Tinubu Swears in 3 Ministers-Designate, Presides Over FEC Meeting

In a significant development, President Bola Tinubu administered the oath of office to three new ministers who recently received Senate clearance.

Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Ayodele Olawande, and Balarabe Lawal assumed their ministerial roles at a swearing-in ceremony held at the Council Chamber of the State House. Following this ceremony, President Tinubu presided over a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

These appointments and swearing-in took place nearly two weeks after the Senate had approved the three ministers-designate following a screening process on October 4, 2023.

On September 17, 2023, President Tinubu had nominated Ibrahim as Minister of Youth, Olawande as Minister of State for Youth, and Lawal as Minister from Kaduna. Notably, Lawal replaced his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, as the Minister of Environment.

Ibrahim, a 37-year-old medical doctor, politician, and advocate of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, previously served as the National President of the APC Young Women Forum.

Olawande, 34, who has expertise in community development and youth leadership within the All Progressives Congress, previously held the position of Special Adviser on Innovation to former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Office of Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo from 2019 to 2023.

Before commencing the FEC meeting, a minute of silence was observed in honor of Mobolaji Ajose-Adeogun, a former Minister of the Federal Capital. Ajose-Adeogun, who passed away on July 1, 2023, had served as Minister from 1976 to 1979 during the Murtala Mohammed military regime.

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Monday’s FEC meeting was the second gathering since President Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, following a 48-day hiatus. The Council had not convened since its inaugural meeting on August 28. The Federal Executive Council plays a crucial role in formulating policies, executing government projects, and assisting the President in carrying out executive functions. It is a key institution in Nigeria’s government structure and is mandated to meet weekly to discuss scheduled items and make decisions.

The FEC meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, among others.