By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
AMID MOUNTING economic pressures, President Bola Tinubu has urged seven newly sworn-in ministers to embrace the nation’s challenges head-on.
At the Council Chambers of Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, Tinubu charged the appointees to uphold a robust commitment to national service, especially in the face of rising economic constraints and security issues that have impacted Nigerians’ daily lives.
The newly appointed ministers include Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, tasked with alleviating poverty and advancing welfare programs; Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi as Minister of Labor and Employment, addressing job creation and fair labor practices; Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, appointed as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, responsible for strengthening diplomatic ties; and Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, focused on housing reforms.
Additional appointees are Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, to drive growth in Nigeria’s livestock sector; Jumoke Oduwole, now Minister of Trade and Investment, to stimulate economic opportunities; and Suwaiba Said Ahmad, taking on the role of Minister of State for Education, with responsibilities in educational reforms.
During the inauguration, Tinubu recognized the Senate’s swift response in confirming the appointees, highlighting the urgency with which the nation’s issues require resolution.
He noted the recent cabinet reshuffle aimed to bring in ministers capable of propelling the country towards economic stability and growth.
On Nigeria’s Economic Turbulence
Addressing the rising cost of living, Tinubu acknowledged the strain on citizens but reaffirmed that the recent minimum wage increase aims to provide relief.
He expressed confidence in the ministers’ abilities, cautioning them about potential public scrutiny and criticism but assured them that history would reward their dedication to national progress.
On Burden of Debt
On Nigeria’s debt management, Tinubu pointed out the reduction in debt servicing, which has decreased from 97% to 65%, as a sign of fiscal improvement.
Emphasizing Nigeria’s resilience, the President highlighted that the country has consistently met its foreign and domestic financial obligations without defaulting.
Tinubu reassured Nigerians of the administration’s dedication to surmounting challenges, drawing comparisons with economic issues globally, including in Europe and the United States.
Charge To The Ministers
Encouraging the ministers to embrace collaboration, Tinubu stressed that their duty extends beyond policy but involves lifting the Nigerian people.
He pledged that despite setbacks, Nigeria remains committed to recovery, growth, and sustainable progress, with his administration standing firm in the face of adversity, as he reinforced the importance of teamwork and national service while also urging the ministers to champion the nation’s welfare over personal interests.
