3 hours ago
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JOS – Following the recent appointment of Dr. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, as Minister-designate for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the Plateau State Civil Society Organizations Forum, has called upon him to ensure maximum performance on his assignment.
In a statement signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Rev. Christopher Damcher, and the Secretary, Dr Mrs Piwuna, respectively and made available to DAILY INDEPENDENT, the forum said the ministerial seat Nentawe is about to occupy is a strategic but hot seat that requires every carefulness.
The statement said that the fact that the two immediate past (previous) occupants of that position still have lingering fraud cases against them, is a pointer to the fact that Nentawe should apply technical knowledge, carefulness, and other qualities needed in manning that office, as well as tackling the rot in the ministry.
Nonetheless, the forum urged him not to lose focus on tackling the humanitarian needs of the people and engineering the poverty reduction rate as his office specified, as well as his home state of Plateau where there are equally abundant humanitarian needs and a high poverty rate
“As a forum representing civil society organizations across various sectors working in Plateau State, we extend our solidarity and heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his appointment as Minister of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
“Though appointments may not typically warrant congratulations, the unique circumstances of Plateau State, which has witnessed the plight of many displaced persons without adequate attention at various levels of governance, necessitate this special recognition We believe, therefore, that this appointment brings hope for the citizens, especially those affected by displacement and its repercussions on their well-being and dignity,
“Dr. Nentawe has consistently demonstrated competence, compassion for the less privileged, and a commitment to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria at large through previous assignments.
“As an umbrella body comprising civil society organizations representing sectors like health, governance, democracy, human rights, youth, women, child protection, humanitarian services, peace and security, media for peace, and more, we express our gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this strategic and thoughtful appointment.
“We are hopeful that this cabinet reshuffle will help deliver on government promises, addressing critical issues such as poverty, hunger, and rising crime rates, and will ultimately foster better days across the country,” the statement partly read.
The statement further pointed out that the forum is assured that Plateau State has been chosen for such a pivotal ministry, given the many challenges the state is also faced with, especially in humanitarian grounds and efforts.
Meanwhile, it noted that their colleagues in the field have often been limited in their work due to inadequate funding and lack of governmental support, despite the pressing needs of displaced citizens, particularly women and children, who continue to live in dehumanising conditions.
Hence, while the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has previously been marred by allegations of corruption, we trust that Dr. Nentawe’s track record of diligence and integrity will steer the ministry away from such challenges and urge him to exercise wisdom in his leadership and avoid the pitfalls of corruption or potential blackmail that may arise.
“Dr. Nentawe has the capability to ensure that his legacy is not just one of personal achievements but of meaningful transformation for the people. We hope to witness true poverty reduction, not just in numbers but in the lived realities of Nigerians, and we look forward to hearing testimonies from those who have been positively impacted by his work,” the statement added.
