The New Faces of Tinubu's Cabinet: 7 Ministerial Nominees [PHOTOS]

President Tinubu's Ministerial Picks - A Closer Look

President Bola Tinubu's recent cabinet reshuffle has brought significant changes to Nigeria's leadership. On October 23, he dismissed five ministers and appointed seven new ones, including Ambassador Bianca Onoh, the widow of Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

The cabinet reshuffle is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the government's efforts in various sectors. While the specific portfolios of the seven new ministers have not been detailed, this change is expected to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the table.

In his Independence Day speech, President Tinubu emphasized his commitment to addressing the country's challenges, including economic reforms, security, and national unity. The cabinet reshuffle appears to be part of this broader effort to drive progress and development in Nigeria.

Some of the key areas the new ministers will likely focus on include:

Economic Reforms: Implementing policies to stimulate economic growth and reduce the cost of living.

Security: Strengthening efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

National Unity: Fostering greater cohesion and social harmony among Nigeria's diverse population.

As the new ministers settle into their roles, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how they address these pressing issues and drive positive change in the country.

Bianca Ojukwu 

Bianca Ojukwu is a trailblazing Nigerian politician, diplomat, lawyer, and businesswoman, born on August 5, 1968. As the widow of the late Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, she's made a name for herself in various fields. This multifaceted leader holds multiple international pageant titles, including Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Miss Africa, and Miss Intercontinental.

Early Life and Education

Bianca's educational journey began at Ackworth School in Pontefract, followed by St. Andrews College, Cambridge, and Cambridge Tutorial College, where she completed her A-levels. Initially, she pursued a combined degree in Politics, Economics, and Law at the University of Buckingham. However, at her father's insistence, she transferred to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to focus exclusively on Law and join the family business.

Career Highlights

In 2011, Bianca was appointed as Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs by President Goodluck Jonathan. She then served as Nigeria's Ambassador to Ghana and later as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain in 2012. Her diplomatic expertise was further enhanced by earning a Master's degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Alfonso X el Sabio University in Spain in 2016.

Personal Life

Bianca married Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in 1994, and they had three children together - a daughter and two sons. After her husband's passing in 2012, Bianca faced controversy surrounding his will, which left most of his assets to her. Despite this, she continues to be a respected figure in Nigerian politics and diplomacy.

Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda

Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the newly appointed Minister-designate of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is a highly accomplished individual with a strong background in engineering, academia, and governance. Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government of Plateau State, he hails from a clergy family, being the son of the late Rev. Toma Yilwatda.

Yilwatda's educational journey is impressive, with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (1992), a Master's degree in Engineering from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and a PhD in Digital Systems Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukk. He also received advanced training in building electronic governance structures at the United Nations University International Institute for Software Technology in Macau, China.

As an engineer and academic, Yilwatda has made significant contributions to various high-impact projects. Notably, he served as a project consultant for Nigeria's first Integrated Financial Management Information System, benefiting several key government agencies. Additionally, he contributed to a World Bank-funded project to establish a Unified Network and ICT Solution for the Nigerian Education and Research Network (NgREN) under the STEP-B initiative.

Key Roles and Achievements:

Professor of Computer Engineering at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi (1996-2022) 

Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) (2017-2021) 

Gubernatorial Candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State (2023) 

Chairman, Plateau State APC General Election Campaign Council (2022-2023) 

Coordinator, Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign (2022-2023)

With his wealth of experience and expertise, Yilwatda is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction in Nigeria.

Mohammed Maigari Dingyad

Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi is a seasoned Nigerian politician and academic who has recently been appointed as the Minister of Labour and Employment. Born in 1953 in Dingyadi, Sokoto State, Dingyadi's educational journey began at Government College, Sokoto, followed by a two-year course at the School of Basic Studies. He then graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1978.

Dingyadi's impressive career spans various roles, including representing Bodinga Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and serving as Secretary to the Sokoto State Government. He also chaired the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) in Abuja, showcasing his commitment to education and governance. In 2019, former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Dingyadi as the Minister of Police Affairs, a position that highlighted his leadership capabilities.

As the newly appointed Minister of Labour and Employment, Dingyadi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. His appointment is part of President Bola Tinubu's administration restructuring efforts, aimed at enhancing government efficiency. With his background in governance, education, and politics, Dingyadi is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of labour and employment in Nigeria.

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole is a highly accomplished individual, serving as the designate for Industry, Trade and Investment. As a distinguished academic, former government advisor, and advocate, she currently holds the position of Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government's Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government.

