Bankole Adeoye
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Bankole Adeoye
| image = Bankole Adeoye (2022).jpg
| caption =
| office = African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security
| term_start = March 2021
| predecessor = Position established (merger of Political Affairs and Peace & Security portfolios)
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1959|9|9}}
| birth_place = Lagos, Nigeria
| nationality = Nigerian
| spouse = Gwendolyn Adeoye
| children = 2
| education = * B.A. in Political Science and History, Obafemi Awolowo University (1982)
* M.Sc. in Political Science, University of Lagos (1987)
* Postgraduate Certificate in Diplomatic Studies, University of Oxford (1991)
| occupation = Diplomat
| known_for = Promoting African governance, peace, security, and development initiatives
| awards = Commonwealth Chevening Scholar
}}
Bankole Adeoye (born 9 September 1959) is an African diplomat from Nigeria with over three and a half decades of experience in foreign policy and diplomatic practice. He currently serves as the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, a position he assumed in March 2021 following his election at the 34th AU Summit in February 2021.{{Cite web |last=Kodjo |first=Tchioffo |title=Press Release: Commissioner Bankole Adeoye Recognised for Contributions to Peace and Stability in Somalia -African Union - Peace and Security Department |url=https://www.peaceau.org/en/article/press-release-commissioner-bankole-adeoye-recognised-for-contributions-to-peace-and-stability-in-somalia |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=African Union,Peace and Security Department |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-02-25 |title=East Africa : AU Commissioner Bankole Adeoye faces re-election challenge |url=https://www.africaintelligence.com/eastern-africa-and-the-horn/2025/02/12/au-commissioner-bankole-adeoye-faces-re-election-challenge,110374548-art |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Africa Intelligence |language=en}}
Early life and education
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Adeoye hails from Ogun State. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from the Obafemi Awolowo University (previously University of Ife) in 1982 and a Master of Science in Political Science from the University of Lagos in 1987. In 1991, he received a Postgraduate Certificate in Diplomatic Studies with distinction from the University of Oxford, England, as a Commonwealth Chevening and British Council Scholar.
Career
Adeoye's diplomatic career includes several key positions:
- Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the AU and UNECA; Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti (2017–2020): He led Nigeria's mission in Addis Ababa, participating in AU processes and fostering bilateral cooperation with Ethiopia and Djibouti.
- Chief of Staff to the CEO and Director of Corporate Services at the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (2007–2015): During his secondment to NEPAD, he coordinated partnerships and external relations, contributing to Africa's development agenda.
- Director in the International Organizations Department, Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2015–2017): He oversaw Nigeria's multilateral engagements within the UN system, focusing on human rights, humanitarian, social, economic, and financial matters.
Throughout his career, Adeoye has been posted to various countries, including Egypt, Brazil, South Africa, and Ethiopia, enhancing Nigeria's diplomatic relations and contributing to continental initiatives.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-04 |title=FM Gedion meets with AU-PAPS Commissioner Bankole Adeoye to discuss preparations for the upcoming AUSummit |url=https://www.fanabc.com/english/fm-gedion-meets-with-au-paps-commissioner-bankole-adeoye-to-discuss-preparations-for-the-upcoming-ausummit/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Welcome to Fana Broadcasting Corporate S.C |language=en-US}}
Contributions and Advocacy
As AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Adeoye advocates for Africa's transformation through effective governance, durable peace, security, and sustainable development. He emphasizes the nexus between peace, security, and development, promoting the implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Governance Architecture (AGA). Adeoye is a proponent of "African Solutions to African Problems" and is committed to actualizing Agenda 2063—"The Africa We Want."{{Cite web |date=2025-02-18 |title=After resolutions on Sudan, DRC at African Union summit, analysts urge swift action |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/analysts-urge-swift-action-after-resolutions-on-sudan-drc-at-african-union-summit-/7979599.html |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}
Personal life
Adeoye is married to Gwendolyn Adeoye, and they have two daughters.
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://au.int/en/commissioners/he-amb-bankole-adeoye Adeoye's profile] in African Union website
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