President Bola Tinubu transmitted the much-awaited ministerial nominees’ list to the nation’s Senate on Thursday, July 27, 2023.
The list, comprising twenty-eight nominees, was formally presented to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, by President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. During the Senate plenary on the said date, the Senate President read out the names of the nominees, among which seven individuals, accounting for 25% of the total, were female.
Among the notable female nominees are as follows:
Hannatu Musawa: A distinguished lawyer, newspaper columnist, and Deputy Spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC). She holds a degree in law from the University of Buckingham, UK, and has obtained Postgraduate master’s degrees in the Legal Aspects of Marine Affairs from the University of Cardiff, Wales, as well as in Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen. Hannatu Musawa is currently pursuing a Doctorate on a part-time basis. Her previous appointment was as Special Adviser on Culture and Entertainment Economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June.
Dr. Betta Edu: At 36 years old, Dr. Betta Edu is one of the younger nominees. She has garnered valuable experience as the former Cross River State Commissioner for Health and the Chairman of the Cross River State COVID-19 Taskforce. Prior to these positions, she served as Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Cross River State on Community and Primary Healthcare. Dr. Betta Edu is also recognized for her role as the national chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum.
Doris Uzoka-Anite: With a background in finance and coordination, Doris Uzoka-Anite formerly served as the Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy in Imo State. Additionally, she held the position of General Manager at Zenith Bank Plc.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha: A distinguished legislator representing the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State in the Federal House of Representatives. She has a rich political background, having previously served as the Executive Transition Chairman of the Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State and as the Commissioner for Resource Management and Manpower Development in Abia State’s executive cabinet. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha was also awarded the title of the most vibrant female legislator in Nigeria by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASSAN) during the 7th assembly.
Stella Okotete: An accomplished professional, Stella Okotete holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Diplomacy from Benson Idahosa University, Benin City. In addition to this, she possesses a Diploma in Law from the Rivers State College of Arts and Sciences and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, Peace Studies, and Conflict Resolution. Stella has augmented her qualifications with prestigious certificate programs, including the Harvard Kennedy School Certificate Programme for Emerging Leaders and the Entrepreneurial Management program at the Lagos Business School. She previously held the position of National Women’s Leader of the APC Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) and also served as the Executive Director, Business Development, at the Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank. Furthermore, she gained valuable experience as the Special Assistant and Adviser to the Executive Governor of Delta State on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) from 2011 to 2015.
Uju Kennedy Ohaneye: A prominent businesswoman with interests in real estate and education, Uju Kennedy Ohaneye demonstrated her support for President Tinubu by stepping down as the sole female presidential aspirant under the APC during the convention due to their close relationship.
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim: Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has occupied various significant roles, including being a special adviser on strategic communication to the Minister of State for Education. She was also appointed as a member of the Nasarawa State Economic Advisory council by the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State. Notably, she served as the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for six months from December 2020 to May 2021. Presently, she holds the esteemed position of the Honourable Federal Commissioner of the National Commission For Refugees, Migrants, And Internally Displaced Persons Office, starting from June 4, 2021.
These accomplished and experienced women nominees are expected to make valuable contributions to the government’s endeavors upon their confirmation by the Senate.