Tag: #Betta Edu

 

The attention of the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has been drawn to a circulating bogus child support scheme with the title “FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S ₦50,000 CHILD SUPPORT FUND FOR ALL NIGERIAN PARENTS IS ONGOING”

The said scheme and the accompanying link are fake as they did not emanate from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

All social intervention schemes of the Ministry are well documented, in the public domain, and are brought to the notice of Nigerians through proper channels.

The so-called “Child Support Scheme” is fake and is not and can never be any of the Ministry’s schemes.

The general public is hereby alerted that undesirable elements whose sole agenda is to mislead and defraud unsuspecting Nigerians are behind the fake scheme advertisement and link.

While security agents have swung into action to unmask the unpatriotic elements behind the intended scam, Nigerians are advised to ignore the link to avoid being defrauded of their hard-earned money.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR), Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, MHAPA
19/11/2023

 

The Federal Government has approved a ten percent inclusion for Persons Living With Disabilities, PLWDs in all Federal Government interventions and schemes of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Dr Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, made this known during the launch of the Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities at the Art and Culture Conference Hall, Abuja.

According to Dr. Edu, PLWDs will also benefit from all the programs under the Ministry, including the End Hunger program, Conditional Cash Transfer, N-power, Renewed Hope Shelters Program, Geep Programmes as well as the CODE NIGERIA program among others. The inclusion will be selected and implemented through the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister said, “does not see them as Persons With Disabilities but sees them as Persons with Special Abilities” She commended the President for signing the African Charter on the Protection of the Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities and subsequent appointments of Persons living with Disabilities into key positions in Government. She commended the National Assembly for ensuring that PLWDs have a say in the affairs of the country through their legislation.

“Over the years, the voice of Persons With Disabilities could not be heard, they were silenced in all sectors, and their brand was neglected, but the government of President Tinubu has brought hope to them. “The Renewed Hope Agenda is aimed at pulling 50 million Nigerians, including PLWDs, out of poverty within 42 months,” she said

On the occasion, the Minister symbolically presented Point of Sales (POS) machines and N100,000 operational capital to PLWDs.
She announced the sum of N130,000 as scholarship support to PLWDs in tertiary institutions across Nigeria and made a presentation of N20 million annual grant to the Association of Persons Living with Disabilities in Nigeria

Dr. Edu equally flagged the federal government’s training of PLWDs on business development, and business registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission while creating a link with the Bank Of Industry which will enable them access up to 1 billion Naira low-interest loans from the Bank of Industry to enhance their businesses and equally contribute to job creation wherever they reside in the country.

The Minister, however, warned against the misuse of the opportunities, saying the government will be strict in monitoring and evaluating all the empowerment, admonishing the beneficiaries to make good use of the Federal government empowerment to support their families and communities.

She described the empowerment program as a beacon of hope that would illuminate the path toward an inclusive and equitable society.

“This program is not merely about assisting in empowering individuals to take charge of their lives, pursue their dreams, and meaningfully contribute to our nation’s progress, but it is in line with Mr. President’s vision of leaving no one behind in this great work of development. ”

“Make good use of this gesture of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, embrace it, and be determined to make a difference in the society,” “We want to teach you how to fish, we are no more giving fish, we want to empower you to be useful to yourselves, the society and remain good ambassadors of this nation” She added.

Speaking earlier the Executive Secretary, of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, Dr James Lalu, commended President Tinubu for the 6 appointment of Dr Edu, which he described as “the most impactful thing that has happened to the disabilities community in Nigeria”. He expressed delight that with Dr Edu as Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the hope of PLWDs will be renewed due to her passion and empathy for them.

Dr.Lalu said the empowerment program was part of the marching order given by the Minister to the Disability Commission to change the narratives, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu

“All that you are seeing today was made possible because we have a Minister who is pushful and is on the Commission’s neck to do things differently and better, Thank you, my Honourable Minister, we are beginning to see the result of your push” The ES of the Commission promised full implementation of the Disability Act while working assiduously to protect and support PLWDs in the country.

