Dayo Israel loses out as Tinubu nominates Ibrahim as youth minister

Mr Tinubu also appointed Ayodele Olawande as minister of state for youth.

Ayoola Babalola • September 17, 2023

Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Credit: instagram)

President Bola Tinubu has officially announced his selection of Jamila Bio Ibrahim as his nominee for the position of minister of youth, putting an issue which has seen speculations and permutations to rest.

Mr Tinubu also appointed Ayodele Olawande as minister of state for youth.

“President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim to serve as the minister of youth, pending her confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The President has further approved the nomination of Mr Ayodele Olawande to serve as the Minister of State for Youth, pending his confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed in a State House press release.

The top candidate for the office, Dayo Israel, who serves as the national youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), lost out on the nomination.

Despite his positive outlook in recent months, the defining moment was last month, when a group of influential APC state youth leaders wrote to Mr Tinubu, suggesting that his son, Seyi, be given a say in selecting the country’s youth minister. It is not immediately clear whether it was the president’s son who nominated Ms Ibrahim and Mr Olawande.

Ms Ibrahim, a prominent medical practitioner, has risen through the ranks. Her recent tenure as the President of the Progressive Young Women Forum (PYWF) showcased her dedication to youth empowerment and advocacy. Additionally, she has garnered experience in governance as the Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating her commitment to advancing sustainable and inclusive growth.

Alongside her is Mr Olawande who was nominated as the minister of state for youth, subject to Senate approval. Olawande is a highly regarded community development expert and a prominent youth leader within the All Progressives Congress (APC). His extensive track record includes a crucial role in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Innovation from 2019 to 2023.

These nominations are now awaiting confirmation by the Senate.

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