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Tag: Betta Edu

  • Ovation As Commendations Continues To Trail Betta Edu’s Induction Into Unical Hall of Fame, Conferment Of Grand Ambassador Award

    Ovation As Commendations Continues To Trail Betta Edu’s Induction Into Unical Hall of Fame, Conferment Of Grand Ambassador Award

    By Rasheed Olanrewaju

    More than one and half decade after leaving the University of Calabar, medical school as a graduate of medicine, Dr. Betta Edu returned to the prestigious institution last month, in a blaze of glory and amid effusive praises, to receive a distinguished award in recognition of her sterling service to her fatherland and humanity as well as for consistently projecting Unical in good light through her impeccable public service record.

    The immediate past APC National Women Leader, and Honorable Minister; was inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame. She was also awarded with the Grand Ambassador of Unical.

    The fitting and deserving honours were bestowed on Dr Edu during Unical’s 50th anniversary of its establishment as well as special convocation.

    Dr Edu was honoured along side the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Honourable Benjamin Kalu CON, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu among other top Nigerians from various fields of endeavors.

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    The process of recognizing Dr Edu began early March with an official letter from the University’s management intimating her of the decision to honour her. The read reads in part:”In nominating you for this prestigious award, the University has considered your success in using the knowledge/skills acquired in the University in your chosen field/professional career.

    “The University also notes the worthy manner you have flown the flag of integrity for the University both in Nigeria and abroad, your past/future contributions to the development of your Alma mater (Unical) and your pride as an Alumnae”. “You are the face of University of Calabar.”

    The Unical honour has continued to attract loud ovations to the outspoken Medical Doctor famous for her humanitarian and welfarist inclination.

    For example, Unical’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi who personally conferred the honours on Dr Edu said: “We are very proud of My daughter, Doctor Betta Edu for always making the University proud.

    The 15th Emir of Kano, HRH Aminu Ado Bayero, commended Dr Edu as a shining stars of the younger generation who has continued to distinguished herself as a trailblazer in public service.

    Similarly, the Nigerian Union of Journalist, NUJ, in its congratulatory message to Dr Edu described the honours on her as ” a testament to Dr Edu’s unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and service to humanity.”

    The NUJ, in the congratulatory message signed by its Chairman in Cross River State council, Comrade Bassey, further stressed that “Dr. Edu has continued to distinguish herself as a trailblazer in public service, and her contributions to healthcare, governance, and humanitarian efforts have brought immense pride to Cross River State and Nigeria at large.

    “Her recognition by UNICAL reflects not only her personal achievements but also the university’s legacy of producing leaders who make significant impacts both nationally and globally. We particularly commend her passionate commitment to giving back, as demonstrated by her pledge—on behalf of the Class of 2009 Medical School—to contribute ₦15 million towards the completion and equipping of the university’s new medical center.”

    The Council extolled Dr. Edu’s dedication to progress and nation-building, noting that “it is truly inspiring, and we have no doubt that she will continue to be a shining example of integrity, service, and leadership.”

    Other well meaning groups and individuals, from the South South, Niger Delta, Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt regions also congratulated Dr Edu on the well deserved award.

    They variously expressed optimism that the honour will spur Dr. Edu, a 2009 graduate of Unical’s Medical School, into doing more for humanity; the groups also wish her even greater heights in all her future endeavors.

    The political base of Dr Edu ,the APC,in Abi local Government Area of Cross River State, where she hails is not left out in the effusive praises and kind words. APC members in the council area and indeed the entire Ebi LGA are delighted that their beloved daughter has continued to attract national and international honours not only for herself but also for the council thus putting Abi and its people on the world map.

    Said Pastor Joshua Igboke, the Abi Local Government Area  APC Chapter Chairman: “On behalf of APC Abi Chapter and my family to felicitates Dr. Betta Edu, on her conferment of Award of honour as Unical Ambassador and induction into Unical Hall of Fame as Legacy Face of Unical during  Unical@50 Celebration/Award Ceremony.

    “Suffice it to say that, this well deserved recognition and award is a clear testament of your sterling leadership qualities as a notable and visionary leader par excellence with unwavering and uncommon sacrificial commitment towards influencing and impacting lives and humanity.

