Gift Johnbull
Gift Johnbull | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | September 11, 1991 Jos, Plateau State. |
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Employer | Federal Government of Nigeria |
| Title | SSA on Community Engagement for the South–South region to Nigeria Government |
| Political party | All Progessive Congress |
| Website | https://www.giftjohnbull.org |
Gift Johnbull (born 11 September 1991) is a Nigerian politician, development advocate, and Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Community Engagement for the South–South region. She is known for her grassroots political organizing, agricultural empowerment initiatives, and advocacy for women and youth inclusion in governance.[1]
Early life and education
Gift Johnbull was born on 11 September 1991 in Jos, Plateau State, and raised in Effurun, Delta State. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Resource Management from the National Open University of Nigeria and a Master of Science in Strategy and Security Administration from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Conflict, Security, and Strategic Studies at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja.[2]
Career
Political engagement and civic activism
Johnbull gained prominence as a grassroots political organizer through civic engagement initiatives, including the "Get Your PVC" voter registration campaign in Cross River State. She served on key political committees during the APC Presidential Primaries and delegate selection processes.[3]
She has held roles in several civil society organisations, including as National Coordinator of the Aspire Young Women Forum,[4] where she led empowerment programs for young women. She also participated in the APC Progressive Youth Conference in 2021, mobilizing over 3,000 participants.
Appointment as Senior Special Assistant
In 2023, Johnbull was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Community Engagement for the South–South zone. Her responsibilities include fostering dialogue between federal authorities and grassroots communities, and ensuring inclusive representation of marginalized groups.[3]
She launched two flagship initiatives: Community Voices, a monthly townhall-style feedback platform across 123 LGAs; and Project Earn From The Soil, a ₦10 billion agricultural empowerment initiative targeting over 500,000 smallholder farmers, women, and youth across six South–South states.[5][6]
As of March 2025, Johnbull reported over 100,000 farmers participating in wet-season planting through agricultural cooperatives, focusing on strategic crops like cassava, maize, rice, and oil palm.[7] The programme promotes cooperative farming, solar-powered cold storage, and market linkages.
She has also advocated for renewed investment in palm oil production as a driver of economic growth and job creation in the South–South.[8]
Recognition
Johnbull has been recognized among the “100 Leading Personalities in Africa” and has received several awards for her humanitarian and community development work, including the Unsung Humanitarian Hero Award and the Community Advocate of the Year Award.
See also
References
- ^ Godsknow Pereye (20 February 2025). "Gift Johnbull: Championing South-South engagement in Tinubu's administration". The Sun Nigeria – News. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "How Gift is driving community engagement in South South Nigeria". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. 2024-07-07. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
- ^ a b Ewepu, Gabriel (19 February 2025). "Gift Johnbull: Championing South-South engagement in President Tinubu's administration". Vanguard. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
- ^ Akor, Ojoma (7 March 2021). "A woman may succeed Buhari, says Zainab Marwa". Daily Trust. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ Nzor, Ernest (22 September 2024). "FG set to enhance food security in South-South". The Guardian Nigeria. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
- ^ Ewepu, Gabriel (11 September 2024). "FG targets over 500,000 smallholder farmers with Project Earn From The Soil". Vanguard. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
- ^ "We're transforming South-South farmers, lands into food powerhouse – FG". Vanguard. 10 March 2025. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
- ^ "Palm oil production: Tinubu's initiative to reignite economic growth in the South-South – Johnbull". Vanguard. 3 March 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2025.