The newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, officially assumed office on Wednesday at the Ministry’s headquarters, Federal Secretariat, Abuja, following his appointment and inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Doro was received by the Minister of State, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, directors, heads of agencies under the ministry, and programme managers of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
He succeeds Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who was recently appointed as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his maiden address, Dr. Doro expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him by the ministry’s staff and leadership.
“It feels like a family. I want to understudy the culture here and be part of it. The positive aspects of our culture will be maintained, and where we need to adjust, we will challenge ourselves to do better,” he said.
The minister emphasized teamwork, trust, and shared accountability as the foundation of effective public service delivery, noting that “a successful team is not just people working together but people who truly trust one another.”
Acknowledging his predecessor, Dr. Doro described Professor Yilwatda as “a friend, a mentor, and indeed, a big shoe to fill,” while pledging to build on the achievements recorded under his leadership.
“I have lived in the UK for over two decades, and there will be some adjustments to make. But leveraging your experience and knowledge, and with humility to learn and courage to act, we will move the Ministry to greater heights,” he added.
Commitment to Renewed Hope Agenda
Outlining his vision for the ministry, Dr. Doro reaffirmed commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in tackling multi-dimensional poverty affecting more than 60 percent of Nigerians.
“It is our job to help people move up from where they are to enable them achieve social mobility. We will do this by working together, collaborating, and ensuring accountability to one another. We want to make hope a reality for the Nigerians we serve,” he stated.
He further pledged to strengthen ongoing programmes, learn from all stakeholders, and ensure that humanitarian and poverty reduction initiatives deliver tangible impact to citizens.
Support from the Ministry’s Leadership
In his remarks, the Minister of State, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, congratulated Dr. Doro on his assumption of office, describing him as “a close friend and capable leader whose expertise will enrich the humanitarian and social protection landscape.”
Dr. Sununu praised the contributions of the outgoing minister, Professor Yilwatda, whose leadership, he said, had earned the confidence of the President and his new role as APC National Chairman.