Nigeria’s human capital development is at a critical juncture. With 180 million Nigerians lacking access to clean cooking fuels, and over 98,000 women dying annually from the harmful effects of cooking with firewood, the need for change is undeniable. This is where the HCD Programme Accelerator Project, Fuuku, among others, comes into play: a transformative […]
Sagir Balarabe is the Special Advise, Human Capital Development to the Governor of Kaduna State. He has held this specific role across multiple state administrations acting as a core figure in shaping human capital policies and developing strategy relevant to advancing social inclusion, skills and youth empowerment.
In his capacity as both Special Adviser, Human Capital Development and Focal Person, he oversees interventions intended to optimize public wellbeing, livelihood and workforce productivity across the State which gave Kaduna its recognition as a regional champion of HCD during Buhari’s administration and a centre for peer learning.
He is also a member of the State Executive Council and the State Skills Development Council chaired by the Executive Governor.
His strategic focus on inter-sectorial policy alignment which entails giving technical support and collaboration with State relevant HCD-MDAs, and developing core pillars and strategies for tracking progress of indicators tied strictly to foundational human metrics targeting healthcare, education, and social intervention programs.
Nura Suraj holds a B.Sc. in Economics/Political Science obtained in 2002 and a Master’s Degree in Banking and Finance (MBF) obtained in 2010 from Bayero University Kano.
He was born on 16th October 1976 in Gusau Local Government Area.
He attended Sarkin Kudu Suleiman Primary School, Gusau, from 1982 to 1987; Government Science Secondary School, Gusau, from 1988 to 1993; and Bayero University Kano from 1997 to 2002 and again from 2009 to 2010 respectively. He completed his National Youth Service in Abuja in 2003.
Currently, Nura Suraj serves as the Honourable Special Adviser to the Zamfara State Governor on Human Capital Development.
He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Ahmadu Bello University, a B.Sc. in Accountancy from University of Maiduguri, a Diploma in Computer Science from Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, a National Diploma in Accountancy from Ramat Polytechnic, and a Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Accountancy from Nigerian College of Accountancy. These qualifications led to his membership in the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), with registration number 5209. Other professional qualifications he holds include being a Fellow Certified Chartered System Accountant Global and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
He has 39 years of working experience, comprising 30 years in the state and federal civil service and 9 years in non-governmental organizations (NGOs). He served in various ministries, departments, and agencies in Yobe State in different capacities. He served as the State Accountant General from 2016 to 2020 and was later appointed Permanent Secretary of the Yobe State Ministry of Finance from 2020 to 2022, a position he held until his retirement in December 2022 after attaining the mandatory 35 years of service.
A few months after his retirement, he was appointed as the Focal Person to coordinate the activities of Human Capital Development (HCD) in the state. He has served in this role since the first phase of the Human Capital Development programme (HCD 1.0), and his appointment was renewed during the second phase of the programme (HCD 2.0).
He is an indigene of Yobe State, hails from Fune Local Government Area, and was born on 15 August 1963. He is a Muslim.
Hon. Jerome Jibatswen Luka is an administrator, entrepreneur, and human capital development advocate. He graduated from the Department of Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University in 1995. He is currently pursuing an MPA at HBI University USA and a PGD in Economics at Kwararafa University. He worked with the National Economic Reconstruction Fund and founded Wajava Constructions Nigeria Limited, Jeyake Enterprise, Amacoat Enterprise, and Amafindi Trading South Africa. Through Kwararafa Galaxy Club and as Board Chairman of the Human Capital Development Agency, he has championed skills acquisition and manpower development programmes across Taraba State.
Idowu Olakanmi Ogedengbe is a seasoned financial and sustainable development expert and administrator currently serving as the Executive Assistant (Administration) to the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde. First appointed to the role in July 2019 during the Governor’s first term, he was reappointed in June 2023 following the administration’s second-term inauguration.
His profile is characterized by a strong background in investment strategy and economic research. He also serves as the Oyo State Focal Person on Human Capital Development and is a member of the Human Capital Development 2.0 Committee under the National Economic Council.
Before transitioning into public service, Ogedengbe built a robust career in the Nigerian financial sector, specializing in portfolio management and investment research. His notable previous roles include Group Head Investor Relations for UBA and Executive Director at Dunn Loren Merrifield Securities Limited. He holds a BSc degree in Economics from the University of Lagos and a BSc degree also in Economics from the Obafemi Awolowo University. He is a Chartered Stockbroker and Pension Fund Administrator.
Mrs. Alice Yetunde Esan is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget and Development, Osun State, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration.
She is a seasoned development-focused administrator, she has championed human capital investments through her roles in the Ministries of Health, Education, and Agriculture. As a World Bank-Certified PforR Focal Person, she coordinated the COVID-19 Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme and led the State Fiscal Transparency and Accountability initiative. Her certifications in Result-Based Management (UNICEF), Gender-Responsive Economic Policy Management (UNIDEP), and Health Sector Financing position her uniquely to drive Osun State’s HCD 2.0 agenda toward measurable, inclusive human capital outcomes.
Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, Hon. Commissioner for Budget & Planning and Ogun State HCD Focal Person, is an ambitious professional with leadership and public financial management expertise and extensive banking experience. He holds a BSc in Accounting and MBA in Finance from the University of Lagos and is a Fellow of ICAN, CITN, and ACCA-UK. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Forensic Accountant, IFRS expert certified by AICPA, and certified Management Consultant by CMD. Versatile with ERM, banking, and audit software, he built a robust career in financial services, managing complex projects and rising to general management in top banks.
Ogun State has built strong HCD institutions since 2020. After appointing a Focal Person, the State Steering and Technical Committees were established in October 2020. Benefiting from the HCD/ECOWAS Grant, the State migrated to HCD 2.0, focusing on Primary Healthcare, Basic Education & Skills, and Labour Force Participation & Livelihood. HCD 2.0 was mapped and mainstreamed into the State Medium Term Sector Strategy and Annual Budget.
Mustapha is Niger State’s Commissioner for Budget and Planning, a seasoned fiscal policy expert, development economist, and transformation specialist. He is the founder of the African Centre for Tax and Governance (ACTG) and a co-founder of several Nigerian startups. A licensed tax practitioner, he brings extensive experience from the Federal Inland Revenue Service of Nigeria, spanning audit, advisory, and tax policy research.
Mustapha serves as an advisory member to the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) and previously coordinated Africa’s regional engagement with the UN High-Level Panel on Financial Accountability, Transparency, and Integrity (FACTI). He has collaborated with the Tax Justice Network, ICTD, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, and GIZ, among others.
He holds a BSc in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University and a Master’s in Tax Policy and Administration from the Berlin School of Economics and Law. He is completing a PhD in Commercial Law at the University of Cape Town.
Habiba Balarabe Suleiman F.hcd, FESMI (Ms.) is the pioneer Director-General and Focal Person of the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency (NSHCDA), where she leads the institutionalization and advancement of human capital development strategies at the sub-national level in Nigeria.
With prior experience as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and State Focal Person on Human Capital Development (2019–2023), as well as Special Assistant on Gender and Mobilization (2017–2018), she has played a central role in shaping inclusive, multi-sectoral policies that drive education, health, and economic empowerment outcomes.
Her leadership has delivered flagship initiatives such as the N500M Youth Revolving Fund and the Employability and Entrepreneurship Training Programme, strengthening workforce readiness and expanding opportunities for young people. She is also the founder of the Fatima Zara Foundation, advancing community-based interventions for vulnerable populations, particularly women and youth.
Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih is a healthcare and sustainable development leader with over 20 years of experience in public health advocacy, policy, and management. A graduate of the University of Lagos College of Medicine, she also holds an Executive MBA from Lagos Business School/IESE Spain and certifications from institutions including Harvard Medical School. As Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, she played a key role in strengthening healthcare delivery in Lagos State, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board and Finnih Medical Centre further advanced healthcare management and emergency response systems. Currently serving as Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, she is driving the integration of SDGs into Lagos State’s development agenda, championing gender equality, women’s empowerment, and strategic partnerships to promote sustainable and inclusive development.
Abbas Iliyasu Karaye is a Director in the Ministry of Planning and Budget, Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, with years of experience in public sector planning, fiscal policy, and budget management. He plays a key role in the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of the State’s Annual Budget in alignment with the State Development Plan.
His core responsibilities include coordinating the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) processes, appraising capital projects, and ensuring the alignment of MDAs’ proposals with the State Development Plan. He possesses technical expertise in budget analysis, monitoring and evaluation of capital projects, and coordination of donor-funded programmes, including World Bank-assisted projects such as NG-CARES. He has contributed to improving budget transparency through the timely preparation of reports to the Governor and the State Assembly. He holds a B.Sc. in Economics from Bayero University, Kano, and has attended specialized trainings on Public Financial Management, IPSAS, and Results-Based Budgeting.
As a Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in the Ministry of Planning and Budget, he monitors capital budget implementation, verifies project delivery across MDAs, and provides data that guides government decisions on resource allocation and performance. He also leads the State M&E team in monitoring MDAs, producing quarterly performance reports for the Government, and providing technical guidance on Results-Based Budgeting to strengthen accountability and the delivery of the State Development Plan. He participated actively and effectively as the Human Capital Development (HCD) 1.0 Focal Person for Kano State in driving the HCD Agenda within the State.
Ibrahim Babangida Umar is a distinguished financial strategist and the current Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Jigawa State, with over two decades of experience in commercial and mortgage banking.
His transition into public service has positioned him as a key driver of fiscal reforms, transparency, and disciplined public resource management in the State. His expertise spans fiscal policy, infrastructure financing, institutional reforms, and public financial management.
He has also championed Human Capital Development (HCD) through strategic investments in youth empowerment, vocational training, education, and scholarship programmes. Under his leadership, Jigawa State has strengthened its development planning and expanded social investment initiatives, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of citizens while promoting sustainable economic growth and improved public service delivery.
He brings over 15 years of experience in education, leadership, and project management, having served as a faculty member in various universities and as a Project Director across education, health, livelihoods, democracy, and governance projects in Nigeria, Pakistan, and South Sudan.
