Abuja, Oct. 23, 2024 (TheGavel) – In a bold move aimed at strengthening his administration, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday relieved five ministers of their duties, appointed seven new ministers, and restructured several key ministerial portfolios. The shake-up is part of Tinubu’s efforts to enhance the government’s capacity to meet the expectations of Nigerians and accelerate development initiatives.
Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made the announcement during a briefing with State House correspondents following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The ministers dismissed include Barr. Uju-Ken Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John, the Minister of Tourism; and Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education. Others affected are Abdullahi Gwarzo, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development.
In their place, President Tinubu has appointed seven new ministers, each awaiting Senate confirmation. The appointees include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, and Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Additional appointments include Dr. Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment; Idi Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development; Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.
In another significant development, Tinubu has restructured the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, renaming it the Ministry of Regional Development. This new ministry will oversee the activities of all Regional Development Commissions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the South East Development Commission, the North East Development Commission, and the North West Development Commission.
To further streamline governance, Tinubu approved the dissolution of the Ministry of Sports Development, transferring its functions to the National Sports Commission. This move is part of the government’s strategy to develop a vibrant sports economy.
Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Tourism and the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture have been merged into a new entity, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy. This merger aims to foster growth in Nigeria’s burgeoning creative and cultural industries.
The reshuffle also saw the reassignment of 10 ministers to new portfolios. Dr. Yusuf Sununu, formerly the Minister of State for Education, is now the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, while Dr. Morufu Alausa, formerly Minister of State for Health, assumes the position of Minister of Education.
Other key reassignments include:
- Barr. Bello Goronyo, from Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation to Minister of State for Works.
- Hon. Abubakar Momoh, from Minister of Niger Delta Development to Minister of Regional Development.
- Uba Ahmadu, from Minister of State for Steel Development to Minister of State for Regional Development.
- Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, from Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment to Minister of State for Finance.
- Sen. John Enoh, from Minister of Sports Development to Minister of State for Trade and Investment (Industry).
- Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, from Minister of State for Police Affairs to Minister of Women Affairs.
- Ayodele Olawande, from Minister of State for Youth Development to Minister for Youth Development.
- Dr. Salako Adeboye, from Minister of State for Environment to Minister of State for Health.
President Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the outgoing ministers for their dedication and service to the nation and extended his best wishes for their future endeavors. He urged the newly appointed ministers, as well as those reassigned to new portfolios, to see their roles as a vital call to serve Nigeria at a critical time.
“All appointees must understand the administration’s eagerness and determination to set Nigeria on the path to irreversible growth,” Tinubu stated, emphasizing the need for dedication and focus in the execution of government policies and programs.
The President charged his team to channel their best efforts into actualizing the government’s priorities for national development.(NAN)
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