‘I’m starting from scratch,’ Oyetola speaks on likely challenges as Marine and Blue Economy minister
The newly appointed Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, said that his appointment in the office is quite a challenge to him.
He said this on Monday night at the organized reception for him by the Osun State APC chapter and the other stake others.
Oyetola who said his appointment to head the new ministry is a challenge, gave a bold assurance assurance that he would ensure to excel in the mandate given to him. He also thanked the President, Bola Tinubu for entrusting the ministry to him.
He also expressed appreciation to the person who organized the reception, saying the level of support he had just received would help him do more in the interest of Nigerians.
He said, “I thank almighty God for this wonderful opportunity to serve and the people of Osun for coming from the state to celebrate with me here.
“I am indeed happy seeing people from all walks of life, including traditional rulers, coming to celebrate with me.
“I feel challenged to be made a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because it comes with a lot of responsibilities.
” I pray that the Almighty will see me through.
“Being a new ministry, I will have to start from scratch, and I trust God Almighty to succeed and deliver on my new mandate,” he said.
Sen. Iyiola Omisore, the immediate past National Secretary of the APC, who also spoke at the event described Oyetola’s appointment as ” a round peg in a round hole.”
He expressed his belief that the new minister, Oyetola would deliver on his new mandate.
Chief Bisi Akande, ex-Interim National Chairman of APC, said Oyetola deserves the appointment and it also adds honor for the people of Osun State.
Akande, also a former governor of Osun, said the appointment has already awakened the hope of the people of Osun State in the Nigerian project.
The APC leader, who wished Oyetola a successful tenure in office, thanked the president for the appointment.
Reports have it that as soon as Oyetola resumed his duty as a minister, he outlined his vision for a thriving blue economy sector that prioritizes sustainability, innovation, and economic growth.
At his maiden news conference at the Ministry of Transportation on Monday, the minister acknowledged the country’s abundant marine resources and stressed the need to fully exploit them.
He also said he would promote better inter-agency cooperation and coordination between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
“As someone with a strong private sector background, we shall promote greater private sector inclusion while fostering greater efficiency through specialization and the effective delineation of core duties between the units.
“We must seize this opportunity to create positive change, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come,” the minister had said.
In attendance to the event was attended by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, traditional rulers, members of the Osun House of Assembly, and diplomats.
NAN