The newly nominated Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has paid a visit to the former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Simon Bako Lalong.
Naija News recalls that Lalong had resigned his position in Tinubu’s cabinet as the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity to take up a position as a Senator in the National Assembly.
Lalong had also backed Yilwatda to succeed him as Plateau Governor when the newly nominated Minister clinched the gubernatorial ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Following his nomination earlier today, Yilwatda has paid what many describe as a thank you visit to Lalong at his residence.
Simon Lalong and Yilwatda
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has announced that his office is actively collaborating with the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to carry out the presidential directive on the merger and winding down of several ministries.
In a statement released Wednesday night in Abuja, Akume confirmed that directives have been issued to facilitate the implementation of the President’s approval.
He stressed that all handover and takeover processes must be completed by Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
Outgoing ministers without successors should transfer their duties to the respective Permanent Secretaries.
Akume further explained that the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, along with the winding down of the former Ministry of Sports Development, is being overseen by both the SGF’s office and the Head of Civil Service.
He also highlighted that the renaming and expanded mandate of the former Ministry of Niger Delta Development has taken effect immediately. Relevant supervising authorities and commissions under the new ministry have been notified.
Permanent Secretaries have also been instructed to ensure a smooth transition and to submit one copy of the handover notes to the SGF for record-keeping.