Outgoing Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Thursday, handed over to the Minister of State in the Ministry, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.
The emotional handover ceremony took place at the ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, barely 48 hours after Dangiwa was relieved of his duties by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dangiwa said he never envisaged he would be minister of such a strategic ministry, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve in his cabinet.
He said: “The opportunity to serve the countries at this level is a rare privilege and I remain deeply grateful. I must also acknowledge the invaluable partnership of our stakeholders, especially the housing stockholders across the built environment, the professionals, the developers, 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 want to welcome and extend my best wishes to the incoming Honourable Minister, whom I have personally known to be a seasoned technocrat and an engineer by profession. I urge all staff and stakeholders to accord him the same level of cooperation, loyalty and support that I was privileged to receive.
“The task ahead is both important and demanding, but with the unity of purpose and commitment which you have shown to me, I am 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.
“I urge all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of collaboration, innovation and service to the nation. I leave with a deep sense of fulfilment and with endurance and respect for all who made this journey worthwhile.”
While accepting the handover documents, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, said the doors of the ministry will always remain open to the Minister, especially as his wealth of experience is needed to navigate issues in the housing sector.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Mohammad Lamido Belgore, said it was a privilege to serve with Dangiwa in the past two years, saying the outgoing Minister introduced a lot of innovative ideas in the housing sector.
