By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has welcomed the appointment of Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart as Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), describing him as the right choice to strengthen relations between the Executive and the Legislature.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker congratulated the new presidential aide and commended President Tinubu for what he described as another demonstration of sound political judgement. 
Speaker Abbas said the President had once again shown his confidence in capable hands by appointing Olanrewaju-Smart, who previously served as his Chief of Staff before joining the Presidency in 2023 as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Intergovernmental Affairs.
Before working with Abbas, Olanrewaju-Smart was Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who is now Chief of Staff to the President.
Congratulating the appointee, the Speaker described the elevation as well deserved, citing his years of dedicated service and extensive knowledge of legislative processes.
He said Olanrewaju-Smart is “the right person for the job”, adding that the appointment was “well-deserved.”
According to the Speaker, the new presidential adviser has consistently demonstrated commitment to duty, professionalism and a deep understanding of parliamentary procedures and democratic governance.
He further described Olanrewaju-Smart as “not only brilliant and a model of integrity but also a hardworking and patriotic young Nigerian.”
Speaker Abbas expressed optimism that the appointment would deepen collaboration between the Presidency and the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives.
He said he was particularly encouraged by Olanrewaju-Smart’s role as the liaison officer between both arms of government, noting that it would further strengthen cooperation and cordial working relations between the Executive and the Legislature.
The Speaker also wished the new adviser success in his assignment and prayed for divine guidance, wisdom and strength as he assumes his new responsibilities.
Olanrewaju-Smart holds a doctorate in Educational Management from Lead City University, Ibadan, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University. He is an Edward Mason Fellow in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, a LEAPS Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and a Policy Fellow at Quantum Alliance AI in the United States, where his work focuses on artificial intelligence and civic technology. He also holds a professional diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Public Relations.
