Finance Minister Hails WHO for Appointing Nigeria’s Alakija as Special Envoy

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has hailed the appointment of Nigeria’s Dr. Ayoade Alakija as World Health Organisation (WHO) Special Envoy for the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-Accelerator).

Her appointment was announced by the WHO Chief, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Alakija joins former Prime Minister of Sweden Carl Bildt, WHO’s current Special Envoy for ACT-A, in this role.

In her congratulatory message, Ahmed said, “We are delighted to hear of your appointment. You are known for your determination, dedication and commitment. With this appointment, your hard work has spoken for you.”

Ahmed stated that Alakija has used her wealth of experience and contact to advocate for the Safe School initiative.

In her capacity as Special Envoy, she will help and lead a collective advocacy for the ACT-Accelerator, mobilising support and resources so it can deliver against its new strategic plan and budget.

Alakija has been engaged in the offering of world class expertise in strategic resource mobilisation and partnership in youth and sports development; international development and poverty eradication; public health and medicine.

Alakija has also worked at the highest levels of business and the international community to empower people to bring sustainable change to their own communities and nations.