In a strategic cabinet reshuffle, President Bola Tinubu has appointed seven new ministers for Senate confirmation, responding to increasing demands for change.
Alongside the dismissal of five ministers, ten others have been reassigned to new roles. Here’s a closer look at the profiles of the seven new ministerial nominees:
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is a distinguished diplomat, lawyer, and businesswoman, as well as a former beauty pageant titleholder. She has previously held positions as Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs and Nigeria’s Ambassador to both Ghana and Spain. Currently, she serves as Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Recognized as the widow of former Biafra leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, she brings extensive international experience to her new role.
Maigari Dingyadi – Minister of Labour and Employment
Hailing from Sokoto State, Maigari Dingyadi served as Minister of Police Affairs from 2019 to 2023. A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, he boasts a long political career, including roles as Secretary to the Sokoto State Government and representative of Bodinga Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He has also chaired the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
Jumoke Oduwole – Minister of Industry
Jumoke Oduwole is an academic and advisor who previously served as Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business from 2019 to 2023. Before this, she was the Senior Special Assistant on Industry, Trade, and Investment in the Office of the Vice President. Currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Lagos, her expertise in international law and economics positions her well for her new responsibilities.
Nentawe Yilwatda – Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction
Nentawe Yilwatda, from Plateau State, is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He is a lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture in Makurdi and previously served as Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State, having been appointed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Idi Maiha – Minister of Livestock Development
Idi Maiha is a seasoned business executive and former Managing Director of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company. As the current Chairman and CEO of Zaidi Farms Limited, a leading agricultural enterprise in Kaduna, his appointment to the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development reflects his extensive background in agribusiness and corporate leadership.
Yusuf Ata – Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development
Yusuf Ata, a seasoned educator and former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, has also served as Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano on Assembly Matters and Inter-Governmental Affairs. His deep connections within Kano’s political landscape will enhance his effectiveness in his new ministerial role.
Suwaiba Ahmad – Minister of State for Education
Suwaiba Ahmad is a trained educationist and gender advocate, currently a lecturer at Bayero University Kano. She serves as the Director of the university’s Centre for Gender Studies and has held various academic administrative positions, including Sub-Dean of Academics and Head of the Department of Science Education. Her expertise in education and gender equality will be instrumental in her new responsibilities.
These new appointments mark a significant step for President Tinubu in revitalizing his cabinet to confront Nigeria’s pressing challenges. The diverse experiences of the newly appointed ministers are expected to inject fresh perspectives into governance as the administration pursues its goals of economic recovery, security, and national development.
