Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, has congratulated Ambassador Florence Ajimobi on her appointment as Nigeria’s Governor on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors for the 2026–2028 term.
Ajimobi’s appointment followed Nigeria’s election to the 35-member IAEA Board during the 70th Regular Session of the agency’s General Conference in Vienna, Austria.
Reports published on Saturday confirmed that she will represent Nigeria in deliberations covering the agency’s programmes, nuclear safety and security, safeguards, peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, and international cooperation.
Reacting to the development in a statement on Sunday, Alli described the appointment as a significant diplomatic achievement for Ajimobi and a source of pride for Oyo State.
He said it also offered Nigeria an opportunity to strengthen its participation in international discussions on the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology.
“This is not only a personal achievement for Ambassador Ajimobi but also a proud moment for Oyo State and Nigeria.
“Her appointment reflects the confidence reposed in her ability to contribute to critical global discussions on nuclear science and technology,” Alli said.
Ajimobi currently serves as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Austria and Permanent Representative to the IAEA and other international organisations in Vienna.
Her new responsibility adds a formal role within the IAEA’s governance structure to her existing diplomatic assignment.
The IAEA Board of Governors comprises 35 member states and is one of the agency’s principal policy-making organs.
It considers the agency’s programmes and budget, reviews membership applications, approves safeguards agreements and safety standards, and helps appoint the Director General, subject to approval by the General Conference.
Alli said Nigeria’s membership of the Board would provide the country with a stronger platform to advance its interests in areas where nuclear science and technology can contribute to development.
According to him, such areas include healthcare, agriculture, energy, environmental protection and scientific research.
He urged Ajimobi to deploy her diplomatic experience towards supporting initiatives that could expand access to nuclear medicine, strengthen food security and promote cleaner energy solutions in Nigeria and other developing countries.
“Ambassador Ajimobi’s appointment comes at a time when the world is seeking safer, cleaner and more sustainable solutions to its energy and development challenges.
“I am confident that she will bring her expertise, integrity and commitment to the board and make Nigeria proud,” he said.
Nigeria’s participation on the IAEA Board also comes as the country continues to pursue international cooperation in the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology.
The Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority recently participated in the IAEA’s 70th General Conference in Vienna, where discussions focused on nuclear safety, security and the responsible use of nuclear technology for sustainable development.
Alli further commended the Federal Government for supporting Nigeria’s representation on the Board, describing the development as evidence of the country’s continued engagement in international diplomacy.
He wished Ajimobi a successful tenure and called on people and institutions in Oyo State to celebrate the appointment as another instance of the state’s contribution to national and international affairs.
Ajimobi is the widow of the late former Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, who governed the state from 2011 to 2019.
