The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in seven new ministers to his cabinet at the Council Chamber of the State House, FCT, Abuja.
The new cabinet members took the oath of office in two batches, which were; four in the first batch and three in the second. Shortly after their citations were read by the State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, the first four appointees took their oath of office and this batch included Idi Maiha -Minister of Livestock Development, Yusuf Ata -Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, Dr Suwaiba Ahmad -Minister of State, Education, and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu -Minister of State, Foreign Affairs.
After the first batch, the second batch which included; Dr Jumoke Oduwole -Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda -Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Muhammadu Dingyadi -Minister of Labour and Employment, also took their oath of office before the President.
In his speech, President Tinubu reminded the new ministers that they will be abused and criticized, but they should remain focused and not distracted.
The President also said that his administration has stopped scavengers of the nation’s resources and will completely do the same thing to profiteers and smugglers across the country.
He sited that he was obvious of the fact that cost of living has gone up, adding that the present situation calls for a very serious commitment. Tinubu assured that his administration would not run away from the challenges and responsibilities, assuring that he will face them headlong.
He further commended the National Assembly for diligently and expeditiously living up to expectations by performing its constitutional duty of screening and confirming the ministers on record time.
Tinubu went further to state; “The moment is challenging, the present situation calls for a very serious commitment. Yours is a duty to serve and that is what you’ve got to do.
I really appreciate the fact that you have taken the oath of office and ready to serve your nation at the time we are facing the challenges of economic growth and other items like security challenges and others. It is not easy to find just the unique people that will surrender their life, freedoms and other responsibility to serve their nation anytime in this time of challenges. I am sincerely happy that you have done that and that you are here today to be part of a very committed team of Nigerians who have been working tirelessly since 17 months ago that we assumed the responsibility of governing this country, you are called upon to join the team to rescue this country."
“Service is the hallmark of this human path, you are being called upon to serve. Economic recovery is on the horizon. We have a good path to achieve our dreams and it is not just only for us , it is for our children and grandchildren.”
The President mentioned that the economic challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria only, dishing that neighbouring countries and countries across the world are facing the same challenges as we are.
“In fact, there’s a lot of crime in Europe and America. What pandemic has brought to the economies of the world, but we are navigating through this and we are working hard. You will be part of criticism and abuse, but don’t worry, stay focused, stay resilient. Your thank Will come with the history of growth and prosperity for this country.”
In conclusion Tinubu re-emphasized; “It is my joy and honor to be part of you to be responsible for over 200 million people in this county. We have taken the bull by the horn. We have stopped the scavengers. We are going to stop completely the profiteers and smugglers of our resources across the country."
“We are not going to run away from our responsibility, we are going to face it as we have been facing it head on. With you as a member of this team, I am proud and honored that I am leading you and we will lead the country and our people to success and prosperity. All I can say is welcome onboard, this ship will not sink.”
