Tag: Betta Edu

  • APC Responds to Atiku’s Remarks on Betta Edu, Affirming Presumption of Innocence

    APC Responds to Atiku’s Remarks on Betta Edu, Affirming Presumption of Innocence

    By Jethro Pada

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his comments on the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu. Atiku had praised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Edu, expressing his belief that she should not have been appointed as a minister.

    In response, the APC cautioned Atiku against making premature judgments and asserted that Betta Edu should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Bala Ibrahim, the APC Director of Publicity, emphasized that it would be inappropriate to draw conclusions before a thorough investigation is conducted and the allegations against Edu are substantiated.

    Ibrahim took issue with Atiku’s statements, pointing out that the presumption of innocence is a fundamental legal principle. He suggested that Atiku, given his purported legal background, should be aware of this principle and refrain from making sweeping judgments about Edu’s guilt.

    Furthermore, Ibrahim defended the government’s actions, highlighting the swift and appropriate response to the situation through the initiation of investigations. He also criticized Atiku and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging that they faced more corruption allegations than Edu and the APC.

    The APC spokesperson concluded by emphasizing the need to await the outcome of the investigations before making conclusive statements about the alleged misconduct within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

  • Gov. Otu lauds awards Betta Edu as Cross River State Govt. Most Outstanding Public Service

    Gov. Otu lauds awards Betta Edu as Cross River State Govt. Most Outstanding Public Service

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has been conferred with the Most Outstanding Public service Award by the Cross River State Government.

    The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu during the presentation of the Award to Edu at the Diamond Hall, Transcorp Hotels, Calabar, described her as ‘the jewel of the Crown’ and an outstanding daughter of Cross River state serving Nigeria at the National Level diligently.”

    Gov. Otu said that Dr. Edu has distinguished herself in every assignment given to her, adding that her contributions to the social economic, and political development of Cross River State and Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.

    He stated that the Cross River State Recognition of Excellence awards as one of its kind to encourage those coming behind to emulate good leaders by contributing their quota to the state and nation-building.

    According to the Governor, the grand reception was a new dawn in the history of Cross River State.

    “It’s the dawn of a new era in the history of Cross River State, where eminent sons and daughters who are serving at the federal level in their different capacities are recognized.”

    “They have been part of the state development agenda with distinguished human resources that has put the state growth trajectory at the national level.”

    “The essence of the award is to add value and encourage others to render selfless service to Cross River State and Nigeria.”

    “Dr Betta is our ‘Jewel of the Crown’ from Cross River State. She is a Cross River state export to the world. She has been making the state proud, and we are proud of what she’s doing at the center
    and for being an illustrious daughter of Cross River State and for her commitment to nation-building, you are recognized, “,Otu added.

    Furthermore, the Governor said, “the unity of Cross River State is sacrosanct and places uppermost in this government which is a people-first Government beca Bassey Otuuse everybody is a stakeholder in the affairs of the state irrespective of religion, tribes, and ethnic differences. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing great Cross Riverians into strategic places in the Government at the National, reassuring him that he would see the difference as Cross Riverians are hard workers.”

    Responding, Edu said, ” the Award as very close to my Heart, and it is a challenge to do more in reducing poverty and humanitarian crises in Nigeria, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    “I dedicate this award to all Nigerians who are facing humanitarian challenges and assure them that the solution is here under President Tinubu’s. The president’s commitment to lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty is unprecedented.”

    The minister who expressed her emotions said, “I want to most respectfully appreciate Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to serve at the national level, the same appreciation goes to my dear Governor, His Excellency Senator Bassey Edet Otu for organizing this award and for all the support.”

    Other recipients of service awards were Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Jane Inyang, Minister for Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major Gen. Emmauel Udiandeye, and six serving Assistant Inspector-General of Police who are indigenes of Cross
    River state.