    “The Party is very proud of you as a shining star, pacesetter, trailblazer, mentor, destiny helper and pathfinder. Your uncommon and unprecedented achievements are overwhelming and highly commendable.

    “I hereby implore you to remain steadfast in you vision and determination to impact lives and humanity positively against all odds especially bettering  the lives of the less privileged.”

    Urbane, focused and cerebral, Dr Edu’s Unical honours highlights her huge goodwill base, immense public relations skill, dynamic, visionary leadership acumen and ceaseless nationalistic fervour.

    Unical, of course played a critical role in the iconic figure and role model that Dr Edu has become today, honing her leadership skill from her early days of her student activism as the Vice President of Unical’s Student Union Government, SUG.

    Edu herself recognizes Unical’s place in her rise to the top.According to her,  “Unical is my very powerful University that actually built the leadership skills in me.”

    As for me, since its about selfless service to humanity and Alma Mater, let the ovations, commendations and outpouring of love and congratulatory messages continues for this young, delectable and quintessential Nigerian medical Doctor because she deserves all the accolades.

    Congratulations, Dr Betta Edu, keep soaring higher!

    Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair ,ANIPR writes from Abuja.

    He can be reached on Rasheedolanrewaju75@gmail.com

  • Ministers Forum Appeals To Tinubu To Reinstate Betta Edu

    Ministers Forum Appeals To Tinubu To Reinstate Betta Edu

     

    …Says her performance was satisfactory

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers (CRSIGM) Forum has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tamper justice with mercy and recall Dr Betta Edu who was suspended from office as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    The Forum while making the appeal at a press briefing in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, on Monday, however noted that despite the unfortunate turn of events, Dr Edu within her 6 months reign in the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation ministry, had put up a satisfactory performance, as evident in the numerous social and economic interventions across the country.

    Chairman of the Forum, Evangelist Stephen Atukanre, who addressed journalists alongside the Secretary, Rev. Dr. Edet Okon and other members, said (CRSIGM) has been organizing monthly prayers for Cross River and Nigeria for peace, unity and progress, adding that it has been fervent in its prayers for the success of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

    “We are here today for just one purpose; to draw the attention of His Excellency, President BOLA Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to the plight of the down trodden Nigerians who had looked upon the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under the watch of Dr. Betta Edu, a brilliant and selfless young Nigerian who walks with the aspiration of millions of the poor in all ramifications and had given hope to the hopeless through the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” of our dear President Tinubu, in the course of her duty, drawing hatred and envy to herself simply because she’s doing the right thing. Let us not join issues with politicians and their pulldown syndrome as clearly shown by some of us, if it’s not me, may it never work.

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    “Our position as Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers (CRSIGM) Forum
    having watched the ordeal of Dr. Betta Edu and the politics behind her travails is quite unfortunate and make bold to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to listen to our prayers, thus:

    “Silence isn’t golden at all times. Hence, it is our wish that Dr. Betta Edu should be recall to her Ministry to continue her good work to achieving the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    “Should the baby be thrown with the bath water because the water is dirty?

    “Should the Renewed Hope Agenda die with the aspiration of millions of poor Nigerians because of mere suspicion and allegations of corruption and still under investigation?

    “It is not Dr. Betta Edu that is on trial here but the Administration. Hence, we must wakeup against sentiments and playing to the gallery for a few disgruntled elements to the detriment of our people.

    “We have followed the political activism of President Tinubu and know his stand against social injustice as a result of minority tag or gender. Hence, our appeal to recall Dr. Betta Edu back to her place of work to continue her good work.

    “The Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers (CRSIGM) Forum pledged
    her unalloyed support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Governor Senator
    Prince Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State as we hold both to the highest esteemed; but wouldn’t stop to call them to order as it concerns good governance, accountability, security and safety of Nigerians for prosperity to strive,” the Forum said.

    Members of Cross River State Indigenous Ministers Forum
  • Cross River community appeals to President Tinubu to reconsider Betta Edu

    Cross River community appeals to President Tinubu to reconsider Betta Edu

    By Solomon Azu

    The people of Ebom Eburutu kingdom in Abi local council in Cross River State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to re-consider the allegations against suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, who they described as their daughter.

