President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has relieved Dr. Chioma Ejikeme of her duties as the Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), just 13 months after her reappointment for another four-year term.
In a statement released on Monday by Olugbenga Ajayi, Head of the Corporate Communications Unit of PTAD, the presidency announced the appointment of Miss Tolulope Odunaiya as the new Executive Secretary. Odunaiya officially assumed office on November 18, 2024, at PTAD Headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Ejikeme had initially been appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in August 2019 and served until September 2023, when her first term expired. She briefly handed over the management of PTAD to Mr. Sulayman Shelleng, Director of the Civil Service Pension Department, before her reappointment by Tinubu in October 2023. However, her reappointment was short-lived, with Odunaiya now taking over the reins.
In her inaugural address to staff members, Odunaiya expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead and pledged to continue building on the achievements of her predecessors. She highlighted her vision for a collaborative and inclusive work environment, stating:
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose that I address you as the new Executive Secretary of this Directorate. I want to begin by acknowledging the remarkable work of my predecessors and the dedication of every individual who has contributed to bringing us to this point. My vision is for a directorate where every individual feels recognised, empowered, and motivated to make meaningful contributions.”
Odunaiya emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of pensioners, urging staff to set aside personal interests and work towards their shared purpose of improving the lives of retired workers who served the nation under challenging conditions.
Following her speech, she toured PTAD’s divisions and sections to familiarize herself with the operations of the directorate.
This leadership change comes amid ongoing discussions about PTAD’s future. The Oronsaye report on restructuring federal ministries, departments, and agencies, released earlier this year, recommended scrapping PTAD and transferring its functions to the Federal Ministry of Finance. While no final decision has been made, the new Executive Secretary’s tenure will likely play a significant role in shaping the agency’s future trajectory.
Dr. Ejikeme’s removal marks a significant shift in the administration of pension-related matters, reflecting President Tinubu’s broader reforms in government agencies.
