Foreign Affairs Minister Appoints Raphael Oni to Drive Digital, Public Diplomacy

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, has appointed veteran diplomatic correspondent and media professional, Raphael Oni, as Special Assistant on Digital and Public Diplomacy.

Oni is among two media aides appointed by the Minister to strengthen the communication of the Ministry’s mandate and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

With more than 15 years of experience spanning diplomatic reporting, government communication, public diplomacy and international relations, Oni brings extensive professional expertise to his new role.

An award winning photojournalist and diplomatic correspondent, Oni holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Abuja. 

His professional background combines journalism with a strong understanding of diplomacy and international affairs, positioning him for a key role in enhancing the Ministry’s engagement with the public and the international community.

Oni has been the Publisher of Diplomats Extra Magazine since 2013. The publication, which focuses on diplomacy and international affairs, has become a platform widely read by ministries, departments and agencies, embassies and other stakeholders within Nigeria’s diplomatic community.

His leadership experience within the media and diplomatic reporting community is also significant. 

He served two terms as Secretary General of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN), an association of journalists covering Nigeria’s foreign policy and diplomatic activities.

Oni also previously served as Secretary General of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents Chapel, Abuja, further highlighting his experience in professional media leadership and journalism.

His appointment is expected to bring greater focus to the Ministry’s digital communication, public diplomacy and strategic engagement, particularly at a time when digital platforms have become increasingly important tools for projecting Nigeria’s foreign policy, strengthening international partnerships and communicating government policies to a global audience.

Also appointed is Mr Richard Elesho, who will serve as Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communications.

Elesho, a graduate of Delta State University, Abraka, and Kogi State University, Anyigba, previously served as Chief Press Secretary and Director General, Media Affairs, to former Kogi State Governors Ibrahim Idris and Idris Wada. Until his appointment, he was the North Central Bureau Chief of The News/PM News.

The Ministry expressed confidence that the new media team would strengthen its strategic communication, digital engagement and public diplomacy efforts.

It also called on stakeholders and members of the public to extend the necessary support to the appointees as they assume their responsibilities, while expressing optimism about a cordial and productive working relationship.