“I Loved Nigeria? No—I Still and Will Always Love Nigeria.” An Interview with Ambassador Robert C. Perry, Rtd.

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By Newspot Nigeria

Following Newspot Nigeria’s recent feature article on Ambassador Robert C. Perry, Rtd. —which explored how his Christian faith profoundly guided and shaped his diplomatic career—we are honored to present this exclusive interview. In this heartfelt conversation, Ambassador Perry shares reflections on a career of service, how his values were formed, and the unshakable love he holds for Nigeria.

What follows is a remarkable testament to a life where faith and diplomacy were never at odds—but beautifully aligned.—

Newspot Nigeria: Ambassador Perry, let’s begin with the statement you’ve become known for among our editorial team.

Amb. Robert C. Perry: “I loved Nigeria? No—I still and will always love Nigeria.” That’s from the heart. Nigeria has a unique place in my journey. Its people, dynamism, and potential continue to inspire me. I’ve had the privilege of engaging deeply with Nigeria over the years, and each experience has left a lasting impression. The love is enduring.—

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Newspot Nigeria: Tell us about your early life. Besides being an altar boy at a very young age, where else did this sense of purpose and service begin?

Amb. Perry: I was born in Durham, North Carolina, in 1946 and raised in the nurturing community of St. Titus Episcopal Church. That early foundation in faith—combined with the moral guidance I received from my family and church—shaped my worldview. But just as important was my time with Boy Scout Troop 55. I earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1963. That experience taught me discipline, integrity, leadership, and the importance of helping others—principles that have guided me ever since.—

Newspot Nigeria: And in 1968, you joined the U.S. Foreign Service.

Amb. Perry: That’s right. I began my career with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) during the Vietnam Rural Development Program. It was a very challenging environment, but it showed me that diplomacy could be more than negotiation—it could be service. It could bring hope. I’ve always believed that my faith wasn’t something to be checked at the door. It was the compass I carried into every meeting, mission, and decision.

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Newspot Nigeria: Your diplomatic assignments spanned the globe. How did your faith carry through those postings?

Amb. Perry: Whether I was in Chile, Ethiopia, Mexico, Mauritius, or Bolivia, I leaned on faith to stay grounded. I served on the South Africa and Cuba desks, was Special Assistant to the Undersecretary for Political Affairs, and worked as an analyst in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research. From 1990 to 1994, I led teams as Division Chief and Office Director in the Bureau of International Narcotics Matters. These were high-pressure roles, but I learned to see the people behind the policy. Faith reminded me that diplomacy isn’t just about interests—it’s about lives.

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Newspot Nigeria: You served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Mauritius and Bolivia. Any defining moments?

Amb. Perry: Mauritius (1986–1989) was a place where I deepened my appreciation for cross-cultural engagement and mutual respect. In Bolivia (1995–1998), working on counternarcotics issues was especially demanding. But through it all, I saw the value of listening first, acting justly, and treating everyone with dignity. My faith called me to lead with compassion, even when the politics were complex.

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Newspot Nigeria: In 1998, the U.S. Senate confirmed you as Ambassador to the Central African Republic. How did that role reflect your values?

Amb. Perry: Serving as U.S. Ambassador from 1999 to 2001 was a great honor—and a profound responsibility. The Central African Republic was facing real political and economic challenges. I knew I had to balance diplomacy with advocacy for human rights and development. I believe faith demands courage. And as an ambassador, I tried to serve in a way that honored both my country and my conscience.—

Newspot Nigeria: Your relationship with Nigeria deepened after your ambassadorship—particularly through the Corporate Council on Africa?

Amb. Perry: Yes. During my time as Vice President at the Corporate Council on Africa—first from 2003 to 2005 and then from 2008 to 2016—I helped organize trade and investment missions that brought American business leaders to Nigeria. It was during these years that I forged a strong friendship with you (Newspot Nigeria’s Managing Editor). Those efforts weren’t just about commerce—they were about partnership, trust, and a shared vision for growth. That’s what diplomacy at its best looks like.—

Newspot Nigeria: You publicly praised Ambassador Vivian Okeke in 2016. That stood out to many Nigerians.

Amb. Perry: It was important to me. In that Premium Times editorial, I honored Ambassador Okeke’s integrity and excellence. She represented the very best of Nigerian diplomacy. I’ve always believed that service should be celebrated—especially when it’s carried out with grace and professionalism. Again, that belief comes from my faith: recognize good, uplift others, and build bridges.—

Newspot Nigeria: What legacy do you hope your life’s work leaves?

Amb. Perry: I hope it says something simple: that it’s possible to reconcile faith and profession—to be both principled and pragmatic. My faith never hindered my work; it strengthened it. It gave me purpose. I pray that younger diplomats, Nigerian or American, will see that a life of integrity is not only possible—it’s powerful.—

Newspot Nigeria: You’ve certainly lived that out, Ambassador. Thank you for your candor and your enduring friendship with Nigeria.

Amb. Perry: Thank you, Newspot. And thank you, Nigeria. You’re in my heart. Always.—

Wittenberg Roots and Recognition

Ambassador Robert C. Perry’s diplomatic journey began with a firm academic foundation. He graduated from Wittenberg University in 1967 with a degree in political science, later earning a master’s in international affairs from American University in 1968.

Throughout his decades of public service, Wittenberg has remained proud of its distinguished alumnus. In 2018, the university awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at its Commencement. He also returned to the university to deliver a compelling lecture titled “U.S.-African Engagement 2000–2018” as part of a political science colloquium hosted by the Faculty Endowment Fund, African and diaspora studies, and the McClain Center for Diversity.

As Professor Bin Yu noted during the event, “Ambassador Perry rose to such a level of public service through the most turbulent times in American history—his career reflects resilience, wisdom, and the power of principled diplomacy.”