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SEE FULL LIST: PenCom, NSITF, ICRC… Tinubu makes spree of appointments in one day
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new leaders for 10 federal agencies and a national project.
On Saturday, Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, announced the appointments in a series of press statements.
Some of the appointments are subject to senate confirmation.
ADEYANJU TO HEAD NLTF
Tinubu appointed Tosin Adeyanju as the new executive secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF).
“Adeyanju is an accomplished administrator and good governance advocate,” the statement reads.
“The President expects the new Chief Executive Officer to ensure transparency and efficiency in the operations of the agency to actualise the objective of the NLTF as a driver of good causes in Nigeria.”
OLOWORARAN APPOINTED TO HEAD PenCom
The president appointed Omolola Oloworaran as the new director-general (DG) of the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
Ngelale said Oloworaran’s appointment is subject to senate confirmation.
“Ms Oloworaran is a finance and banking expert with many years of experience,” the statement said.
“The President anticipates goal-oriented leadership to drive efficiency and superlative performance in the National Pension Commission as the prime regulator of the Nigerian pension industry.”
AGARA APPOINTED NDE DG
Ngelale said Tinubu also approved the appointment of Silas Agara as the new DG of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
Agara previously served as the deputy governor of Nasarawa state under Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and was also a former special adviser on sports.
The presidential spokesperson said Tinubu anticipates an overhaul of the NDE under Agara for optimal performance in designing and implementing programmes to combat mass unemployment in the country.
UMAR MOHAMMED IS NEW NIHSA DG
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new leaders for 10 federal agencies and a national project.
On Saturday, Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, announced the appointments in a series of press statements.
Some of the appointments are subject to senate confirmation.
ADEYANJU TO HEAD NLTF
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Tinubu appointed Tosin Adeyanju as the new executive secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF).
“Adeyanju is an accomplished administrator and good governance advocate,” the statement reads.
“The President expects the new Chief Executive Officer to ensure transparency and efficiency in the operations of the agency to actualise the objective of the NLTF as a driver of good causes in Nigeria.”
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OLOWORARAN APPOINTED TO HEAD PenCom
The president appointed Omolola Oloworaran as the new director-general (DG) of the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
Ngelale said Oloworaran’s appointment is subject to senate confirmation.
“Ms Oloworaran is a finance and banking expert with many years of experience,” the statement said.
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“The President anticipates goal-oriented leadership to drive efficiency and superlative performance in the National Pension Commission as the prime regulator of the Nigerian pension industry.”
AGARA APPOINTED NDE DG
Ngelale said Tinubu also approved the appointment of Silas Agara as the new DG of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
Agara previously served as the deputy governor of Nasarawa state under Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and was also a former special adviser on sports.
The presidential spokesperson said Tinubu anticipates an overhaul of the NDE under Agara for optimal performance in designing and implementing programmes to combat mass unemployment in the country.
UMAR MOHAMMED IS NEW NIHSA DG
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Tinubu approved the appointment of Umar Mohammed as the DG of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
“Mr. Mohammed is an architect, and also, a construction technology and environment professional,” the statement said.
“The President expects improved outcomes in the agency’s objective of operating and maintaining hydrological stations nationwide, as well as carrying out groundwater exploration and monitoring using various scientific techniques in order to provide hydrological and hydrogeological data needed for the planning, design, execution, and management of water resources and allied projects.”
DAN AGUNDI TO LEAD NPC
Also, the president approved the appointment of Baffa Dan Agundi as the new DG of the National Productivity Centre (NPC).
Dan Agundi was a former majority leader of the Kano state house of assembly.
He was also the principal registrar of the Kano high court of justice.
Ngelale said the president anticipates the DG’s utmost dedication and patriotic zeal in driving the centre’s mandate of developing a national culture of excellence in operational efficiency.
According to Ngelale, Tinubu also expects a performance-driven orientation toward measurable productivity in the citizenry for the overall enhancement of service delivery and quality of life across the nation.
UMAR KOGO TO OVERSEE CCT
Mainasara Umar Kogo was appointed as chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
“Kogo is a seasoned lawyer and analyst in the fields of law, security, economy, politics, and international diplomacy,” the statement said.
“The President anticipates professionalism, integrity, and fidelity to the nation in the discharge of the functions of the Office of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).”
EWALEFOH TO HEAD ICRC
Ngelale also said Jobson Ewalefoh has been appointed as the new DG of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
“Ewalefoh is a professional with years of experience in government and development organizations, in addition to expertise in public-private partnerships, public policy reform, and development,” Ngelale said.
The presidential spokesperson said the appointment is subject to senate confirmation.
“The president expects absolute dedication and probity in the management of the ICRC and in pursuit of its strategic objective of accelerating investment in national infrastructure through the innovative mobilisation of private-sector funding,” he said.
ADEBAYO NAMED CEO OF NALDA
Tinubu also approved the appointment of Cornelius Adebayo as the new executive secretary and chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA).
NALDA is charged with developing rural communities through agriculture and making it a source of wealth creation for the country.
“Adebayo is an engineer and also a community and social development expert,” Ngelale said.
“The President expects the new Chief Executive Officer of NALDA to deploy his competence and experience in supporting and driving the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.”
FALEYE APPOINTED AS NSITF MD, ALLI-MACAULAY NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The president also approved the appointment of Oluwaseun Faleye as the new MD/CEO of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), while Mojisolaoluwa Alli-Macaulay was named the executive director (operations).
