Seunfunmi Joshua
On October 23, 2024, President Bola Tinubu caught many by surprise when he unveiled a significant cabinet reshuffle. Known for maintaining a sense of mystery around his political moves, Tinubu had hinted at changes within his team as early as September 25 but kept the exact details under wraps. Not even his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, was privy to the timing.
Tinubu made the reshuffle announcement in the evening, via a statement signed by Onanuga. The President removed five key ministers, replacing them with seven new appointees, signalling a new phase for his administration. Below are the ministers who were dismissed and their replacements:
1. Minister of Women Affairs
- Out: Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye
- In: Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim will now take over from Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, bringing fresh leadership to the Ministry of Women Affairs.
2. Minister of Youth Development
- Out: Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim
- In: Ayodele Olawande
Ayodele Olawande steps in to lead the Ministry of Youth Development, replacing Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, and is expected to bring a dynamic approach to youth engagement.
3. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development
- Out: Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo
- In: Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata has been appointed to handle Housing and Urban Development matters, succeeding Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo.
4. Minister of Education
- Out: Tahir Mamman
- In: Morufu Olatunji Alausa
Morufu Olatunji Alausa is now tasked with driving education reforms, taking over from Tahir Mamman.
5. Minister of Tourism
- Out: Lola Ade-John
- In: Hannatu Musawa (Merging of Roles)
With the Ministry of Culture merged with the Ministry of Arts and Culture to form the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa will absorb the responsibilities of Lola Ade-John, now overseeing tourism in addition to the creative economy.
Wrapping Up,
This shake-up comes as part of Tinubu’s broader plan to align his administration with evolving national priorities, ensuring his cabinet remains dynamic and capable of addressing key challenges. The newly appointed ministers are expected to bring fresh perspectives to their respective roles, as Nigeria continues to navigate both economic and social shifts.
