The Federal Government expressed its condolences on the passing of Ambassador Denis Iyortom Ukume, who servedas Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire from 1981 to 1984.

Describing him as a “distinguished Nigerian diplomat and a strong proponent of Nigeria’s global outreach in the Second Republic,” the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, paid tribute to the late Ambassador’s significant contributions.

In a condolence message to the Ukume family, Akume highlighted Ambassador Ukume’s unique experience during his diplomatic tenure in Côte d’Ivoire.

He recalled the ambassador’s pivotal role infacilitating the return of former Biafran leader, Odumegwu Ojukwu, from exile, stating, “Ambassador Ukume chaperoned a remorseful arch-secessionist, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, back to his fatherland after he was pardoned by President Shehu Shagari.”

Ojukwu, who had been in exile for 12 years, was granted asylum in Côte d’Ivoire on January 11, 1970, by then-President Félix Houphouët. He received a state pardon on May 18, 1982, allowing him to return to Nigeria as a private citizen on June 18, 1982.

Ambassador Ukume, aged 85, passed away on October 18, 2023, after a brief illness. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, November 25, 2023, in his hometown in Tarka LGA, Benue State. Known for his literary contributions, Ambassador Ukume authored several books, including “I Believe,” published in 2021, which chronicled his encounters and relationship with Ojukwu in Côte d’Ivoire.

Before his diplomatic appointment in 1981, Ambassador Ukume had a successful public service career, serving as the Secretary of the Publicity Committee of the War Council during the country’s civil war from 1967 to 1970.

His early career included roles in the Northern Nigerian Ministry of Information and the Nigeria Airways. He also served as the National Administrative Secretary at the National Secretariat of the National Party of Nigeria before becoming Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire.POLL

Simon Shango, former NPN National Publicity Secretary, remembered Ambassador Ukume as a dedicated community leader. Shango stated that the late Ambassadorhad recently visited him, discussing the past and future of the country. In Tarka LGA, Ukume served as the Chairman of the Mbakor Community Development Association, overseeing various community projects.

Born in 1938, Ambassador Ukume began his educationin Gboko and Katsina-Ala, later attending the Government College Keffi in 1948. He pursued journalism studies at the London Fleet College in the United Kingdom. Ambassador Ukume, a Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), is survived by his children Terna, Juliet, Ukume Junior, Igba, and Susan. (Courtesy, excluding headline, Sunday Independent)