SGF warns new ministers

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has cautioned the newly appointed ministers against pursuing personal, ethnic, and sectional interests.

President Bola Tinubu, on November 4, 2024, swore in seven ministers after earlier sacking five in October.

Those sworn in were Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment); Idi Maiha (Livestock Development), Yusuf Ata (Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development) and Suwaiba Ahmad (State, Education).

Others appointed were Dr Nentawe Yilwada (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction); Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (State, Foreign Affairs) and Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Investment).

Speaking at the opening of a two-day induction retreat for the new ministers in Abuja, Akume urged them to uphold the national interest in their dealings.

He said, “As ministers in your respective ministries, the President has entrusted you with the mandate of driving the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda for development, stability, and growth in your sector.

“You are, therefore, expected to shun personal, ethnic, and sectional interests and uphold our national interests.

“As ministers, your duties include upholding national cohesion and promoting peace for national unity and development.”

The SGF stated that the Tinubu administration aimed to tackle poverty, enhance security, drive economic diversification, and improve critical infrastructure, among other goals.

He urged the ministers to work as a cohesive and dedicated team to help achieve the president’s agenda.

The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Usman, said the retreat was designed as an intensive programme structured to provide the ministers with critical knowledge.

She said the exercise would equip them with the foundational understanding necessary to assume their duties effectively.

“This retreat is an opportunity for ministers to gain not only theoretical insights but also practical strategies that you can apply immediately.

“By the end of the two days, each of the ministers should be well-equipped to understand the ministerial roles and align with the goals of Tinubu’s administration,” he said.