ABUJA, Nigeria – The new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has unveiled ambitious plans to elevate 133 million Nigerians from their impoverished state.
Revealing these intentions on Monday, August 21, 2023, during her first meeting with the heads of agencies under the ministry, Edu emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to this cause, insisting that the goal is achievable through various interventions and poverty reduction initiatives.
She commented, “Our primary objective remains unswerving: to bring 133 million Nigerians out of poverty. It’s an enormous task, but one we will undertake in a phased manner, step by step. With unwavering determination and collective will, we can transform this vision into reality.”
Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that 65% of Nigerians currently live in multidimensional poverty, reflecting the urgent need for action.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, in his tenure, had pledged to pull 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.
Despite his efforts, this ambitious goal remained elusive by the end of his administration.
Taking over from her predecessor, Sadiya Umar Farouq, Minister Betta Edu now faces the formidable challenge of addressing the poverty crisis that continues to grip many Nigerians.
Her initial declarations signal a renewed commitment from the Federal Government to bring about tangible change in the lives of its citizens.
Wike FCT, Umahi Works, Keyamo Aviation: Tinubu Unveils Ministerial Portfolios
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu disclosed the portfolios of his ministers on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.
According to details provided by Aso Rock sources to The Trent, 13 nominees have been designated as Ministers of State, with a few new ministries also being introduced.
Here are some of the notable appointments:
- Communications, Innovation And Digital Economy: Bosun Tijani
- Finance And Coordinating Minister Of The Economy: Wale Edun
- Power: Adebayo Adelabu
- Transportation: Adegboyega Oyetola
- Industry, Trade and Investment: Doris Anite
- Innovation Science and Technology: Uche Nnaji
- Women Affairs: Uju Kennedy
- Works: David Umahi
- Aviation and Aerospace Development: Festus Keyamo
- Federal Capital Territory: Nyesom Wike
- Defence: Muhammed Badaru
This reshuffle has sparked discussions regarding President Tinubu’s direction in his administration, especially with the creation of new portfolios and the noticeable absence of three ministerial nominees.
There are also murmurs in political circles regarding the potential ramifications of the Senate’s decision to withhold confirmation based on security checks.
The new Ministry of Marine And Blue Economy and Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy have been created.
However, it was observed that three prominent names – a former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai; a former national women leader of the All Progressives Congress, Stella Okotete; and a ministerial nominee from Taraba state, Danladi Abubakar – were conspicuously absent from the list.
The Senate had earlier withheld the confirmation of the trio due to ongoing security checks.
