NGF appoints Abdulateef Shittu as acting DG to replace retiring Okauru

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has appointed Abdulateef Shittu as its acting director-general (DG). 

In a statement released on Monday, the NGF said Shittu’s appointment, which takes effect immediately, follows the retirement of Asishana Okauru, who has served the forum for 15 years.

Until his appointment, Shittu was the executive director of strategy and research at the NGF secretariat.

“He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of excellence in public administration and governance,” the statement reads.

“The NGF is confident that Dr. Abdulateef Shittu will continue to drive the Forum’s strategic initiatives forward.”

The NGF said Shittu will lead the forum “with a clear focus on enhancing intergovernmental collaboration, fostering innovative solutions to everyday challenges, and ensuring the effective implementation of policies that promote sustainable development across all states”.

The forum said it remains “steadfast in its commitment to its mission and objectives,” noting that Shittu “will provide the continuity and stability needed during this period”.

Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, governor of Kwara and chairman of the NGF, expressed gratitude for Okauru’s years of “dedicated service” to the NGF.

“The Nigeria Governors Forum extends its best wishes to Asishana B. Okauru, Esq. in his future endeavours and looks forward to a new era of progress under the guidance of Dr. Abdulateef Shittu,” the NGF chairman said.