The Government of the Republic of Liberia has rolled out the red carpet for a new diplomatic face in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, appointing Mr Dapo Akinosun as its Honorary Consul to Lagos.
The announcement was conveyed in a letter signed on Thursday by Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mme Sara Nyanti, who hailed the appointment as a testament to Akinosun’s steadfast commitment to tightening the cords of friendship and collaboration between Liberia and Nigeria.
According to Nyanti, “The newly appointed diplomat assumes the role with a mandate to represent the interests of the Republic of Liberia and protect the welfare of Liberian citizens within the consular jurisdiction.
“He is also expected to promote trade, investment, tourism, culture, educational and scientific exchanges between Liberia and Nigeria.”
In his response, Akinosun struck a tone of resolve, outlining a people-first agenda tailored toward improving consular services for Liberians living in Nigeria. He pledged to turn the consulate into a bridge of opportunity, not a mere ceremonial outpost.
“I am deeply honoured to represent Liberia in Nigeria, a country that shares not just a border, but a deep history and kinship with our people.
“My focus will be on facilitating a robust business environment for Nigerian investors looking toward Liberia, ensuring the welfare of Liberia citizens here in Lagos, and strengthening the people-to-people ties that have always bound us together,” Akinosun said.
Also weighing in, Mr Oduntan Ogundimu, Head of the Media Department at the Liberian Consulate, described the appointment as further proof that Liberia is not resting on its oars in nurturing bilateral ties with Nigeria.
Ogundimu noted that Akinosun is no stranger to high-stakes boardrooms, having served on corporate boards with a focus on foreign investment and divestment, banking and finance, energy, alternative dispute resolution and arbitration.
“He is known for expertise in capital market trading, privatisation initiatives in the oil sector and joint ventures businesses,” he said.
Akinosun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with over 30 years of experience spanning law and management, is a founding partner of SimmonsCooper Partners. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators and holds memberships in the International Bar Association and the Nigerian Bar Association, among others.
