News Editor
By David Odama
Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, has officially rejected President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Nentawe Yilwadta as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
The group, in a statement signed by its leader, Comrade Mohammed Abdulrazak Ibrahim, argued that the role must be filled by a woman to ensure effective and compassionate leadership in addressing Nigeria’s pressing humanitarian challenges and not just any politics person in the name of political compensation.
It, therefore, called on President Tinubu to reconsider the nomination and nominate someone with a track record of humanitarian successes.
The coalition also expressed shock over the appointment of Bianca Odinaka Odumegu-Ojukwu as Minister of State Foreign Affairs, questioning her contribution to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC “even as it alleged that the appointee was a card carrying member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA as at the last time they checked.”
“The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs should be headed by a woman who understands the unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations in our society especially at a time that the president’s policy is biting hard on Nigerians.
“As a coalition, we believes that a woman in this position would bring essential perspectives and experiences that are vital for the ministry’s success.”
The group also emphasized that women have long been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, often demonstrating remarkable resilience and empathy in times of crisis.
“Women are not only caregivers but also powerful advocates for change,” Ibrahim added. “Their insights can drive more effective policies and programs that truly meet the needs of those they serve.”
The coalition has warned that it will organize protests across the country if the president submits Yilwadta’s nomination to the Senate for confirmation.
He stressed that they are committed to mobilizing public support to highlight the importance of female leadership in humanitarian affairs.
“We will not rest until the right choice is made. This is about ensuring that women’s voices are not only heard but prioritized in decision-making.
“We do not want to sound as if we are targeting humanitarian Affairs alone. The truth is that we want the right people with records of competence resilience and commitment to man our dear ministries as minister”.
“The group’s position reflects a growing demand for gender equity in leadership roles, especially in sectors that directly impact the well-being of families and communities. As Nigeria continues to grapple with significant humanitarian issues, the coalition believes that appointing a qualified woman to lead the ministry is crucial for fostering inclusive and effective governance.
“The coalition’s call for action resonates with many Nigerians who advocate for the empowerment of women in leadership roles. They argue that such appointments are essential for driving meaningful change in the nation’s humanitarian landscape,” the coalition stressed.
