Hakeem Muri Okunola has been appointed as the Principal Secretary to President Bola Tinubu, according to a statement from the Presidency. Mr. Okunola previously served as the Personal Assistant to President Bola Tinubu during his tenure as governor of Lagos State and most recently as the Head of Civil Service of Lagos State.
With over 25 years of experience in law and public service, Hakeem Muri Okunola brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. His appointment coincided with President Tinubu's nomination of Jamila Bio Ibrahim as Minister for Youth and Ayodele Olawande as Minister of State for Youth.
Mr. Hakeem Olayinka Muri-Okunola was born on January 7, 1972, in Lagos Island. He holds a Law degree from Lagos State University and a Master's in International Business Law from the University of London. His career has spanned legal practice, where he served as Company Secretary / Legal Adviser at Ibile Holdings Limited, and roles in government, including as Executive Secretary of the Land Use and Allocation Committee and Permanent Secretary, focusing on streamlining land administration and improving efficiency.
In 2015, he became Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, where he initiated crucial reforms and strengthened social welfare and child protection systems. Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola is an active member of professional and social clubs and served as the 21st Head of Service of Lagos State in December 2018. His interests include sports, water activities, and enjoying quality family time
