In a call for unity and dedication to the nation, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has cautioned Nigeria’s newly appointed ministers against pursuing personal, ethnic, or sectional interests.
This statement came as President Bola Tinubu’s administration swore in seven new ministers following a cabinet reshuffle on October 23, 2024.
The reshuffle saw five ministers removed and the addition of Maigari Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, Idi Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development, Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, and Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.
Dr. Nentawe Yilwada was named Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
During a two-day induction retreat in Abuja for the new ministers, Akume urged them to align their roles with the administration’s “renewed hope” agenda, prioritizing development, stability, and growth in their respective sectors. He underscored that their duty as ministers includes fostering national cohesion and unity.
“As ministers in your respective ministries, the president has entrusted you with the mandate of driving the administration’s renewed hope agenda. You are expected to shun personal, ethnic, and sectional interests and uphold our national interests,” Akume stated.
The SGF highlighted that Tinubu’s administration remains focused on reducing poverty, enhancing security, fostering economic diversification, and improving critical infrastructure.
Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, explained that the induction retreat is an intensive programme aimed at equipping the ministers with the knowledge and strategies essential for their roles.
“This retreat is an opportunity to gain both theoretical and practical insights, providing you with the foundational understanding necessary to assume your duties effectively,” Usman said.
By the conclusion of the retreat, ministers are expected to be fully prepared to align with Tinubu’s administration and drive the president’s agenda across their sectors.