President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Ambassador James Duro Olufemi Sokoya, describing him as a towering diplomat, statesman and patriot whose life of service strengthened Nigeria’s place in the world.
In a statement, the President said that while Nigerians mourn the passing of Ambassador Sokoya, they should also celebrate his enduring legacy and immense contributions to nation-building.
Ambassador Sokoya, who died at the age of 94, was born in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State. President Tinubu described him as a shining example of diplomatic excellence, noting that his career was marked by integrity, intellectual depth and an unshakeable belief in dialogue as a tool for peace and cooperation.
The President recalled that Sokoya’s public service began in the Old Western Region before Nigeria’s independence in 1960. He initially worked as an educator, teaching in primary and secondary schools as well as teacher training colleges across Abeokuta, Ibadan and Ijebu-Ode. While teaching, he gained admission to the University of Ibadan, where he studied Geography and graduated in 1960.
Following his graduation, Sokoya served the Western Nigeria government in several ministries, including the Premier’s Office, where he distinguished himself through diligence, brilliance and patriotism. In 1962, he transferred his service to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking the start of a long and impactful diplomatic career.
According to the President, Ambassador Sokoya brought calm judgement and quiet wisdom to every assignment, whether at home or abroad, and consistently represented Nigeria with dignity and honour. He rose through the ranks to hold key positions, including Head of the Asia Department and Chief of Protocol under former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.
He also served at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, headed the Nigerian Embassy in Bamako, Mali, as Charge d’Affaires, and later served in Algiers, Algeria. His contributions extended to economic and multilateral diplomacy, as he played a key role in Nigeria’s entry into the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the establishment of a Nigerian Embassy in Vienna, Austria.
Ambassador Sokoya further served as Deputy High Commissioner in London before becoming Nigeria’s first Resident High Commissioner to Jamaica, with concurrent accreditation to Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, as well as High Commissioner to the Bahamas.
Beyond his official roles, President Tinubu noted that Sokoya was widely admired for his humility, compassion and commitment to mentoring younger diplomats. He said the late envoy’s life demonstrated that true leadership is defined not only by achievements, but by values and the positive impact made on others.
On behalf of the nation, the President expressed deep gratitude for Ambassador Sokoya’s decades of devoted service, saying his legacy would continue to guide generations of public servants. He also extended condolences to the family, friends and associates of the late diplomat, urging them to take solace in the indelible mark he left on Nigeria.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of Ambassador Sokoya’s soul and expressed hope that his ideals would continue to inspire a more peaceful, just and united country.
