By Matthew Denis
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 as NewsDirect pencilled them one after the other 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.”
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 read.
“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.”
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 as new NIHSA DG
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 organisations, 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 as new DG 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 revitalise 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.
Recall that in 2023, Lado coordinated 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.