    The appeal is contained in a communique issued after an enlarge meeting of the Abi Traditional Rulers Council held at the palace of Ovai Usa 1 of Ebom, HRH Ovai George Nkanu Egu.

    The communique which was personally read by the Ovai Usa 1 of Ebom kingdom stated that recently the community conferred a chieftaincy title on the suspended minister following her track record on the past offices she has held, stressing that her clean profile has proved that her travail, from all indications, has the hand of some highly-placed fifth columnists in government who are trying to pull her down.

    The monarch said while it is difficult to totally absolve her of wrong-doing in the present circumstances, her statement that her travails were orchestrated by political traducers, may have some basis after all. The communique however appealed to the President to temper justice with mercy and re-call her back.

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    According to the communique,
    “The only perfect being we have observed and noticed is the Almighty God. The functions of government include encouraging good things and good appointees and discouraging bad things and bad appointees.

    ”The case against Betta Edu, is just an allegation, and in the wisdom of the President, it is being investigated, it is after the investigation is completed and the report made available to the government, that the government will now take the final decision. So we should not be in a hurry and don’t allow any sickness like anxiety cirrhosis.”

  • Nigerians must not condescend to media trial in Humanitarian Minister’s case – Media Expert

    Nigerians must not condescend to media trial in Humanitarian Minister’s case – Media Expert

    By Christian Njoku

    Mr Fidelis Duker, a Media Expert and Founder of the FAD Media Group has called on Nigerians not to condescend to media trial on the corruption allegations against Dr. Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    Duker made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while reacting to the widespread condemnation of the Minister on social media, even before any investigation by the relevant government agencies.

    It would be recalled that earlier, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation was accused of transferring N585 million to a private account which sparked widespread condemnation on social media.

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FAD media group said the issue of media trial which starts from the social media space was becoming worrisome as it had the capacity to make or mar anyone without proper justification.

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    He said for now what was made against the minister is an accusation but unfortunately, many Nigerians have already drawn conclusions on the matter even without any form of investigation.

    “While I am not exonerating her, I think we should allow the investigation to go through before we are able to say if she is guilty or not.

    “Thank God the president has set up a panel headed by the Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun and they have asked her to report before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) which she did without excuses.

    “We have had cases in the past where people were accused of burying monies in sucker-ways and cemeteries, at the end, they were tried, discharged and acquitted but their images were already destroyed on the social media,” he said.

    Duker who is also the Founder of the Abuja Film Festival said he was aware that the allegations were grievous in this time when the economy of the nation was at its lowest ebb, adding “we must allow relevant government agencies do their job of investigating”.

    Speaking further, he said he also does not believe that the accusations were a witch-hunt because of the minister’s tribe, ethnic group or religion, adding that bringing that up was childish and baseless.

    He added that public office holders should be more careful and detailed by knowing the kinds of approvals they give, what they sign and concessions they make because they are a property of the people.

  • EFCC Seeks Help From Zenith, Providus, Jaiz Banks In Humanitarian Affairs Ministry Probe, Receives Records

    By Our Reporter

    The Group Managing Directors (GMDs) of Zenith, Providus and Jaiz banks, on Tuesday, honoured the invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to hand over documents relating to accounts operated by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to the anti-graft agency.

    A source from the Agency confirmed that the bank Czars, departed the Abuja headquarters of the anti-graft agency after the documents were handed over.

    Multiple sources close to the banks, EFCC and the Presidency clarified that the banks’ documents were requested by the anti-graft agency, to help in its ongoing investigation, into alleged financial impropriety in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

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    President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, and directed an investigation into her Ministry.

    Edu, who was grilled on Tuesday, by the EFCC, had allegedly directed the disbursement of N585,198,500.00 grant meant for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun States, into a private account.

  • CCECC, SINOREN Pledge Support For Humanitarian Initiatives In Nigeria

    CCECC, SINOREN Pledge Support For Humanitarian Initiatives In Nigeria

    …To Construct Humanitarian Hubs, Provide Solar Lights for Shelters Built for Poor Vulnerable Nigerians

    In a significant development, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and SINOREN have committed to aiding the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in the construction of essential Humanitarian Hubs and provision of solar lighting for shelters aimed at aiding the impoverished and vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

    This commitment was formally announced during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, at her office last Friday. The representatives from CCECC and SINOREN commended Minister Edu for her rapid transformation of the humanitarian sector, expressing their eagerness to contribute to the ministry’s success.

