The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity and the Official Presidential Spokesperson, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, has announced that he is taking an indefinite leave of absence from his official duties due to urgent family health challenges.
Ngelale made this announcement in a memo submitted to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Friday. He explained that the decision was made after serious discussions with his family.
“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 stated.
The leave of absence will affect Ngelale’s multiple roles in 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.
Acknowledging the weight of his responsibilities, Ngelale said, “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 his absence remains unclear, as Ngelale described it as an “indefinite leave.” Despite the uncertainty, he expressed his hope to return to his national service roles in the future.
“I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit,” Ngelale added.