  • Edu to launch grants for indigents, vulnerable in Cross River, attends Obong of Calabar Coronation

    Edu to launch grants for indigents, vulnerable in Cross River, attends Obong of Calabar Coronation

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister of the Ministry of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has said that her ministry is set to launch grants for the poor and vulnerable in Cross River State.

    Edu disclosed this when she attended the 15th Coronation Anniversary of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, and the annual Utomo Obong festival in Cross River State today.

    Edu said, “These funds that will be put in their pockets will help them to start micro-businesses that can go a long way in sustaining their family and pull them out of poverty.”

    The minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu next year will unveil the full package for Cross River State and other states in the country.

    She stated that her Ministry has a checklist of would-be beneficiaries of the scheme, having reached out through the traditional rulers, to all the communities, in the wards, the villages, and people to select those who met the criteria inline with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The minister attended the twin events of the 15th Coronation of the Obong Edidem Abasi Otu V and the Utomo Obong Festival held at Adiabo, the country home of the revered first-class Efik monarch in Cross River State.

    Speaking at the colorful event, Dr Edu described the Utomo Obong festival as a classy celebration of the rich Efik cultural heritage and congratulated the Obong on his 15th coronation anniversary as well as for the success of the festival.

    “I’m happy to be here in Calabar to attend the Uthum Obong for 2023.
    Our king, the Obong of Calabar, is an A-class king, he is father to all his subjects, and he brings together all his people, the different clans and indeed every well-wisher who wishes Cross River State well and who wishes his kingdom well too.

    “We’re here to share culture. We’re here to share a good time, and we’re here to share a renewed hope for the people of Cross River State and the kingdom of Calabar.”

    “So from the President, President Bola Tinubu, from me Betta Edu and from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Property Alleviation, we wish the Obong of Calabar more success, long life and a peaceful reign as we all collaborate to pursue peace and development of Cross River State and Nigeria”, the Minister said.

    She reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to stamp out poverty in the country and usher in a refreshing dawn for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

    She noted that Cross River is dear to the President’s heart, hence the federal government through her Ministry will on Christmas day flag off grants for the very Poor, vulnerable groups in the state in partnership with the Cross River State Government.

    She said,”President Tinubu has directed that smiles be put on the faces of the poor and vulnerable in the grassroots this Christmas season, so we’ve put together names of vulnerable groups in Cross River, and we’re beginning with those in the Southern Senatorial District. The flag-off will be at Millennium Park on Christmas Day.”

  • Betta Edu best choice by Tinubu for the poor – Reps Deputy Spokesman

    Betta Edu best choice by Tinubu for the poor – Reps Deputy Spokesman

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Chief Philip Agbese, has said that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, is the best choice made by President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the poor.

    Agbese who spoke to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja said Edu is the pacesetter in the current government with dynamism, commitment, and dedication to the Renewed Hope Agenda for the poor.

    He described the minister as a friend of the poor and downtrodden, who is implementing a well-designed blueprint to better the lives of the common man.

    According to the lawmaker, just within 100 days in office, he has lost count of the communities Edu has visited, providing succor to the vulnerable while responding swiftly to emergency, humanitarian, and poverty challenges of citizens.

    He said Edu is a new breed of leader who is breaking new grounds and reshaping the landscape with her charisma, resourcefulness, and penchant for excellence.

    “Betta Edu is making young Nigerians proud. She is the shining light of the current administration. No surprise. Edu came prepared and knew the tasks at hand.”

    “She understands the needs of the common man and designs interventions and programmes to lift millions out of poverty.”

    “Some of the schemes include, The Renewed Hope shelter for Refugees, Poor, and IDPs, End Hunger Programme, Grow Nigeria, Code Nigeria, Government Enterprise, and Empowerment Programme and GEEP(rebranded Market Women’s Moni which was flagged off last week by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu).”

    “Others are the Conditional Cash Transfer, CCT, which after careful verification and in-person identification is on going, Renewed Hope Community and Social Development Agency 2.0, Youth Empowerment and Social Support Operations YESSO 2.0, Humanitarian Trust Fund, Humanitarian Hub among others.”

