaco. He contributed immensely to strengthening Nigeria’s relations with France.
“The Late Ambassador Laro was a career diplomat, whose years in the Nigerian Foreign Service spanned 35 years, from December 1983 – December 2018. His appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to France in 2021, after he retired from service, was in recognition of his immense contributions to Nigeria’s Foreign Service.

“In the course of his career, late Ambassador Laro served the country in various capacities both at home and abroad, including being a Consul General at the Nigerian Consulate General in Atlanta, United States. He distinguished himself in multilateral diplomacy when he served in Nigeria’s Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York and Geneva. He also served as the Director of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“Ambassador Laro was an astute, seasoned, and quintessential diplomat, whose contributions to the Nigerian Foreign Service will always be remembered and appreciated.”

The statement added that: “The Federal Government of Nigeria mourns his passing and extends its sympathy and condolences to the family he left behind, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”