Tinubu mourns as Nigeria’s ambassador to France dies

President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to Kayode Laro, the late Nigerian ambassador to France.

News of Laro’s death broke on Friday night. Details of his death remain sketchy as of the time of this report.

In a statement on Saturday by Ajuri Ngelale, the president’s media aide, Tinubu condoled with the family of the late diplomat and the government of Kwara State.

Tinubu said Laro was a devoted diplomat “with tireless dedication in fostering mutually-beneficial diplomatic ties between Nigeria and France”.

The president said the late ambassador was also instrumental to the success of his trip to France in June shortly after he assumed office.

Tinubu said Laro’s appointment as Nigeria’s ambassador to France in July 2020 was in recognition of his widely respected expertise and dedication.

“Our nation has lost an exemplary diplomat. I will always hold cherished memories of my interactions with him during my attendance at the New Global Financial Pact Summit in France this June,” he said.

“His unwavering dedication and strong sense of duty left an indelible mark. May his legacy continue to inspire us to strive for a more harmonious and prosperous world.”

Laro has served in several top positions in the country. He was formerly a director in the office of the minister of foreign affairs.

He also served as consul-general of Nigeria at Atlanta in the United States.

His death comes less than two months after he received Tinubu in France.