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Too many boat mishaps, uncalled for, criminal – NIWA MD

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**Signs Performance Bond, Plans to Partner Local Boat Builders

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Bola Oyebamiji, has described recent incidences of boat mishaps on the nation’s waterways as uncalled for and criminal.

The Managing Director disclosed this while fielding questions after signing Performance Bonds with various departmental heads of the Authority at the end of a two-way Special Retreat/Workshop on Wednesday in Lokoja.

He said that the retreat themed, “Repositioning the Inland Waterways Authority for Excellence”, was aimed at preparing and building the capacity of of the management and staff to meet the aspirations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Inland Waterways and the Blue Economy.

Oyebamiji decried the “series of boat mishaps” on the he nation’s waterways saying that in a matter of days the nation has recorded two fatal boat mishaps in Anambra and Rivers States.

He said that with the two incidents in Umumu-Anam, Anambra State and Andoni-Bonny coastal waters in Rivers State on Friday and Tuesday morning respectively claiming almost 20 lives certainly not a good report for the Agency.

The NIWA boss stressed that the management would evolve a number of measures to address the situation and assuage the challenges as part of measures to reposition the Agency.

“In repositioning NIWA, the first thing that agitates my mind is safety. In the last couple of months, we have seen a series of boat mishaps. This is uncalled for. This is criminal.

“I can tell you that there is going to be a committee going forward, to handle safety and registration of boats and it is even going to partner with the local boat builders to make sure that we have boats that are standardized.

He said that only trained boat drivers would be allowed to handle and ply the waterways to limit incidences of boat mishaps adding that there would be Rescue Committee “that is agile, that is vibrant and can be tested anytime.”

Speaking on the Performance Bond, the MD said his expectations from NIWA staff is that since they had keyed-in and signed the bond, they would achieve the best for NIWA.

“They will achieve the best for the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and at the same time, achieve the best for Nigeria, keying into the vision of the President of the Republic of Nigeria.

“So expect new NIWA, expect a repositioned NIWA going forward”, he said.

On the potentials of the the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oyebamiji said the Ministry would carry out the commercial leg of governance, adding that there were more resources in the Marine and Blue Economy far better and higher than oil.

“I can assure you that the Minister is positioned and we are going to partner with investors, mostly local and foreign investors, to drive the opportunities in the Marine and Blue economy.

“There is a reason Mr President created that Ministry. The Ministry is going to add its value to the Nigerian economy. There is going to be a lot of things. Employment is going to be created. The Ministry is going to add to the GDP of Nigeria.

“The Ministry is going to add value, especially in areas such as fisheries, aquaculture and so many other areas that have been planned in the roadmap of the Ministry.

“I can assure you that in the next couple of months and years, you will see the indicators that the Ministry is firmly rooted to drive the Nigerian economy”, he said.

Highlight of the two-day Special Retreat/workshop was the signing of the Performance Bond by the General Managers with the Managing Director after exhaustive capacity building training in the new Performance Management System (PMS). (Ends)

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Kogi

Governor Ododo Mourns Former NBC DG, Prof. Tom Adaba

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Late Tom Adaba

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Tom Adaba, the first Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), who died early Saturday at the age of 84.

Describing the late broadcaster and scholar as a “leading light for development in Nigeria and a courageous voice of the people of Ebira land and Kogi State,” Governor Ododo paid tribute to his legacy in media, academia, and public service.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted Ododo to have said,

“I am saddened by the death of our father and leader, Professor Tom Adaba, who has gone to be with his maker. Our prayers are with his immediate family, the people of Kogi State, and Nigeria at large for the colossal loss of a man widely regarded as a teacher, mentor, and leader,” he said.

The governor extended condolences to the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, and the entire Ebira community, recognizing Prof. Adaba’s contributions, including his traditional title as the Ohieteohueyi of Ebira land.

Born in 1941, Prof. Adaba achieved several historic firsts, serving as the first Nigerian President of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), the first Principal of the Nigeria Television College, and later, the first Director-General of NBC, before retiring in the late 1990s.

May his soul rest in peace.

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Kogi

Oluremi Tinubu Empowers 500 Kogi Women for Economic Growth

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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women from Kogi State’s 21 local government areas, reaffirming the crucial role of women in economic development.

Speaking at the empowerment distribution event at Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, Mrs. Tinubu—represented by Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, wife of the Kogi State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, stressed the importance of investing in women for national progress.

She stated that the initiative, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is designed to promote inclusivity, economic empowerment, and sustainable development, particularly for women. She also revealed that 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones would benefit from the program, starting with the North Central region.

“Empowering women is fundamental to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 5 and 8, which focus on gender equality and economic growth,” she emphasized.

The program, executed in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), provided beneficiaries with essential business tools, including deep-chest freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines, to boost entrepreneurship and economic independence.

Mrs. Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, ensuring self-reliance and contributing to the nation’s economic development.

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Kogi

Ododo grieves over demise of Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami

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Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep grieve over the passing of the District Head of Adavi, Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami, who passed away on Wednesday at his residence in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area.

In a condolence message, the Governor described the late Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami as a distinguished leader who served his people with honor, dedication, and a deep commitment to peace and unity. He acknowledged his invaluable contributions to the growth and stability of Adavi and the larger Ebira community.
Special Adviser on Media to the
Governor, Ismaila Isah quoted in a statement quoted Ododo to have extended his sympathies to the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, the Ohi Otenyiete of Ebira Land, Alhaji Isa Ozi-Salami, who is the deceased’s younger brother, as well as the late leader’s family and the entire Ebira people.

Governor Ododo prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the soul of the departed and for strength and solace for those left behind to bear the loss.

Born in 1939, Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami was appointed District Head of Adavi in 1994. He lived a life of service and integrity until his passing at 86. His remains have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites at his residence in Ogaminana.

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