The Presidency, on Friday, January 12th, announced the appointment of eleven new CEOs for agencies in the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy as approved by the President, Bola Tinubu. With these new appointments, it is safe to say that the creative Industry is not only ready for an ushering into a new era, but is about to eat good, as seasoned patriots have been selected to spearhead positive change in these agencies. It is only diligent that we introduce these distinguished persons and give you a peak of their honorable portfolios which landed them their duly deserved roles in the Agencies, in the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.
Ali Nuhu
Ali Nuhu is a prominent Nigerian actor and director, acting in both Hausa and English movies. Ali Nuhu is one of the most influential actors in the history of Hausa Cinema and has been described as the most successful Hausa film star in the world. Having appeared in more than 500 Nollywood and Kannywood films (Hausa film industry headquartered in Kano) with a myriad accolades and awards to his name.
Chaliya Shagaya
Chaliya Shagaya is a Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to the Nigerian fashion industry, oil and gas, communication, maritime, and most recently the capital markets.
Aisha Adamu Augie
A Nigerian photographer and filmmaker, Aisha Adamu Augie has won several awards for her exceptional contributions to the creative industry, including the Sisterhood Award for Photographer of the Year in 2014 and the British Council Through-My-Eyes Competition in the same year. Aisha served as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kebbi State, Nigeria, focusing on New Media strategies. Graduate of Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. Her academic pursuits are complemented by certifications in digital filmmaking from the New York Film Academy and curating contemporary art exhibitions from the Chelsea College of Arts, London, UK.
Obi Asika
Known for his involvement in the growth of Nigeria’s music industry, Obi Asika is the founder and CEO of Storm 360 – an indigenous music label. Storm 360 has spawned a lot of Nigerian entertainers including Sasha P, Yung 6ix, Ikechukwu, Naeto C, General Pype, L.O.S., Ms Jaie, Tosin Martins. He is the co-founder of Social Media Week, Lagos; a judge at Nigerian Idol and Convener at Africa Soft Power.
Asika is a prominent figure in laying the infrastructure for the growth and development of the media & entertainment industry.
Ahmed Sodangi
Ahmed Sodangi has a robust experience from the private sector, which would be deployed in repositioning NGA. He is an experienced Chartered Manager and holds a master’s degree in management and international business from the Birmingham City University, United Kingdom, and a bachelor’s degree in business management from the American University of Nigeria.
Dr. Shaibu Husseini
Dr. Husseini pursued his education at the Lagos State University School of Communication and the University of Lagos, earning a BSc (First Class) in Mass Communication, and an MSc (Distinction) respectively. He later pursued a Doctorate in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos. Dr. Shaibu Husseini is a Nigerian journalist, performing artist, cultural administrator, PR and media expert, film critic, and film curator. He is the head of jury at the Africa Movie Academy Awards
Hajiya Khaltume Bulama Gana
Hajiya Khaltume Bulama Gana is an artist who acquired her BA in Fine Arts in 1985, specializing in painting. In 1990, she was awarded an MFA in Painting. Over the years, she has worked as a TV presenter, and arts and culture director.
Ramatu Abombo Mohammed
Ramatu has worked in marketing and as a service provider in the information and communications industry. She holds a degree on International Relations and English from the university of Coventry. She served as a Commissioner for Investment and Transport in Niger State.
Otunba Biodun Ajiboye
A communications and advertising practitioner, recently inducted by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON. Otunba Ajiboye played a huge role as the Assistant Director of the Media & Publicity Directorate in the 2023 Nigerian election campaign of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As a publisher and editor-in-chief of Nigerian Telecomnews, he played a role in spreading crucial information within the telecom sector. He also made significant contributions to the telecommunications sector, pioneered the Nigeria Telecom Awards, an event that attracted the presence of seven African Presidents over its 15-year existence.
Tola Akerele
Founder and Creative Director of iDesign, Tola is a graduate of KLC School of Design- London and Parsons School of Design- New York. She is the co-founder of Bogobiri House and served as the Vice President of Interior Designers Association of Nigeria, IDAN, since 2019. She is also the founder of Soto Gallery and Orishirishi kitchen.
Ekpolador-Ebi Koinyaan
With over 13 years of experience, Ekpolador-Ebi Koinyaan is the Founder and Senior Partner of Smart Alliance Consulting and has had roles in the public and private sectors. He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Bradford and holds a Masters Degree in Programme and Project Management from the University of Warwick. He also holds a postgraduate Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from the Said Business School, University of Oxford and also a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria.
All images are courtesy of The AsoVilla and the Appointees.
