Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Presidential Spokesperson, Chief Ajuri Ngelale has announced his decision to take an indefinite leave of absence from his official duties.
The announcement came through a memo submitted to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Friday.
In his statement, Ngelale cited pressing medical issues affecting his immediate family as the primary reason for this decision.
“This agonising decision was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home,” Ngelale explained.
The leave of absence will impact Ngelale’s multiple roles within the administration.
In addition to his position as Presidential Spokesperson, he will also temporarily step away from his duties as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
Ngelale acknowledged the importance of his responsibilities, stating, “While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonising decision was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days.”
The duration of Ngelale’s absence remains uncertain, as he described it as an “indefinite leave.”
However, he expressed his intention to return to his national service roles once circumstances allow.
“I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit,” Ngelale added.
Read statement below:
STATEMENT
On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.
While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.
I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.
I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and I during this time.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
September 7, 2024
