By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

Nigerian-American climate scientist Prof. Jimmy Adegoke has called for the establishment of an interdisciplinary institute at the Federal University Lokoja to tackle environmental challenges and optimize the utilization of solid minerals and aquatic resources in North-Central Nigeria.

Delivering the 10th Distinguished Public Lecture at the university’s Felele Campus, themed “A Tale of Two Cities: Climate Threats and Economic Opportunities at the Confluence of the Great Rivers Niger and Benue,” Adegoke emphasized the need for a collaborative approach that integrates various disciplines such as economics, environmental science, and engineering.

He proposed that the institute act as an umbrella organization for existing research centers, fostering innovation in economic revitalization, environmental sustainability, and trade. “The goal of this institute would be to transform the middle-belt region into an engine of economic growth and prosperity,” he stated.

Highlighting the underutilization of the Niger and Benue Rivers, Adegoke urged states in the region to devise strategies to leverage seasonal flooding for enhanced agricultural production. He advocated for the dredging of these rivers to enable year-round navigation, facilitating the transportation of goods and promoting tourism along Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Reflecting on the historical significance of Lokoja as a hub for raw material aggregation during colonial times, Adegoke argued for the revival of water transportation to enhance economic opportunities. “We need to transform the Niger into a working river to evacuate resources cheaply and safely,” he said.

Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor of FUL, praised the lecture series as a significant step in the university’s commitment to fostering intellectual discourse on societal issues. He noted the unique environmental and economic challenges presented by Lokoja’s location at the confluence of major rivers, calling for collaborative efforts to address climate-related risks while capitalizing on available resources.

On the sidelines of the lecture, Mr. Henry Adimoha, Acting General Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), attributed the perennial flooding in Kogi State to urbanization and population growth. He highlighted the need for strategic urban planning to mitigate flooding risks.

The call for an interdisciplinary institute aligns with ongoing efforts to address the pressing environmental challenges facing Nigeria while promoting sustainable development in the region.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Jigawa State Children Parliament has called for enhanced political support to facilitate programs aimed at ensuring girls have access to quality education, healthcare, and economic independence.

During a special session held to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, 14-year-old Jamila Aliyu Abdulkadir, a student from Dutse Model International Secondary School, presided over the proceedings.
The Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Honorable Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, honored her by temporarily vacating his seat.

Jamila commended Governor Umar Namadi and the Speaker for their efforts in implementing policies that have increased school enrollment for girls. “Every girl dreams of quality education, good healthcare, digital skills, leadership opportunities, and economic independence,” she stated. She stressed that all girls deserve a safe environment, access to quality education, and a healthy lifestyle as they grow.

She urged leaders to enact laws that empower girls and promote gender equality, ensuring protection against gender-based violence and access to education and healthcare.

Students also voiced their support during the session.
Hassanah Aboyeji, representing the Dutse local government area, expressed gratitude to Governor Umar Namadi for prioritizing girl-child education by providing free education at all levels. She noted the removal of fees and the provision of essential learning materials, which led to a 43% increase in enrollment and retention rates for girls.

Esther Maiyaki, representing the Buji state constituency, highlighted that girls, if given the right opportunities, can significantly contribute to the healthcare system, as females comprise 44% of the state’s population.
She raised concerns about maternal mortality, stating that many women and girls die from preventable causes during childbirth.
“We can advocate for better healthcare,” she asserted, thanking the state government for its initiatives to reduce maternal mortality rates through free healthcare services and training for healthcare workers.

In recognition of his contributions to promoting girl-child education, the students presented the Speaker with an award of excellence.

Earlier in the session, the Speaker emphasized the assembly’s commitment to empowering women and addressing the nationwide challenge of out-of-school children. He mentioned that state legislators are implementing interventions in their constituencies to tackle this issue, including investigating the number of out-of-school children to find sustainable solutions.

He also referenced the passage of the Jigawa State Child Protection Act in 2021, which aims to safeguard children’s rights and ensure that parents and authorities uphold their responsibilities in protecting children, particularly in terms of access to education and healthcare for girls.

