President Bola Tinubu approved 65 new ambassador postings on Friday, March 6, filling diplomatic slots across the globe with a mix of political loyalists, former officials, and, in at least one case, a man who built his career telling Nigerians online that their country is doing better than they think. Reno Omokri, social media influencer and longtime PDP figure turned Tinubu defender, will represent Nigeria in Mexico City. Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode goes to Berlin. The list, taken together, reflects the rewards of political alignment in Tinubu’s Nigeria more than any coherent diplomatic strategy.
Omokri did not wait for the ink to dry. By Saturday, he was posting from Tanzania not from Abuja preparing briefing documents, but from the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, where he began an ascent of Africa’s highest peak. He framed the climb, in posts shared to his large following, as a celebration of Nigeria’s trajectory. This is on-brand: Omokri has spent recent years producing a relentless stream of content arguing that Nigeria under Tinubu is rising, misunderstood, and unfairly maligned by its own citizens.
Reno Omokri served as a Special Assistant on New Media to former President Goodluck Jonathan. After Jonathan’s defeat in 2015, he became one of Nigeria’s most active online commentators, initially a fierce critic of the Buhari administration, then a vocal defender of Tinubu. He has millions of followers across platforms and is known for posting frequently, provocatively, and with a distinct talent for driving engagement. His appointment to Mexico City is his first formal diplomatic role.