President Bola Tinubu has congratulated two Nigerians—Muhammed Ali Pate and Anna Adeola Makanju—on their nomination to the Devex Power 50 for 2026.
Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Makanju, Vice President for Global Impact at OpenAI, were selected alongside 48 others, including Ghanaian President John Mahama, for their influence in shaping global development.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the recognition as well deserved.
“By their nomination, Pate and Makanju have made Nigeria proud. The honour is another testament to the infinite talents and potentials that abound in Nigeria and among Diaspora Nigerians,” the President said.
Tinubu urged both awardees to continue striving for excellence and expanding their impact on development globally.
Devex Power 50 is an annual curated list highlighting the 50 most influential individuals, organisations and initiatives shaping the future of global development.
Pate, a former global director for health, nutrition and population at the World Bank, was recognised for advocating improved healthcare access in Nigeria, with emphasis on domestic sourcing of health products.
Devex noted that his influence extends beyond Nigeria, citing his role in pushing reforms in the global health architecture.
Makanju, who previously served as Special Adviser to former US President Joe Biden, oversees model deployment, policy and governance at OpenAI.
According to Devex, she plays a key role in shaping how next-generation artificial intelligence systems will impact global development, including advising governments on balancing innovation with public safety.
By Deji Elumoye
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