The new minister of communication, Dr Isa Ali Patanmi has reacted to a story published by a newspaper saying he never promised to lift millions out of poverty.
Thye Nation Newspaper had reported with ah a headline title: ‘Communications minister vows to lift millions out of poverty’.
The paper reported that on his assumption of duty, Pantami said he was ready to work with officials of the ministry to use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to lift 50 million Nigerians out of poverty, urging officials and staff of the ministry to brace up with the challenges of meeting the target handed over to them by President Muhammadu Buhari.
But reacting to the story via his Twitter handle, the minister said he is still studying the ministry and a Strategic Roadmap of the ministry will be made available for Nigerians to read.
“This story by The Nation Newspaper is not true and also misleading. I have not said so. Discard it, please. I am only studying the Ministry now. After that, we will make our Strategic Roadmap available for Nigerians to read. PS spoke on the matter as an advice, not a resolution,” he wrote.
This story by The Nation Newspaper is not true and also misleading. I have not said so. Discard it, please. I am only studying the Ministry now. After that, we will make our Strategic Roadmap available for Nigerians to read. PS spoke on the matter as an advice, not a resolution https://t.co/jNXzTTjgQi
— Isa Ali Pantami, PhD (@DrIsaPantami) August 24, 2019
The minister had during the occasion had agreed with the Permanent Secretary of the ministry who had said the ministry must lift 50m million Nigerians out of poverty.
“The challenges facing Nigeria are well known to all of us. I do not need to itemise them. However, we know the role ICT can play to reduce these challenges significantly. I am therefore urging every one of you to sit up and work.
“I agree with the Permanent Secretary on the directive given by Mr President that we must lift 50 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next few years. It is our duty to do so. And I believe we can achieve this target.
“There are lots of challenges in the ICT sector, and there are lots of opportunities as well. Therefore, we will do our best to live up to the expectations of the President.”
