The first Federal Executive Council meeting for the year, 2023 was presided over by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.
The council meeting which seems to be the first since COVID-19 protocols were relaxed in 2020, had ministers and ministers of state physically present at the council chambers.
The council meeting started with prayers lead by the minister of youth and sports, Sunday Dare, and his aviation counterpart, Hedi Sirika.
Those present at the meeting were the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan.
Ministers who attended in person were the Ministers of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouk; Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo; Health, Osagie Ehanire; Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite; Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige; Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Agriculture, Mohammad Abubakar; Aviation, Hadi Sirika; Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; Niger Delta, Umana Umana; Special Duties, George Akume, Power, Abubakar Aliyu; Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi; Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare; Justice, Abubakar Malami, Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo and Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi.
The Ministers of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum; Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo; Science and Technology, Henry Ikoh; Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada; Petroleum, Timipre Sylva were also in attendance.
Osinbajo represented President Muhammadu Buhari, who is far away in
Nouakchott, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
Buhari is out of Nigeria to participate in the Programme of the ‘Third Forum of the African Conference for Peace’.
The President won the “African Award for Strengthening Peace’’ conferred on him by Abu Dhabi Peace Forum.
The President’s Spokesman, Femi Adesina in a statement on Wednesday, described the award as a parting gift for his leadership role in promoting peace in Africa through regular inventions, counsels and conciliation.
The President is expected back in the country this night.
