Former INEC Chairman, Yakubu, Omokri, Fani-Kayode Among Tinubu’s New Ambassadorial Picks

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a fresh list of 32 Nigeria’s ambassadorial nominees, including notable political figures and professionals, transmitted to the Senate for approval.

Among them is Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, the former Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Yakubu, who led Nigeria’s electoral body with distinction, joins a diverse group of appointees that includes political strategists, former governors, and prominent media personalities.

His nomination marks a transition from electoral oversight to diplomatic representation, reflecting Tinubu’s strategic appointments aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s global presence.

Also on the list are Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide known for his controversial social media influence; Femi Fani-Kayode, a veteran politician and former Aviation Minister; and Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, ex-Governor of Enugu State.

The nominees encompass a broad spectrum of Nigeria’s political and social elite, illustrating the administration’s emphasis on including experienced and influential figures in diplomatic roles.

The list comprises 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career appointees, with a deliberate focus on gender balance—four women among career diplomats and six among non-career nominees, a development which highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to gender inclusion in Nigeria’s foreign service.

In addition to Yakubu, other non-career nominees include: Neya Kalu, Publisher and Chairman, Board of Directors of The Sun Publishing Limited, publishers of Daily Sun, Saturday Sun, Sunday Sun and Sporting Sun.

Neya Kalu is the daughter of former Abia State Governor and serving Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu.

A lawyer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, she is also the founder of the Basecoat Nail Salon Chain and a leading businesswoman with investments across multiple sectors.

A graduate of Law with an MSc in Finance from the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, she brings over 12 years of executive experience in developing and implementing business strategies. She previously served in the banking sector for five years as a Human Resource Manager.

Through the Neya Kalu Foundation, she is also known for her charity work supporting women and vulnerable children.

Among the nominees are; Femi Fani-Kayode; Angela Adebayo, a former Ekiti First Lady; and Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Abia State governor. The list also features business leaders, former senators, and ambassadors to multilateral organizations.

The nominated ambassadors will be posted to countries with strategic diplomatic ties, such as China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the UAE, Qatar, South Africa, and Kenya. They will also serve at multilateral institutions including the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union. Actual postings will be confirmed after Senate approval.

This latest batch follows recent nominations, including Ambassadors to the UK, US, and France, as part of Tinubu’s broader plan to overhaul Nigeria’s diplomatic representation globally.

President Tinubu has indicated that more ambassadorial appointments will be announced soon, underscoring a comprehensive strategy to reposition Nigeria’s diplomatic footprint worldwide.

Belpw is the full list: Neya Kalu, notable non-career nominees include: Reno Omokri (Delta), former presidential aide; Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, former INEC Chairman; Erelu Angela Adebayo, former Ekiti First Lady; Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Enugu State Governor; Tasiu Musa Maigari, former Speaker, Katsina State; Yakubu N. Gambo, former Plateau Commissioner; Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut, former Senator (Plateau); Otunba Femi Pedro, former Lagos Deputy Governor; Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister; Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former Oyo First Lady; Lola Akande, former Lagos Commissioner; Grace Bent, former Adamawa Senator;

Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Abia Governor; Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, businessman and lawmaker (Ondo), and Amb. Paul Oga Adikwu, former ambassador to the Holy See.

The 15 career diplomats include: Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia); Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba); Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa); Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi); Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa); Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi); Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun); Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo); Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah (Edo); Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger); Amb. Shehu Barde (Katsina); Amb. Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno); Amb. Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna); Amb. Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kwara); Amb. Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun).