By Mercy Peter
Workers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, paid tribute to Ambassador Bello Kazaure Husseini, who retired from foreign service after over three decades.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry’s Atrium in Abuja, brought together senior government officials, serving and retired diplomats, representatives of international organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as colleagues, friends and family members, who were all gathered to celebrate him.
Born on 11 December 1967 in Jigawa State, Ambassador Husseini joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1991. Throughout his career, he served Nigeria in a wide range of strategic roles at both headquarters and overseas missions.
His diplomatic postings included assignments in India, Kuwait, Tunisia, Japan, Cameroon, Australia and Saudi Arabia, where he contributed significantly to the advancement of Nigeria’s bilateral and multilateral relations.
His professional journey covered diverse areas of the Foreign Service, including diplomacy, administration, trade facilitation, protocol, and bilateral and multilateral engagements. Colleagues described his career as one marked by consistency, depth of experience, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Nigerian Foreign Service.
The reception featured tributes, the presentation of a formal citation, and goodwill messages highlighting Ambassador Husseini’s enduring legacy and positive impact on the Ministry.
Speakers commended his professionalism, integrity, humility and disciplined approach to public service, noting that these qualities earned him respect across missions and generations of officers.
Tributes also focused on his leadership style, which was characterised by mentorship, inclusiveness and respect for diversity.
Speakers noted that Ambassador Husseini placed premium value on humanity and the national interest in the discharge of his diplomatic duties, while also making notable contributions to institutional development and capacity building within the Foreign Service.
Ambassador Bello Kazaure Husseini expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and his colleagues for the opportunity to serve.
He described public service as both a privilege and a responsibility, and urged younger officers to remain committed to the values of discipline, professionalism and patriotism as they carry forward the work of representing Nigeria on the global stage.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended Ambassador Husseini for his exemplary service and wished him continued success, good health and fulfilment in his future endeavours beyond active diplomatic service.
