I have been following the Tinubu Administration’s operations with great interest since its beginning. As a Nigerian, whether I am partisan or not, the decisions and activities of the government in power influence me, hence I am invested in the Tinubu administration’s success.
Like other Nigerians, I eagerly awaited the release of the ministerial list. Ministers have finally been sworn in. Dr. Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, has piqued my interest.
Her ethereal features, composure, and charm naturally draw attention, but almost immediately, you are made aware of her other sterling traits, and you realise that she is undoubtedly one of President Obama’s most inspired Ministerial picks.
You’re dazed when you look over her resume. You are astounded by her professional trajectory. In reality, all other incidental considerations for her nomination have vanished. She is a teenager. Yes, but individuals twice her age are still working on half of what she has packed into her youth. She is, after all, a woman. Without a doubt. It all starts with gender identification and finishes there. You would never put her in a tokenistic box. She is a natural force that moves in sync with her surroundings. You must pay attention when she walks in.
Since its creation, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has had a terrible reputation. For such a new Ministry, it has created a stir and left many with a bad taste in their mouth. The majority of its job-done declarations are received with disbelieving heckles and boos. The Ministry is beleaguered by a massive trust deficit.
Dr. Edu has jumped into this situation completely prepared. She makes it clear that she came prepared. Since her inauguration, she has been touring media outlets, attempting to market her projects and debunk some of the myths that have been pinned on the Ministry. It is not an easy task. Enough to weigh down the faint of heart, yet Dr. Edu is everything but. She is an Amazon to the core.
Watching her enthusiastically discuss the task ahead, it is evident that this Minister knows exactly what she came to do. This one will not be waiting to read Oga’s body language at the top. If anything needs to be done, Dr. Edu will do it well.
I understand she has been on a retreat with her Directors and Department Heads all week. What exactly should you be doing? What exactly have you done? What is keeping you from accomplishing what you should be doing? I’ve heard it’s been a difficult session. I wish her directors the best of luck. If I were them, I’d reject the Civil Service’s notorious taciturnity, protectionism, and games in favour of this Minister. They all stand to benefit greatly from her success.
The problem is that the Dr. Edu I’m seeing does not appear to be asking permission for you to fall in line. Otherwise, it’s in your best interest…
Dr. Edu, all eyes are on you. The stakes are high. You are the source of hope. The young people. Women and a variety of different demographics. I will not ask you not to disappoint them. You do not appear to be thinking about it. As a result, I live you with a simple prayer. Godspeed.
