President Bola Tinubu has praised the inclusion of two prominent Nigerians on the prestigious Devex Power 50 List for 2026, celebrating their achievements as a reflection of the nation’s growing influence in global development.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate and OpenAI’s Vice President for Global Impact Ms. Anna Adeola Makanju earned spots on the annual roster, which spotlights the world’s most influential voices driving change in international development.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, President Tinubu called the recognition well-earned and a point of national pride.
“This honour demonstrates the remarkable talent and potential that exists within Nigeria and across our diaspora,” the President said. “Pate and Makanju have made our country proud on the world stage.”
The duo joins 48 other honorees, including Ghanaian President John Mahama, recognized for shaping policies, innovations, and transformative initiatives in global development.
Prof. Pate, formerly Global Director for Health, Nutrition and Population at the World Bank, earned acclaim for championing greater healthcare access in Nigeria while prioritizing local manufacturing of medical products. Devex highlighted his broader impact on reforming global health systems, noting his emergence as one of Africa’s most influential health ministers.
Ms. Makanju, who leads model deployment, policy, and governance at OpenAI, gained recognition for her pioneering work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and global development. The former Special Adviser to US President Joe Biden now guides OpenAI’s engagement with governments worldwide, helping craft early AI regulatory frameworks and counseling leaders on balancing technological advancement with public welfare.
President Tinubu encouraged both honorees to maintain their commitment to excellence and continue making meaningful contributions to global progress in their respective fields.
The recognition highlights Nigeria’s expanding presence in international leadership across healthcare, technology, and development policy.
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