President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to the late Ambassador James Duro Olufemi Sokoya, describing him as a distinguished career diplomat and a patriot whose life was marked by dedication, integrity, and service to Nigeria.

Ambassador Sokoya, who passed away at the age of 94, was born in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State. Before joining the diplomatic service, he worked as a teacher across primary and secondary schools and teacher training colleges in Abeokuta, Ibadan, and Ijebu-Ode, later earning a degree in Geography from the University of Ibadan.

He began his public service in the Old Western Region prior to Nigeria’s independence in 1960 and transferred to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1962. Throughout his career, he served with distinction in numerous roles, including Head of the Asia Department, Chief of Protocol under Gen. Yakubu Gowon, and at Nigerian missions in New York, Bamako, Algiers, Vienna, London, and Jamaica, with concurrent accreditation to Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.

Ambassador Sokoya played a key role in Nigeria’s entry into OPEC and the establishment of Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad. He was widely respected for his diplomacy, mentorship of younger diplomats, and commitment to building trust and partnerships on the global stage.

President Tinubu lauded Ambassador Sokoya’s humility, principled character, and profound contributions to nation-building. He extended his condolences to the late diplomat’s family, friends, and associates, noting that Sokoya’s legacy would continue to inspire generations of public servants.

“May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire a more peaceful, just, and united Nigeria,” the President said.