On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disabilities, Alhaji Abah Isah, stressed that the Renewed Hope For the Persons Living with Disabilities was guaranteed with Dr Betta as Minister given her zeal and dexterity to implement President Tinubu’s Agenda. He assured the PLWD community that the beginning is bright and the future is assured for all irrespective of their conditions. He advises the banks and all other organizations to remove any bottleneck that will exclude people living with disabilities from accessing support and empowerment.

Speaking on behalf of the National Assembly, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Persons Living With Disabilities,
Hon Bashiru Dauda said inclusion and protection of the rights of those with disabilities is guaranteed under the leadership of the 10th National Assembly with its legislations and the inclusion of sign language in its proceedings.

Dauda emphasized that discrimination against Persons with disabilities is highly prohibited in Nigeria and called on citizens to see them as part of society. He assured PLWDs that the National Assembly would protect them under the established law in Nigeria.

The Representatives of the Bank of Industry and Corporate Affairs Commission were on hand to register and open new businesses for PLWDS while admonishing the beneficiaries on how to improve their businesses.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair,
SA Media & Publicity to HM FMHAPA
16/11/2023

 

The Federal government has reiterated the need for all development partners, including the United Nations agencies providing humanitarian services in Nigeria to be properly coordinated by the government and to make decisions during planning for 2024 based on the priorities of the Government.

According to the federal government, the era of duplicating humanitarian services and wasting minimal resources in the country was over. We must stop working in silos and pull together to see how we can effectively use the little resources available to solve humanitarian crises in 2024.

Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu stated this when she received in the audience, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), led by the Deputy Director Operations and Advocacy Division in West and Central Africa from UN Headquarters New York at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.

The Minister said the Nigerian government will henceforth take the lead in humanitarian situation reviews using dashboards and implementation of operations in the country to provide a coordinated response and durable solutions to humanitarian challenges in the country.

Said Edu: “We need to make joint decisions, Government must be in the driver’s seat, we don’t want to be informed and communicated but we must plan together and implement together that way we can hold each other accountable for what goes on in the field.

“The era of duplication of functions and services in the humanitarian space is over. We need to stop working in a silo but integrate and coordinate among all the different development partners in Nigeria”

According to the Minister, in the last cabinet retreat, performance targets were set for all the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government. We must not fail!

Dr. Edu disclosed that her Ministry will be organizing quarterly meetings with all the development partners and agencies rendering services in the humanitarian space. This will help with proper planning and coordination of activities on the field.

She explained that there will be a dashboard where the operations of all development partners will be known and seen as well as their impacts on the humanitarian field measured, with a feedback mechanism following proper monitoring and evaluation of programs.

The Minister who commended the efforts of the UN agencies in Nigeria on Humanitarian response, pointed out that after the first meeting, which is coming soon, she will go to field assessment operations with all the development partners to enable them to see things for themselves, this she said, was part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She again called for immediate deployment of humanitarian services to Benue State, saying the situation there needed urgent attention and immediate action.

Earlier, the United Nations OCHA Deputy Director Operations and Advocacy Division in West and Central Africa and leader of the delegation, Sofie Gerde Thomie, thanked the Honourable Minister for the work she is doing for Nigerians affected by humanitarian crises.

Sofie told the Minister that they came to appreciate President Tinubu’s agenda on humanitarian response and Poverty Alleviation and to further ascertain the humanitarian needs in the Bornu, Adamawa, and Yobe(BAY)States in the Northeast.

“I am here to see the Honourable Minister and to better understand the situation, the latest developments here in Nigeria, and how we work to support the government in addressing humanitarian concerns.

“We’ve had very good exchanges on the current humanitarian situation and the developments, in particular in the northeast of Nigeria, and the concerns across Nigeria about the many challenges that the humanitarian actors are faced with as well in the efforts that are made to reach people who need assistance and of protection.

“And we’ve had very good discussions around how these challenges can be addressed and how we can work together to be even more effective in what we do in a joined-up manner.

Speaking specifically on Benue, Sofie said, ” We had a very good exchange also about Benue and what can be done in the area and potential support that could be provided. “We are, of course, looking at what types of support we can immediately provide to beef up government efforts,” She added.

On his part, the UN OCHA Head of Office in Nigeria, Troud Jensen, explained that the Agency has been providing support to those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Adamawa, Yobe, and Borno states.

Troud noted that despite investing $50 million in nutrition and social services, the IDPs are still in need of humanitarian support.

