Breaking: Tinubu Appoints Fani-Kayode, Omokri, Yakubu, and Others as Ambassadors – Full List

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a fresh list of ambassadorial appointments, including prominent political figures and former public office holders. The appointments, comprising both career and non-career diplomats, come days after the names were submitted to the National Assembly for confirmation.

Ejes Gist News reports that notable among the new appointees are former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, ex-presidential media aide Reno Omokri, former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, ex-Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Ekiti First Lady Erelu Angela Adebayo, ex-Oyo First Lady Fatima Florence Ajimobi, and ex-Abia Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu.

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Full Breakdown of New Ambassadorial Appointments

President Tinubu has forwarded a total of 32 new ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation. The list includes:

• 15 Career Ambassadors – seasoned diplomats who have risen through the ranks of Nigeria’s Foreign Service.
• 17 Non-Career Ambassadors – political appointees with diverse backgrounds in governance, media, and public service.
• 10 Women – representing a push for greater gender balance in diplomatic postings.

These envoys are expected to represent Nigeria in key international destinations, including China, India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Canada, South Africa, the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and UNESCO.

Full List of Ambassadors-Designate

Non-Career Ambassadors (17 Nominees)

1. Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu (Abia)

2. Reno Omokri (Delta)

3. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (Bauchi)

4. Erelu Bisi Angela Adebayo (Ekiti)

5. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu)

6. Tasiu Musa Maigari (Katsina)

7. Yakubu N. Gambo (Plateau)

8. Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut (Plateau)

9. Otunba Femi Pedro (Lagos)

10. Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun)

11. Barr. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu (Anambra)

12. Fatima Florence Ajimobi (Oyo)

13. Lola Akande (Lagos)

14. Grace Bent (Adamawa)

15. Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia)

16. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo)

17. Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu (Benue)

Career Ambassadors (15 Nominees)

1. Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia)

2. Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba)

3. Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa)

4. Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi)

5. Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa)

6. Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi)

7. Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun)

8. Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo)

9. Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah (Edo)

10. Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger)

11. Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina)

12. Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno)

13. Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna)

14. Ambassador Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kwara)

15. Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun)

Faces Behind the Appointments

Some of the new ambassadors have deep-rooted political and social stories that resonate with Nigerians:

• Femi Fani-Kayode, once a high-profile minister, has navigated both controversy and acclaim in Nigerian politics, bringing decades of political experience to the diplomatic table.
• Reno Omokri, known for his sharp political commentary and advocacy, will now transition from media to international diplomacy.
• Mahmood Yakubu, respected for steering INEC through several election cycles, brings expertise in governance and electoral integrity.
• Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Victor Okezie Ikpeazu represent regional voices from Enugu and Abia, emphasizing Nigeria’s federal diversity in international relations.

These appointments reflect President Tinubu’s intent to blend experience, political loyalty, and national representation in Nigeria’s foreign policy.

Where the Appointees Will Serve

According to the Presidency, the new ambassadors will be posted to strategic international locations:

• China, India, UAE, Canada, South Africa – key economic and trade partners.
• United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), UNESCO – multilateral organizations critical for Nigeria’s diplomatic influence.

The Senate is expected to finalize the postings after conducting screening sessions for all nominees.

Previous Ambassadors and Ongoing Appointments

This latest batch follows the earlier announcement of three non-career ambassadors designated for the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, as confirmed by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, via social media.

Ejes Gist News gathered that more ambassadorial appointments are expected in the coming weeks as the administration continues its diplomatic reshuffle.

Why These Appointments Matter

Nigeria’s international image and foreign relations are partly shaped by the caliber of its ambassadors. By combining experienced career diplomats with politically influential non-career appointees, the Tinubu administration seeks to:

• Strengthen Nigeria’s ties with major economic powers.
• Promote trade, investment, and cultural diplomacy abroad.
• Ensure representation in key multilateral organizations.

Key Highlights of the Appointment List

• Total nominees: 32 ambassadors
• Career vs Non-career: 15 / 17
• Female representation: 10 women
• Strategic postings: China, India, UAE, Canada, South Africa, UN, AU, UNESCO

Ejes Gist News will continue to monitor the Senate confirmation process and provide updates on the final list of ambassadorial postings.