By Iyemah David
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has appointed former Nigeria’s Vice-President Professor Yemi Osinbajo as Senior Strategic Adviser to Director-General Jean Kaseya, reinforcing leadership capacity for continental health priorities efforts.
The announcement was made by the Director of Communication and Public Information at Africa CDC, Margaret Edwin, in a statement issued to newsmen.
Mrs Edwin explained that the appointment aligned with the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda aimed at strengthening Africa’s voice in global health, boosting domestic financing and expanding local production of health commodities.
She said Prof. Osinbajo would advise on Africa’s positioning in global health architecture reforms, sustainable health financing, local manufacturing, and building strategic partnerships to advance continental health resilience and cooperation goals broadly.
She said that the former vice-president brought exceptional experience across governance, finance, law, and diplomacy, adding his leadership would be critical as Africa sought greater authority in shaping its health future.
“This appointment reflects Africa CDC’s commitment to mobilising African leadership of the highest calibre in service of the continent’s health security, sovereignty, and development,” she said.
Mrs Edwin added that his experience in public policy and governance would support efforts to build resilient health systems across African Union member states, particularly in pandemic preparedness, prevention and response initiatives.
Osinbajo, a Professor of Law, served as Nigeria’s vice-president from 2015 to 2023, contributing to policy and governance reforms during his tenure.
He also served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, where he played significant roles in legal administration and institutional reforms within the state government structure.
During his time in government, he chaired Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Committee, led ease-of-doing-business reforms, and advanced social investment programmes while coordinating key economic policies across multiple sectors nationwide and driving inclusive.
