President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigeria’s newly appointed ministers to work collaboratively in tackling the nation’s pressing issues, stressing the importance of service and commitment. The appeal was made during the swearing-in ceremony of seven ministers in Abuja, following the swift review and approval by the National Assembly.
“Service is the hallmark of this human endeavour; you are being called upon to serve,” Tinubu stated, emphasizing the collective responsibility to drive Nigeria’s progress. The President voiced optimism regarding Nigeria’s economic trajectory, declaring, “Economic recovery is on the horizon.” He underscored that the government’s efforts are not only for the present generation but also for the future, saying, “We have a good path to realise our dreams, not just for us, but for our children and grandchildren.”
Acknowledging the challenges, including the high cost of living, Tinubu highlighted recent strides, such as implementing a new minimum wage and reducing debt servicing from 97% to 65% of revenue.
The newly sworn-in ministers include:
- Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction
- Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour & Employment
- Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
- Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment (Trade and Investment)
- Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development
- Yusuf Ata, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development
- Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad, Minister of State for Education
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for their efficient review process, which facilitated the prompt induction of the new cabinet members.
Ministers Share Their Vision and Commitment
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, appointed as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, thanked President Tinubu for her role and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy. She noted the importance of harnessing the talents and resources of young Nigerians and the Diaspora, who contribute $22 billion in remittances annually, to strengthen ties with international financial institutions.
Jumoke Oduwole, the new Minister of Trade and Investment, acknowledged the importance of President Tinubu’s trade agenda. She highlighted the need to maximize opportunities from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for Nigerian businesses, retain domestic investment, and aggressively attract new investments to boost Nigeria’s economy.
President Tinubu’s address and the ministers’ commitments reflect a unified approach toward revitalizing Nigeria’s economy and addressing social challenges, as the new ministers prepare to take on their portfolios with a focus on service, innovation, and collaborative progress.
