Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint Halimat Adenike Tejuosho as the new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation due to her commitment to providing humanitarian support to the people.
The leader of the coalition, Comrade Aliyu Muhammad Sani, who made the call during a conference in Kaduna, said the main purpose of the conference was to join several other groups and individuals in drumming up support for Mrs. Halimat Tejuosho, who has distinguished herself over the years as a true humanitarian.
Comrade Aliyu Sani appealed to Mr. President to urgently consider filling the vacuum created by the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu by appointing Mrs. Halimat Tejuosho as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
This appointment would enable Nigerians to enjoy the dividends of democracy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in the area of poverty alleviation.
He described Mrs. Tejuosho as a selfless patriot who has been using her personal resources to bring succor to senior citizens, people with disabilities, and the less privileged, among others.
“As a mark of true philanthropy, the quintessential lady recently celebrated Children’s Day with vulnerable and indigent children where over 500 school books, bags, shoes, water bottles, foodstuffs and writing materials where shared”
“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”
“It goes without saying that since the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has been without a minister, the government is failing to provide basic succor to the less privileged. From her antecedents, and if given the opportunity, Hajiya Halimat Adenike Tejuosho will continue to extend her generosity and passion to improve the fortunes of the less privileged and downtrodden in Nigeria”
“Today, we join PWDs across the 36 states and the FCT, as well as APC PWD leaders in the 36 states and all other stakeholders, including senators, APC stalwarts, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), credible and objective observers, and youth parliaments across the country, who have been agitating and consulting widely for the appointment of this seasoned humanitarian as a minister.”
The coalition reiterated the support and efforts made by the PWD community in Nigeria, who worked for the election of Mr. President, and appealed to him most fervently to grant their only wish by appointing one of their own, who has distinguished herself, as a minister, considering the length of time the ministry has been left vacant.
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for a meritorious one year in office, including his progressive policies and support for People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens, among others.
The Coalition also thanked the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, for her firm support to Mr. President, including the agricultural support she has recently extended to women, youths, and PWDs across the country as the farming season has begun in earnest. They equally salute and describe the leadership of the national assembly as a symbol of democracy.
The Chairman of the Northern Youth Disability Forum, Comrade Muhammad Musa Zaria, emphasized that the new minister should be someone who recognizes the ongoing struggles of PWDs and the need for focused governmental support to enhance their quality of life.
Comrade Muhammad Zaria appealed to the president to appoint a dedicated person who can better understand and advocate for their needs.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