**Advocate for Greater Transparency, Accountability

**Call for Greater Private Sector Involvement

The Economic and Financtial crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission(ICPC) have accused some National Assembly members of allegedly utilizing proxies to execute constituency Projects.
Apart from that, the bidding process is alleged to be selective as it is only given to contractors based on their interest.
This is in contrast to the position that lawmakers don’t have imput in the nomination of contractors or the execution of their constituency projects.
The issue they said has also contributed to the lack of transparency leading to many abandoned constituency projects that litter many federal contituencies and senatorial districts across Nigeria.
Dr. Eze Johnson who represent3d the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Alanipekun Olukoyede highlighted corruption challenges and called for enhanced monitoring and transparency in grassroots development projects during A Policy Dialogue on the role of the Private Sector in the Implementation of Constituency Projects in Nigeria.
The event was initiated by OrderPaper Nigeria as part of a broader effort to promote accountability in governance in form of Advocacy Iniatiative

In his presentation at the Policy Dialogue on grassroots development, Johnson expressed concern over the widespread corruption in the execution of constituency projects, also known as Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs).
He emphasized the need for a stronger collaboration between anti-corruption agencies, contractors, government ministries, and local communities to ensure accountability in project execution.
Johnson noted that while the EFCC is often seen as an enforcement body dealing with economic and financial crimes after they occur, prevention is equally vital.
He used the metaphor of turning off the tap to prevent a flood rather than mopping up water after it spills to explain the importance of proactive measures. “It’s easier, cheaper, and faster to prevent fraud than to address it after the damage is done,” he remarked.

Dr. Johnson raised key issues concerning the abandonment and mismanagement of ZIPs, revealing that investigations often uncover inflated bills of quantities and under-delivered work.
He shared a real-world example of an abandoned school block project, where funds were disbursed, but substandard materials were used, and funds were diverted. “We follow the money and often find it going to places it shouldn’t be,” he said.
He further identified conflict of interest issues, noting that some contractors behind the projects have personal or political ties to legislators, creating a lack of transparency in the tendering process.
He emphasized the need for open tendering processes rather than selective ones, which allow for favoritism and corruption.
Johnson concluded by urging all stakeholders, contractors, sponsors, and local communities to take responsibility for ensuring that projects meet the needs of the grassroots.
“It’s not just the contractors who are responsible; it’s also the sponsors and the communities who must be vigilant and involved,” he said.
In the sane vein the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) also made reference to legislators connivance with contractors in the execution or abandoned projects
He emphasized the critical role of the private sector in ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of constituency projects across Nigeria.
Thr Secretary to the Commission, Clifford Okudiraparao, who
represented ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Aliyu, spoke on the need for enhanced monitoring and collaboration to prevent corruption and the diversion of public funds.

Okudiraparao highlighted the rampant misuse of funds allocated for constituency projects, pointing out how contractors, often in connivance with public officials, abandon projects or deliver substandard work. “Constituency projects have become a red flag for systematic corruption, with funds being siphoned off and communities left underserved,” he stated.

“The ICPC launched the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI) in 2019, designed to proactively prevent fraud by monitoring the implementation of constituency projects across the country.
“According to Okudiraparao, the initiative has tracked over 3,485 projects worth ₦433 billion from 2019 to 2023, compelling over 500 contractors to return to sites to complete abandoned projects. “This initiative has saved the government hundreds of billions of Naira and ensured that projects benefit the grassroots as intended,” he said.
Okudiraparao urged the private sector, civil society, and the media to increase their involvement in monitoring these projects. He noted that collaboration with private entities can provide technical expertise, transparency, and accountability, which are crucial for ensuring the success of public projects. “Private sector involvement is integral to ensuring that public funds are used effectively and that communities receive the benefits they deserve,” he added.

The ICPC official also pointed out the importance of local government involvement, particularly in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming their financial autonomy. He argued that local governments, being closer to the grassroots, must play a more active role in ensuring the proper execution of projects that directly affect their communities.
Okudiraparao concluded by reiterating the Commission’s commitment to ensuring accountability and fighting corruption, stating that continued collaboration between the ICPC, the National Assembly, and the private sector is essential for improving project outcomes. “It’s not just about prosecution; it’s about prevention, transparency, and ensuring that every Naira spent by the government brings real benefits to the people.”
The leader of the senate Opeyemi Bamidele said the National Assembly play a pivotal role in ensuring constituency projects are implemented effectively.
“While lawmakers do not execute these projects, they are responsible for legislative oversight, budgetary approval and ensuring transparency in the procurement process. Through strong legislative frameworks and public engagement, the National Assembly helps ensure the projects meet the needs of local communities and serve their intended purposes.
The Executive Director of OrderPaper Nigeria, Oke Epia called for increased private sector involvement in constituency projects to combat corruption and inefficiency. He pointed out that although approximately ₦100 billion is allocated to these projects annually, their benefits are often not realized due to a lack of transparency and accountability. He emphasized that while lawmakers are often blamed for unsuccessful projects, their role is primarily to nominate projects rather than implement them.
The Director urged for more scrutiny of contractors, as their performance significantly influences project outcomes, and highlighted the responsibility of financial institutions in managing funds related to these projects.
He expressed the hope that the event would lead to productive discussions on enhancing collaboration between stakeholders and improving the overall framework of constituency projects in Nigeria.