FULL PROFILE: Meet new Power Minister-designate, Joseph Tegbe
When the Presidency announced Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the Power Minister-designate, those familiar with his background and pedigree were elated and applauded President Bola Tinubu for the strategic appointment. However,
When the Presidency announced Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the Power Minister-designate, those familiar with his background and pedigree were elated and applauded President Bola Tinubu for the strategic appointment.
However, what may not be known to many is that the Power minister-designate is not only a technocrat but also a consummate politician.
He currently holds the position of Director General and Global Liaison at the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, overseeing efforts to strengthen development cooperation between Nigeria and China.
The presidency said the latest nomination is expected to strengthen ongoing reforms in the power sector, with a focus on improving grid stability and attracting investment.
If confirmed, Tegbe is expected to contribute to policy implementation and address challenges in electricity supply nationwide.
According to the statement, Tegbe’s mandate is to strengthen reforms, and it points to better implementation of frameworks by agencies like the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), especially on tariffs, metering and market rules.
Another challenge before Tegbe is improving grid stability and focusing on reducing outages through better coordination and upgrades, particularly within the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Popularly called Tegbe within political circles, the 1988 first-class, civil engineering graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), came to limelight in the build up to the 2019 general elections, when he sought to succeed the late ex-governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Here are key things to know about Tegbe:
Tegbe was born on March 21, 1966 to the family of Pa Joseph Adejinmi Tegbe of Labo, Ibadan and Mrs Rhoda Olubunmi Tegbe (nee Ibikunle) of Akogun Ibukunle family in Orile-Owu.
Tegbe is of Ibadan ancestral descent from Jegede compound, Labo, Ibadan.
He is a first cousin of friend Professor Babatunde Tegbe, who retired from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The Tegbes have their Village locality of origin as Akiode via Olorunda in Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State and they belong to the St. David’s Cathedral Church, Kudeti, Ibadan.
Tegbe is a 1988 first-class graduate in civil engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University.
He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
He had his early education in St Mary’s RCM School, Oyo.
After his education at Federal Government College, Ogbomosho, and Obafemi Awolowo University, he gained about 35 years of experience in business strategy.
He is also an alumnus of Lagos Business School, Nigeria; INSEAD France; Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Harvard Business School. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA); Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (FCIT) and Certified in Governance Enterprise IT (CGEIT).
He is a Christian of Anglican background and a member of the RCCG Jesus Embassy Parish, VGC.
He is married to Mrs Abimbola Tegbe (née Ayandipo of Ogbomoso descent), and they have two sons.
Through the Tegbe Foundation, he supports non-profit and community development initiatives across the country.
He was the senior partner and head of advisory services at KPMG in Africa, with a portfolio and responsibilities that included the Middle East.
He has worked for many Fortune 500 companies and African conglomerates, advising on strategic planning, investment, and portfolio reviews.
He also led subnational governments, such as Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Benue, and Bayelsa, in investment drives to South Africa, Denmark, China, India, Singapore, and the UAE.
Tegbe has an extensive and wide range of experience, spanning about 30years leading/managing various projects in institutional transformation, sector and organizational reforms, strategy formulation, blueprint development & implementation, and ERP/IT solution review & implementation.
Prior to his extensive consulting experience, he has worked as Tax Consultant, led and managed various Audit engagement on major local and multinational companies, FMCG, Oil and Gas and Manufacturing sectors in KPMG.
He also has experience in Accounting from his experience as the Head of Materials Accounting for Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), (1991-1992 as contract staff). He is an active member of and consultant to the Infrastructure and Human Capital Development Policy Commissions of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Member of Ikoyi Club; Ibadan Recreation Club.
In addition, he is the current Chairman of the National Council for Management Development (NCMD); Chairman of the Boards of Trustees of Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA)
He is a member of the Ikoyi Club and the Ibadan Recreation Club, and serves on various corporate boards.