He stated that OCHA was willing to provide $440 million in 2024 to alleviate the suffering of those affected by humanitarian crises in the BAY states.

“We will provide humanitarian assistance and support the country to mobilize resources, we have plans in the Northeast in areas of nutrition, security, climate change, and provision of shelter.”

He explained that the agency has mapped out funds to support the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund with the intervention of extending the support to other parts of Nigeria.

“This year, we have reached out to 3.4 million people in terms of provision of nutrition, shelter, and water,” he added.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair,
SA on Media & Publicity to HM MHAPA.
15/11/2023

 

Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling some of the promises made to the people of the state during his electioneering campaign.

The Governor spoke during a state dinner organized in honor of the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr Betta Edu and her team at the Banquet Hall, Government House Makurdi.

The Minister was in Benue to perform the ground-breaking ceremony of the Renewed Hope Shelter for poor and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as the distribution of food and non-food items to the IDPs in eight local government areas of the state.

According to Father Alia, President Tinubu has matched words with action by committing to ameliorating the suffering of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in the state, by addressing humanitarian challenges facing them.

He said the people of Benue state have started benefiting from the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, saying Benue people will never forget that the President made a promise and fulfilled the promise on record time.

The Governor commended President Tinubu for appointing Dr Edu as Minister in charge of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, describing her as a perfect match for the job.

“Honourable Minister, please convey my appreciation on behalf of the government and people of Benue state to Mr President for fulfilling the Promise made to provide permanent homes for IDPs in Benue State and provide for their livelihood.

“We are happy as a people and we appreciate Mr President for this gesture. I also thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing a quintessentially young and vibrant Minister to take charge of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, she’s doing extremely well and we commend her and her team for a good job.

On his part, the first Class Traditional Ruler in Benue State, His Royal Highness, Chief Vincent Awure,Tor Markudi III, was full of effusive praises for President Tinubu for giving the people of the state a new lease of life.

The Monarch who spoke on behalf of Benue royal fathers said that before the coming of President Tinubu, several communities in the state, including Tatyo and Kyo in Markudi North local government area never knew a day would come when life would be brought back to the communities devastated by herders and bandits attacks.

Recounting the indignities his people have passed through, the Tor Markudi lamented that they have lost many lives and livelihoods, a development that rendered over millions of households homeless, hence their present status as IDPs.

The Monarch stressed that with life now brought back to the communities by the federal and Benue state governments, is phenomenal and they were willing to donate more land for developmental projects.

He however pleaded with the government for more security around the riverine communities.

“On behalf of my kingdom, we appreciate President Tinubu for this gesture and also thank the Honourable Minister, my daughter, Dr Betta Edu for her vision to address humanitarian challenges In Nigeria.

“I have been watching her and her passion for humanitarian response from a distance; she is simply unmatched”

Earlier, Dr Edu commended Governor Alia,the traditional rulers and the people of Benue for the warm reception and hospitality given to her and her team during her two-day working visit to the State.

The Minister assured that her Ministry will collaborate with the state government to provide livelihood for those who have lost their means of survival. While providing transit learning areas for children through the alternate school program

“We want to be able to provide durable solutions to those who have already been affected by this humanitarian crises.

“Beyond this, we have already picked some markets within Benue state where we will be carrying out the markets money scheme, this scheme is a soft loan, a zero-interest loan to market women.

“The market women will be registered right there in the markets and the loans provided for them there to support their businesses. We believe it will help the local economy to thrive.

“There are several other government interventions including the end hunger program, the Code Nigeria program, the YESSO 2.0 program for young people, several interventions that we would be bringing to Benue State.

“The essence is to see that we can first pull those who are in poverty out of poverty and prevent those who are at the borderline, just at the edge of it from falling into poverty.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair
SA Media & Publicity to HM
MHAPA

 

Emotions ran high Thursday when the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu met with the rescued students of the Federal University Gusau and assured them of improved security and immediate humanitarian response to support their recovery process.

Dare-devil bandits had recently struck at the University and kidnapped twenty five (25) female students in their hostels. However, sixteen of them have been rescued by security forces.

