The community of Persons With Disabilities, Saturday 8th June 2024 urged President Bola Tinubu not to look far in his search for a trusted hand to man the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The ministry has been without a Minister since 8 January 2024 when the president suspended the substantive Minister, Betta Edu over controversies about financial transactions she authorised in her ministry.
Mrs Edu was said to have ordered the transfer of N585.2 million into the private bank account of a civil servant, who is the accountant in charge of grants for Vulnerable Nigerians.
The group in a statement under the umbrella body of Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, appealed to president Tinubu to consider their plea by appointing Dr. Halimat Tejuosho to man the ministry.
The group in a statement signed by its National president, Abdullahi Aliyu Usman described Tejuosho as a personality with unwavering support for PWD.
The statement reads in part: “Tejuosho’s unwavering commitment and support to the community of persons with disabilities and the less privileged in Nigeria have been exemplary.
“In light of this milestone, the community of persons with disabilities respectfully urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the appointment of Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho as the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
“Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho has consistently demonstrated her dedication to improving the lives of persons with disabilities and marginalized communities through her advocacy, initiatives, and programs. Her expertise, compassion, and extensive experience in humanitarian work uniquely position her to lead efforts aimed at alleviating poverty and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations across the country.
“The community of persons with disabilities/ widows in Nigeria emphasizes that this request is unprecedented, underscoring the critical importance of having a leader who understands and prioritizes the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and marginalized groups. Dr. Tejuosho’s appointment would not only be a significant step towards inclusivity and empowerment but also a testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to fostering positive change and social justice.
“As a community, we appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider our plea and recognize the invaluable contributions that Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho can make in advancing humanitarian efforts and poverty alleviation in Nigeria. We believe that her appointment would further strengthen the government’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and support for all members of society.
“We express our sincere hope that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will give due consideration to this request and take into account the aspirations of the community of persons with disabilities as he continues to steer the nation towards progress and prosperity.”