President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a bold and decisive reshuffle of leadership across key federal institutions, appointing 42 board chairpersons, a secretary to the Civil Defence, Immigration, and Prisons Services Board, as well as new leaders for the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI). This strategic overhaul aims to drive efficiency, innovation, and accountability in the public sector.
Announcing the appointments on its official X handle, NTA News reported that President Tinubu has charged the newly appointed board chairpersons to steer clear of executive management functions, emphasizing that their roles are strictly non-executive. This directive underlines the administration’s commitment to good governance and operational autonomy within federal agencies.
The appointments, effective immediately, represent a diverse mix of experienced professionals and political leaders drawn from across the country, underscoring Tinubu’s focus on inclusivity and regional representation. Below are some notable appointments:
Strategic Appointments Across Key Sectors
1. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ministry of Youth Development:
Hon. Hillard Eta, Chairman (Cross River)
Eta’s appointment promises a fresh vision for youth empowerment and national service.
2. Nigerian Institute of International Affairs:
Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman (Lagos)
Akinyemi brings years of diplomatic and academic expertise to bolster Nigeria’s foreign policy research.
3. Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Ministry of Aviation:
H.E. Abdullahi U. Ganduje, Chairman (Kano)
Ganduje’s leadership is expected to enhance Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
4. National Sugar Development Council:
Sen. Surajudeen Bashiru Ajibola, Chairman (Osun)
His appointment signals a commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s sugar industry.
5. Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC):
Dr. Kayode Isiak Opeifa, Managing Director (Lagos)Opeifa’s extensive background in transportation makes him a strong choice to modernize rail services.
6. National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI):
Raji Kazeem Kolawole, Director-General (Oyo)
Kolawole is poised to drive technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
Health Sector Leadership Boost
A significant portion of the appointments targets the health sector, with chairpersons named for teaching hospitals and federal medical centers nationwide. Notable appointees include:
Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe: Hajia Zainab A. Ibrahim, Chairman (Taraba)
Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja: Nze Chidi Duru (OON), Chairman (Anambra)
Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital: Augustine Chukwu Umahi, Chairman (Ebonyi)
Promoting Environmental Sustainability and Research
1. National Agency for Great Green Wall:
Sen. Magnus Abe, Chairman (Rivers)
Abe’s stewardship is expected to tackle desertification and climate change in Nigeria.
2. Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC):
Isa Sadiq Achida, Chairman (Sokoto)
Achida’s role will focus on advancing local raw materials’ industrial utilization.
Driving Accountability and Good Governance
President Tinubu’s appointments are aimed at strengthening institutional frameworks. The directive for non-executive roles emphasizes separation of powers to ensure transparency and efficient service delivery.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, assured Nigerians that these appointments reflect Tinubu’s commitment to meritocracy and national progress.
This bold step by the administration is widely seen as a significant stride towards reinvigorating governance, improving service delivery, and addressing Nigeria’s pressing developmental challenges. The nation now waits in anticipation as these leaders embark on their mandates to deliver change across critical sectors.
PIONEER NEWS 