Florence Ajimobi Emerges as Key Nominee in Tinubu’s New Ambassadorial List
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a fresh list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation and at the centre of the spotlight is former Oyo State First Lady, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, who emerged as one of the prominent non-career ambassadorial designates.
In two separate communications to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu requested speedy consideration and confirmation of 15 career ambassadors and 17 non-career ambassadors, reflecting a renewed strategic push to reinforce Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally.
The list features a notable representation of women, with four female career ambassadors and six female non-career nominees, underscoring the administration’s commitment to gender inclusion. Among these distinguished women is Mrs. Ajimobi, widely regarded for her advocacy, humanitarian efforts, and influential role in public life during and after her husband’s administration in Oyo State.
Other non-career nominees include former INEC Chairman Mahmud Yakubu; former Ekiti First Lady Erelu Angela Adebayo; former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former Lagos Deputy Governor Otunba Femi Pedro; and former Aviation Minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.
Also listed are Reno Omokri, Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu, Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, Barrister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu, former Adamawa Senator Grace Bent, and former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
On the career envoy list are nominees such as Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), Maimuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa), Musa Abubakar (Kebbi), and Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun), among others.
The nominees are expected to be posted to key countries including China, India, South Korea, Canada, the UAE, Qatar, South Africa, and Kenya, as well as multilateral missions at the UN, AU, and UNESCO, upon Senate confirmation.
Last week, the President sent an earlier batch of three nominees; Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun) — who are being considered for top-tier postings to the UK, USA, and France.
With this latest development, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi stands out as one of Oyo State’s strongest representations on the national diplomatic stage, signalling a new chapter of service beyond state borders as Nigeria prepares its next generation of envoys.
More ambassadorial nominations, according to the Presidency, will be announced soon.
