SGF, Akume Urges New Ministers to Prioritize National Interests; Give Reasons
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has issued a strong warning to the newly appointed ministers, advising them to avoid pursuing personal, ethnic, or sectional agendas.
Following a reshuffle, President Bola Tinubu swore in seven new ministers on November 4, 2024, after the dismissal of five ministers in October. The new appointees include Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment), Idi Maiha (Livestock Development), Yusuf Ata (Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development), and Suwaiba Ahmad (State for Education). Other appointees are Dr. Nentawe Yilwada (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (State for Foreign Affairs), and Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Investment).
Speaking at the opening of a two-day induction retreat for the new ministers in Abuja, Akume emphasized the need for them to prioritize the nation’s interests in their work. He reminded them that they had been entrusted with the responsibility of advancing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which focuses on development, stability, and growth across various sectors.
“As you assume your roles, you are expected to place national interests above personal or regional considerations. You must contribute to national cohesion, peace, and unity, which are essential for the country’s progress,” Akume stated.
He highlighted key priorities of the Tinubu administration, including poverty alleviation, security enhancement, economic diversification, and infrastructure development. The SGF called on the ministers to work collaboratively and remain committed to achieving the president’s goals for the country.
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Usman, also addressed the gathering, explaining that the induction retreat was designed to provide the ministers with essential knowledge to succeed in their new roles. Usman said the retreat would offer both theoretical insights and practical strategies to ensure the ministers are well-prepared to fulfill their responsibilities.
“By the end of this retreat, the ministers should have a thorough understanding of their ministerial duties and how they align with the broader objectives of the Tinubu administration,”Usman noted.