He has extensive experience in teaching and research, as well as in setting up and managing country offices for donor-funded projects, including the management of operations, grants, finance, and security platforms. He possesses strong technical capacity in conducting research in the physical sciences and in the design and implementation of education, health, livelihoods, democracy, and governance projects, alongside state and non-state capacity development interventions.
He is highly experienced in research documentation, multi-donor reporting, procurement, and grant management requirements, including those of USAID, the World Bank, DFID, DFATD, German Technical Cooperation, and foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Chevron, and Johnson & Johnson. He also has experience working in conflict and post-conflict settings in Northeast Nigeria.
Currently, he serves as the Special Adviser to the Governor of Gombe State on Donors and Development Partners Coordination, the Gombe State World Bank Portfolio Focal Person, and the Gombe State Human Capital Development (HCD) Focal Person.
Agbeyo Olugbenga Ebenezer is the Special Adviser on Human Capital Development and Allied Matters to the Governor of Ekiti State. In this role, he provides strategic leadership and policy direction for the implementation of Human Capital Development initiatives across the state.
He has served as the State Focal Person for the Human Capital Development (HCD) Programme over the last four years, coordinating multi-sectoral collaboration among labour and social development stakeholders to drive measurable outcomes in line with national HCD goals. Under his coordination, Ekiti State strengthened its institutional framework and data systems for human capital planning and service delivery.
Human Capital Development, being the third pillar within the six key sustainable development pillars of the Ekiti State Government, has benefited from his instrumental role in aligning state-level programmes with this priority. His work focuses on building a productive, skilled, and healthy workforce to accelerate inclusive economic growth in the state.
With extensive experience in public sector coordination, programme implementation, and stakeholder engagement, he is committed to advancing the HCD 2.0 agenda to improve human capital outcomes for all citizens of Ekiti State.
Hon. Dr Odaro Ize Omoregie is renowned human and economic capital development expert. Both in his private and public services globally. He owns the UK recognized London college for technical and vocational education CIC, Feligrace limited and a UK based charitable organization the Shatteredlives. Also, here in Nigeria, he owns the only oil & gas training institution in Benin City Edo State known as Gold-sack maritime treasure oil & gas institution which has developed human capital for the oil & gas industry.
In his continual engagements in Human and economic capital development projects/programmes, he has serviced Edo State and Nigeria in various capacities, including but not limited to, member Edo State Environmental Management Board, Member Edo State price monitoring and consumer protection Board, Chairman F&GPC Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja and currently Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Human Capital Development as well as Edo State Focal person on Human Capital Development.
Mr. Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen is a distinguished financial expert and seasoned public administrator with over three decades of high-level experience in corporate finance, economic development and public policy. As Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning in Delta State, he drives the implementation of fiscal policies and developmental frameworks in alignment with the “MORE” Agenda of Governor Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori.
His career is defined by a deep commitment to institutional reform, economic recovery, human capital development and sustainable growth of Nigeria’s socio-economic sector. Since August 2023 when he was appointed as a Commissioner, Mr. Ekedayen has spearheaded Delta State’s economic planning, leveraging his extensive background in strategic finance to facilitate state-level growth.
Before his current appointment, he held several pivotal leadership roles within the Bank of Industry (BOI) Limited, where he influenced the trajectory of SME development across Nigeria.
Professor Aliyu Alhaji Jibrilla is an Economist, academic, and public policy specialist with extensive experience in university administration, research, institutional coordination, and human capital development. He currently serves as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Adamawa State University, Mubi, and as the Adamawa State Human Capital Development (HCD) Focal Person.
He previously served as Head of Department, Deputy Dean, Director of Distance and E-Learning, and Manager, Research, Capacity Building, and Operations at Adamawa State University Consultancy Services Limited.
As State HCD Focal Person, Professor Jibrilla coordinates inter-sectoral engagement on HCD Strategy 2.0 implementation in Adamawa State. In response to the absence of a standalone HCD implementation budget, he promoted an integration approach that encouraged Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to mainstream HCD priorities within sector programmes, budgets, and development interventions. His work focuses on strengthening policy coordination, education, health systems, workforce development, institutional alignment, and evidence-based planning for sustainable socioeconomic development.
Pastor Eno Jerry Eze (PhD) is a Human Resource Management professional and public service reform expert. She currently serves as Chairman, Abia State Civil Service Commission and State Focal Person for Human Capital Development (HCD 2.0), driving reforms to build a merit-based, technology-enabled civil service for efficient service delivery.
She has led key initiatives including recruitment of healthcare workers, hosting the 44th National Council Meeting of Civil Service Commissions, and advancement of a Civil Service Academy and HRMIS for digital transformation of public service in Abia State.
Her expertise includes human resource management, strategic communication, governance reform, change management, and human capital development. She is Managing Director of Jeno Management Solutions, designing HR strategies for organisational growth. She also serves as the co-chariman of the Jerry Eze Foundation. She holds a PhD in HRM, a Master’s in International HRM, and an MBA.
