Senate confirms slumped ministerial nominee, 2 others

Tax reform bills, Death sentence, Senate

The Senate has confirmed the ministerial nominee who slumped during screening, Balarabe Lawal, and two others forwarded to it by President Bola Tinubu.

The confirmation followed the screening and approval of the nominees at the plenary in Abuja on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

Lawal, who hails from Kaduna State, was confirmed as a minister alongside Dr Jamila Ibrahim and Ayodele Olawande from Kwara State and Ondo State, respectively.

The Star had reported that Lawal who replaced former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, slumped during the screening, leading to a closed-door session but was later revived.

While introducing herself, Ibrahim, who was born in 1986, said her journey had been driven by an unwavering belief in the potential of Nigerian youths “leading me to achieve several noteworthy milestones”.

“Today, I have been given a chance of a lifetime to contribute my quota to nation-building in a government that has given unprecedented priority to youths,” she added.

She said her education, upbringing, and career had prepared her for the task ahead.

Ibrahim further stated that she would work for the youth to have opportunities to educate and develop themselves and exploit their potential talents through acquiring entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, said Lawal who slumped during the screening was revived.

The Senate had, on August 7, confirmed the nomination of 45 out of the 48 ministerial nominees sent by Tinubu.

Wednesday’s confirmation, therefore, brings the number of ministers to 48.

The Star