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“True digital transformation must elevate millions from poverty and make a significant societal impact” – Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda at 50MVPs
The newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, is one of the 50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVP) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy for 2024. The accolade was presented at a ceremony by IT Edge News.Africa, Nigeria’s leading tech-media platform, in Lagos this past March.
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A respected figure in technology, academia, and politics, Yilwatda delivered a keynote address on “Building Synergy Across Sectors and Stakeholders to Create Opportunities for Young People in Nigeria’s Digital Economy.“ He emphasised that fostering collaboration is essential for sustainable growth. Collaboration and innovation are essential to ensure that Nigeria’s digital transformation positively impacts society and reduces poverty, said Nentawe.
The 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for Plateau State spoke passionately at the 50MVP colloquium on technology and people. He stressed that true digital transformation must elevate millions from poverty and make a significant societal impact.
Challenges Ahead for Yilwatda in Revamping the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs
As the newly appointed minister, Yilwatda now faces the challenging task of rebuilding trust in a ministry that has faced numerous allegations of corruption and procedural abuses since its inception. The previous minister, Dr. Betta Edu, was dismissed for misconduct. The ministry’s pioneer minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq, along with other senior officials, is currently under investigation.
A Storied Career in Engineering, Academia, and Public Service
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Plateau State, Dr. Yilwatda has an extensive background in engineering and public administration. His academic journey began at LGED Primary School in Dungung, followed by secondary education at Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, in 1992. He later completed his Master’s and PhD at ATBU Bauchi and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specializing in digital systems engineering.
Yilwatda’s professional credentials include registration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and the Solar Society of Nigeria. He also received training on e-governance from the United Nations University’s International Institute for Software Technology in Macau, China.
With nearly three decades of experience, Yilwatda has worked as a consultant with international development organizations, government agencies, and private entities. His career began in academia, with roles at Plateau State Polytechnic. He was at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he served in various administrative capacities.
In 2017, he was appointed as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State by then-President Muhammadu Buhari. In Benue, he championed voting rights for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). He oversaw challenging electoral processes, including the 2018 recall of Senator Dino Melaye and the 2019 elections in Rivers State.
Driving Digital Economy Growth with Policy and Technology
At the 50MVP event, Yilwatda reiterated the importance of interconnected sectors working together to achieve a vibrant digital economy. “In an information-driven economy, success is contingent upon the interconnectedness of diverse sectors, each relying on the contributions of others to achieve optimal results,” he said.
The 50MVP awards celebrate influential leaders who have significantly advanced Nigeria’s digital economy despite numerous obstacles. The event sheds light on the challenges and achievements across various sectors. These include telecoms, e-commerce, fintech, hardware and software development, emerging technologies, tech hubs, startups, and government policies.
Yilwatda’s recognition reflects his commitment to leveraging technology for poverty reduction and sustainable development. Expectedly, people, policies and technology will drive his revitalising of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
