The Deputy National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Zainab Ibrahim, has expressed confidence in the ability of Dr. Betta Edu to lead the fight against poverty in Nigeria.
Ibrahim was reacting to statements credited to Edu that within four years of President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, her ministry will create 10 million jobs and Nigerians will smile again.
She spoke during an interview with the Abuja Inquirer on Tuesday, in Abuja, stating that Edu’s appointment was a strategic move that aligns with the party’s vision of lifting a substantial number of Nigerians out of poverty.
Recall that Betta Edu, who was a former APC National Women Leader, was appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation by President Bola Tinubu.
Ibrahim noted that the minister had proven commitment to these goals, stemming from her extensive background in medicine and her tireless efforts to uplift marginalized communities.
She described Edu as a woman of boundless energy, brimming with talents and innovative ideas that can serve as powerful tools in the fight against poverty.
According to her, Edu’s focus on humanitarian efforts holds the promise of transformative change, particularly in addressing the needs of those in impoverished conditions.
“Appointing her into the humanitarian ministry is something very laudable and commendable. Because women usually have more humane faces. Yeah, when dealing with things. Dr. Betta Edu, a national movement leader, has traveled far and wide, the corners of this country and she has a first hand idea of the level of abject poverty that women are confronted with.
“we should expect nothing but the best and there has been a plan. One of the campaign promises that we have made is to lift about a good number of Nigeria’s out of poverty.
“To God be the glory she has been taken to the ministry where she will actualize that, and that gives me hope. Yes, that poverty, to a very large extent, is going to be fought and is going to be fought real hard. Yes, because that has been her focust and she has gotten it the way
“I would like to thank the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for appointing me. A good number of women though not enough and we know he’s going to do better. But he has started very well on a very good note because he has appointed quality women, not just women, and Dr. Betta Edu, the outgoing National Women leader of APC is one of them.
“This goes a long way to show how the President has identified talent and capacity, because I have worked closely with Dr. Betta I do. She is someone who has a lot of energy, a lot of talents and a lot of innovation. Yeah, being a young person, she is always committed to lifting people, especially women, and children out of poverty, maybe because of her medical background, which is working for humanity,” she said.
Speaking on other women in the Party that have also been assigned ministerial portfolios, she said these women are of high caliber and bring immense value to their respective roles.
“Notably, a key appointment is in the Refugees Commission. Addressing a significant challenge in the Nigerian police force, we have a leader well-equipped to tackle police welfare issues, enhancing commitment and readiness to serve the nation.
“Additionally, Mrs. Doris, a seasoned professional, who previously excelled as Commissioner of Finance, now directs her expertise towards trade and investment. The renowned Barrister Hannatu Musawah, has showcased exceptional capability and is primed to deliver.
“A humanitarian and prominent woman leader, Barrister Uju leads the Women Affairs Ministry. Dr. Maria, a grassroots politician with varied state-level experiences, also contributes significantly. Mrs. Smaller, a senior technocrat, brings her expertise to the table, underlining the President’s commitment to quality.
“These appointments instill renewed hope in the nation. The quality of women chosen by the President Bola Tinubu is poised to drive a transformative agenda, surpassing expectations,” she said.
