As Nigerians await the cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu, a coalition of over 120 civil society organisations has called on the president to appoint Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho as minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation.
The appeal was made during a press conference held in Abuja yesterday.
The coalition, representing over 17 million financial members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), cited Dr. Tejuosho’s philanthropic and humanitarian works as a private citizen, hence her suitability for the job.
Convener of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria, Comrade Aminu Abbas, said Tejuosho’s appointment would be based on merit, not politics or regional considerations.
Dr. Tejuosho’s track record, particularly through her Queen Adenike Tejuosho Foundation, has demonstrated her commitment to support vulnerable Nigerians, he said.
He said Tejuosho’s annual Children’s Day celebrations have benefited over 10 million indigent children, relief materials worth millions of naira, sallah packages have reached thousands of people living with disabilities and impoverished households, among others.
The coalition said her appointment into President Tinubu’s cabinet would bring relief to those affected by the removal of fuel subsidy and enable Nigerians enjoy dividends of democracy.