Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Minister Seeks First Lady’s RHI Partnership in Poverty Reduction Initiatives

…As Newly sworn-in Minister provides update on released minors from protest-related arraignments

The newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has informed Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, that minors recently arraigned and released on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s orders have been safely returned to their respective states and handed over to state governments.

This announcement followed a closed-door meeting with the First Lady at the State House, Abuja. In a subsequent media interview, Prof. Yilwatda expressed his intent to partner with the First Lady’s initiative, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), particularly in areas focused on poverty reduction.

He highlighted the First Lady’s ongoing efforts in these areas, which align with the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

“I am here to see the First Lady because we want to build partnerships to reduce poverty, especially among the vulnerable, including women, as part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Yilwatda stated. “Partnership is key to reducing poverty in Nigeria and to providing humanitarian services to everyone.”

Prof. Yilwatda also discussed the recent release of minors involved in protests, stating, “This morning, we secured the release of the minors involved in the last protest. We were in court, and after their release, we safely delivered them to their respective states. We have informed the First Lady, as her support may be needed to help these children reintegrate, particularly in accessing education through the offices of the governors’ wives in various states.”

The minister affirmed the ministry’s commitment to carrying out the Renewed Hope Agenda’s mandate to alleviate poverty nationwide.

He emphasized the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction’s eagerness to collaborate with the RHI on impactful programs benefiting women, youth, and children.

According to Prof. Yilwatda, the proposed partnership with RHI will enable the ministry to expand support to more women and vulnerable groups across the country.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda was one of the seven ministers sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday, 4th November 2024.