President Bola Tinubu welcomed three new faces into his administration cabinet on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in his tenure.
Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Ayodele Olawande, and Balarabe Lawal were sworn in at the Council Chamber of the State House, just before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting. This move follows their recent clearance by the Senate on October 4, 2023.
Ibrahim, a 37-year-old medical doctor and advocate of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, was appointed as the Minister of Youth.
Meanwhile, Olawande, 34, assumed the role of Minister of State for Youth, bringing with him a strong background in community development and previous service as a special adviser on innovation to former President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Lawal, a former secretary to the government under Nasir El-Rufai, steps into the shoes of his predecessor, taking on the critical role of Minister of Environment.
The Council commenced the session by observing a minute’s silence in honor of Mobolaji Ajose-Adeogun, the former Minister of Federal Capital, who recently passed away at the age of 96.
President Tinubu’s cabinet, now comprising 48 individuals, has been in operation since his inauguration on May 29, 2023, following a brief hiatus. This second council meeting, marking the conclusion of a 48-day pause, demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing its agenda on multiple fronts.
Article 144 (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) recognises the “Executive Council of the Federation” (the Federal Executive Council) as the “body of Ministers of the Government of the Federation, howsoever called, established by the President and charged with such responsibilities for the functions of government as the President may direct.”
The Council is tasked with crafting policies, implementing governmental initiatives, and providing comprehensive support to the President in fulfilling his executive duties.
Situated within the Cabinet Affairs Office under the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Council is mainly composed of the President, Vice President, and appointed ministers.
As per Article 148 (2) of the Constitution, the President must seek guidance or act upon suggestions from other constitutionally designated advisory groups, including the Council of State, the National Security Council, and the Nigeria Police Council. These bodies convene periodically to provide such guidance and recommendations.
According to the CAO, “the FEC meets weekly to discuss scheduled items and take decisions.”
In attendance are George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Femi Gbajabiamila, the President’s Chief of Staff; Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser; Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation; along with all the Ministers and Ministers.
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