CITIZENS COMPASS – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, swore in seven new ministers into his cabinet with a charge that they were called to serve.
The new ministers were expected to join Mr President at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.
The seven were earlier confirmed by the Senate on October 31, 2024 after a screening exercise.
They all took an oath of office in batches of four and three after their citations were read by the State House Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr Abiodun Oladunjoye.
The Ministers names were Idi Maiha (Minister of Livestock Development); Yusuf Ata (State, Housing and Urban Development); Dr Suwaiba Ahmad (State, Education) and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (State, Foreign Affairs).
Others were Dr Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment), Dr Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction); and Muhammadu Dingyadi (Minister of Labour and Employment) took their oaths before the President.
In a major cabinet reshuffle on October 23, Tinubu approved the re-assignment of 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios, discharged five others and nominated seven new ministers for onward transmission to the Senate for confirmation.
In his address, the President urged the new cabinet members to remain focused amidst fierce criticism as they serve the country at a critical time.
He noted, “The moment is challenging; the present situation requires a very serious commitment. I really appreciate the fact that you have taken the oath of office and are ready to serve your nation at a time when we are facing the challenges of economic growth and other items like security challenges and others.
“You will be part of criticism and abuse. Don’t worry; stay focused and stay resilient. Your thanks will come with the history of growth and prosperity for this country.”
While congratulating the new ministers, Tinubu thanked the National Assembly for conducting the screening “diligently and expeditiously.”
“You are called upon to join the team to rescue this country. Again, I congratulate the newly sworn-in seven ministers, and I thank you for accepting to serve this nation,” he said.
Tinubu also noted that Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from around 97 per cent when he assumed office 17 months ago to 65 per cent today.
“For us, it was a challenge when the nation serviced its debt with 97 per cent of its revenue. It’s nothing but the end of the cliff.
“But today, I can report to you that we brought that one down, and it is at 65 per cent, and we have never defaulted in paying or meeting all obligations, both foreign and domestic.
“We have our heads above the water. All other countries around us and across the world are facing challenges, too.”
