Bankole Adeoye


Bankole Adeoye 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 African Union [Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security|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.

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 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 : 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 : 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 : 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.

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 and the African Governance Architecture. Adeoye is a proponent of "African Solutions to African Problems" and is committed to actualizing Agenda 2063—"The Africa We Want."

Personal life

Adeoye is married to Gwendolyn Adeoye, and they have two daughters.