    He noted that Edu has halted the controversial N-Power scheme, adding that the programme would be expanded to accommodate less privileged Nigerians.

  • I did not release N25bn Military Pensioners Fund to Defence Minister- Betta  Edu

    I did not release N25bn Military Pensioners Fund to Defence Minister- Betta Edu

    …Says Ministry processing 17,077 Veterans,264,560 Pensioners

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister For Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has refuted the news that the ministry has released N25 billion Military Pensioners Fund directly to the Defense Minister, Muhammed Badaru.

    Edu reacted to the alleged the news in the media been drawn to a fake news making rounds in the media and public spaces alleging N25 Billion purportedly meant for the Retired Military Pensioners from the Conditioner Cash Transfer Funds has been given to the Minister of Defense, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar.

    In a press release issued by the ministry, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs urged the general public to disregard such reports as not only fake, deliberate, and malicious attempt by mischief-makers, disgruntled elements and enemies of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration to tarnish the image and integrity of the Honourable Minister.

    The statement added, “For the records, at no time did the Honorable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation give or contemplate giving funds meant for the Pensioners of the Retired Military personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces to Ministers or Ministries.

    For the avoidance of doubt, 17,077 Veterans, and 264,560 Pensioners list were submitted to the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office
    (NASSCO), in the third week of November and the process of in-person verification of the names submitted by the Nigerian Legion and the Pensioners group is still ongoing.

    Similarly, the office responsible for the verification of the register under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is doing a painstaking job, of working with the World Bank. All the captured retired veterans who meet the criteria and pensioners will be paid once the rigorous verification exercise is completed.

    The Members of the public ,especially the media, are hereby informed that the ministry has not released or planning to release any money meant for the Renewed Hope Cash Transfer to any individual or group.

    In line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, all funds upon confirmation of the beneficiaries’ details, are to be sent directly to them through their bank accounts and is verifiable.

    The good intention of Mr. President to expand the National Social Register and commence payment of the N25,000 for three months to accommodate the veterans of the Nigerian Armed Forces, which is a novel idea and the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria, should be appreciated by Nigerians and not allow themselves to be distracted or misinformed by naysayers.

  • Poverty Alleviation: Edu Flags Off National Social Register verification exercise  in six Lagos Communities

    Poverty Alleviation: Edu Flags Off National Social Register verification exercise in six Lagos Communities

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, today in Lagos State flagged off the verification of the National Social Register (NSR) in some South West communities namely Makoko,Oko Agbon, Adogbo, Migbewhe, Makoko, Sogunro and Apollo.

    The verification exercise, which commenced simultaneously across the country is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, will last for three weeks, the ministry said.

    During the exercise, the Minister was ferried in a canoe in a door to door verification of the register in remote riverine villages to ensure integrity.

    Speaking shortly after the exercise, Edu said that it is an integrity test by President Tinubu to ensure the sincerity of citizens deserving the conditional cash transfer to assist in their businesses, education of their children, livelihood, and job creation.

    She said those who were captured would be checked to know whether they deserved to be on the register or not, while areas that were left out will be covered.

    “Federal government is going to put money into the households of Nigerians to assist them in terms of their businesses, livelihood, education, to be able to pay fees for their children, improve access to social services, subsidize their daily transportation costs, give them spending power to provide for basic health care needs, job creation etc.”

    “For us to do this, we need to verify the National Social Register, the President has approved that we go down to the grassroots and ensure that the National Social Register is a true reflection of truly poor people.”

    “We need to verify that people on the list live below one dollar 95 cents a day and are affected by multidimensional poverty and sincerely are those who need help; those who have no business being there should be removed those who need to be on the register should be included. ”

    Speaking further, Edu said:”We are doing both community targeting and geographical targeting, we have noticed that certain areas of Oko Agbon, Adogbo, Migbewhe, Makoko, Sogunro and Apollo villages have been covered by NSR, while certain areas have not been captured, we will capture them.”

