By Emmanuel Daudu
The member, National Board of Trustees, World Sustainable Development Goals Organization-Nigeria, Sani Ibrahim (Nr, MNWCN) has congratulated the newly appointed minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction-State, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu on his recent appointment.
The Member, National Board of Trustees, Sani Ibrahim Yauri made the statement in a congratulatory message he signed today 24th of October, 2024 and made available to newsmen in Abuja following the announcement of his appointment by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Sani described him as a great leader with uncommon leadership prowess focused on making Nigeria and its citizens great again
According to him, “In an era where the challenges of poverty and humanitarian crises are more pronounced than ever, the appointment of capable leaders to key positions is crucial for driving positive change. Recently, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu was appointed as Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction-State, an announcement that has fostered hope and optimism among many stakeholders invested in sustainable development.
“To understand the enormity of the task ahead, it is important to scrutinise the current state of humanitarian issues and poverty in Nigeria. According to the World Bank, approximately 40% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, which translates to roughly 83 million people struggling to meet their basic needs. The challenges are multi-faceted: from economic instability to health crises and natural disasters, these elements create a perfect storm that devastates the lives of ordinary citizens. The need for effective leadership to navigate these tumultuous waters can not be overstated; it is through decisive action and visionary strategies that a country can hope to alleviate the suffering of its people.
“Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu’s appointment is significant not only because of the role itself but also due to his impressive leadership track records”.
Ibrahim Sani, a member of the National Board of Trustees of the World Sustainable Development Goals Organization-Nigeria, heralded Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu’s “uncommon leadership prowess” and highlighted his commitment to uplifting Nigeria and its citizens. “Effective leadership encompasses various qualities such as vision, integrity, empathy, and the ability to inspire others, all of which are crucial to addressing the humanitarian challenges facing Nigeria of which all can be evidently be found in the life of Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu
“One prominent aspect of Dr. Tanko’s leadership is his clear vision for humanitarian affairs, which aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a collection of 17 global goals designed to address various social, economic, and environmental issues. Goal 1 aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere, and Tanko’s focus on poverty reduction is not only timely—it is also essential for achieving broader sustainable development. Leadership that is informed by clear objectives and strategies can catalyse significant change.
While wishing him well in his new office, Sani cautioned him to understand that leadership is about more than just setting goals; it involves fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.”In tackling humanitarian issues and poverty, no single entity can succeed in isolation. Effective leadership necessitates building partnerships among government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based organisations, and international development agencies. By engaging in meaningful dialogue and constructive partnerships, Tanko can better mobilise resources and efforts to address the challenges faced by the most vulnerable populations. This approach not only increases the effectiveness of interventions but also empowers communities to take ownership of their development journey.
“Furthermore, Tanko’s leadership must also be rooted in empathy—an essential quality for anyone tasked with working in humanitarian affairs. Empathy enables leaders to genuinely understand the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve, ultimately leading to programmes that are both relevant and effective. As the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko has the opportunity to meet with affected communities, listen to their experiences, and create policies that resonate with their realities. This deep connection with grassroots movements is integral for sustainable change, as it fosters trust and collaboration between leaders and the community.
“While Tanko’s leadership will undoubtedly be tested by myriad challenges—ranging from inflation and unemployment to security concerns and humanitarian crises—his track record provides grounds for optimism. It is imperative that he prioritises innovation to address these complex issues While traditional methods may have yielded limited results in the past, a fresh perspective can facilitate the emergence of novel solutions to entrenched problems. By adopting a strategic approach to policy-making, Tanko can ensure that the interventions implemented are both sustainable and impactful. This might include leveraging technology, social innovation, and data-driven decision-making in the implementation of programmes aimed at alleviating poverty.
“Furthermore, a robust monitoring and evaluation framework is necessary to gauge the effectiveness of humanitarian initiatives and poverty alleviation strategies. Through transparent tracking and reporting, Tanko can ensure accountability, which is essential for restoring public trust. Don’t do the mistakes of your predecessor.
“Ultimately, Tanko’s appointment is a pivotal moment for Nigeria. It presents an opportunity to galvanise a collective response to the pressing humanitarian challenges facing the country today. However, it is crucial for Tanko to not only focus on immediate solutions but also lay the groundwork for long-term sustainability by engaging in systematic planning that aligns with the SDGs. These goals are not just aspirational; they provide a roadmap to a more equitable and sustainable world. In unison with these goals, Nigeria can make significant strides towards reducing poverty and improving the humanitarian situation for its citizens.
“The appointment of Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction-State carries with it immense potential for transformative change. Effective leadership, characterised by vision, empathy, and innovation, is essential for navigating the complex challenges of poverty and humanitarian crises in Nigeria. As Tanko embarks on this critical journey, stakeholders must rally in support of his initiatives and embrace the collaborative spirit necessary for achieving a sustainable future. By outlining clear strategies, prioritising community engagement, and adhering to accountability mechanisms, Tanko can usher in a new era of effective humanitarian leadership in Nigeria. The road ahead is daunting, but with strong leadership, Nigeria can aspire to not only alleviate poverty but also build a more prosperous and sustainable nation for generations to come, Sani added.
Similarly, Sani thanked President Tinubu for finding Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu worthy of the appointment and assured him that Tanko would not disappoint Nigerians and his trust bestowed on him.
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