AU appoints Atiku’s aide, Phrank Shaibu, to Agenda 2063 Governing Council

2026-02-04 - 18:29

The African Union (AU) has appointed Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Hon. Phrank Shaibu, as an Ambassador and inducted him into the Governing Council of the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063. The induction ceremony took place on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in Abuja. Agenda 2063 is the African Union’s 50-year strategic framework (2013–2063) designed to transform Africa into a global powerhouse through inclusive and sustainable development, continental integration, and the promotion of Pan-Africanism. The initiative serves as a blueprint for achieving “The Africa We Want,” with emphasis on economic growth, democratic governance, peace and security, and cultural identity. Shaibu’s appointment was conveyed in a letter dated November 18, 2025, and signed by the President of the Pan-African AU, Ambassador Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel. According to the letter, his nomination followed a review of his professional contributions and was in recognition of his “outstanding excellence as an educationist, administrator, academic and businessman.” The letter stated in part: “After a distinguished review of your exemplary contributions to national development and your invaluable service under various political leaders in Nigeria, it is with profound honour that we convey your nomination into the advisory council of the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission. “In addition, the Governing Council is pleased to further nominate you to serve as an Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Mission—a role reserved for exceptional leaders whose influence, intellect and integrity embody the spirit of the African Union Agenda 2063.” Shaibu, a teacher, journalist, and public relations and crisis communication expert, has nearly three decades of combined experience across media, education and public service. He currently serves as Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria. The appointment underscores the AU’s drive to engage professionals from diverse backgrounds in advancing the goals of Agenda 2063 across the continent.