Dr. Bernard M. Doro has officially taken office as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. His assumption of duty follows his appointment and inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Doro was warmly received by the Minister of State, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu; the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata; directors of the ministry; heads of agencies; and programme managers from the National Social Investment Programme Agency.
He succeeds Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who has been appointed as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his first address, Dr. Doro expressed appreciation for the warm welcome, describing the ministry as “a family.” He pledged to study the ministry’s culture and build upon its strengths while improving where necessary.
He stressed the importance of teamwork, trust, and shared accountability, noting that “a successful team is not just people working together, but people who truly trust one another.”
Dr. Doro praised his predecessor, Professor Yilwatda, describing him as “a friend, a mentor, and indeed, a big shoe to fill.” He said he would rely on the staff’s experience and expertise to sustain and improve the ministry’s achievements.
Outlining his vision, Dr. Doro reaffirmed his commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in addressing multi-dimensional poverty affecting over 60% of Nigerians.
“Our mission is to help people move up from where they are and achieve social mobility. We will do this by working together, collaborating, and ensuring accountability. We want to make hope a reality for Nigerians,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Minister of State, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, congratulated Dr. Doro and described him as a capable and trusted leader who will strengthen the country’s humanitarian and social protection systems.
Dr. Sununu also commended the former minister, Professor Yilwatda, for his humility, teamwork, and leadership, highlighting key achievements such as the National Social Register (NSR), Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme, Skill to Wealth Initiative, and improved international partnerships.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, assured the new minister of the ministry’s loyalty and readiness to fully support the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
