Faces, briefs of Dr Anas, Ribadu, Alake, Ugochukwu, others, appointed to advise President Tinubu
Story from Onyinyechi IHEANACHO and Kenneth AFOR, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, announced the appointment of nine Special Advisers.
This was contained in a press release issued by Abiodun Oladunjoye, the State House Director of Information on Thursday, June 15.
The appointees and their respective roles are as follows:
- Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser for Health
Dr Salma Anas-Kolo, a product of Shehu Garbai Primary School and Government Girls College, Maiduguri, is a public health specialist, who served as the Borno State Commissioner for Health from 2011 to 2015.
During her tenure, she focused on providing healthcare services to vulnerable populations affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
She established rehabilitation centres that offered trauma management, psycho-social support, and counselling for women and girls affected by the insurgency.
- Mr Nuhu Ribadu, Special Adviser for Security
Nuhu Ribadu is a former Nigerian police officer and politician renowned for his anti-corruption efforts.
He served as the pioneer Executive Chairman of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he played a significant role in countering corruption and fraud.
Ribadu later became the Chairman of the Petroleum Revenue Task Force and a visiting fellow at the Centre for Global Development.
- Mr Dele Alake, Special Adviser for Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy
Dele Alake is a renowned Nigerian journalist, activist, and technocrat. He previously served as the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, during the tenure of Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Alake played a significant role in Nigerian politics, notably as the communication advisor and confidant of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the winner of the annulled June 12 presidential election in 1993.
He also served as the director of Media and Communication for the Buhari Campaign Organisation, contributing to General Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in the 2015 presidential election.
- Mr John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu, Special Adviser for Industry, Trade, and Investment
- Mr Yau Darazo, Special Adviser for Political and Intergovernmental Affairs
Yau Darazo was a former Special Adviser on Special Duties to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He is an Indigene of Darazo local government, Bauchi State and a Kaduna-based technocrat cum politician.
- Mr Wale Edun, Special Adviser for Monetary Policies
Wale Edun brings a wealth of experience in economics, public finance, international finance, merchant banking, and corporate finance.
He previously served as the Honourable Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State for two terms (1999-2007).
Edun is also involved in various social initiatives, including being the founder of Denham Management Limited and holding positions in NGOs focused on health and child welfare.
- Mrs Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser for Energy
Olu A. Verheijen is an accomplished energy consultant with extensive experience in the gas and renewables sectors across Sub-Saharan Africa.
She is currently the Managing Director at Latimer Energy, a consulting firm specializing in energy asset acquisition, development, and management.
Verheijen’s commitment to social causes is evident through her establishment of the BFA Foundation, which funds scholarships for women and disadvantaged groups in high-growth sectors, including the energy sector.
- Mr Zachaeus Adedeji, Special Adviser for Revenue
Adedeji is a proficient accountant, corporate tax expert, and public finance development specialist.
He boasts over 15 years of experience in corporate accounting, public service administration, and advisory roles for multinational corporations and various levels of government in Nigeria.
Adedeji co-founded RTR, a financial consulting firm offering services in financial advisory and policy development in West Africa.
President Bola Tinubu’s appointments showcase a diverse range of experts in various fields, reflecting his commitment to addressing critical issues and driving development.
