Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, has inaugurated the Steering Committee for the National Council on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction today, 4th September, 2025, in Abuja. This was contained in a statement signed by Iliya Rhoda Isyaku, Director of Information and Public Relations officer.
Dr. Sununu noted that “the purpose of constituting this Committee is to provide strategic oversight, guidance and coordination for the successful planning and hosting of the maiden National Council Meeting. The Committee will also ensure that the outcomes of the meeting align with the National Priorities vis-a-vis the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which places human welfare, dignity and resilience at the core of our National Development Strategy.”
He further said that the Council, when finally in place, would set a course of actions capable of addressing the complexity of Nigeria’s challenges in the humanitarian sector, be it insecurity, climate-related displacement, economic shocks, or deep-rooted structural poverty.
The Minister of State stated that members of the Committee were carefully chosen based on their experience and track records and congratulated them on their appointment. He urged them to bring to bear their experience s in delivering a successful inaugural National Council Meeting.
Members of the Steering Committee
1. Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata – Permanent Secretary – Chairman
2. Mr. Valentine Ezulu – Director Social Development – Member
3. Mrs Katagun Jummai Sule – Director, Humanitarian Affairs – Member
4. Mr. Hezekiah Sunday – Director, Special Needs – Member
5. Mr Isah Abdullahi – Director, Poverty Reduction – Member
6. Mrs Fakunle Oyeyemi – Deputy Director, Nutrition – Member
7. Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire – SSA to the President, SDGs – Member
8. Dr. Badamasi Lawal – National Coordinator, NSIPA – Member
9. Mrs Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe – Director General, NSIPA – Member
10. Hon. Aliyu Tijani Ahmed – Hon. Commissioner, NCFRMI – Member
11. Hon. Ayuba Gufwan – Executive Secretary, NCPWD – Member
12. Mr. Onyiloye Adeola Meshack – Director, PRS – Secretary/Member
Proposed Terms of Reference for the Steering Committee
(i) Provide overall leadership and guidance on the work plan and planning process of the National Council
(ii) Propose and approve appropriate structures, organs, and sub-committees that will see to the successful hosting of the Council
(iii) Propose and approve the name of Host State, Venue, List of participants, invitations, programme structure and events
(iv) Ensure effective stakeholder participation, including Government Agencies, Civil Societies, Development Partners, Private Sectors and other stakeholders
(v) Monitor the preparation timeline and ensure timely delivery of tasks
(vi) Report progress to the Honourable Minister of State through the Chairman of the Steering Committee (Permanent Secretary)
(vii) Implement any other recommendations that would lead to the successful hosting of the Council.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata acknowledged the existence of long lasting bilateral relationship between Nigeria and People’s Republic of China and appreciated the Ambassador on the provision of capacity building for staff of the Ministry in humanitarian affairs, poverty reduction and other related courses.
The Director PRS of the Ministry, Mr. Onyiloye Adeola, in his closing remarks, used the medium to appreciate the Minister of State for his overall approach and enduring deep pursuit towards making the epoch event a success.
END
