By Hon. Seyi Olorunola
In a series of carefully coordinated events following his official swearing-in, the newly appointed Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata stepped into his role with a full agenda and a clear sense of purpose.
The ceremony, held in the prestigious Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa and presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marked an important day both for the incoming minister and for the ministry he now serves.
Shortly after the official ceremony, Rt. Hon. Ata was promptly ushered to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, where he completed essential documentation for his new position.
This formal step underscored the government’s dedication to due process and streamlined transition, emphasizing the importance of preparedness as the minister embarks on his work.
Immediately following the documentation process, Rt. Hon. Ata made his way to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s headquarters. There, he was warmly welcomed by the Permanent Secretary, the ministry’s top management, and other dedicated members of staff who gathered in anticipation of his arrival.
The welcome was a celebration of both his distinguished public service background and his reputation as a grassroots politician deeply rooted in his home state of Kano. As he entered his office for the first time, Rt. Hon. Ata expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and shared his eagerness to engage with the work that lies ahead.
From the ministry, the minister paid a courtesy visit to Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, in his home.
The encounter provided the two Kano-born leaders with a unique opportunity to reconnect and discuss their shared vision for their home state and the broader interests of Nigeria.
Amidst cordial banter, they exchanged ideas on how their respective positions could be mutually beneficial in advancing the goals of Nigeria and Kano State in particular and strengthening its people’s trust in government. This camaraderie signified their commitment to cooperative governance, with a shared aspiration for a prosperous and united Nigeria.
The minister’s next visit took him to the home of the National Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), where he was greeted by a gathering of party stalwarts led by the National Chairman himself, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Also in attendance were Comrade Mohammed Garba, Chief of Staff to the National Chairman, and several respected elder statesmen from Kano.
This visit to the home of the Chairman was not just symbolic; it underscored the significance of unity and solidarity within the party as it strategizes to address national challenges and deliver on its promises to Nigerians. Dr. Ganduje, in his welcome address, praised the President for finding it worthy to appoint Rt. Hon. Ata’s as a Minister who is rooted in the issues of Housing in his long illustrious career which included a legislative role as a former Speaker and a person who is a deeply connected community leader would prove invaluable.
He noted with confidence that the ministry’s new leadership would play a pivotal role in actualizing the APC’s vision, particularly within the housing sector.
Addressing the gathering, Rt. Hon. Ata expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve. He promised to be a strong advocate for Nigeria and Kano State in particular, vowing to bridge the gap between the grassroots and the federal government’s housing agenda.
He emphasized that his loyalty to Nigeria and Northern Nigeria particularly in Kano and his commitment to the APC were unshakeable, revealing a bold promise to return to Kano every weekend to stay connected to the people.
This pledge was received warmly by those in attendance, many of whom saw it as a testament to his unyielding dedication and a clear strategy to mobilize support for the APC in Kano.
In his remarks, the minister acknowledged the profound housing deficit across Nigeria, which has left millions without adequate shelter and affordable housing options. Rt. Hon. Ata emphasized that reducing this housing deficit would be at the top of his agenda.
In collaboration with his colleague, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, he outlined his intention to implement evidence-based strategies that align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
His vision is to address housing challenges through pragmatic reforms that could potentially transform urban and rural communities alike.
The Minister also noted that he would ensure that policies on affordable housing would directly impact Nigeria, reflecting his commitment to equity and regional inclusivity within the larger national framework.
This historic day, marked by a celebratory atmosphere, highlighted both the individual achievements of Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata and the broader aspirations of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. For Kano State, his swearing-in represents not only an elevation of one of their own but a signal that the needs of Nigeria, will be prioritized at the federal level.
For Nigeria, it represents a dedicated push toward resolving the country’s housing challenges and actualizing the vision of a thriving, inclusive society.
As the events of the day drew to a close, Rt. Hon. Ata’s promise to serve the people of Nigeria and his dedication to the APC’s principles resonated strongly among those he met.
His resumption marks the beginning of what many anticipate will be a transformative period for Nigeria’s housing sector. In the coming weeks, he is expected to further outline his plans, potentially focusing on public-private partnerships, policies on affordable housing, and initiatives to upgrade urban development standards nationwide.
In the days and months ahead, Rt. Hon. Ata’s commitment to transparency, diligence, and community engagement will likely serve as a cornerstone for his work in the ministry.
His actions will undoubtedly be watched closely, as Nigerians hope that his leadership will indeed fulfill the promises made, bridging gaps and delivering lasting change to the housing and urban development landscape in the country.
