In a lighthearted moment at the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio playfully chided Senator Osita Ngwu for veering off-topic by praising the beauty of Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu during her ministerial screening. The session, meant to assess the qualifications and suitability of nominees for various roles, saw Bianca—screened for the position of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs—present her credentials and respond to questions from senators.
When given the opportunity to speak, Senator Ngwu from Enugu West opened with a remark about Bianca’s appearance, calling her “the beautiful nominee standing before us.” Akpabio swiftly interjected with a smile, advising Ngwu to focus on her professional background, saying, “Restrict yourself to the resume. Forget this word beautiful. She didn’t put in the CV that she is beautiful.” The exchange brought laughter to the Senate chamber, easing the atmosphere while highlighting Akpabio’s call for decorum.
After the brief diversion, Ngwu praised Bianca’s professional achievements and expressed confidence in her capabilities. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, also voiced his support for Bianca, emphasizing her extensive experience and applauding President Bola Tinubu’s choice, noting that nominating a key figure from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) showed a commitment to a unity government and national integration.
Following the supportive comments from her peers, Bianca was asked to “take a bow,” a customary sign of approval in Senate screenings.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a lawyer, diplomat, and former beauty queen, has a distinguished track record. She served as a Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs under President Goodluck Jonathan and later held ambassadorial positions in Ghana and Spain. She remains Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Her appointment marks yet another milestone in a career filled with notable achievements and public service, honoring the legacy of her late husband, former Biafra leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
