Doro Assumes Office As Minister Of Humanitarian Affairs

The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, today officially assumed office at the Ministry’s Headquarters Federal Secretariat, Abuja following his appointment and inauguration by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

According to a statement by Iliya Rhoda Ishaku,Director, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, the Minister was received by the Honourable Minister of State, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Permanent Secretary, Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, Directors of the Ministry, Heads of Agencies under the Ministry and Programme Managers of the National Social Investment Programme Agency. Dr. Doro succeeds Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who has been appointed the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his maiden address, the Honourable Minister, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to him by the leadership and staff of the Ministry.

“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.”

Dr. Doro emphasized the importance of teamwork, trust, and shared accountability as the bedrock of effective public service delivery, stating that a successful team is not just people working together but “people who truly trust one another.”

Acknowledging his predecessor, Dr. Doro described Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as “a friend, a mentor, and indeed, a big shoe to fill.” He told the staff that he would depend on their experience, technical expertise, and institutional memory to build on the achievements already recorded.

Dr. Doro also spoke about his vision, underscoring the renewed commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in tackling multi-dimensional poverty affecting more than 60% of Nigerians.

“It is our job, as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, to help people move up from where they are to enable them to achieve social mobility. We will do this by working together, collaborating, partnering, and ensuring accountability to one another. We want to make hope a reality for the Nigerians we serve.”

The Minister of State, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, in his welcome remarks, 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 reflected on the tenure of the outgoing Minister, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, commending his team spirit, humility, and exemplary leadership. He enumerated the Ministry’s recent achievements and milestones, including the National Social Register (NSR), Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT), Skill to Wealth Initiative, and strengthened international partnerships.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, welcomed the Honourable Minister and reaffirmed the Ministry’s loyalty and readiness to fully implement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.