The outgone Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has formally handed over leadership of the ministry to the Minister of State, Yusuf Ata,
During the handover ceremony on Thursday in Abuja, Dangiwa expressed confidence in the future of the housing sector and called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
He reflected on the progress made during his tenure, noting that the foundations laid would continue to produce positive outcomes for the nation.
Dangiwa expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the confidence placed in him to serve and appreciated the Governor of Katsina, Dr Dikko Radda, for his encouragement and steadfast support.
He also appreciated the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Ata, the Permanent Secretary, the management, his aides and the entire members of staff of the ministry, for their professionalism, dedication, and resilience.
“I must also acknowledge the invaluable partnership of the housing stakeholders, the professionals, the developers, the institutions, and collaborators, whose cooperation and shared vision have been critical in driving reforms and delivering on our mandate.
“Together, we have laid foundations that I am confident will continue to yield positive outcomes to our nation.
“As I hand over the reins of affairs today, I warmly welcome and extend my best wishes to the incoming minister, whom I have personally known to be a seasoned technocrat and an engineer by profession.
“I urge all staff members and stakeholders to accord him the same level of cooperation, dedication, loyalty, and support that I was privileged to receive,” he said
According to Dangiwa, the task ahead is both important and demanding, but with the kind of unity of purpose and commitment, shown to him, he is confident that even greater strides will be achieved in the housing and urban development sector.
“As I step aside, I remain optimistic about the future of Nigeria’s housing and urban development sector.
“Together, I urge all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and service to the nation.
“I leave with a deep sense of fulfillment and with undying respect for all who made this journey worthwhile,” he said.
In his remarks, Ata, commended the outgone Minister, for his transformative leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s housing sector.
He described his tenure as marked by professionalism, innovation, and impactful reforms.
Ata expressed deep appreciation for Dangiwa’s mentorship and leadership, noting that his departure represented a significant loss to the ministry.
He reflected on his personal working relationship with the outgone minister, emphasizing the knowledge and experience he gained under his guidance.
Ata praised Dangiwa as the minister who laid a solid foundation for the ministry, noting that his leadership earned respect from stakeholders and partners across the sector.
“You achieved all your objectives; especially the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda.
“We have to thank you for all you have been doing for this ministry. You have exhibited a lot of experience and dedication. l,” he said.
Ata assured that the ministry would continue to seek Dangiwa’s counsel even after his exit.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore , also acknowledged Dangiwa’s exceptional leadership qualities and far-reaching impact.
Belgore commended the outgone minister’s technical, administrative, and interpersonal skills, crediting him with initiating critical reforms that repositioned the housing sector.
The Permanent Secretary assured that the ministry would sustain the reforms and continue to implement government programmes in line with its mandate.(NAN)
