By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointments of Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power, giving legislative backing to President Bola Tinubu’s latest cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening diplomacy and stabilising the country’s troubled electricity sector.

The confirmations followed the nominees’ screening at plenary, where they were subjected to scrutiny and responded to questions from lawmakers before being cleared by the Committee of the Whole.

President Tinubu, in separate letters transmitted on Tuesday, sought the Senate’s approval for the appointments in line with constitutional provision.

The requests were read on the floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The letter partly read, “In compliance with the provisions of Section 147(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the nomination of Ambassador Shola Enikolaye as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest regards,” he added.

The nomination was subsequently referred to the Committee of the Whole for urgent consideration, in line with Senate procedure for cabinet nominees.

In a separate correspondence, Tinubu also sought legislative approval for Tegbe.

The letter partly read, “In compliance with the provisions of Section 147(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the nomination of Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“While I hope this request will receive the expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”

Akpabio, after reading the letter, referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for immediate consideration.

“This correspondence is referred to the Committee of the Whole for immediate action,” he said.

He also assured that the upper chamber would prioritise the requests, fast-tracking the screening and confirmation process.

Enikanolaiye’s confirmation formalises his return to the forefront of Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture. A career diplomat with over three decades of service, he was nominated in April as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

The Kogi State-born envoy, who hails from Igbagun in Yagba East Local Government Area, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations and rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

His diplomatic career spans key postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London and New Delhi, positioning him as a seasoned hand expected to support Nigeria’s international engagements at a time of shifting global alliances.

Tegbe’s appointment, on the other hand, comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s power sector, which continues to grapple with grid instability, liquidity shortfalls and infrastructure deficits despite ongoing reforms under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

His nomination follows the exit of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who resigned in March 2026 to pursue the Oyo State governorship race ahead of the 2027 elections, in compliance with a directive mandating political appointees seeking elective office to step down.

In an earlier statement, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the nomination was intended to reinforce reforms, improve grid reliability and unlock investment into the sector.

Tegbe, an indigene of Oyo State, brings over three decades of experience in fiscal policy and economic reform across both public and private sectors. He is a former Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa and currently serves as Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.

He also chaired the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee inaugurated in 2025 and has been actively involved in regulatory and institutional reforms within the electricity sector.

Nigeria and the United States have inaugurated Defence Institutional Technical Working Groups to strengthen security cooperation and address terrorism and regional instability.

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday.

It said the inauguration, held under the 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, was aimed at enhancing institutional capacity and improving joint efforts to tackle evolving security challenges.

The head of the U.S. delegation, Cate Dave, said the initiative would support strategic planning and help deny terrorists safe havens.

He restated the importance of institutional development in achieving effective counterterrorism outcomes.

On his part, the leader of the Nigerian delegation, AVM Francis Edosa, described the partnership as critical to addressing security threats in Nigeria and the wider region.

Mr Edosa said the collaboration would focus on strengthening the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s warfighting capabilities and improving its responsiveness to security challenges.

He added that the initiative would help restore lasting peace and stability across the country.

Both sides underscored the need for practical outcomes, accountability and sustained collaboration to enhance security and regional stability.

Family members, friends, and well-wishers have gathered to mark the seventh-day remembrance (Fidau) of Hajiya Hajara Sulaiman, a revered matriarch who passed away at the age of 98.

The solemn occasion, held in accordance with Islamic tradition, was filled with prayers and reflections on a life described by loved ones as devoted, impactful, and deeply rooted in faith. Quoting the Qur’anic verse, “Kullu nafsin za’iqatul maut” (Every soul shall taste death — Qur’an 3:185), family members were reminded of the inevitability of death and the importance of a righteous life.

Late Hajiya Hajara Sulaiman was remembered as a pillar of strength within her family and community. Known for her patience, wisdom, and unwavering faith, she played a guiding role in the lives of many. Her teachings emphasized love, respect, and consciousness of Allah—values her family says will continue to shape future generations.

Relatives described a profound sense of loss since her passing, noting that her absence has left a noticeable void in the home. Her voice, warmth, and presence, they said, are deeply missed. However, they also expressed gratitude for her long life and the peaceful manner in which she returned to her Creator.

She is survived by her children Ahmad Tijjani Inuwa, Bashir Muhammad Galadanchi, Ummukulsum Muhammad Inuwa, Imam Inuwa (Gwale), Sa’adatu Muhammad Inuwa, and Maimuna Muhammad Inuwa as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

During the remembrance, prayers were offered for her soul, asking Allah to forgive her shortcomings, grant her mercy, and admit her into Jannatul Firdaus. Among the supplications recited were: “Allahumma ighfir laha, warhamha, wa’afiha, wa’fu anha” (O Allah, forgive her, have mercy on her, grant her peace, and pardon her), and “Allahumma aj‘al qabraha rawdatan min riyadil jannah” (O Allah, make her grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise).

The family concluded the event with heartfelt prayers, expressing hope that her legacy of faith and kindness will endure. They affirmed that though she has passed on, her memory will continue to live in their hearts.

The statement was signed on behalf of the family by Imam Inuwa Gwale.