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President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, appointed Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as the new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, replacing Betta Edu, who was suspended over 10 months ago for allegations of mismanagement of funds related to social welfare programs.
The President’s appointment of Nentawe and six others after a crucial cabinet shake-up during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, is pending confirmation by the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, the federal government has also declared that all handing over and takeover of different portfolios by the new ministers must be completed by October 30.
Here are 10 key facts about Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda appointed as the new Humanitarian Affairs Minister.
1. Yilwatda is a Plateau-born politician
He was born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State to the family of the Late Rev. and Mrs. Toma Yilwatda. Yiltwada is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
2. Educational Achievements
Yilwatda obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1981 and his GCE (O/Level) in 1986 from Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri. He later earned a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi in 1992, followed by a Master of Engineering and PhD from ATBU Bauchi and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, respectively.
3. Yilwatda Specialised in Digital Systems Engineering
After his PhD degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the new Humanitarian Affairs Minister-designate specialised in Digital Systems Engineering, contributing to significant technological advancements in Nigeria.
4. Contributions to Renewable Energy
Yilwatda was part of the PAWA 774 project, a private-sector initiative aimed at providing clean and eco-friendly electricity through micro-grids in Nigerian communities. He also collaborated with Tech-Ville USA to train 100 software and renewable energy engineers in Ondo State.
5. Professional Affiliations
Yilwatda is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and a member of notable organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and the Solar Society of Nigeria.
6. UNICEF Consultancy Work
The minister-designate led a UNICEF turnkey project from 2005 to 2012, overseeing the design, training, and installation of alternative energy sources for cold chain systems across several Nigerian states.
7. Former INEC Commissioner
In 2017, Yilwatda was appointed as a Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and served as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Benue State.
8. International Energy Collaborations
Yilwatda was a part of two Federal Government energy research delegations to the USA and Canada and later served on the Cuban Government/ECN program promoting energy efficiency in both residential and public sectors.
9. 2023 Plateau APC Governorship Candidate
Yilwatda was the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 elections. He lost to the incumbent and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Caleb Muftwang.
10. New Ministerial Appointment
After possible confirmation by the Senate, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda would officially join President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet as the new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, putting to rest speculations about the return of former Minister, Betta Edu.
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