By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the appointment of an eminent journalist, Olatunji Bello as the chief executive officer (CEO) and executive vice-chairman (EVC) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
His appointment was made public in a statement issued by the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale on Monday.
Ngelale in the statement noted that Tinubu’s decision to appoint Bello as the CEO and EVC of FCCPC was hinged on his leadership qualities.
Tinubu said he expects Bello will ensure the holistic realisation of FCCPC’s mandate of protecting and promoting the interest and welfare of Nigerian consumers and ensuring the adoption of measures to guarantee the safety and quality of goods and services.
The appointment of Bello is however pending confirmation by the Senate. Bello is a lawyer, administrator, and renowned journalist.
He is also a former secretary to the Lagos State Government, a former Commissioner for Environment in the same State land holds a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos. He studied Law at the same university and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002.
Bello began his career in journalism at the Concord Newspapers in 1985 and held the positions of Group Political Editor; Sunday Concord Editor, and Editor, of National Concord.
He is a winner of the US Alfred Friendly Press Fellowship and was appointed the Chairman of the Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers in 2001.
As earlier stated, he has also served as Commissioner for Environment under various administrations in Lagos State.
Bello’s appointment comes six months after Tinubu removed Babatunde Irukera as the CEO and EVC.
Irukera was appointed director general (DG) of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in April 2017, however after the transition of the CPC into the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in December 2019, he became the EVC.
