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Tinubu Makes Fresh Appointment; Creates New Agency
President Bola Tinubu has announced the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s healthcare sector through digital innovation. Dr. Obi Adigwe has been appointed as the inaugural National Coordinator for this newly formed agency.
According to a press release from the presidency, signed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the NHTDAO will operate under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
The presidency clarified that this new office will not assume any existing responsibilities but will instead serve as a high-level coordinating platform. Its purpose is to unify various health components across the country, enhancing collaboration and efficiency within the healthcare system.
“It will reinforce, not replace, the existing statutory functions of relevant departments and agencies,” the statement read. “It will also harmonise and empower the public and private institutions across the health system, set the standards that connect them, and operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture, approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.”
The pioneer National Coordinator, Dr. Adigwe, transitions into this role with a background in health innovation, having previously served as the Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development.
During his tenure, he led major technological interventions, including managing a ¥300 million Nanotechnology grant and an AFREXIMBank grant for the continent’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Training Facility.
He also spearheaded the roadmap for an €18 million European Union grant and gained global attention during the last pandemic by conducting the world’s first scientific analysis that disproved claims surrounding the Covid Organics preparation.
To ensure proper guidance and policy compliance, a steering committee has been set up to provide strategic oversight for the new office. The committee will be co-chaired by Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, the Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
Other prominent members include the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, the Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy, and executive heads from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the National Health Insurance Authority, and the National Information Technology Development Agency, alongside six representatives of State Commissioners of Health from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“The President expects NHTDAO to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven health system that improves outcomes for all citizens, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration,” the statement added.
Human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, has criticized members of the Nigerian Senate, accusing them of helping President Bola Tinubu carry out actions she believes are harmful to the country.
Naija News reports that Yesufu shared her views in a post published on her verified 𝕏 account on Friday.
She argued that senators should stop presenting themselves as helpless, insisting that they are part of the system that gives the President the backing to act.
Her reaction followed comments by the senator representing Kebbi South, Garba Maidoki, who recently said he appealed to Nigerians for support because bandits were killing people in his constituency.
Responding to the senator’s remarks, Yesufu said lawmakers should not see themselves as victims of the country’s security and political problems.
According to her, they have the authority and responsibility to influence decisions made at the national level.
She maintained that members of the National Assembly are responsible for approving and supporting government actions, adding that they should be held accountable for the direction the country is taking under the current administration.
She wrote: “Senators should stop infantilizing themselves! They are not victims. They are enablers of whatever evil Tinubu is carrying out in this country.
“They are the ones giving him the power to do all the shenanigans he is currently doing.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded the name of Professor Abayomi Sunday Fashina to the Senate for confirmation as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate.
The nomination was formally announced during plenary on Wednesday after a letter from the President was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Tinubu, in the letter, said the nomination was made in line with constitutional provisions guiding such appointments and urged the upper legislative chamber to consider the request without delay.
“In accordance with the provisions of section 121, subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the nomination of Professor Abayomi Sunday-Fashina as non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate,” the letter reads.
“Attached herewith is the nominee’s curriculum vitae.”
“Whilst I hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously, please accept distinguished Senate President and distinguished senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening and further legislative consideration.
The committee has been directed to carry out the necessary review and submit its report to the Senate within one week.
The nomination marks another move by the Tinubu administration in strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic representation across strategic countries and international missions.
Non-career ambassadors are typically appointed from outside the regular foreign service and often bring experience from academia, governance, business, or other sectors.
Professor Fashina’s nomination is expected to undergo the usual screening process, where lawmakers will assess his qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role before a final confirmation vote.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday swore in four newly elected senators following their victories in the recent by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The lawmakers are Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party, representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District; Envulu Anza of the All Progressives Congress, representing Nasarawa North; Ikeje Asogwu of the APC, representing Enugu North; and Dayo Faduyile of the APC, representing Ondo South.
Their inauguration followed the by-elections held last Saturday to fill vacancies in the four senatorial districts.
The Rivers South-East seat became vacant following the death of former senator Barinada Mpigi, while Anza emerged as senator for Nasarawa North after the death of Godiya Akwashiki. Asogwu succeeded the late Okechukwu Ezea, while Faduyile filled the vacancy created by the appointment of former senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
PUNCH Online reports that INEC presented certificates of return to the new senators on Tuesday.
The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office to the four lawmakers during plenary.
Welcoming the senators to the Red Chamber, Akpabio congratulated them on their election and urged them to prioritise national interest in the discharge of their legislative duties.
He described the Senate as “a family of the most elite club in the world” and reminded the lawmakers that they now represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria, rather than their respective political parties.
The Senate President also advised them to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, as amended in 2023, to enable them effectively carry out their responsibilities.
Among dignitaries present at the swearing-in ceremony were Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, among others.
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