Tinubu Offers MKO Abiola’s Daughter New Appointment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ms. Rinsola Abiola, daughter of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, as Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC).

The appointment, announced on Monday in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, places Ms. Abiola at the helm of the Abuja-based institution responsible for promoting leadership skills, patriotism, and civic responsibility among citizens.

According to the statement, Ms. Abiola is an expert in strategic communication and government relations and previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President. Her father, MKO Abiola, is remembered as the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election and a key figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement.

In the same announcement, President Tinubu named Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji as Senior Special Assistant on Citizenship and Leadership. Mr. Ja’oji, the statement noted, had been Special Adviser on Mobilisation to the Governor of Kano State and a member of the Governing Council of the Coordinated Arewa Youth Groups. He is known for his advocacy for women and youth empowerment.

The appointments come amid ongoing criticism from some stakeholders who allege that the administration’s key postings have favoured political allies, relatives of influential figures, and loyalists. The Presidency maintains that such decisions are guided by competence and a record of service.

Quoting the official release, Onanuga said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ms. Rinsola Abiola as Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC)… In addition, President Tinubu appointed Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji as Senior Special Assistant on Citizenship and Leadership.”

Both appointees are expected to work closely in advancing the centre’s mandate of instilling leadership values and civic engagement across Nigeria.