Her impressive background includes serving as Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Ease of Doing Business from August 2019 to May 2023. In this role, she played a crucial part in Nigeria's remarkable 39-place climb in the World Bank's Doing Business Report. Before this, Dr. Oduwole was the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry, Trade, and Investment in the Office of the Vice President.

Dr. Oduwole's earlier career showcases her expertise in corporate banking and investment banking. She led a unit focused on the telecommunications sector at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and worked in investment banking with FCMB Capital Markets Ltd from 2000 to 2003. Additionally, she has served on various boards, including Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Positive Action for Treatment Access (PATA), an HIV/AIDS advocacy NGO, and the advisory board of the “Know Your Constitution” Initiative.

Her educational background is equally impressive, with a Bachelor's degree in Law from the University of Lagos in 1998, and being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999. Dr. Oduwole also holds an LL.M. in Commercial Law from Cambridge University, earned as a DFID-Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Scholar, and a Master's in International Legal Studies from Stanford University. She completed her doctoral studies in International Trade and Development at Stanford Law School.

Yusuf Abdullahi Ata

Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, the Minister-designate of Housing and Urban Development, has an impressive background that prepares him well for his new role. Born on June 22, 1962, in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State, Ata began his educational journey with Quranic studies at age three, followed by formal schooling at Fagge Primary School in 1968. He then attended Kano Community Commercial College, now known as Aminu Kano Commercial College, for his secondary education and later earned a degree in Economics from Bayero University, Kano.

Ata's political career spans over two decades, starting with his election to the Kano State House of Assembly in 1999 to represent the Fagge constituent. He served three terms, winning re-elections in 2011 and 2015, and later became the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly in 2021 after the former Speaker, Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, resigned. His experience in legislative matters and community planning will undoubtedly contribute to Nigeria's vision of providing affordable housing and creating sustainable urban environments.

Highlights of Ata's Career:

Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly: 2021 

Member of the Kano State House of Assembly: 1999-2003, 2011-2019 

Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor: 2003-2007 

Principal Planning Officer, Kano Housing Corporation: 1994-1997 

With his extensive experience in governance, economics, and development studies, Ata is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of housing and urban development in Nigeria.

Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad

Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad is a highly accomplished educationist, gender advocate, and consultant with a strong background in university administration. Born on February 13, 1981, in Jigawa State, Nigeria, she has over 18 years of experience in education, governance, and developmental research. Her academic career is marked by excellence, holding a Ph.D. in Science Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a Master of Education in Curriculum Studies from Bayero University, Kano, and a Bachelor of Science Education in Chemistry from Bayero University, Kano.

Key Roles and Experience:

Lecturer and Director of Gender Studies: Dr. Ahmad is an Associate Professor of Chemistry Education at Bayero University, Kano, and has served as Director of the Centre for Gender Studies.

Provost, Jigawa State College of Education: She currently oversees the training of future educators and implements policies to enhance teacher education.

Consultant and Researcher: Dr. Ahmad has worked with international organizations, including the British Council, Education Data, Research, and Evaluation in Nigeria (EDOREN), and the Partnership to Engage, Reform, and Learn (PERL).

Research Focus and Contributions:

Dr. Ahmad's research interests include political economy, institutional analysis, policy planning, development strategies, capacity building, and training. She has contributed to various funded research projects, advocating for girl-child education, particularly in Northern Nigeria. Her work has been instrumental in promoting educational opportunities for girls and shaping educational policies in Nigeria.

Notable Publications:

Some of Dr. Ahmad's notable publications include “Teaching Science for Understanding: The Project-Based Approach” and “Strategies for Meeting School-Based Challenges in Gender, Science, Technology, and Mathematics (STM) Education.”

Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha

Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha is set to make history as Nigeria's first Minister of Livestock Development. His impressive background in agriculture and business makes him an ideal candidate for the role. As the former Managing Director of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company and current CEO of Zaidi Farms in Kaduna, Maiha has demonstrated his expertise in leading successful agricultural enterprises.

Under his leadership, Zaidi Farms has become a model for sustainable farming solutions in Kaduna State, applying world-class best practices in animal husbandry. This experience will undoubtedly serve him well in his new role, where he'll be responsible for promoting livestock development and improving the agricultural sector nationwide.

Maiha's appointment is part of President Bola Tinubu's administration restructuring, which aims to enhance government efficiency and deliver on campaign promises. With his confirmation pending, Maiha is expected to bring his expertise to the forefront, driving growth and development in Nigeria's livestock industry.