BREAKING: Former Nigerian VP Osinbajo Secures International Appointment

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, has been appointed as Senior Strategic Advisor to the Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), marking a significant addition to the continent’s public health leadership.

The appointment was announced in an official statement released on Monday, April 6, and signed by Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at the Africa CDC.

According to the statement, Osinbajo will provide high-level strategic guidance to support the agency’s mission of strengthening health systems, improving disease surveillance, and enhancing emergency response capabilities across African nations.

In his new role, Osinbajo is expected to leverage his extensive experience in governance, policy development, and international collaboration to help advance Africa CDC’s long-term objectives.

His appointment comes at a time when the agency is intensifying efforts to address ongoing public health challenges, including infectious disease outbreaks, health infrastructure gaps, and pandemic preparedness.

Osinbajo served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

During his tenure, he was actively involved in economic management, social investment programs, and crisis response initiatives, earning recognition for his leadership in both domestic and international policy circles.

Public health experts say his appointment could strengthen collaboration between governments and regional health institutions, particularly in aligning policy frameworks with health security priorities.

Analysts also note that his legal and academic background may bring a multidisciplinary perspective to Africa CDC’s strategic planning.

The Africa CDC, an agency of the African Union, has played a central role in coordinating the continent’s response to major health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

With Osinbajo’s addition to its leadership structure, the organization aims to deepen partnerships and accelerate progress toward a more resilient and self-sufficient health system across Africa.

Further details regarding the scope and duration of his advisory role were not disclosed, but officials indicate that his contributions will focus on long-term strategy, stakeholder engagement, and institutional capacity building.