President Bola Tinubu has sworn in seven new ministers at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, Nigeria. The Senate recently confirmed these ministers after a screening process on Wednesday last week in which they were questioned about their assigned portfolios.
The newly appointed ministers are:
- Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda: Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction
- Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi: Minister of Labour and Employment
- Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
- Dr. Jumoke Oduwole: Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment
- Idi Mukhtar Maiha: Minister of Livestock Development
- Yusuf Abdullahi Ata: Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development
- Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad: Minister of State for Education
During the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, November 4, President Tinubu reminded the ministers that they would face criticism and challenges but urged them to remain focused and committed to serving the nation. He emphasized the need for serious commitment to addressing the current economic difficulties, stating that his administration is working diligently to tackle these issues.
President Tinubu expressed pride in leading the new team, promising that the ship of the Nigerian state will not sink under his watch. He also thanked the National Assembly for expeditiously confirming the ministers and acknowledged the country’s pressing issues, including economic growth, security, and the rising cost of living.
The new ministers are expected to begin their roles immediately. Their appointments follow President Tinubu’s dismissal of five previous ministers about two weeks ago, which created the vacancies now filled by the new officials.
Notable of the minister is Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu – widow of the late Biafran leader, Gen. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. He was born on November 4, 1933, and died in 2014. The new minister will be marking today’s posthumous birthday celebration of her late husband while also familiarising herself with the office and role of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
President’s Remarks
“I appreciate the fact that you have taken the oath of office and are ready to serve your nation when we face the challenges of economic growth and other items like security.
“It is not easy to find just the unique people that will surrender their lives, freedoms, and other responsibilities to serve their nation anytime in this time of challenges. I am sincerely happy that you have done that and are here today to be part of a very committed team of Nigerians who have been working tirelessly since 17 months ago when we assumed the responsibility of governing this country. You are called upon to join the team to rescue this country.
“Service is the hallmark of this human endeavor; you are being called upon to serve. Economic recovery is on the horizon. We have a good path to realize our dreams, and it is not just for us; it is for our children and grandchildren.
“Yes, the cost of living has gone up. I recognize that, and we have satisfied the obligation of paying a new minimum wage across the board.”
President Tinubu said it was a challenge when the country was servicing its debt with 97% of its revenue, pointing out that debt servicing has been reduced to 65%. It has not defaulted in paying or meeting its foreign and domestic obligations.
The President said Nigeria’s economic challenges are not peculiar to it, noting that neighboring countries and countries worldwide are facing the same challenges.
“There’s a lot of crime in Europe and America. What the pandemic has brought to the world’s economies, but we are navigating through this and working hard. You will be subject to criticism and abuse but don’t worry. Stay focused, stay resilient. Your thanks Will come with the history of growth and prosperity for this country.
“It is my joy and honor to be part of you and responsible for over 200 million people in this county. We have taken the bull by the horns. We have stopped the scavengers. We will stop the profiteers and smugglers of our resources across the country.
“We are not going to run away from our responsibility; we are going to face it, and we have been facing it head-on.
“With you as a member of this team, I am proud and honored that I am leading you, and we will lead you to success and prosperity. All I can say is welcome onboard; this ship will not sink.”
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