In Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape, the presence and influence of women have become increasingly pronounced, marking a pivotal shift towards greater gender inclusivity in governance. Among the trailblazers leading this charge is Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose remarkable journey and impactful contributions have elevated the role of women in Nigerian politics. As the wife of renowned politician Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a prominent figure in her own right, Senator Tinubu’s tenure in government has been characterized by unwavering dedication to advancing women’s rights, fostering economic empowerment, and championing progressive policies.
The Minister for Tourism, Lola Ade-John
After 30 years in the banking and technology industries, Lola comes to President Tinubu’s administration as the Minister of Tourism. She worked for prestigious companies like Magnum Trust Bank Ltd. (now a part of Sterling Bank Nigeria Plc.), Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, and Access Bank. She received her degree in computer science from the University of Ibadan, Oyo state.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha
Onyejeocha becomes the Minister of State for Labor and Productivity upon joining the Tinubu cabinet. In 2003, she worked for Abia Governor Orji Uzor Kalu as a commissioner for resource management and manpower development. In 2019, Onyejeocha ran for Speaker of the House of Representatives, but she withdrew in favor of Femi Gbajabiamila, President Tinubu’s current chief of staff. She graduated from Imo State University with a master’s degree in international affairs and diplomacy and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) with a master’s degree in shipping.
Doris Uzoka-Anite
A graduate of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Doris Uzoka-Anite is the new Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. She has over 20 years of experience in the banking sector and served as general manager of Zenith Bank. She served as the commissioner for finance and coordination in Imo state, under Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration, and was a member of Tinubu’s Presidential Policy Advisory Council National Economy. Uzoka-Anite holds a master’s degree in business administration from the London School of Economics.
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim
She is the first woman to hold the role of Minister of State for Police Affairs. The federal commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) was an indigenous of Nasarawa State. In addition, Sulaiman-Ibrahim was a special adviser on strategic communication to Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, the former minister of state for education, and he held the position of director-general of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) from December 1, 2020, to May 27, 2021.
Mariya Mairiga Mahmoud
She has taken over as Federal Capital Territory’s new minister of state. Mariya has worked in the medical profession for more than 20 years. She is a member of both the West African College of Physicians and the National Postgraduate Medical College. She is a member of the Kano State Committee on Prevention of Drug Abuse among the Youth as well as the implementation committee for the founding of the College of Health Sciences at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil. Under the previous governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, Mariya served as the commissioner for higher education in Kano State.
Hannatu Musawa
Her role is that of the new Minister of Creative Economy, Arts, and Culture. Musawa served as President Tinubu’s special advisor on culture and entertainment before being appointed. Musa Musawa, a well-known Katsina politician, is the father of the 43-year-old indigenous woman. She holds degrees in law from the University of Buckingham, oil and gas law from the University of Aberdeen, and legal elements of marine affairs from the University of Cardiff. She is also a politician. She worked for the presidential campaign council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the deputy spokeswoman.
Uju Kennedy Ohanenye
she joins President Tinubu’s administration as the Minister of Women’s Affairs. Uju was the only female candidate in APC’s June 2022 presidential primaries, but she stepped down for Tinubu. She has a law degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Uju is a property magnate with several high-end properties in Lagos, Abuja, Owerri and the US. She is the proprietress of Kenuj Angels School and MD/CEO of Kenuj O2 Malls both in Abuja. Through her foundation, Shower of Love Foundation, she champions several empowerment programmes focused on upgrading the economic status of women.
