- Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Introduction: Bianca is a former beauty queen, lawyer, and seasoned diplomat, appointed by President Tinubu to this key role in foreign policy.
Background and Early Life: Born to a prominent family in Enugu, she studied law at the University of Nigeria and later specialized in International Relations in Spain.
Career Journey: Bianca served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and has held various diplomatic roles. She also manages her business, Bianca Blend, and runs the NGO Hope House Trust.
Achievements: Known for her impact on Nigeria’s international image, she won the “Ambassador of Excellence” award.
Expectations: Bianca will likely enhance Nigeria’s foreign relations and advocate for trade and cultural partnerships.
Fun Fact: She was married to the late Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu and holds several traditional titles.
- Dr. Jumoke Oduwole – Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment
Introduction: Dr. Jumoke is an expert in trade policy and entrepreneurship, now overseeing Nigeria’s industry and commerce.
Background and Early Life: Raised in Ogun State, she is a lawyer with degrees from the University of Lagos and Cambridge University.
Career Journey: Previously served as the Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business, working to improve Nigeria’s business environment.
Key Achievements: Key figure in Nigeria’s leap on the World Bank’s Doing Business Index.
Expectations: Dr. Jumoke will likely drive policies to attract investment and boost local industries.
Fun Fact: She’s known for her strong advocacy for young entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
- Idi Maiha – Minister of Livestock Development
Introduction: Maiha is an experienced livestock expert, focusing on Nigeria’s agriculture and animal husbandry sector.
Background and Early Life: He has a strong background in animal science, with education and experience in livestock development.
Career Journey: Maiha has held various roles within Nigeria’s agriculture sector, particularly in livestock management and policy.
Key Achievements: He is recognized for implementing sustainable livestock practices in northern Nigeria.
Expectations: Expect a focus on modernizing livestock practices and enhancing food security.
Fun Fact: He’s passionate about modern farming techniques to boost local economies.
- Yusuf Abdullahi Ata – Housing and Urban Development
Introduction: Yusuf Abdullahi Ata is an educationist and public servant.
Background and Early Life: Born on June 22, 1962, in Fagge, Kano. Ata has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a Master’s in Development Studies from Bayero University, Kano in the year 1984 and 2001 respectively.
Career Journey: Starting in education, Ata served as a teacher and later as an Inspector of Education. In 1994, he transitioned to the Kano State Housing Corporation, rising to the role of Principal Planning Officer before retiring in 1997. His political career began in 1999, with various leadership roles in the Kano State House of Assembly, including a term as Speaker from 2017 to 2018.
Key Achievements: Ata’s tenure as Speaker saw efforts to strengthen the Assembly, though it was marked by political challenges, leading to his impeachment in 2018.
Expectations: With his blend of experience in education, public service and stint at the Kano State Housing Cooperation, Ata is likely to push for affordable housing and sustainable urban development.
Personal Life and Fun Facts: Ata faced opposition during his tenure as a speaker in the Kano State House of Assembly which eventually led to his impeachment, but he has moved on with his political career ever since.
- Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda – Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction
Introduction: Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, an academic, engineer, and politician.
Background and Early Life: Born on August 8, 1968, in Plateau State. Yilwatda has a solid foundation in electronics and engineering, starting with a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical/Electronics), 1992, at Federal University of Agriculture, then Masters of Engineering (Electronics), 2000 at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and PhD Electronic Engineering in 2013 from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Career Journey: From roles as INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue to leading APC’s campaign in Plateau, Yilwatda’s career is rooted in leadership and public service. His work in engineering includes pioneering energy research and promoting energy efficiency.
Key Achievements: Yilwatda co-founded Bikatki Cooperative, supporting rural farmers, and led training programs for youth in animal husbandry and tech skills. He has also distributed laptops to students, emphasizing education as a poverty reduction tool.
Expectations: With expertise in poverty alleviation and hands-on programs, Yilwatda is expected to bring innovative solutions to humanitarian challenges and support economic empowerment.
Personal Life and Fun Facts: A family man and community advocate, Yilwatda is actively involved in the COCIN church and passionate about empowering youth through education and skill-building.
- Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi – Minister of Labour and Employment
Introduction: Muhammadu Dingyadi is a Nigerian politician and administrator with vast experience in public service, appointed by President Tinubu to oversee labor and employment policies.
Background and Early Life: Dingyadi has a strong background in governance and has held significant positions in Nigeria’s political landscape, including as the Minister of Police Affairs.
Career Journey: Prior to his current role, he was responsible for overseeing the Nigerian Police Force and implementing critical security policies aimed at addressing internal security challenges.
Key Achievements: Dingyadi is recognized for his contributions to Nigeria’s security and labor sectors, focusing on improving job creation, industrial relations, and workers’ rights.
Expectations: In his current role, he aims to enhance the labor market, reduce unemployment, and create a harmonious work environment.
Fun Fact: Dingyadi has a long-standing commitment to improving Nigeria’s workforce, making him a key figure in driving employment reforms.
- Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad – Minister of State for Education
Introduction: Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad is an academic and administrator with extensive expertise in educational policy, appointed by President Tinubu to help shape Nigeria’s education system.
Background and Early Life: A seasoned educator, Dr. Ahmad has a rich academic background and has contributed to discussions on educational reform throughout her career.
Career Journey: Prior to her appointment, she held various academic roles and worked on policy initiatives aimed at improving Nigeria’s educational standards.
Key Achievements: Dr. Ahmad has been instrumental in advocating for better teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure improvements within Nigeria’s educational sector.
Expectations: She is expected to increase access to quality education, especially for marginalized groups, and to strengthen the overall educational framework in Nigeria.
Fun Fact: Dr. Ahmad’s work in education reform continues to shape the future of Nigeria’s education system, focusing on literacy and vocational training.
