Buhari’s Cabinet: The Possible Regional Development Thoughts

The agitations, criticism and tongue wagging that trailed the perceived delay in the announcement of members of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Ministerial nominees as well as their subsequent screening/confirmation suddenly fizzled out immediately portfolios were assigned to the 36 Ministers, representing the States in Nigeria.

There is no doubt, a few dissenting voices spoke against some of the nominations and choice of portfolio, the calm that appears to have followed the eventual cabinet speaks of either a thumbs up or ‘let wait and see’ attitude.

It must be stated however that President Muhammadu Buhari apart from choosing majority of his cabinet members in reward of their immense and sacrificial contributions toward his victory at the March 28, 2015 polls as well as considering their careers and experience, he may be thinking of developing the country alongside the regional strength of where the ministers come from.

The new Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, a one-time governor of old Abia State comes from the South-East Region of the country, where the people are known for their industry and inventive potential with the right atmosphere as well as sense of belonging. It is expected that Dr. Onu will leverage on his experience, network and exposure to tap on the strength of the Ibos and annex same with other parts of the country with a view to building a solid technological base for Nigeria’s industrial growth.

Chief Audu Ogbeh, a renowned farmer from the Agricultural belt in the country often referred to as the food basket of the Nation, will bring his experience to bear in the agric sector. It is common knowledge that Agriculture is the biggest employer of labour and with the downward price of crude oil at the International Market which has made it extremely necessary to diversify our economy, veteran politician with the needed experience in Agriculture like Chief Audu Ogbeh is expected to consolidate on the Agricultural strength of the middle belt and annex same with other parts of the country to bring about agricultural revolution vital for our economic growth.

Respected Academic, expert in International Relations and immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, who now takes up the responsibility of making things happen in the Solid Minerals Sector is also quite apt with his expertise in foreign relations, Dr. Fayemi who hails from Ekiti State, part of the South-West which has large deposit of Solid Minerals in commercial quantity is expected to network with countries and investors on the possibility of maximally exploring the huge deposit of Solid Minerals in the South-West and other parts of the country to generate wealth, create employment and reduce emphasis on crude oil.

After all, economic powers like Germany and Asian Tigers built their economies on iron and steel, which are among Solid Minerals in commercial quantity across the country.

Other Minister like Raji Babatunde Fashola, Dr. Chris Ngige and Chibuike Amaechi may also have been chosen for their portfolios by President Muhammadu Buhari for similar reasons and with diligence, Nigeria may experience genuine economic and industrial growth in the years ahead.

Editor-In-Chief

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