National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Vice President, North Central Zone, Akoshile Mukhtar has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the nomination of Mrs Omolola Oloworaran for the position of Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
This is coming in response to criticisms claiming that the nominee lacks the “15 years cognate experience in pension matters” required by the Pension Reform Act.
Mukhtar addressing the criticisms in a statement, provided a detailed defense of the nominee’s qualifications, stressing that “cognate experience” should be understood as relevant experience in financial management and investment, areas in which the nominee has significant expertise due to her extensive career in banking.
“Cognate experience means having relevant experience, and in the case of the president’s nominee, she has plenty of it,” Mukhtar stated. “Having worked all her life in banking qualifies her to handle pension matters, which are essentially about financial management and investment.”
Mukhtar further explained that Chief Executive positions require broad experience, particularly in decision-making roles, which the nominee possesses through her senior roles in the banking sector. “Leading a Chief Executive position demands broad experience, especially in decision-making roles. The nominee’s extensive background in senior banking roles equips her to manage the complexities of the PenCom effectively,” he said.
Mukhtar applauded President Tinubu for his inclusive approach to appointments, highlighting that Tinubu has appointed more women and young persons to positions of authority than his predecessors. “The council commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing more women and young persons to positions of authority than his predecessors. This progressive step reflects a commitment to diversity and empowerment within Nigerian leadership,” Mukhtar noted.
Mukhtar reaffirmed NYCN’s support for the nominee, urging stakeholders to focus on her qualifications and potential to drive positive change in the pension sector.
“The National Youth Council of Nigeria continues to stand by President Tinubu’s appointments, emphasizing that merit, experience, and capability should be the primary criteria for such critical roles, regardless of age or gender,” he said.
