Nduka Obaigbena’s Lekeelekee and Tuggar’s Strategic Autonomy: Sustaining the Umbilical Cords
Naija News • Feb 22
**The New Wave of Strategic Autonomy in Nigeria: A Three-Pronged Approach**
In recent times, three prominent Nigerian institutions have been making waves in their quest for self-reliance and strategic autonomy. The Achievers University, Owo (AUO), in Ondo State, is at the forefront of this movement, with the establishment of the Institute of Diplomatic Practice, Culture, and Language Development (IDPCLD). The AUO is also hosting a French Digital Resource Centre, where the teaching and learning of applied French Language to diplomacy will be digitized.
The IDPCLD aims to equip students and professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex world of international relations, diplomacy, and global communication. The institute's curriculum includes courses on negotiating skills, cultural diplomacy, protocol, and etiquette, as well as rapporteuring and speechwriting. The ultimate goal is to build capacity for self-reliance and empower individuals to manage international problems effectively.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Abuja, is set to host Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as the keynote speaker for the IDPCLD's inauguration lecture on March 30, 2026. The minister will outline Nigeria's new foreign policy direction, which prioritizes strategic autonomy. This shift is a response to the global challenges of politico-economic insecurity, unhealthy leadership struggles, and the undermining of African interests in international politics.
In a related development, ThisDay Media Group (TMG) has introduced LekeeLekee, a social media channel that is redefining media communications in Africa. The TMG is also leading campaigns for a strengthened democracy, political stability, and a stronger Nigeria. Despite the lack of formal ties between the IDPCLD, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and TMG, there is a clear convergence of interests and objectives. The leaders of the TMG, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, are committed to delivering quality services and efficiency in their endeavors.
The AUO, with its IDPCLD and French Digital Resource Centre, is setting a new standard for African universities. The institution's vision of becoming the best in Africa is driven by a commitment to providing constructive knowledge and skills that will empower individuals and nations to take charge of their own destiny. The IDPCLD and LekeeLekee initiatives are a testament to the growing desire for strategic autonomy and self-reliance in