Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Seeks Partnership with First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Poverty Reduction

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Seeks Partnership with First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Poverty Reduction

The newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has announced plans to collaborate with Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to advance poverty reduction initiatives across the country. This came after a closed-door meeting at the State House in Abuja, where the Minister provided updates on recent humanitarian activities, including the release of minors who had been detained for participating in protests.

Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive, the released minors have been returned to their respective states and handed over to state governments. Professor Yilwatda informed the First Lady about this development, expressing gratitude for the President’s swift intervention and assuring support for the minors’ reintegration, including educational provisions from various state governors’ offices.

In an interview after the meeting, Professor Yilwatda highlighted the purpose of his visit, emphasizing the importance of partnership with the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to drive poverty alleviation efforts. "We’re here to build a partnership to reduce poverty, especially among vulnerable groups, including women, which aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda," he stated. 

He further explained that collaboration with RHI would enable the ministry to reach more individuals in need, focusing particularly on women, youth, and children. "Partnership is key to poverty reduction in Nigeria, and we aim to expand humanitarian services to all," he added.

The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to uplift economically disadvantaged communities nationwide. He commended RHI’s ongoing programs, which have already made significant impacts on women, youth, and children, and looks forward to scaling these initiatives with the ministry’s support.

Professor Yilwatda was one of seven ministers sworn in by President Tinubu on November 4, 2024, tasked with executing the administration’s ambitious poverty reduction mandate.

Signed:

Busola Kukoyi  

SSA Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria  

November 5, 2024