“Faleye is a legal and corporate finance specialist,” Ngelale said.
“Mrs. Alli-Macaulay is a former lawmaker and former Chairperson of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs, Poverty Alleviation, and Job Creation.”
The statement said Tinubu anticipates a comprehensive re-positioning of the NSITF for enhanced social protection and qualitative service delivery.
SALEH ABUBAKAR IS NEW DG OF NAGGW
In a separate appointment, the president named Saleh Abubakar as the new DG of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW).
Ngelale said Tinubu expects diligence and dedication from Abubakar, a highly experienced public administrator with decades of experience across several sectors.
The agency is mandated to empower communities to combat land degradation, enhance food security, and build resilience to climate change through sustainable interventions and education.
ADEKANMBI TO LEAD HYPREP
Tinubu approved the appointment of Olufemi Adekanbi as the new project coordinator for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
Adekanbi is a former commissioner for special duties, culture, and tourism in Ondo, and a member of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES).
“The President anticipates the exercise of competence, dedication, and professionalism in fulfilling the mission of the HYPREP to restore and revitalize communities impacted by hydrocarbon pollution, with a primary focus on Ogoniland in Nigeria,” Ngelale stated.
Adekanbi also holds a doctorate in environmental management.
BASHIR LADO AS SA ON SENATE MATTERS
Tinubu also appointed Bashir Lado, a former senator representing Kano central, as his special adviser on senate matters.
Ngelale said the president expects Lado to leverage his experience to foster better collaboration between the executive and legislative.
“The President expects that the new Special Adviser on Senate Matters will deploy his immense experience for enhanced synergy between the Executive and the Legislature and for improved government performance,” a statement by the presidential spokesperson reads.
In 2023, Lado was the convener of the 72 non-serving senators in the All Progressive Congress (APC), who endorsed Godswill Akpabio, former minister of Niger Delta affairs, as president of the 10th senate.
Lado had said Barau Jibrin, senator representing Kano north, – a contender for the senate president position – should be considered as deputy senate president.
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Fire guts LAUTECH teaching hospital
Property worth millions of naira were on Saturday destroyed at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, as a result of a fire incident.
The incident, which happened around 5 am in a paediatric consultant’s office, affected electronic gadgets, engines, books, office equipment, roofs, and others worth millions of naira.
A credible source told our correspondent that the fire incident was suspected to have started from an electric spark.
It was learnt that about 16 patients had to be quickly rushed out of the ward.
However, in a statement sent to PUNCH Online in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Ogunleye Omotayo, said no life was lost in the fire incident.
The statement read, “The management of the institution wishes to state that the fire incident that occurred early this morning (Saturday), as carried by some news media, was put out without any remarkable damage to the hospital.
“Noting that no human damage was recorded in the incident, the management wishes to state that Investigation is still ongoing with regard to the cause of the incident.
“At the moment, light has been restored, and work activities have resumed in the section where the fire incident took place.
“The management wishes to thank all staff, the state Fire Service, and all other well-wishers for their concerns and prompt response. The fire incident raised no cause for alarm. Everyone is advised to go about their normal daily activities without fear.”
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Nothing wrong having a Christian as Alaafin of Oyo, says Oladigbolu
Rahman Oladigbolu, a Nigerian filmmaker, says he sees no reason why the Alaafin of Oyo cannot be a Christian.
Two years ago, Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo, died at the Afe Babalola Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, after battling an undisclosed illness.
He was 83 years old and had been on the throne for 52 years — the longest-reigning Nigerian monarch at the time.
Since his death, the throne has been vacant.
Speaking in an interview with Rudolf Okonkwo, Oladigbolu, a prince in the Oyo kingdom, said religion should not be a factor in the selection of the next Alaafin.
“In Oyo, where I came from, we are trying to select a new king. It has been the tradition for some decades that the Alaafin of Oyo will be a Muslim,” he said.
“Now, we have some Christians among the people vying for the position, and there are discussions about whether Oyo can have a Christian Oba. Of course, if you can have a Muslim Alaafin, I see no reason you can’t have a Christian Alaafin.
“The whole point should be to ensure that people would not be talking about religion in issues like this, but it is difficult because of the agenda of people wanting to impose their religion on others.
“So these are where all the problems still lie, and until we’re able to understand it, I don’t see how we can move forward.”
Oladigbolu said education and enlightenment are necessary to solve division caused by religion.
“It is only enlightenment that can carry people to the point where religious considerations no longer matter in societal affairs,” he said.
“When people are enlightened to the point where it doesn’t, then it won’t.
“But today, they still see each other from their religious prism because even the behavior of people that occupy positions in society gets influenced by religion.”
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Tinubu writes senate, seeks Oluyede’s confirmation as COAS
President Bola Tinubu has sent a letter to the senate seeking confirmation of Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive chief of army staff (COAS).
Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, said Tinubu seeks Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with the provision of section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.
On October 30, Tinubu appointed Oluyede as the acting COAS following the prolonged illness of the late Taoreed Lagbaja, the former army chief.
On November 5, Lagbaja died of an undisclosed illness.
Onanuga said Tinubu is “confident about the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience” of Oluyede for the leadership of the army.
Before his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th commander of the infantry corps of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna.
He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992 and rose to the position of major general in September 2020.
Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th regular course.
Recently, Oluyede was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general.
He has participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia, operation Harmony IV in Bakassi, and operation Hadin Kai in the north-east theatre of operations.
He was also the commander of the 27 task force brigade.
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