By Our Reporter
Coalition of Concerned Nigerians has tipped President Bola Tinubu on the calibre of Nigerians to appoint as minister of Humanitarian Affairs ministry to ease the contemporary challenges facing the country.
Accordingly, the coalition has on its own findings, endorsed one Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho for the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation position, citing her exceptional performance in philanthropy and humanitarian services.
The recommendation came after the sacking of Dr. Betta Edu, whose removal has left vacuum in the ministry without a leader for too long despite numerous humanitarian crises being faced by vulnerable Nigerians.
The Convener, Coalition of Concerned CSOs of Nigeria, Comrade Aminu Abbas, in a press conference held in Abuja noted that Dr. Tejuosho’s impressive track record, showcased through her Queen Adenike Tejuosho Foundation (QATFoundation), has demonstrated her commitment to improving lives.
Abbas further stressed that her annual Children’s Day celebrations have distributed over 10 million school materials, and her Ramadan largesse has benefited over 1000 People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).
They added that Tejuosho possesses exceptional leadership qualities, passion for humanity, and a strategic approach to addressing humanitarian challenges. Her appointment will bring hope and relief to those in need, especially with the current fuel subsidy removal and its attendant hardship.
“In keeping with the our mandate of poverty alleviation, job creation and youth empowerment, we are worried with the continued vacancy at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation following the sack of Dr. Betta Edu for alleged corruption and fraud.
“No doubt, her sack has left the Ministry without a Minister with devastating effects on livelihoods of vulnerable and impoverished Nigerians since the Ministry is strategic to the wellbeing of Nigerians.
“It is, therefore, in a bid lend our voice to Mr. President’s search for a capable replacement and the earnest desire of Nigerians that we have gathered you here to articulate our common position and passionately appeal for the appointment of Dr. Halima Adenike Tejuosho as a credible replacement due to her impactful antecedents in philanthropy and humanitarian services even as a private citizen.
“As a Coalition of over 120 Civil society organisations with over 17 million financial members across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), our gathering here is purely a patriotic exercise based on popular demand.
“Even though we are nonpartisan and it’s ordinarily not in our power to recommend anybody for Mr. President for any appointment, the life of Dr. Halima Adenike Tejuosho has convinced is that she’s credible, capable and competent to serve as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
“With growing calls from all quarters, mostly from People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs), senior citizens, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), victims of natural disasters and insecurity as well as other stakeholders for the immediate appointment of a suitable candidate to fill in the vacuum at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, we are convinced that Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho who has over the years distinguished herself as a true humanitarian is the ideal candidate who will put smiles on the faces of Nigerians through diligent service and patriotic stewardship.
“With the removal of fuel subsidy and the attendant hardship it has brought, vulnerable Nigerians are in dire need of humanitarian support to enable them cope of the harsh realities.
“As a selfless patriot who has been using her personal resources to bring succour to senior citizens, PWDs and the less privileged through her well thought out Queen Adenike Tejuosho Foundation (QATFoundation), giving her a position of responsibility in line with her passion and interest will energize her to do more for the downtrodden of our society.
“As a mark of true philanthropy, the quintessential lady is known nationally for her annual Children’s Day celebrations with vulnerable and indigent children.
“Through this outreach, over 10 million school books, bags, shoes, water bottles, foodstuffs and writing materials have been shared so far. Her Ramadan largesse to over 1000 PWDs as well as Sallah packages to hundreds of households who could not afford to celebrate the festivities cannot be forgotten.
“Judging by all the individual sacrifices and the sheer passion to touch lives, we are appealing to Mr. President to urgently consider filling the vacuum created with the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu by appointing Dame Halimat Adenike Tejuosho as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to enable Nigerians enjoy the dividends of democracy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda especially in the area of poverty alleviation.
“It’ll be a privilege to appoint this selfless woman as a Minister because we are very sure she will deliver. This is our collective resolve born out of the conviction that with the support she has been giving people in the community for over 10 years, she’s the right person for the job.” The Convener said.
