Group hails Tinubu for appointing young advisers, urges president to retain youthful CEOs in FG agencies

A group, South-West Professional Youths Network, has commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing three young people as his advisers recently.

Tinubu appointed eight advisers on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Among the new appointees are Olu Verheijen, 46, Zacchaeus Adedeji, 45, and John Uwajumogu, who is 46.

Verheijen, who will serve as Tinubu’s adviser on the energy sector, has nearly 20 years of experience in sub-Saharan Africa’s oil, gas, power, and renewable energy sectors.

Adedeji is a skilled accountant and expert in corporate tax and public finance development with over 15 years of experience who has worked in corporate accounting, public service administration and provided advisory services to multinationals and governments.

Uwajumogu has over 20 years of advisory experience, primarily in the energy industry, with significant experience working in the energy markets in Houston, Texas, and Calgary, Alberta.

In a statement sent to journalists on Saturday, the convener of the Southwest group, Seun Adeaanu, urged Tinubu to sustain the momentum of appointing young people into office.

Adeaanu also advised the president to retain the young people inherited from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

He said: ”Nigeria has a significant youth population, and appointing younger people in government can help ensure their perspectives and interests are adequately represented.

”Younger individuals are often more familiar with technology and digital tools. In a rapidly evolving world, this proficiency can be advantageous in implementing efficient governance processes, leveraging digital solutions, and addressing emerging challenges.

”Young people also bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. They approach problem-solving in new and creative ways, which can lead to novel solutions for the complex challenges Nigeria faces.

”We have seen this already in the previous administration with excellent young appointees like Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad of the Rural Electrification Agency and Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi of the National Information Technology Development Agency.

”Since coming on board, it has been a tale of success stories at the REA and NITDA, where they hold sway.

”These youthful CEOs should be given all the required support and encouragement to succeed. We call on the president to retain them and appoint more of their ilks.”

The group, however, clarified that it is not against the appointment of older Nigerians but insisted that the government prioritise younger people.

”Youths are ready for leadership, and Ahmad Salihijo and Kashifu Abdullahii have demonstrated renewed hope for young people in Nigeria,” Adeaan added.