Tinubu Moves to Fill Foreign Missions: Fani-Kayode, Pedro Among Nominees Undergoing DSS Vetting

The Federal Government has commenced a crucial vetting exercise for potential ambassadors to fill Nigeria’s 109 diplomatic missions, comprising 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates across the globe.

Sources close to the presidency confirmed that the process is already underway, with high-profile nominees such as former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro among those undergoing security screening.

Rather than a centralized assessment, nominees are reportedly being directed to the nearest offices of the Department of State Services (DSS) for background checks and verification of personal, academic, and work histories.

“They’re already doing security checks with DSS. When they have cleared security checks, we will release the list. Only those who have been cleared are announced,” a senior presidency official disclosed on condition of anonymity.

According to the source, the list of final nominees is expected before the end of April.

Diplomacy on Hold: Missions Still Without Ambassadors Since 2023

Since September 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has operated Nigeria’s foreign policy—framed around the 4Ds: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora—without ambassadors. This followed a sweeping recall of over 83 envoys during a reassessment of Nigeria’s diplomatic strategy.

Although sources said the President reviewed nominations during the 2023 December holidays, insiders revealed that the release of the final list was stalled in January 2024 due to severe funding constraints.

$1bn Gap: Infrastructure, Overheads Cripple Foreign Service

The absence of a consolidated ambassadorial list has been largely attributed to a staggering $1 billion financial shortfall, needed to settle accumulated foreign service arrears, overheads, dilapidated embassy infrastructure, and obsolete vehicles.

“Most of those embassies, almost 90 per cent, are rundown. Either the residence is uninhabitable or the office has no power or running water. Some ambassadors don’t even have serviceable vehicles,” one top official said.

Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar echoed the same sentiment at a previous briefing, stating,

“There is no point sending out ambassadors if you do not have the funds for them to even travel to their designated countries. One needs funding to run these missions effectively.”

Who’s on the List? Insiders Spill on Big Names and Big Surprises

While the full list remains tightly under wraps, sources confirmed several notable nominees, including:

• Femi Fani-Kayode – Former Minister of Aviation

• Femi Pedro – Ex-Deputy Governor of Lagos State

• Fola Adeola – Founder of Guaranty Trust Bank

There were also unconfirmed reports of former presidential aide Reno Omokri being on the list, but credible presidency sources dismissed this.

“Reno is not on the list. But FFK is there,” a source clarified.

Why the Vetting Matters

Officials stress that the vetting process is essential to prevent future diplomatic embarrassments and ensure Nigeria’s global representation remains credible.

“This is about protecting the image of the country. Every nominee is undergoing background checks to make sure they’re fit to represent Nigeria on the world stage,” a source noted.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, also emphasized the need for diligence.

“Ambassadorial appointments involve both career and political nominees. Every name has to be carefully vetted before transmission to the National Assembly.”

With the clock ticking and diplomatic gaps still unfilled, all eyes are on the presidency as the nation awaits the official rollout of ambassadors to reposition Nigeria on the global stage.

A Visionary Leader of Purpose and Compassion: Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen’s Impact Across Continents

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

In a world where influence is often measured by wealth, power, and political might, it is rare to find individuals who combine these attributes with genuine humility, an unwavering commitment to service, and a heart dedicated to giving back to society. One such rare gem is Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen—a seasoned business mogul, Chief Investment Officer at Ovid Capital, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South Africa Chapter, and an ardent philanthropist whose work spans both Nigeria and South Africa.

Hon. Akpokabayen’s story is not merely about professional success but about purposeful living. From his stronghold in the financial sector to his leadership in political and community spaces, he has consistently leveraged his influence and resources to uplift others. As an individual who believes in the transformative power of education, health, and community development, his ongoing philanthropic initiatives in 2024 and 2025 reflect his deep understanding of the needs of the people and his relentless desire to address them.

The Business Leader with Vision
As Chief Investment Officer at Ovid Capital, Hon. Akpokabayen has played a significant role in shaping investment strategies and financial growth in key sectors. His professional background in finance, bolstered by his academic foundation (MSc in Finance), places him at the forefront of strategic investment in Africa. Ovid Capital, under his leadership, continues to explore viable investment opportunities with a keen focus on sustainable development, job creation, and innovation.

Yet, despite his corporate achievements, Hon. Akpokabayen remains grounded in community service—a trait that distinguishes him as a leader of both influence and integrity.

Political Leadership Rooted in Service
Hon. Akpokabayen’s role as Chairman of the PDP South Africa Chapter is a testament to his commitment to political advocacy and diaspora engagement. In this capacity, he has provided a platform for Nigerians in South Africa to remain politically connected and empowered, while also advocating for better policies and representation of the Nigerian diaspora. His political journey reflects a belief in democracy, inclusiveness, and collective progress.

