Florence Ajimobi begins duties as Nigeria’s ambassador to Austria
By Adejayan Gbenga
Former first lady of Oyo State, Florence Ajimobi, has arrived in Vienna to officially assume duty as Nigeria’s ambassador and permanent representative to Austria and the International Organisations in Vienna, following her appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
Ajimobi announced her arrival in a Facebook post on Friday, saying she was received at the VIP Wing of Vienna International Airport by the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Nigerian Embassy and Permanent Mission, Mr Muyiwa Onifade, alongside embassy officials and members of the Nigerian community in Austria.
She described the reception as a reflection of the cordial relationship between the Nigerian mission and Nigerians residing in Austria. According to her, representatives of several Nigerian organisations also turned out to welcome her.
Those present included members of the Oduduwa Group, Igbo Cultural Group, Nigeria-Austria Friendship Group, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), and the Nigerian Students in Austria, as well as home-based officers and local staff of the mission.
Expressing appreciation for the reception, Ajimobi pledged to strengthen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Austria. She said she looked forward to deepening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between both countries while promoting Nigeria’s interests.
Ajimobi’s appointment is part of President Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic representation across the world. In November 2025, the president forwarded 32 ambassadorial nominees to the senate for confirmation, comprising 17 non-career and 15 career ambassadors.
She, the wife of the late former Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, was among the non-career ambassadorial nominees approved by the president. In March 2026, Tinubu also approved the deployment of 65 ambassadors-designate and high commissioners to various countries and the United Nations.
With her arrival in Vienna, Ajimobi is expected to begin engaging Austrian authorities, international organisations and the Nigerian community while advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic and cultural interests in Austria.