    Highlighting their long-standing presence in Nigeria spanning several decades, the companies emphasized their dedication to the country’s growth and development.

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    During the meeting, the Minister, Dr. Betta Edu reassured the delegates of President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to establishing a robust Humanitarian Response system in the country. This initiative aims to create hubs that will expedite relief efforts for those affected by humanitarian crises, providing timely assistance.

    Dr Edu expressed satisfaction with the proposed use of solar lighting for the new shelters, acknowledging its role as a renewable and affordable energy source. This development aligns with the ongoing efforts to construct sustainable infrastructure for the benefit of the underprivileged in Nigeria.

  • NSIPA: Minister’s Refusal To Compromise Helped In Exposing N44bn Fraud — Ugochinyere Hails EFCC Over Probe

    NSIPA: Minister’s Refusal To Compromise Helped In Exposing N44bn Fraud — Ugochinyere Hails EFCC Over Probe

    A member of the House of Representatives, representing Ideato North/South federal constituency, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, has said that the refusal of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to compromise on her principles has helped in exposing the alleged N44 billion fraud at the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

    Recall that on Tuesday, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) flooded the Maitama office of NSIPA shortly after reports of the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and National Coordinator of the agency, Halima Shehu, over alleged financial malfeasance.

    The EFCC is currently investigating ₦44billion allegedly moved from NSIPA’s accounts into private and corporate accounts linked to persons suspected as fronts.

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    Ugochinyere, in a statement, hailed the anti-graft agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the culprits were caught, tasking the EFCC to ensure that those found guilty are prosecuted.

    The federal lawmaker also commended the Minister, Betta Edu, for leading reforms in the ministry within a short period.

    He described spurious allegations of involvement of the minister in the alleged N3 billion NSIPA fraud, saying that it was rather her stance not to compromise on her principles that helped in exposing the alleged N44 billion fraud at NSIPA.

  • Fund For Vulnerable Groups In Four States Was Approved And Went Through Due Process, Oniyelu Bridget Is The Project Accountant For GVG

    Fund For Vulnerable Groups In Four States Was Approved And Went Through Due Process, Oniyelu Bridget Is The Project Accountant For GVG

    The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation notes with dismay, on a memo from the Ministry to the Accountant-General of the Federation approving for payment, of the sum of N585,189,500.00 Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups for four states, which is currently being circulated in the social media.

    It is glaring that the same sponsored disgruntled elements in the past few days have been trying to smear the Honourable Minister, Dr. Betta Edu, and stain her integrity because she drew the Federal Government’s attention to the ongoing 44.8 Billion Fraud in NSIPA. These elements have been trying to link her to a phantom fraud and are behind this latest misadventure.

    However, this latest vile effort of theirs is another infantile blackmail doomed for evisceration.

    For avoidance of doubt, the said N585,198,500.00 was approved, and it is meant for the implementation of Grants to Vulnerable Groups (GVG) in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos States. We must, however, note that GVG was first launched in Kogi State where all recipients testified.

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    Akwa Ibom and Cross River were launched in December 2023, Kogi already happened in November, and others will be launched in the coming weeks.

    The general public is invited to note that the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups is one of the social intervention schemes of the federal government, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    The evil motive of the mischief-makers behind the circulation of the memo is well-known and should be ignored. Of note is the fact that since assumption of duty about Five months ago, the Minister has religiously visited different parts of the country like Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa, FCT, Lagos Cross River, etc and this is done to ensure she delivers on her mandate and she has remained focused, unbiased and committed to duty.

    Signed:
    Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR),
    Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister
    05/01/2024

  • 2024 First Day In Office: Humanitarian Minister Says She Never Went On Break; Calls For Renewed Effort To Take Nigerians Out Of Poverty

    2024 First Day In Office: Humanitarian Minister Says She Never Went On Break; Calls For Renewed Effort To Take Nigerians Out Of Poverty

    Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, on Tuesday 2nd January 2024, resumed in her office after she visited Plateau State to provide humanitarian relief materials to persons affected by the Plateau Massacre on Christmas Eve.

