{"id":3005,"date":"2024-10-31T09:19:39","date_gmt":"2024-10-31T09:19:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/?p=3005"},"modified":"2024-10-31T09:19:56","modified_gmt":"2024-10-31T09:19:56","slug":"nigerian-senate-confirms-bianca-ojukwu-7-others-appointment-set-for-swearing-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/2024\/10\/31\/nigerian-senate-confirms-bianca-ojukwu-7-others-appointment-set-for-swearing-in\/","title":{"rendered":"Nigerian Senate Confirms Bianca Ojukwu 7 Others Appointment\u00a0 Set For Swearing in."},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Senate, on Wednesday, confirmed the nomination of Bianca Odimiegwu-Ojukwu as substantive Minister of State, Foreign Affairs.<\/p>\n

The Red Chamber also confirmed Dr Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade and Development; Dr Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; and Muhammadu Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment.<\/p>\n

Also on Wednesday, Idi Muktar Maiha was confirmed as Minister of Livestock Development, Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing, and Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.<\/p>\n

The nominees were confirmed after about five hours of screening by the Senate, followed by a voice vote by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.<\/p>\n

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Their confirmation followed the handing over of ministers who were relieved of their positions by President Bola Tinubu on Monday, October 21, 2024.<\/p>\n

The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Sulaiman-Ibrahim took over office on Monday, following the sack of Uju Kennedy Ohanenye.<\/p>\n

Also, the former Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, handed over to the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.<\/p>\n

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Others reportedly handed over to the respective permanent secretaries in their former ministries to meet up with the directive by the President for the October 30 handover date.<\/p>\n

Earlier, the Senate, following a motion moved by the Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, at 12:57 pm, on Wednesday, suspended its rule to admit the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado, to bring the nominees into the plenary.<\/p>\n

Last Thursday, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read President Bola Tinubu\u2019s letter nominating the new ministers.<\/p>\n

During their screening, the now-conformed ministers highlighted their plans for the uplift of their various ministries.<\/p>\n

Bianca in her presentation, highlighted the ongoing challenges Nigerian embassies faced worldwide due to limited funding, which often constrained ambassadors in performing much-needed maintenance.<\/p>\n

She also spoke about her achievements while she served as the ambassador to Spain.<\/p>\n

She said, \u201cIn most missions, because of no more funding, most ambassadors are constrained when it comes to carrying out refurbishments.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis shortage of funds prevents embassies from showcasing Nigeria\u2019s stature, impacting the country\u2019s standing on the global stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is unfortunate because a lot of embassies are going through this situation, and it has, to a large extent, diminished our standing around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emphasising the importance of respectable diplomatic representations, she urged the Nigerian government to prioritise embassy maintenance under the current administration.<\/p>\n

She cited the nation\u2019s foreign policy objectives of promoting democracy, development, and the Nigerian diaspora as critical areas that require embassies with dignified facilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is something that the government, under this president, should look into,\u201d she said, pointing out that embassies often host international delegations, study tours, and exchanges, making respectable surroundings crucial.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is imperative that when you are in those exchanges, you meet your patrons and colleagues in environments that reflect Nigeria\u2019s true standing,\u201d she said, concluding her remarks with a plea for urgent intervention.<\/p>\n

Similarly, in response to solving the issues of trade and investments, Oduwole outlined her vision to revitalise Nigeria\u2019s economy through focused investment, productivity, and job creation.<\/p>\n

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She highlighted the administration\u2019s recent reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and underscored the need for greater alignment of monetary, fiscal, trade, and industrial policies to promote sustainable growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cSince the commencement of President Bola Tinubu\u2019s administration, key reforms in monetary and fiscal policy aimed at stabilising the economy have started to deliver some results,\u201d Oduwole said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn terms of inflation, it\u2019s beginning to decline, and tax reforms are ongoing. What we need now is a convergence of these pillars with our trade and investment policies to further drive growth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oduwole addressed Nigeria\u2019s concerning decline in foreign direct investment, noting that FDI dropped by about 86 per cent over the past five years, with roughly 20 multinational companies either exiting or scaling back operations.<\/p>\n

She said, \u201cIf confirmed, I would focus on three priority areas: investment, retention and attraction, boosting exports and foreign exchange earnings, and creating productive jobs through a vibrant domestic industry,\u201d she told the Senate.<\/p>\n

Oduwole highlighted a recent $3bn commitment from Jindal Steel Africa to Nigeria\u2019s steel sector as evidence of the positive impact of the administration\u2019s economic reforms.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on efforts to foster youth employment and exports, Oduwole mentioned initiatives supporting IT service exports through companies like Outsource Global.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThey\u2019re exporting IT services while young Nigerians work at home, earning foreign exchange without needing to emigrate,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis proves that Nigeria can be a global hub for service exports, and it\u2019s one of the areas I would prioritise.\u201d<\/p>\n

