President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Anna Adeola Makanju, Vice President of Global Impact at OpenAI, following their inclusion on the Devex Power 50 list for 2026.
The annual list recognizes 50 influential individuals, organizations, and initiatives that are significantly shaping the future of global development. The Nigerian pair was selected alongside other prominent international figures, including Ghanaian President John Mahama.
In a statement addressing the achievement, President Tinubu described the recognition as a well-deserved honor that reflects the caliber of talent within the country and its diaspora.
“By their nomination, Pate and Makanju have made Nigeria proud. The honour is another testament to the infinite talents and potentials that abound in Nigeria and among Diaspora Nigerians,” President Tinubu said.
Prof. Pate, a former global director at the World Bank, was cited by Devex for his leadership in improving healthcare access and his efforts to localize the production of health products in Africa. The organization also noted his role in advocating for reforms within the international global health infrastructure, labeling him one of the most recognized health ministers on the continent.
Anna Makanju was recognized for her pivotal role in the governance and deployment of artificial intelligence. As a former Special Adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden, she now leads OpenAI’s outreach to global governments, focusing on the creation of AI guardrails that balance technological innovation with public safety.
President Tinubu encouraged both recipients to remain committed to their fields, urging them to continue driving developmental impacts that resonate on a global scale.