    Addressing members of Staff of the Ministry on her first day in office in 2024, the Minister called for Renewed,  collaborative efforts to pull vulnerable Nigerians out of poverty.

    She reiterated President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s commitment to eradicating poverty and reducing humanitarian challenges within the life of his administration.

    According to her, “What’s most important is that we must draw out our goals and we must be focused to achieve them. We must be transparent and accountable in our dealings, and we must put poor people first in all our interventions.

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    “We need to work as a team. We need to be more innovative in our approach, and we need to be more committed to work.”

    She assured Nigerians that she and her team would continue to work round the clock to meet 100 percent, of the mandate given to the Ministry by the president.

    She noted that in the last month, even during the Christmas and New Year break, she and her staff never went on break, as they were on the field attending to vulnerable Nigerians in various parts of the country.

    “Even during the Christmas and new break, we were out there bringing succor to the poor and vulnerable in parts of the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President which aims to free Nigerians from the clutches of poverty.

    “Throughout December, achieved more Mike stones. Conditional Cash Transfer paid an additional 532,000 persons following in-person verification, Renewed Hope Shelter for Poor and IDPs completed ground clearing and grading of 10 hectares for the building of 40 houses the also installed boreholes to provide water for construction. The rural vocational skill program trained 500 people in Adamawa State, and we launched the Renewed Hope Grant for vulnerable groups in Cross River State and some other states. N- Power got paid one month’s allowance out of their backlog pending recovery of their funds removed from the account.

    “We were also in plateau state to condole and offer emergency response succor to communities affected by the Christmas Eve massacre. We got in on the first of January, back in Abuja.

    “And today, the 2nd of January 2024,  we are back to office working. The reason is simple: We must deliver on our mandate. We have a mandate to pull 50 million Nigerians out of the city within 41 months, and all of us must commit to it,” the Minister said.

    Dr. Edu disclosed that in the coming weeks,  the federal government,  through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,  will flag off many more social intervention schemes including the End Hunger and Code Nigeria program, Grow Nigeria, and revitalize most programs under the ministry and its agencies. All these are geared towards giving vulnerable Nigerians a new lease of life.

  • Plateau Massacre: Humanitarian Minister Visits Plateau, Commences Deployment of Relief Materials To Affected Communities

    Plateau Massacre: Humanitarian Minister Visits Plateau, Commences Deployment of Relief Materials To Affected Communities

    ...Partners the Military, State Govt for Distribution and Safety of Humanitarian Workers

    The Federal Government has commenced the immediate deployment of food and non-food relief materials to communities and survivors affected by the Christmas Eve attacks by marauding gunmen in Plateau state.

    Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Jos, the Plateau state capital.

    The Minister who visited affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment of the affected area with her counterpart from the Ministry of  Defence and Service Chiefs was on the ground to coordinate humanitarian responses.

    Edu also visited churches and some IDP camps where she observed one minute silence for the dead and addressed worshippers and victims  who are taking refuge for protection after the attacks.

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    She assured them of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to bring lasting solutions in terms of security and resettlement of people resident in the state. She said humanitarian response would be made available almost immediately in line with the presidential directive, stating that durable solutions will be provided while rebuilding to help them return to their ancestral homes.

    The Minister also said her ministry will partner with the Nigerian Military and the Plateau State Government for onward distribution of the relief materials.

    Her words: “The President has asked us to come to Plateau state to see what was on the ground; he has also directed the immediate deployment of relief materials including food items like Rice, Grains, vegetable oil and non-food items like mattresses, clothes, blankets  among others, as well as other personal effects they will need while we plan for more durable solutions to their needs to enable them go back to their ancestral homes.

    Recall that about 107 persons were massacred in about 15 communities in Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Bokkos local government areas of Plateau state by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in coordinated attacks on Christmas Eve.

    The gunmen also set no fewer 100 houses ablaze during the horrendous attacks, a development followed with condemnation across the globe.

    The Minister of State Defense, Muhammed Bello Matawalle, during the visit in the company of the three service chiefs, including Airforce, Army, and Navy, assured the people and Government of Plateau of protection.

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who received the two ministers and the service chiefs, had earlier briefed them in a closed door meeting on the situation on the ground.