President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated two influential Nigerians, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Anna Adeola Makanju, Vice President for Global Impact at OpenAI, on their inclusion in the Devex Power 50 List for 2026.
The duo were selected alongside 48 other global leaders, including Ghana’s President John Mahama, for their contributions to shaping international development.
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President Tinubu commended the achievements of Pate and Makanju, describing the recognition as “well-deserved” and praising their roles in raising Nigeria’s profile globally.
“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,” he said.
The Devex Power 50 is an annual list identifying the 50 most influential people, organisations, and initiatives shaping the future of global development.
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Prof. Pate, formerly Global Director for Health, Nutrition, and Population at the World Bank, was recognised for his leadership in improving healthcare access in Nigeria, with a focus on sourcing health products domestically.
Devex noted that his advocacy extends beyond Nigeria, aiming to reform international global health infrastructure, making him one of the most recognised health ministers in Africa and globally.
Anna Makanju, who leads model deployment, policy, and governance at OpenAI, was highlighted for her influence over next-generation AI systems and their impact on global development.
Devex noted her work in guiding governments on AI adoption, drafting early AI guardrails, and advising leaders on balancing innovation with public safety. Makanju previously served as Special Adviser to US President Joe Biden.
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President Tinubu urged both honorees to continue striving for excellence in their fields, contributing to global development and further enhancing Nigeria’s international standing.