The newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, recently updated First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on the status of minors who were released after being arraigned for protests. These minors have been returned to their home states and placed in the care of state governments, following the directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Prof. Yilwatda disclosed this update during a closed-door meeting with the First Lady at the State House in Abuja. In a subsequent media briefing, he highlighted the purpose of the visit: to seek a partnership with the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in poverty reduction efforts, especially for vulnerable groups, including women. He emphasized that collaboration is crucial to advancing President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and to expanding humanitarian support across Nigeria.

“I’m here to meet with the First Lady to explore ways to create partnerships focused on poverty reduction, particularly for vulnerable women,” the minister explained. “This aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and we believe that collaboration is essential for making a tangible impact on poverty and humanitarian needs.”

Prof. Yilwatda further mentioned that the minors involved in the recent protest were safely escorted to court and subsequently released. “We have ensured their safe return to their respective states and informed the First Lady, so her office, in collaboration with the governors’ spouses, can support them as needed, including providing access to education.”

He expressed the ministry’s commitment to implementing the administration’s poverty reduction mandate through the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that this partnership would expand the reach of the ministry’s programs, benefiting women, youth, and children. This proposed collaboration aims to extend RHI’s support to a larger number of vulnerable groups across the country.

Prof. Yilwatda was among seven ministers sworn in by President Tinubu on Tuesday.