Wike appoints new media aide

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has appointed Mr. James Olayinka as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media.

The appointment, which takes effect immediately, was announced in a statement issued on Friday by Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press for the Office of the Minister.

Olayinka, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in journalism, public relations, and media management, will be responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies aimed at boosting public awareness of government initiatives and activities.

Part of the statement read, “The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has appointed Mr Olalere James Olayinka as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, with immediate effect.

“Mr Olayinka, a seasoned media and communications professional, brings over 20 years of experience in journalism, public relations, and media management. His career spans a wide range of roles in both the public and private sectors.

“As Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Mr Olayinka will oversee the development of communication strategies to improve public awareness of government activities and facilitate stronger engagement between the FCT Administration and the public.”

Born on October 1, 1972, Olayinka hails from Okemesi, Ekiti State, and is a graduate of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos, where he obtained a diploma in Journalism. He is married with children.

Until his appointment, he held several positions, including Chief Executive Officer of Our Peoples FM, Ado-Ekiti, from 2018 to date; Publisher, Wazobia Reporters Online; Special Assistant on Public Communications to the Governor of Ekiti State (2014–2018); Director-General of the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (2014–2018); Media Adviser to the Minister of State for Works in 2018; and Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Class Magazine (2003–2007).

News360 Nigeria reports that Olayinka is the fifth aide appointed by the FCT minister since he assumed office in August 2023, having previously appointed Senior Special Assistants on Land, Urban and Regional Planning, Legal and Multilateral Relations, Administration, and Environment and Waste Management.