Abuja, Nigeria — In an unexpected development, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has resigned from his role to attend to urgent health challenges within his nuclear family. The announcement came on Friday during a briefing at the Presidential Villa, where Ngelale confirmed his decision to step down and proceed on a leave of absence.
In his statement, Ngelale expressed deep regret at leaving his post but underscored the pressing nature of his family’s health situation, which he said requires his full attention. He added that after careful deliberation with both medical experts and his family, it became clear that immediate intervention was necessary to address the challenges at hand.
“It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation from this noble office. Serving President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people has been an honor. However, I must prioritize the well-being of my family, which is currently facing serious health concerns,” Ngelale said during the announcement.
Sources close to the presidency noted that Ngelale has been grappling with balancing his demanding official duties with the growing personal strain of managing his family’s health crisis. While the specifics of the health issues remain private, it was confirmed that Ngelale will be taking an indefinite leave to ensure that he can be fully present for his family during this critical time.
Chief Ngelale’s tenure as the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media was marked by his dedication to enhancing communication between the presidency and the public. He played a key role in articulating the administration’s policies and initiatives, often serving as the spokesperson during critical national moments. His exit leaves a significant void in the president’s media team.
In response to the resignation, President Tinubu commended Ngelale for his commitment and service to the nation, expressing his understanding of the personal nature of Ngelale’s decision. The President assured that Ngelale’s contributions would not be forgotten and wished him well as he tends to his family.
It is yet to be announced who will take over the media advisory role in Ngelale’s absence, but insiders suggest that the presidency is already making plans to appoint an interim spokesperson to fill the gap.
As Ngelale prepares to take on this new chapter focused on his family’s health, his departure has stirred emotions among colleagues and the public alike, many of whom have expressed their support and understanding of his difficult choice.