President Bola Tinubu has called on newly appointed ministers to join forces in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges. He delivered this message during the swearing-in ceremony for seven ministers in Abuja, which followed a swift review and approval by the National Assembly.
Emphasizing the importance of public service, Tinubu stated, “Service is the hallmark of this human endeavour; you are being called upon to serve.” His remarks underscore the critical role that government officials play in navigating the complexities facing the nation.
The President expressed optimism regarding the country’s economic recovery, declaring, “Economic recovery is on the horizon.” He highlighted the potential for progress, asserting, “We have a good path to realise our dreams and it is not just only for us, it is for our children and grandchildren.”
Tinubu acknowledged the hardships many Nigerians are experiencing, particularly the high cost of living. However, he pointed to some positive developments, including the recent implementation of a new minimum wage and a reduction in debt servicing from 97 percent to 65 percent of revenue.
The new ministers sworn in include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, among others.
Other appointees are Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment; Idi Mukhtar Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development; Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.
Tinubu took a moment to express gratitude to the National Assembly for their efficient review and approval process, recognizing the collaborative effort in advancing the country’s governance.
In her remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked President Tinubu for her appointment and reiterated her commitment to aligning with the government’s foreign policy objectives. “The President has made things easier by establishing a clear foreign policy direction,” she noted.
She emphasized the need to tap into the creative potential, skills, and capital of young Nigerians and the Diaspora to improve service delivery. Odumegwu-Ojukwu pointed out that the Diaspora contributes significantly to the economy, remitting approximately $22 billion annually, and proposed strategic partnerships with global financial institutions.
Meanwhile, Jumoke Oduwole acknowledged President Tinubu’s focus on trade and investment. She stressed the importance of optimizing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to benefit Nigerian businesses and emphasized the need to retain domestic investment while actively attracting new opportunities.
