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President Bola Tinubu swore in three additional ministers into his 48-person cabinet in Nigeria.
The ceremony took place at the Council Chamber of the State House on Monday afternoon, October 16. The three new ministers who were sworn in are, Jamila Bio Ibrahim, who was appointed as Minister of Youth; Ayodele Olawande, appointed as Minister of State for Youth; and Balarabe Lawal, who replaced his predecessor as Minister of Environment. [caption id="attachment_12925" align="alignnone" width="1140"]
President Tinubu swears-in new Ministers-Designates. Photo: Premium Times.[/caption]
President Tinubu nominated Jamila Bio Ibrahim and Ayodele Olawande as ministers related to youth affairs on September 17, 2023. Balarabe Lawal's nomination was also sent to the Senate for screening.
The Senate cleared the trio after screening them on October 4, 2023.
Before her appointment, Jamila Bio Ibrahim served as the National President of the APC Young Women Forum. She is a medical doctor, politician, and advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. She is from Kwara State.
Ayodele Olawande, who is 34 years old, is a community development expert and a youth leader within the All Progressives Congress. He previously served as a special adviser on innovation to former President Muhammadu Buhari and the office of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
Balarabe Lawal, who replaced his predecessor as Minister of Environment, had previously served as the Secretary to the Government under former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The Federal Executive Council meeting was presided over by President Tinubu, Punch reports.
The Council observed a minute's silence in honour of Mobolaji Ajose-Adeogun, who had been the Minister of Federal Capital in 1976 during the Murtala Mohammed military regime. He passed away on July 1, 2023.
President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023. The meeting mentioned in the article was the second Council gathering since his inauguration, following a 48-day hiatus.
The Federal Executive Council plays a crucial role in the governance of Nigeria and is responsible for formulating policies, executing government projects, and assisting the President in carrying out his executive functions.
The Council comprises the President, Vice President, and appointed ministers. It is established by the President and operates as per Article 144(5) of the 1999 Constitution.
The President is required to seek advice or act on the recommendations of other constitutionally mandated advisory bodies, such as the Council of State, the National Security Council, and the Nigeria Police Council, as per Article 148(2) of the Constitution.
According to the CAO, “the FEC meets weekly to discuss scheduled items and take decisions.”
Present are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan and all Ministers and Ministers of State.
Recall that in August, the Presidency unveiled the list of ministers who will work with President Bola Tinubu.
There were 47 ministers on the list. This is the highest number of ministers in any Nigerian cabinet since the return to democracy in 1999.
