Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Nigerian’s President Bola Tinubu has taken an “indefinite leave of absence” to address pressing family health matters.
In a memo he sent to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Friday, Ngelale explained his need to focus on his family’s health. “While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Official Spokesperson of the President, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home,” Ngelale said in his statement.
He did not clarify if it was him specifically or some family member that has the medical issue.
Mr. Ngelale expressed the hope of possibly returning to “full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.”
Ajuri Ngelale has been a key figure in the Tinubu administration, acting as the official spokesperson and a critical advisor on media matters. His additional roles, including Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chair of the Project Evergreen initiative (a program focusing on sustainability and climate action), have placed him at the forefront of various strategic communications and policy efforts.
There has yet to be an official comment from President Tinubu’s office regarding who might temporarily step into Ngelale’s role or how his absence will impact ongoing media and communication strategies.
Ngelale has been widely recognized as being media savvy and praised for his handling of both domestic and international press relations. Before joining Tinubu’s administration, he had a long career in journalism, notably with Channels Television where he was one of the anchormen for the popular morning Sunrise Daily Show. He was known for his sharp analysis on political and social issues in Nigeria.
But his request “for privacy for my family and I during this time” could signal the personal toll these medical issues have taken on him, and may leave his admirers somewhat worried.
Comment, Like 👍, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
