The Nigerian Senate confirmed seven ministerial nominees appointed by President Bola Tinubu, including prominent political figure Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a session that emphasized unity, peace, and transformative plans for Nigeria’s future.
The nominees, whose appointments were screened and confirmed at the committee of the whole on Wednesday, will lead diverse ministries essential to Nigeria’s growth. They include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Dingyadi (Labour & Employment), Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (Minister of State for Foreign Affairs), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Investment), Idi Mukhtar Maiha (Livestock Development), Yusuf Ata (State, Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad (Minister of State for Education).
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain and wife of the late Igbo leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, was particularly praised by senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, and Tony Nwoye. They commended President Tinubu for her appointment, calling it a step towards building a Government of National Unity. Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that Nigeria’s potential is limitless if citizens commit to peace and unity. “If we are able to come together sincerely to serve this nation with a focus on peace, then the sky is the limit for Nigeria,” she stated, encouraging collaboration across cultural, governmental, and diplomatic sectors to achieve transformative change.
In his role as the incoming Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha pledged to address the long-standing issue of farmers-herders clashes by developing 417 grazing reserves nationwide. He stated that his ministry would compile a comprehensive database of grazing reserves, cattle routes, and related infrastructure, aiming to work with stakeholders to mitigate conflicts.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, appointed as Minister of Trade and Investment, highlighted her commitment to furthering the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, which focus on investment, productivity, and job creation. She noted that the ongoing reforms in monetary and fiscal policy are showing positive results, and emphasized the need to align trade, investment, and industrial policies to sustain economic growth.
These appointments mark a step forward in the Tinubu administration’s mission to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges, from economic reform to social cohesion, with unity and transformation at the forefront.