More than just occupying political office, he embodies the values of grassroots mobilization and participatory leadership. By ensuring the voices of Nigerians abroad are heard, he strengthens the bridge between the homeland and its global citizens.

Philanthropy That Transcends Borders
Hon. Akpokabayen’s philanthropic footprint is both wide and impactful, with initiatives that cut across educational development, healthcare, empowerment, and social welfare. His most recent and ongoing projects underscore a consistent pattern of giving and transformative outreach.

1. The UDU Essay Competition and Medical Outreach (Delta State, Nigeria)
One of his notable interventions in Nigeria is the UDU Essay Competition targeting secondary school students in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. This initiative aims to encourage academic excellence, critical thinking, and intellectual engagement among youth. By offering students a platform to express themselves and win prizes, he not only invests in education but also inspires the next generation of leaders.

Complementing this academic initiative is a robust medical outreach program in Udu. Which being organized in early 2025, the outreach provided free medical care to hundreds of residents, many of whom lack access to basic healthcare. Medical professionals, volunteers, and logistical support teams came together under his leadership to deliver services ranging from general checkups to more specialized treatments. For a community long neglected in terms of health infrastructure, this program was nothing short of lifesaving.

2. Back-to-School Program (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Understanding the challenges many immigrant families face in South Africa, Hon. Akpokabayen extended his philanthropy to students in Johannesburg through his “Back-to-School” program. Held in January 2025, the initiative targeted disadvantaged children in Barnato Park High School and Berea Primary School—both institutions located in inner-city Johannesburg where many African immigrant children study.

The program distributed school supplies, uniforms, and educational materials, ensuring that students began the school year with dignity and the tools they need to succeed. It was a direct response to the financial hardships faced by many families and a reaffirmation of his commitment to education as a tool of empowerment.

3. Empowerment Program for Warri Community in South Africa (WCSA)
In a significant gesture of economic upliftment, Hon. Akpokabayen launched an empowerment program tailored specifically for members of the Warri Community in South Africa (WCSA). Seven individuals were each granted R15,000.00—funds intended to support their small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. This initiative illustrates his focus on sustainable impact, as it seeks to provide beneficiaries with the means to achieve financial independence and contribute positively to society.

By channeling resources into community development, he not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a culture of self-reliance and enterprise.

Leadership Through Humility
Perhaps what most endears Hon. Akpokabayen to the people is not just what he does, but how he does it. Despite his stature, he remains remarkably humble and accessible. Whether attending community events, mentoring youths, or visiting project sites, he engages with sincerity and compassion. His presence inspires trust and his words, often filled with encouragement, reflect deep empathy.

This humility, combined with a results-oriented approach, has earned him admiration across political divides and professional circles. It is also why his projects enjoy local participation and long-term sustainability—people believe in his vision because he walks the talk.

A Call to Support and Emulate
In times when leadership is often marred by self-interest and disconnection from the grassroots, Hon. Akpokabayen stands as a shining example of how power can be used for good. His actions speak to a larger philosophy: that true leadership is about service, that progress begins with people, and that greatness lies in giving back.

As he continues to chart paths across business, politics, and philanthropy, there is a growing call for others to emulate his model. Governments, private individuals, and the Nigerian diaspora must come together to support initiatives that uplift communities, especially in underprivileged and marginalized areas.

Legacy in the Making
Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen is not just a man of the moment; he is a man of legacy. His work in 2024 and 2025 affirms a lifelong mission to transform lives through vision, action, and love for humanity. Whether in Delta State or Johannesburg, in boardrooms or community halls, his impact resonates deeply with those he serves.

As Africa—and indeed the world—searches for leaders with integrity, compassion, and courage, Hon. Akpokabayen’s journey reminds us that greatness is not just about titles, but about how many lives are touched for the better.

Lagos PDP Kicks As Epe Council Boss Gets Enmeshed In Alleged Certificates Forgery

The Youth wing of the Lagos State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Comrade Agboola Akinpelu Dare is calling for an investigation into allegations of certificate forgery against Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, the chairperson of Epe Local Government Area.

This isn’t the first time Animashaun has faced these allegations, which initially surfaced ahead of the last council election in Epe local government ¹.

According to a video shared on social media by Nifemi Vibrant, Animashaun is accused of forging her certificates, which would disqualify her from holding public office under the 2022 Electoral Act.

Another prominent figure from Epe, Olanrewaju Babatunde, also known as Bob Tarner, has come forward to accuse Animashaun of forging her certificates from primary to university level ¹.

The PDP is urging the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and other relevant government agencies to invite Animashaun for questioning and to scrutinize her credentials.

They argue that Epe is known for academic excellence and deserves better representation ¹.