Tinubu’s Speech to Newly Sworn-in Ministers

On Monday, President Bola Tinubu officially inaugurated his cabinet, comprising 45 ministers, emphasizing the paramount importance of placing national interests above personal desires. He urged them to commit to the task of reinstating public trust in the government as they embarked on their responsibilities.

“Your responsibilities commence without delay. Today, as your nation bestows this call to serve upon you, it is imperative that you each strive to earn respect in the eyes of both God and the citizens of our nation,” Tinubu conveyed.

He further stressed that the primary duty of the ministers is to rejuvenate public confidence in the government, thereby rekindling the populace’s belief in the competence of those in leadership roles.

The inauguration ceremony took place at the State House Banquet and witnessed the presence of notable figures such as Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass.

Also in attendance were dignitaries including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Kwara Governor, Abdulaziz Abdulrahman.

The swearing-in process unfolded in nine separate batches. The inaugural group included prominent figures like the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Gas in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy, and Minister of Education, Tahir Maman.

The second batch comprised of Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of State (Oil), Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari.

The third batch included Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh.

The fourth batch comprised of Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, Minister of Transportation, Alkali Sa’id, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite, and Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru.

The fifth included Minister of State Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Gwarzo, Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mariya Mahmud, Minister of Housing and Urban development, Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.

While the sixth batch was made up of Minister of State Education, Yusuf Sunumu, Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, and Minister of State Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman- Ibrahim.

The seventh batch included Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, Minister of State Environment, Ishak Salako, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

The eighth batch comprised of Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Power, Adedayo Adelabu, Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike.

The ninth batch included Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, Minister of State for Steel Development, Maigari Ahmadu, Minister of Police affairs, Ibrahim Geidam, Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, and Minster of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs Zephaniah Jisalo.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale served as the emcee of the event.