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Athena Centre Inaugurates Gidado Idris’ Institute of Governance and Public Policy
The Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership has inaugurated the Alhaji Gidado Idris Institute of Governance and Public Polic.
Chief Osita Chidoka , the Founder and Executive Director of Athena Centre announced this in a Statement made available on Wednesday .
He said the institute would serve as the Centre’s principal platform for research, policy dialogue and engagement on institutional effectiveness, public-sector reform and accountability.
“The new Institute which is named in honour of Alhaji Gidado Idris, whose career in public service reflected integrity, administrative competence and a deep commitment to the Nigerian state will serve as our principal platform for research, policy dialogue and engagement,” he said.
Chidoka also announced four senior leadership appointments including three institute directors and a new Head of the Athena Election Observatory as part of a broader leadership expansion drive.
He said the appointments Prof. Temitayo Shenkoya, a Public Policy expert from Chungnam National University, South Korea. as Director of Arthur Nwankwo Institute for Education and Intellectual Freedom.
Dr Danjuma Iyaji, a health economist and monitoring, evaluation, research and learning specialist will serve as
Director of Olikoye Ransome-Kuti Institute for Health and Social Equity
Iyaji holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Benin, and an MBA in Finance and an MSc in Economics.
He recently served as Research and Advocacy Manager at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He has published more than 26 peer-reviewed articles.
Dr Izuchukwu Anyanwu,
a Public Policy Analyst from the University of Abuja was appointed Director, Alhaji Gidado Idris Institute of Governance and Public Policy
Anyanwu, an author of over 30 peer-reviewed articles and policy publications, was a Senior Research Fellow at the Athena Centre, while Sarah Eke will
Head the Athena Election Observatory
Eke holds a First Class degree in French and Literary Studies from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and has more than six years of experience in programme management, election audits, governance and public policy analysis.
Chidoka said the appointments brought together academic depth, policy experience and practical institutional knowledge.
“Each leader will take responsibility for a clearly defined area of Athena’s programme from education and health reform to governance, public-sector performance, election audits and electoral data analysis.
“I congratulate Professor Shenkoya, Dr Iyaji, Dr Anyanwu and Sarah Eke on their appointments. I look forward to the work ahead,” he said.