Ex-INEC Commissioner Takes Over As Humanitarian Minister After Betta Edu’s Exit

Ex-INEC Commissioner Takes Over As Humanitarian Minister After Betta Edu’s Exit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Nentawe Yilwatda as the new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. This follows the removal of Betta Edu, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, amid a corruption investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)……CONTINUE READING 

Nentawe Yilwatda, a former APC gubernatorial candidate for Plateau State, takes on the ministerial role as announced by the Presidency on Wednesday.

Who is Nentawe Yilwatda?

Dr. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda was born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government, to the family of Rev. Toma Yilwatda. His education began at LGED Primary School, Dungung, followed by Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri. He holds a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, a Master’s in Engineering from ATBU Bauchi, and a PhD from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specializing in Digital Systems Engineering.

Nentawe is a registered engineer with COREN and a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers. He has received several awards for his work in ICT and engineering.

Career Highlights

Dr. Yilwatda has over 29 years of experience in academia, international development, and public service. He began his career as an Assistant Lecturer at Plateau State Polytechnic in 1995 and later joined the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He held various administrative positions, including Head of Department and Director of Information Technology.

In 2017, he was appointed as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Benue State by President Muhammadu Buhari, where he implemented policies like IDP voting and supervised difficult elections, including the recall process of Senator Dino Melaye.

He has also worked as a project consultant for Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance and World Bank projects.

Community Service

In the last 12 years, Nentawe has provided scholarships and sponsored JAMB exams for over 200 children from Kanke and Pankshin annually. He has also trained youths in animal husbandry and distributed laptops to students from indigent backgrounds.

Yilwatda’s community projects include supporting rural farmers with credit access and building classrooms for underprivileged communities.

This diverse background in public service and community development positions him to handle his new role as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.