Mahmood Yakubu assumes duty as Nigeria’s ambassador to Qatar

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, has arrived in Doha to formally begin his assignment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar.

Yakubu received a warm welcome on arrival from officials of the Qatari government as well as members of the African diplomatic community based in the country.

He was received at the Hamad International Airport by the Director of the Protocol Department at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Abdullah Fakhro.

A delegation of 13 African ambassadors resident in Doha was also present to welcome the Nigerian envoy.

Among dignitaries at the reception were the Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, Dr Philip Mshelbila, and the President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in Qatar, Michael Ihekwaba.

The introduction of the African diplomatic delegation was led by the Ambassador of Guinea and the President of the Bureau of the African Group of Ambassadors to Qatar, Ambassador Thierno Sow.

The delegation included ambassadors and heads of mission from Guinea, Algeria, Burundi, Morocco, Tanzania, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Benin and the Central African Republic.

Yakubu also exchanged brief pleasantries with several diplomats, including the Ambassadors of Mali, Dedeou Sidibe; Senegal, Cheikh Tidiane Sall; and Tanzania, Habibu Mohammed.

Following the airport reception, the former INEC chairman proceeded to meet with officials and staff of the Nigerian Embassy in Doha.