Tinubu replaces Alake with Osinbajo’s ex-aide, departs for Benin

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ajuri Ngelale as Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity. Ngelale, who was Senior Special Assistant for Public Affairs in the Presidency in the immediate past government, worked in office of ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

Willie Bassey, Director, Information in the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who announced the appointment said it takes effect from July 31, 2023 and would terminate at the end of the administration unless otherwise decided by the President.

Ngelale’s appointment was announced on the eve of the exit of Dele Alake from the role following his appointment as a Minister. Alake is expected to be among the nominees who would be screened by the Senate on Tuesday.

Reacting to his appointment in a tweet on Monday night, Ngelale said he was humbled and honoured.

“I am most humbled and honoured by President Tinubu’s recognition of the need for more hard work ahead as I have been appointed as his official spokesperson. I will give my best as always. I love you all,” he tweeted.

MEANWHILE, the President will today travel out of the country to honour an invitation to attend the 63rd independence anniversary of the Republic of Benin.

Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), will be the Special Guest of President Patrice Talon at the event.

He had first met with Talon on the sidelines of the summit on New Global Financing Pact in Paris, later at the 63rd Ordinary session of ECOWAS held in Guinea-Bissau and recently in Abuja with leaders of three other West African nations, where the Benin leader invited him for the anniversary.

President Tinubu had drawn the attention of the Beninese leader to the need to review and strengthen cultural, trade and economic relations between their two countries, highlighting joint border patrols by the Customs and harmonizing regulations on the frontlines.

The President will be accompanied on the one-day visit by six governors, who were invited by President Talon, and his personal aides.

The six governors are: Ogun, Dapo Abiodun; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Oyo, Seyi Makinde; Kwara, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq; Kebbi, Nasir Idris, and Niger, Mohammed Umar Bago.

President Tinubu had penultimate Monday returned to Abuja from Nairobi, Kenya, where he had gone to participate in the 5th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union (AU).

The President had attended in his capacity as Chairman of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS.