President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated two prominent Nigerians, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate and Anna Adeola Makanju, following their inclusion in the Devex Power 50 List for 2026, a respected global ranking that highlights individuals and institutions shaping the future of international development.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on February 6, 2026, the President described their recognition as a proud moment for Nigeria, noting that their achievements reflect the country’s immense human capital and the growing influence of Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
Prof. Pate, who currently serves as Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, was honoured for his impactful work in advancing healthcare reform and strengthening health systems. With a distinguished career that includes serving as Global Director for Health, Nutrition and Population at the World Bank, Pate has consistently advocated for improved access to quality healthcare, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa.
His recognition on the Devex Power 50 list highlights his leadership in promoting domestic production of health commodities and pushing for reforms in global health financing and infrastructure. He has been vocal about the need for African nations to build resilient health systems capable of responding to both local and global health challenges. Through policy reforms and strategic partnerships, he has worked to expand healthcare coverage, improve service delivery, and ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind.
According to the Devex citation, Pate’s influence extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. His efforts to reshape conversations around international health systems and equity in global health governance have earned him recognition as one of the most influential health leaders on the African continent and internationally.
Anna Adeola Makanju was also named on the 2026 list for her significant role in shaping global conversations around artificial intelligence and its impact on development. As Vice President of Global Impact at OpenAI, she oversees model deployment, policy development, and governance, while engaging governments and institutions worldwide on responsible AI use.
Before her current role, Makanju served as a senior adviser in the United States government, where she was involved in policy formulation at the highest level. Her experience in public service and technology governance has positioned her as a bridge between innovation and public policy.
The Devex Power 50 recognition notes that Makanju has emerged as a key figure in defining how next generation artificial intelligence systems will influence global development. She has played a leading role in global outreach efforts, working with policymakers to design early frameworks and guardrails that balance technological advancement with safety, ethics, and public interest considerations.
Her work reflects the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in areas such as economic development, education, healthcare, and governance. By advising global leaders on responsible AI adoption, she contributes to shaping a future where technology supports inclusive growth and sustainable development.
President Tinubu praised both honourees for exemplifying excellence, innovation, and dedication in their respective fields. He stated that their achievements underscore the depth of talent within Nigeria and among Nigerians living abroad. The President described their global recognition as a testament to the nation’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to critical international conversations in health, technology, and development.
He further urged Prof. Pate and Makanju to continue striving for excellence and to remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing human development worldwide. According to the President, their accomplishments serve as inspiration to young Nigerians and professionals across sectors who aspire to make a global impact.
The Devex Power 50 is an annual, curated list that identifies 50 of the most influential individuals, organisations, and initiatives shaping the direction of global development. The list spans leaders in government, international institutions, philanthropy, finance, public health, and emerging technologies. Inclusion on the list is widely regarded as recognition of both influence and sustained commitment to addressing global challenges.
For Nigeria, the presence of two citizens on the 2026 list reinforces the country’s growing relevance in international development discourse. It highlights contributions from both the public sector, through health system reform and policy innovation, and the private and technology sectors, through responsible governance of transformative technologies like artificial intelligence.
As global development continues to evolve amid economic, health, and technological shifts, the roles played by leaders such as Prof. Pate and Anna Makanju demonstrate how Nigerian expertise is helping to shape solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Their recognition on the Devex Power 50 list not only celebrates individual achievement but also reflects Nigeria’s broader potential to influence global progress.
