Senator Osita Ngwu stirred amusement in the Nigerian Senate during a ministerial screening when he praised the beauty of Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, nominee for the role of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
The compliment came as Bianca Ojukwu stood before the Senate, preparing to discuss her qualifications and experience.
Ngwu, representing Enugu West District, began his turn to speak with admiration for Bianca’s appearance.
“Mr. President, the beautiful nominee standing before us…” Ngwu said, as he opened his remarks.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio quickly interrupted, urging Ngwu to focus on Bianca’s professional achievements.
“Restrict yourself to the resume,” Akpabio joked, chuckling. “Forget this word ‘beautiful’—she didn’t put that in her CV.”
The chamber burst into laughter, and Ngwu, smiling, shifted his attention back to Bianca’s professional credentials.
Senator Ngwu then praised Bianca’s profile and her long record of diplomatic service, noting her suitability for the role.
His comments were echoed by other Senators, including Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South District, who voiced his strong support for Bianca’s nomination.
“There is no doubt about her competence and ability to perform,” Abaribe stated confidently.
He went on to commend President Bola Tinubu for selecting Bianca, a well-known figure in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as part of his ministerial team.
“By bringing an APGA person to be a minister, the President has already started a unity government and national integration,” Abaribe added.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, known widely for her previous diplomatic roles, is also recognized as the widow of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a prominent leader during the Nigerian-Biafran Civil War.
Her nomination comes as part of a recent wave of appointments by President Tinubu aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s international relations.
As she stood before the Senate, Bianca held herself with poise, recounting her extensive career and explaining how her background makes her well-suited for the role.
“I am deeply honored by this nomination, and I am committed to using my experience to serve Nigeria,” she stated.
Bianca’s career includes appointments as Nigeria’s Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs and as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana and the Kingdom of Spain.
She is also Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, where she has been instrumental in promoting Nigeria’s tourism and cultural presence on the world stage.
In addition to her diplomatic work, Bianca is a lawyer and successful businesswoman, carrying forward a legacy of service to Nigeria that she shared with her late husband.
Her nomination and the warm response it received in the Senate reflect her standing not only as a skilled diplomat but also as a cultural icon in Nigeria.
Following the lighthearted exchange, Bianca continued answering questions from the Senate with confidence, detailing her vision for Nigeria’s foreign policy and her approach to representing the nation on a global platform.
After the questioning, she was asked to take a bow, signaling a smooth passage through the Senate’s vetting process.
The conversation on the Senate floor is not without precedent; Bianca is widely regarded for her elegance and charm, having won numerous international beauty titles before embarking on her political and diplomatic career.
In 2011, former President Goodluck Jonathan appointed her as Nigeria’s Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, a position that set her on a path to her ambassadorial roles.
Her personal and professional life has drawn public interest for years, partly due to her marriage to the legendary Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who led the secessionist Biafra region during the Nigerian Civil War.
Their marriage, often regarded as a union of power and beauty, was followed closely by Nigerians and seen as a significant cultural milestone.
Though she holds numerous prestigious titles, Bianca has often emphasized her role as a bridge-builder and advocate for Nigeria, stating in previous interviews that her greatest wish is to see a united Nigeria that celebrates its diversity.