How I stayed in hotel for one year – Bianca Ojukwu

During her Senate screening on Wednesday, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a ministerial nominee, shared the difficulties she faced as Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain, disclosing that she was forced to live in a hotel for a year because of the poor condition of the Nigerian embassy in Madrid.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who has been nominated by President Bola Tinubu as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, explained to the Senate that the embassy’s dilapidated state did not reflect the image Nigeria should project abroad. Her experience prompted her to spearhead a major renovation project to restore the facility.

“I would like to say that my past records speak for me,” Bianca stated. “As an ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, I spent an entire year in one hotel room because when I got to Spain, the mission building was in such an appalling condition.”

She noted that the location of the building made the situation even more embarrassing.

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“The embassy was located very close to the upscale estate of Galagao, where people would pass by on their way to various events and matches. It was disheartening that this decadent structure represented Nigeria in such a prestigious area,” she said.

Determined to address the problem, she took swift action to oversee extensive repairs and renovations, not only of the embassy but also of the ambassador’s residence and other Nigerian properties in Spain.

“The Nigerian embassy in Madrid that you see today is the product of my time in that country,” Bianca said, emphasizing that her goal was to restore Nigeria’s image to reflect the nation’s dignity.

She also pointed out the broader funding challenges that many Nigerian embassies face, explaining how the lack of financial resources hampers necessary maintenance efforts.

“In most missions, because of no more funding, most ambassadors are constrained when it comes to carrying out refurbishments,” she noted.

According to her, this financial shortfall has negatively impacted Nigeria’s global image.

“It is unfortunate because a lot of embassies are going through this situation, and it has, to a large extent, diminished our standing around the world,” she added.

Bianca called on the Nigerian government to prioritize the upkeep of embassies, stressing that diplomatic facilities play a vital role in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy goals, including promoting democracy, fostering development, and supporting the diaspora.

“This is something that the government, under this president, should look into,” she urged, highlighting that embassies serve as hosts for international delegations, study tours, and exchanges.

“It is imperative that when you are in those exchanges, you meet your patrons and colleagues in environments that reflect Nigeria’s true standing,” she said in her concluding remarks, appealing for immediate government intervention.

Following her presentation, Bianca was asked to take a bow and leave.

She is among seven ministerial nominees currently being screened by the Senate.