    “The activities we will flag off here are being carried out across the country, working with states and communities. Our State Governors, will chair the steering committee at state while the Local Government Areas, and Community Leaders will be involved to get NSR with Integrity.”

    We want to ensure that those who will be getting the money are those who truly require it with zero political social or personal interference, she said.

    The new National Coordinator for the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), Abdulaziz Danladi, promised that the Minister’s passion for her community-oriented job will be supported by all the foot soldiers.

    Danladi said that strengthening the social safety nets and social protection system in the country was a core strategy to help end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity.

    He explained that the core mandate of NASSCO was to lay a strong foundation for rigorous and reliable evidence of poor and vulnerable households in Nigeria, which the Minister is championing.

    The Minister, accompanied by the Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees migrants and IDPs, Mr. Aliyu Tijani Ahmed and Director General NAPTIP, Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi and the Minister’s team, who distributed food items and carried out expanded medical outreach in Makoko community in Lagos state.

  • Nigeria@63: President Tinubu Ushering In New Lease of hope For All – Edu

    Nigeria@63: President Tinubu Ushering In New Lease of hope For All – Edu

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is ushering in new lease of hope for Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Edu stated this when she congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 63rd independence anniversary, saying the celebration,though at a low key is symbolic in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration.

    In a statement signed by her Special Adviser, Media, and Publicity, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, the Minister said the country’s 63rd independence anniversary, is a special occasion for all of us Nigerians, regardless of our background, tribe or religion to celebrate the gains of freedom, saluting the sacrifices of founding fathers.

    Urging for a renewal of faith in Nigeria, Dr. Edu gave the assurance that with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a new lease of life for Nigeria is in the offering for all Nigerians.

    The Minister called on all citizens, especially the youths, women to stay patriotic and work with the Government of President Bola Tinubu on rebuilding and restructuring the system to yield better dividends.

    “Our love and faith in Nigeria must never waver; they must rule our hearts at all times.”

    “As a youth myself, I call on the young people to see the survival and greatness of Nigeria as tasks that must be done. Let’s therefore, celebrate our 63rd independence anniversary with joy and pride, knowing that we belong to a great country with a rich history and bright future”, the Minister stated.

    She canvassed the support of all Nigerians for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that will end hunger and multi-dimensional poverty in Nigeria, “including a reduction in humanitarian crises which my Ministry is spearheading.

    “Our dear president needs the collective support of Nigerians to enable him to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at ushering in a new lease of life for everyone.”

    She added,”Our country’s 63rd independence anniversary, therefore, presents us with a beautiful opportunity to rededicate ourselves to upholding the ideals of our founding fathers and the goals of the present administration. Happy independence, Nigerians.”

  • Edu seeks UN support for lasting solution to Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis

    Edu seeks UN support for lasting solution to Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has canvassed for the support from the United Nations for lasting solution to Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis.
    Edu made this move at the gathering of world leaders at United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, meeting on Tuesday at the UN headquarters in New York.

    Edu at the meeting called for collaborative efforts between the UN and the Nigerian Government to provide durable solutions to humanitarian crises and emergencies in Nigeria.

    She also sought support for the presidential Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund, and she got the full commitment of the United Nations.
    The minister had accompanied President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other members of the presidential cabinet to the UNGA meeting to brief him on the Sustainable Development Goal, SDG high-level meeting and the implications for Nigeria’s commitment to Achieve SDG by 2030.

    She used the occasion to hold a high-level discussion with the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths on systematic and long-term responses to relieve Nigeria and its citizens affected by the impact of humanitarian crises.

    Furthermore, the minister joined the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu who she addressed Nigeria Governors Wives Forum, on the need for Nigerians in the diaspora to support the Renewed Hope Agenda, rebuild the economy, pull Nigerians out of poverty, and support the nation’s speedy development.

