Tunji Bello: Profile of new FCCPC CEO

Olatunji Bello (born July 1, 1961) is a distinguished lawyer, environmentalist, political scientist, journalist, and the current Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources under the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Administration in Lagos State. A native of Lagos, he has built a diverse and impactful career in various fields.

Educational Background

Bello holds a BSc in Political Science from the University of Ibadan, graduating in 1984. He earned a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy (ML.D) from the University of Lagos in 1987. Additionally, he obtained a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Lagos in 2000 and qualified as a Barrister at Law (BL) from the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, in 2001.

Media Career

Tunji Bello began his media career at the defunct Concord Press of Nigeria, advancing rapidly to the position of Editor. Starting as a Features Writer, he served as Assistant Features Editor and became Politics Editor at the age of 27. He later became the Editor of both the Sunday and Daily titles of the Concord Newspapers Group. In 2000, he was appointed Chairman of the Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspaper. His international experience includes positions as a Staff Writer with the St. Petersburg Times in Florida and the US News & World Report in Washington DC in 1992.

Political Career

As a student, Bello was Vice President of the University of Ibadan Students Union, advocating for democracy since the 1980s. His national political career began as the Special Assistant to Bashorun MKO Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, Presidential election. He became a member of NADECO, the Nigerian pro-democracy group active from 1993 to 1999, fighting for the actualization of democracy in Nigeria.

After the transition to democracy in 1999, Bello joined the cabinet of Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, serving as Head of the Signage and Advertising Agency (LASSA) and Commissioner for Environment in 2003. In July 2011, he joined Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration as Commissioner for Environment, serving until May 29, 2015. Under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration, he was appointed Secretary to the State Government from May 29, 2015, to 2019. He continues to serve in the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration as Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, starting in 2019.

Awards

Bello has received numerous awards, including the Alfred Friendly Press Fellowship in the United States and the Concord Press Award for Excellence and Bravery in Journalism. He has also been honored with the University of Ibadan Distinguished Alumnus Award, the University of Lagos Distinguished Alumni Achievers Award of Excellence, and recognition from the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the UNDP for his contributions to environmental sustainability in Lagos State. He has authored one book and contributed to four others.

Personal Life

Bello is married to Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who has served as the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University since September 2021.