She cited her track record of collaboration, including with the Eighth National Assembly on the Collateral Bill, which helped secure loans for small businesses by establishing a nationwide collateral registry.<\/p>\n

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Oduwole concluded with a commitment to deepening Nigeria\u2019s economic reforms and fostering high-value jobs that meet global standards.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need jobs that are not just numerous but also productive and income-generating,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy enhancing regulatory processes and aligning with international standards, we can integrate Nigeria into global value chains and strengthen our role in the $3.4tn African market,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

Maiha from Adamawa State was charged with bringing about modern ways of livestock business and development in Nigeria.<\/p>\n

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Maiha had, in his presentation before the Senate, submitted that the problem of farmers\/herders clashes would be solved by making the 417 grazing areas across the country functional.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 417 grazing areas in the country would be made to be practically suitable livestock businesses by ensuring that they have sufficient grass and water to contain those animals.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn this way, we will require the support and solidarity of the National Assembly, the state governors, the local government, and the communities,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

But the Senate advised him to look beyond the 417 grazing areas for a way out of the incessant crises between farmers and herders.<\/p>\n

Akpabio and Senator Muntari Dandutse specifically told him to domesticate modernised ways of livestock development being practised in China, the Netherlands, Singapore etc.<\/p>\n

Lawmakers excited over appointments<\/p>\n

Earlier Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia State) commended The President for really reflecting political party integration in his \u201cGovernment of National Unity\u201d by appointing Amb Ojukwu, a chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance to serve in his government.<\/p>\n

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Abaribe also commended Tinubu for attaching the portfolio of his nominees to the list sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation.<\/p>\n

The former Senate minority leader recalled that the Senate had charged the President to always attach portfolios to names for meaningful scrutiny of nominees\u2019 capability to handle offices assigned to them.<\/p>\n

The two observations were echoed by Akpabio who also lauded the President, adding that \u201cno president has done it and no president would have done it except President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish future presidents would do so by attaching portfolios to names of nominees.\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u2019m threatened with Ata as minister- Hanga<\/p>\n

General laughter enveloped the Senate chamber on Wednesday during the screening of the Kano ministerial nominee, Ata, when Senator Rufai Hanga (NNPP, Kano Central) said he was threatened by Ata\u2019s appointment.<\/p>\n

Akpabio had asked Hanga to comment on the nominee, a former Speaker of the Kano State House Assembly; he said he was threatened by the nomination of a political juggernaut, who is from his senatorial district.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe appointment of this political juggernaut threatens me because we are from the same senatorial district.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is a grassroots politician who was my ally, but that said, I\u2019m in support of his nomination,\u201d Hanga, the Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate, said.<\/p>\n

Akpabio, in his response, told Hanga that there was no cause for alarm, describing him as a nice person and team player.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite the party differences, you are all united in supporting the nominee,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Earlier, Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila (NNPP, Kano South) urged his colleagues to allow the nominee, Ata, to take a bow and go, given that he was a parliamentarian in Kano State \u2013 a former speaker of the state house of assembly.<\/p>\n

Specifically, Kawu described the nominee as a grassroots politician who started politics from scratch and deeply connected with the masses.<\/p>\n

Contributing, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, commended the President for nominating Ata as a minister.<\/p>\n

\u201cI commend Mr President for nominating this gentleman for this post. Senator Kawu has said it all. He is a strong grassroots politician who started from scratch and got to the top, just as our President. We are always eager to sit with Mr President because he is open.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn fact, since the inception of democracy in this country in 1999, there has been no time since we have elected a president who started from scratch and has reached the top. Our President started from scratch to the top.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is why he knows all parts of the country. If you talk about Ebonyi State, he will tell you about its configuration. If you are talking about the state of Akwa Ibom, he is just like an encyclopedia; he will tell the names of the major stakeholders there. That is why he has decided that this gentleman (Ata) should be a minister because he understands the configuration of Kano State.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added, \u201cIf you go to Kano, our people are praising Mr President for bringing about inclusion. The nominee is a strategist. He is known for his political sagacity. He is known by all and sundry: the youth, the Ulama, the students, women, and the business community; everybody likes him because he interacts with them freely.<\/p>\n

\u201cKano will now be taken back by the APC, Insha Allah. We had a vacuum, and he will now fill it. We are grateful to Mr President in Kano. He recently gave us the North West Development Commission headquarters. Kano is grateful to Mr President.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe shall continue to support your government, and we shall continue to help strengthen your desire for prosperity for this nation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Senate, on Wednesday, confirmed the nomination of Bianca Odimiegwu-Ojukwu as substantive Minister of State, Foreign Affairs. The Red Chamber also confirmed Dr Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade and Development; Dr Nentawe...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3006,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3005","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3005","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3005"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3005\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3008,"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3005\/revisions\/3008"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3006"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3005"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3005"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3005"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}