Politics

Tinubu to Wike, Umahi, others: You’re ministers of Nigeria not states

President Bola Tinubu has charged the 45 newly inaugurated ministers of to prioritise the interests and welfare of the entire nation and its diverse population, above any regional or state-specific considerations.

Tinubu tasked the new ministers to meet the expectations of Nigerians for a renewed socio-economic development, saying his administration came at a time the country needed renewal and reforms in all ramifications.

The president stated this after the inauguration of the ministers at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja on Monday, August 21, 2023.

He said: “Nigerians expect you to hit the ground running just as we had promised them during our campaigns. With your inauguration today, you have become ministers of the Federal Republic not ministers of a particular state or region.

“Nigerians expects a lot and they deservedly want to see changes in their lives. You are now in the same boat with me and they expect that their lives would take a new and better turn.”

President Tinubu said the new ministers reflected the different diversities of the country and were chosen for their track record of success and achievements in their various fields of endeavours.

Tinubu added: “The challenges we face today are daunting but we have the opportunity to implement long-due reforms that would bring about peace, safety, and prosperity of our people as contained in our renewed hope agenda.

“We are about to accelerate our governing efforts, move forward and realise our aspirations for Nigerians. Tremendous responsibilities follow this appointment and all of you are expected to contribute your quota to deliver accountable, efficiently, and effective service to Nigerians.

“Your assignment begins immediately and you must work to make yourself worthy of God and the people to make Nigerians believe that the right hands are chosen. I believe in you and government can be a progressive way to gain public confidence and trust.”

Those sworn in are former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT); Wale Edun (Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy); Adegboyega Oyetola (Marine and Blue Economy); David Umahi (Works); Festus Keyamo (Aviation and Aerospace Development); and Betta Edu (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation).

Others include Bosun Tijani (Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy), Ishak Salaco (State, Environment and Ecological Management), Adedayo Adelabu (Minister of Power), Tunisia Alausa (State, Health and Social Welfare), Dele Alake (Solid Minerals Development), Lola Ade-John (Minister of Tourism), Sa’idu Alkali (Transportation), and Bunmi Tunji-Ojo (Interior).

Also sworn in are Doris Anite (Industry, Trade and Investment), Uche Nnaji (Innovation Science and Technology), Nkiruka Onyejeocha (State, Labour and Employment), Uju Kennedy (Women Affairs), Abubakar Momoh (Niger Delta Development), Ekperikpe Ekpo (State, Petroleum Resources — Gas), and Heineken Lokpobiri (State, Petroleum Resources — Oil), among others.

The Star