  • Edu takes relief  materials to 900 households in Maiduguri Shwari IDP camps

    Edu takes relief materials to 900 households in Maiduguri Shwari IDP camps

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, on Friday took relief materials consisting of non-food items to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in over 900 households at Shwari Camp 5 in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

    The relief items include hundreds of mattresses, pillows, blankets, footwear, wrappers, and treated Insecticide mosquito nets.

    The Minister assured the 480,000 unregistered IDPs that the Federal government was not unmindful of their plight and humanitarian needs, adding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is aimed at eradicating poverty.

    She promised them that the social register, conditional cash transfer, and other social intervention programs of the federal government would be extended to all individuals in IDP camps, as she assured that Government will provide more durable solutions for them to cater for their families.

    The goal is to get everybody, wherever they are, out of poverty and humanitarian crises, this is the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Edu emphasized.

    “The President has directed that Nigerians who are living under one dollar per day, not even one dollar ninety-five cents daily, should be reached and pulled out of poverty.”

    Vocations and skill training, micro small and medium size enterprises among other interventions are important for those who are here and ready, but for those who can trace where they came from, we will reunite them with their families and provide them with economic start-up capital to remove them and their families out of poverty”, the Minister said.

    Meanwhile, Dr Edu disclosed that President Tinubu is making special plans with the state government to resettle IDPs who have lost their husbands.

    “President Tinubu has asked me to tell you that, you will be given economic startup and properly reintegrated back into society, the minister promised.

    She lamented the poor living conditions of the unregistered IDPs who are largely from Northern Borno, vowing “we must change the narrative”. She commended the state Governor Professor Zulum for his efforts.

    The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zuwaira Gambo, who was on hand to conduct the Minister around the camp said, the state government had at various times provided for the IDPs.

    Gambo appealed to the Federal Government to complement what the Borno state government is doing to ease the suffering of the IDPs. She lamented that the number of IDPs keeps increasing daily.

    “We appreciate your coming, Honourable Minister; the distribution of these nonfood items will go a long way to cushion the suffering of these IDPs. ”

    “We equally appreciate Mr. President for his interest in the humanitarian needs of our people in various IDP camps in this state”, Gambo said

    The Minister was accompanied to the IDP camp by the Acting Honourable Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees migrants and IDPs, Ambassador Catherine Udida, and other top officers of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

  • Edu distributes food items to Chibok girls, families at Bulumkutu Rehab camp

    Edu distributes food items to Chibok girls, families at Bulumkutu Rehab camp

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu on Thursday distributed food items to 14 rescued Chibok girls and families in Bulumkutu Rehabilitation camp in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    The food items is part of the Federal Government’s immediate relief package consisting of hundreds of bags of rice, beans , gari, vegetable oil,maggi and other food items to support the inhabitants undergoing rehabilitation at the camp, including Chibok girls and their children.

    Edu who was accompanied to the camp by the Borno state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zuwaira Gambo, and the Acting Hon Commissioner for National Commission for Refugees Migrants and IDPs, Ambassador Catherine Udida, disclosed that the gesture would be extended to other IDP Camps in the state.

    She stated that the relief items were part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at alleviating the suffering of Nigerians exposed to humanitarian crisis, in Borno state, especially women and children.

    Edu disclosed President Tinubu has commitment to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty, which is part of strategy to provide long-term solutions to insecurity and insurgency in the Country.

    Meanwhile, the Minister said that efforts are being made to permanently integrate and relocate displaced people back to their homes.

    The minister disclosed that officials of her ministry were on the ground to continue to provide psychosocial support for them, assuring that she would be visiting them periodically.

    Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zuwaira Gambo commended the Minister for visiting the camp and identifying with the IDPs.

    Gambo who spoke in Kanuri language, informed the Minister that the victims were happy to receive her into the camp, being her first visit to Borno state as Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.