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HURIWA Slams Tinubu’s Misstep in Current Humanitarian Affairs Ministry Leadership
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, citing a glaring lack of visible progress and worsening poverty levels since his assumption of office.
The association described the situation as a “grave miscalculation” and called on the President to urgently reassess the leadership and operations of the ministry to address the growing humanitarian crises in Nigeria.
HURIWA pointed out that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Poverty Alleviation, overseeing seven agencies, which include the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), North East Development Commission (NEDC), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced People (NCFRMI), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the National Commission for People with Disability (NCPWD), appear to be in a state of dormancy.
The association lamented that, since Professor Yilwatda’s appointment, the ministry has shown no tangible results, despite its critical mandate to provide humanitarian interventions and combat the worsening poverty crisis. “The silence emanating from this vital ministry is deafening.
Poverty continues to balloon out of control, and millions of Nigerians are suffering while the ministry appears to be in a state of slumber,” HURIWA stated. HURIWA expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s expanding poverty rate, noting that the ministry has failed to address the urgent needs of the nation’s poor and vulnerable populations.
The association highlighted the rising levels of hunger, starvation, destitution, and the alarming increase in out-of-school children as indicators of the ministry’s ineffectiveness. It also criticized the apparent cessation of the school-feeding programs, which had previously provided some relief to families living in poverty.
“Since Professor Yilwatda’s appointment, no significant policy, intervention, or program has been initiated to tackle these pressing issues. Nigerians are asking if there is even a functioning Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,” HURIWA queried.
The association contrasted Professor Yilwatda’s tenure with that of his predecessor, Dr. Betta Edu, who, despite allegations of corruption and ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was seen as relatively more active and engaged.
“It is ironic that a minister under investigation for alleged corruption seems to have been more effective than the current leadership, which has brought the ministry to a standstill,” HURIWA noted.
HURIWA also criticized the perceived opacity in the running of the ministry, accusing it of failing to communicate its activities or engage meaningfully with the public.
The association questioned the rationale behind appointing two ministers from the same geographical region to lead a ministry tasked with addressing a national crisis like poverty.
“Poverty is a national malaise that transcends ethnicity, language, and religion. Assigning two ministers from one region to a ministry with such a critical mandate reflects a lack of understanding of the problem’s scope and diversity,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA challenged Professor Yilwatda to wake up from what it described as his “celebratory hangover” and immediately get to work. The association emphasized that the overwhelming nature of the challenges faced by the ministry requires proactive and strategic leadership.
“It is unacceptable that after over two months in office, there is no visible activity or progress in addressing Nigeria’s humanitarian and poverty crises. The minister must take responsibility and begin to demonstrate leadership. Nigerians need to see action, not silence,” HURIWA declared.
The association called on President Tinubu to reconsider the current leadership of the ministry if no tangible progress is made soon. It urged the minister to prioritize transparency, actively engage with stakeholders, and implement targeted programs to alleviate poverty and address humanitarian challenges.
Additionally, HURIWA recommended an independent review of the ministry’s operations to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies that may be hindering its performance. “The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation must be revived and repositioned to fulfill its mandate.
Failure to do so would not only exacerbate Nigeria’s humanitarian crises but also erode public confidence in the government’s commitment to addressing poverty,” the group warned. HURIWA concluded by reminding the federal government that poverty and humanitarian challenges are not regional but national issues requiring a unified, inclusive, and robust approach.
“The silence and inaction from the ministry are not just failures of governance but betrayals of the trust Nigerians have placed in this administration. If the current leadership cannot rise to the occasion, the President must urgently consider alternative measures to ensure the ministry fulfills its critical role,” the association stated.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko National Coordinator, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) January 15, 2025
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In a bid to ease the impact of rising food prices and economic hardship, the Zed-Faith Foundation International has donated food items and medical supplies to Ark of Refuge Orphanage and Old People’s Home in Kado, Abuja.
The items were distributed over the weekend by representatives of the Foundation on behalf of its Founder and Chairman, Amb. Daniel Onyeka Newman, a UK-based Nigerian and Chief Executive Officer of SBI.
The Foundation’s Media Consultant, Amb. Victor Atewe, who led the delegation, said the donation was a personal initiative by the Chairman and not funded by government or external bodies.
“These items are intended to directly support the children and elderly, and we trust they will be used solely for that purpose,” Atewe said.
He added that the Foundation plans to continue its outreach efforts across the country, noting that the economic situation has made daily survival increasingly difficult for vulnerable groups.
The Foundation also used the occasion to urge the federal government to collaborate more with credible non-governmental organisations in supporting disadvantaged populations, especially as inflation and food insecurity worsen.
Speaking on behalf of the Country Representative, Mr. Chinnaya Dominic Chikwado, the Foundation’s Administrative Officer, Mr. Udodirim Okorie, called on well-meaning Nigerians to support charitable causes and contribute to alleviating the burden on those most affected by the country’s economic crisis.
Representatives of the Old People’s Home and Ark of Refuge Orphanage expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful. They noted that such support helps bridge the gap in essential services for the elderly and children in their care.
“This donation will go a long way in meeting our daily needs.”
“We thank the Foundation for its continued support, especially during such challenging times.”
“Even the smallest gesture makes a big difference to those who have no one else to turn to.”
“We hope others are inspired to follow suit and remember those most in need.”
The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Manu Haruna celebrates May Day with Nigerian workers in Taraba and across Nigeria.
Senator Manu in a congratulatory letter to all Nigerian workers said:
“Your labour towards building a virile nation shall never be in vain as you celebrate May Day today in Nigeria and across the globe.
The former Taraba State Deputy Governor acknowledged the invaluable contributions of workers across various sectors and emphasized their crucial role in driving the nation’s development and progress.
He encouraged continued solidarity among workers while advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and enhanced opportunities.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of workers across the state.
This assurance was given during a meeting with the leadership of organised labour unions held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, the meeting served as a platform for open and constructive dialogue on critical labour matters.
The statement outlined key areas of intervention currently being addressed by the government.
These, he said, included the timely payment of salaries and pensions, as well as the resolution of salary arrears, with approval already granted for the payment of newly employed workers at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the judiciary.
Similarly, he said medical workers in the local government areas would receive their proper wages.
He said the minimum wage was being implemented for all local government employees across the state.
The administrator also noted that his administration was currently reviewing challenges related to the contributory pension scheme, ahead of the July 2025 implementation deadline.
Ibas disclosed that plans were underway to expand the fleet of intervention buses reintroduced to ease the transportation burden of workers.
On capacity building, the administrator announced that specialised leadership training for senior civil servants would begin within the next two weeks.
He also revealed that the government was actively considering the implementation of the N32,000 consequential pension adjustment, along with measures to clear outstanding gratuities owed to retirees.
While commending workers for their dedication to service, he called for continued collaboration with labour unions to ensure lasting industrial harmony in the state.
According to the statement, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor, expressed appreciation to the administrator for the steps already taken to promote workers’ welfare.
Agwanwor also lauded the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged the sustained support and cooperation of labour unions in achieving shared goals.
Meanwhile the NLC has directed its members in the state to observe the International Workers’ Day as a peaceful rally, which is expected to be held within the premises of the union, involving all affiliate unions, and would focus on advocating for the restoration of democratic governance in the state.
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