October 01, (THEWILL) – Jennifer Adighije has surfaced from oblivion and currently plays an important role in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She has been appointed a Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship Development in Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to the president. Many have wondered why Tinubu chose to add the once upon a time socialite to his large cabinet which is already bursting at its seams. Well, she is the daughter of Abia Senator, Chris Adighije, a member of the second national assembly. He is also the chairman, governing council and pro-chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja and more importantly, a staunch chieftain of the All Progressives Congress who worked assiduously for Tinubu’s victory at the polls.
In addition, Tinubu felt she had something to offer in his government, being a graduate of Electronics Engineering from the University of Lagos with an M.Sc in Telecoms Networks from Queen Mary University of London. Her appointment is as good as a round peg in a round hole. Unlike most graduates who hardly practise what they studied in the university, Jennifer began her career in Globacom upon her return to Nigeria and later moved to Helios Towers Nigeria as Head, Project Management Office.
Her appointment with Helios however ended in a not so pleasant manner. Her employment was unfairly terminated, which led her to institute a court case against the company. She won the case and was awarded N13.5 million in damages by the Industrial Court, Ikoyi, Lagos. This was in 2013. Perhaps her unpleasant experience in the private sector led to her exploring entrepreneurship. She floated a fashion house, House of Silk and after years of hugging the limelight, she went under the radar. Her going into oblivion may not be unconnected with her becoming a key player in the Procurement Department at the Central Bank of Nigeria until her very recent appointment. Jennifer used to be married to Obiora Okolo but since she surfaced from oblivion, she has had to drop her marital name, suggesting that she is back in the singles club.
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