- Kamil Opeyemi
The Nigerian ambassador to France, Kayode Laro has died,
The Ministry, in a statement on Saturday, signed by its spokesperson. Mrs Francisca Omayuli, said 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 his retirement 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, “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.”
In his condolence message, President Bola Tinubu was quoted as saying he was profoundly saddened by the news of the passing of Laro.
In a statement made available to the NPO Reports, he extended his deepest condolences to Ambassador Laro’s family, the diplomatic community, as well as the Government and people of Kwara State.
“The President recognizes Ambassador Laro’s tireless dedication in 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.”
He said Having devoted himself fully to his duties during 35 illustrious years in service as a Nigerian diplomat, spanning from 1983 to 2018, Tinubu 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.
“The President affirms 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.
“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,” the President said.”