Speaking when she took the message of Renewed Hope to the Management and Students of the Federal University of Gusau, in company of the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, the Minister said President Ahmed Bola Tinubu was concerned by the unfortunate incident adding that he would ensure the safe return of the remaining students.

Edu who personally interacted with some of the rescued students one after the other, said both Federal and State government are working together to improve Security in Zamfara State in particular and Northwest in general.

According to her, “I bring you the assurance of the President, that those remaining students will be back. The President has put in place a security architecture in collaboration with Zamfara State government that will safeguards lives and property.

She said one of the eight-point agenda of President Tinubu and indeed the primary agenda of government is Security and the welfare of its people.

“I want to assure you that our children, our students will come back home and get back to school to continue their education.”

“The President has assured us of improved security across the country to reduce humanitarian crises and eradicate multi-dimensional poverty, we hope that very soon, the remaining nine students in captivity will soon be released.

“For the students, do not be deterred by the incident and continue to pursue your education, where necessary, we will ensure their full rehabilitation and reintegration to enable them continue their studies. Our President believes in Education, he has made provision for Student Loans and Scholarships to assist the education of young people.

On his part, Governor Lawal commended Dr. Edu for taking the pains “to visit us over the ugly incident that happened 10 days ago.”

The Governor assured that the State Government will continue in its efforts to work with the Federal Government to create a conducive learning environment and will also do its best to protect the lives and properties of the people which is the primary function of government.

Lawal who said Zamfara Needs help from the federal government, said the coming of the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister was an indication of a better collaboration from the federal government led by President Tinubu.

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Gusau, Professor Muazu Abubakar Gusau, said the management of the university was delighted to receive the Minister at this trying time.

Professor Gusau, recounted the ordeals the institution has encountered in the hands of bandits in times past even before this administration and called for increased security for the institution.

The VC appealed to Dr. Edu to factor in the University in her Ministry’s several intervention schemes.

The institution Student Union Representatives led by Comrade Bello Aliyu, Commended the Minister for visiting them in their trying period, asking that the students should be accommodated in the National Social Investment Programmes of the Federal government. The victims of the incident also met with the Minister who is supporting them directly and will provide for some psychosocial therapy to help with quick recovery and reintegration.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR), Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, MHAPA.
06/10/2023

PRESS RELEASE

The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, announces the following appointments in line with the President Tinubu’s directive to restructure the social safety net Programme to address the expanded mandate of the ministry.

The appointed persons will join her team in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at providing succour to those affected by humanitarian crises and eradicate multi-dimensional poverty In Nigeria:

1) National Coordinator NASSCO- Hon Abdulaziz Danladi

2). National Cash Transfer Office NCTO Head of office – Dr Micheal Ajuluchukwu

3) NCTO Deputy Head of Office- Dr Janet Ekpenyong

4) National Programme Manager,Youth Empowerment Empowerment and Social Support Operations (YESSO) – Richard Romanus

5) National Communication manager NSIP – Hon Jamalu kaburu

6)National Programme Manager, Renewed Hope Shelter Programme for Refugees ,Poor and Internally Displaced Persons- Hon Chidinma Makuachukwu

7)National Programme manager, Grant For Vulnerable groups – Hon Thalis Apalowo

8)Programme Manager ,At Risk Children Programme- Hajia Salia Sanusi Yusuff

9)National Programme Manager, National Home grown School feeding Programme (Renewed Hope Home Grown School feeding and End Hunger programme)- Hon Mrs Obande

10) Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (Renewed Hope MSME Loan Programme)- Hon Dr Joseph Nkang.

11) Programme manager
N-Power Programme (Renewed Hope Skills Acquisition Programme – Dr Akindele Adekunle Egbuwalo

12)Renewed Hope IDP Refugees out of school Programme (National Alternate school Programme )- Dr Mrs Etcheri Ansa

13) National Project Manager, Community and Social Development Programme- Hon Olubunmi Bello

The Honourable Minster of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, remains the Chairman, National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office(NASSCO) Management Team, while the Secretary NASSCO Management team is Hon Abel Enitan,the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The Minister charges the new appointees to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new offices as there will be no room for excuses or failure, in the actualisation of Renewed Hope mandate
and in moving Nigeria Forward.

The appointments take immediate effect.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, (ANIPR),Special Adviser On Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, MHAPA.
September 25, 2023