Profile of Ajuri Ngelale, career achievements, net worth

Ajuri Obari Ngelale is a renowned Nigerian broadcast journalist, media expert and politician.

He served as the presidential spokesman to President Bola Tinubu and previously held the role of Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He was also a co-principal spokesperson for Bola Tinubu’s successful 2023 presidential campaign.

Profile details

Name: Ajuri Obari Ngelale

Born: November 13, 1986

Place of birth: Platteville, Wisconsin, USA

Nationality: Nigerian

Education: University of Kansas, USA

Relationship status: Married

Career: Journalist

Early life

Ngelale was born in Platteville, Wisconsin, United States, to Chief Precious Osaro Ngelale, a Nigerian of Eleme origin, and Diane Ngelale, a German-American.

His mother served as the Social Welfare Director in Rivers State under Governor Melford Okilo, and his father, a geologist and politician, served in the Rivers State House of Assembly until the 1983 coup led by General Muhammadu Buhari.

Education

After the coup, the family moved to the United States. Ngelale later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA.

Journalism career

Ajuri Ngelale began his journalism career with Africa Independent Television (AIT) as a youth corps member.

His investigative reporting, along with his public affairs documentaries ‘State of the Nation,’ and ‘Diary from the Delta,’ earned him recognition.

After leaving AIT in 2016, he joined Channels Television and became known for his work on the public policy discussion program ‘Sunrise Daily’.

Politics

In 2019, he transitioned into politics, becoming the lead media content producer for the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election.

Following the victory, in 2019, he was appointed Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs to President Muhammadu Buhari.

In this role, he was instrumental in managing public communications and developing strategies to effectively convey the government’s policies and initiatives. His tenure in this position lasted until Buhari’s departure from office in 2023.

In October 2022, Ngelale was appointed co-principal spokesperson for the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Organization.

His role was crucial in shaping the campaign’s messaging and public engagement strategies, contributing to the success of the campaign.

Following Bola Tinubu’s election as President of Nigeria, Ngelale was appointed as the official spokesperson on July 31, 2023.

As a spokesperson for the President, Ajuri Ngelale became the face of the government’s messaging, frequently addressing the media and citizens on matters of national importance.

His role also expanded to include crafting strategic communication efforts for Nigeria on both domestic and international platforms.

He became the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action in May 2024 and played a significant role in Nigeria’s green initiatives, including leading Project Evergreen, Nigeria’s first green industrial zone.

Resignation

On September 7, 2024, Ajuri Ngelale resigned from his role as the presidential spokesman to address medical issues affecting his immediate family.

Personal life

Ajuri Ngelale comes from a diverse background, with Nigerian and German-American roots.

He is happily married and values his family life, though he prefers to keep much of his personal life private.

Despite his high-profile career, he maintains a balanced personal life and remains committed to his family while advancing his professional responsibilities.

He is known for his commitment to public service and environmental advocacy, particularly his work on climate action in Nigeria.

He has often participated in live interviews, radio shows, and press briefings, presenting himself as an approachable figure in the political landscape.