Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Kayode Laro is dead * Saraki mourns

The death of the Ilorin, kwara state born diplomat was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.

According to the statement signed by its spokesperson. Mrs Francisca Omayuli, Laro died last Friday in Paris, France, after a protracted illness.

The statement read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is deeply saddened to announce the death of Ambassador Kayode Laro on Friday, 11th August, 2023, in Paris, France, after a protracted illness.

“Until his death, Ambassador Kayode Laro was Nigeria’s Ambassador to France with concurrent accreditation to Monaco. He contributed immensely to strengthening Nigeria’s relations with France.

“The Late Ambassador Laro was a career diplomat whose years in the Nigerian Foreign Service spanned 35 years, from December 1983 – December 2018. His appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to France in 2021, after his retirement from service, was in recognition of his immense contributions to Nigeria’s Foreign Service.

“In the course of his career, late Ambassador Laro served the country in various capacities both at home and abroad, including being a Consul General at the Nigerian Consulate General in Atlanta, United States. He distinguished himself in multilateral diplomacy when he served in Nigeria’s Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York and Geneva. He also served as the Director of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“Ambassador Laro was an astute, seasoned and quintessential diplomat, whose contributions to the Nigerian Foreign Service will always be remembered and appreciated.”

The statement added, “The Federal Government of Nigeria mourns his passing and extends its sympathy and condolences to the family he left behind, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, reacting to the demise of the late Ambassador described him as an exemplary diplomat who represented his country very well throughout his distinguished career.

Saraki in a statement by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, stated that the news of the demise of the topflight career diplomat yesterday signifies a great loss to the Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State and Nigeria because the deceased served his country diligently with passion and commitment.

The Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate also commiserated with the immediate and extended family of the late ambassador, the Ilorin Emirate, and the people and government of Nigeria.

According to him, Ambassador Laro was a distinguished son of the Emirate who lived a fulfilled and exemplary life worthy of emulation and will be remembered as someone who contributed to the development of his community and Nigeria.

“I pray that almighty Allah overlooks his shortcomings, admits him into Aljanah Firdaus, and comforts his family and loved ones during this moment of grief.”