Legislature
Jimoh Ibrahim raises the alarm that Ayetoro is slipping into the belly of the Atlantic Ocean
The Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial district Jimoh Ibrahim has raised the alarm that,
Ayetoro is gradually slipping into the belly of the Atlantic Ocean.
He said all was not well in Ayetoro as there are concerns of human insecurity, noting that the issue has caused several damages in the community.
This was just as the Senate mandated the Committee on NDDC to interface with relevant Ministries to work out modalities for instant intervention in the disaster.
This was coming following a motion by the senator titled, “Urgent need for intervention to arrest the incessant sea incursion ravaging Ayetoro Community in Ondo State.”
While presenting the motion, he said, “Ayetoro Community used to be one of the most prosperous riverine settlements in Nigeria due to its thriving trade in fish.”
Stressing that the residents in the community are gradually losing hope, he worried that if nothing is done urgently, the community will be at the verge of being completely lost to the sea.
He said, “The devastating sea incursions and ocean surges have been the albatross of the Ayetoro Community for over two decades with hundreds of homes and properties being destroyed annually resulting to displacement of indigenes of the community and consequently in the disruption of oil exploration in the area.
The surges have become an annual occurrence that successive governments have failed to attend to and serving a daily reminder to the indigenes of Ayetoro that the community is gradually slipping into the belly of the Atlantic Ocean.”
He further said that, “The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as early as 2004, just four years after its creation made commendable attempt to stem the tide by awarding the contract for the construction of a shoreline protective wall designed with a geo-tube technology in Ayetoro to Gallet Nigeria Limited at an original contract sum of N6.4 billion of which 25 per cent was reportedly paid.
The contract was revoked in 2009 for alleged lack of capacity and rewarded to Dredging Atlantic Limited at an undisclosed cost, however eleven years after the new contractor took over, abd sixteen years after the contract was first awarded, there is nothing on ground to show any intervention by the government, thereby creating the wrong impression of ab unconcerned Federal Government.”
In supporting the motion, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) said it is a matter of urgency for the Senate to come to the aid of Ayetoro and come up with possible solutions.
Other Senators who supported this motion are, Gbenga Daniel (APC, Ogun East) and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin.
The Senate in its resolution Mandated its Committee on NDDC, Environment and Ecology (when constituted) to interface with relevant Ministries to work out modalities for instant intervention in the disaster.
It also mandated the Committee on NDDC (when constituted) to conduct an investigation into the N6.5 billion-shoreline protection contract awarded by the NDDC IN 2006 with a view to finding an alternative solution where necessary to stem the dangerous slide abd report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
It urged the various committees to investigate the contract award of 2009 and report back to the Senate.
It also asked the National and International agencies to live up to their responsibilities while looking into the issue.
Legislature
Newly Appointed Ministers Thank Senator Basheer Lado for Supportive Screening Process
Seven newly appointed ministers-designate have expressed their deep appreciation to Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, for his instrumental role in ensuring a smooth Senate screening and confirmation process.
During a visit to Lado’s office, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the designated Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, spoke on behalf of her colleagues. She praised Lado’s guidance and support throughout the process, noting his efforts to make them comfortable at every stage.
“We can’t thank you enough for navigating us through this process and making everything feel manageable,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu remarked. She shared her initial anxiety, explaining how Lado’s personal touch—regular communication, detailed explanations, and readiness to help at any hour—helped them feel reassured and prepared.
The six other ministers-designate, who joined her in expressing gratitude, include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Development), Idi Muktar Maiha (Livestock Development), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad (Minister of State for Education). Each expressed their thanks for Lado’s dedication to their success.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the group’s appreciation, emphasizing Lado’s patience and availability: “Your commitment, your guidance, and even the late hours you kept to assist us—these made a significant impact on each of us. We are truly grateful for your support.”
Legislature
NASS Joint Committee moves to address security, energy concerns in tertiary institutions
In a significant move to tackle pressing issues within Nigeria’s tertiary education system, the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Tertiary Institutions has pledged to collaborate closely with stakeholders to combat critical challenges related to security and energy. This commitment was made during a two-day retreat dedicated to these urgent matters.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (Kano North) highlighted the importance of establishing secure environments for educational institutions. He affirmed the National Assembly’s resolve to address criminal activities on campuses and mitigate ongoing energy crises that threaten the educational landscape.
The retreat, organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions in partnership with TETFund, convened key stakeholders from the education sector to brainstorm potential solutions.
Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Muntari Mohammed Dandutse (Katsina South), opened the proceedings by stressing the critical nature of the security and energy challenges faced by institutions. “These issues endanger not only the safety of our students and faculty but also jeopardize the fundamental mission of education,” he stated.
Dandutse pointed to the rising incidents of violence targeting educational establishments, which have instilled fear among parents, resulting in decreased student enrollment and declining academic performance. “When parents are anxious about their children’s safety, our quest for academic excellence falters, threatening the future of our nation,” he declared.
Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, Chairman of the Governing Board of TETFund and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized the retreat’s role in identifying sustainable solutions. He expressed confidence that the diverse expertise of the participants would yield meaningful recommendations to address these issues.
Hon. Miriam Odinaka Onuoha, Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Institutions, reassured participants of the National Assembly’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for higher education in Nigeria.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and a member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, reiterated the essential role of tertiary education in national development. He called for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to implement effective solutions to the challenges at hand.
As discussions unfold, there is a shared optimism that the retreat will produce actionable strategies aimed at improving security and energy supply within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, ultimately ensuring a safer and more conducive learning environment for students across the country.
Legislature
Parent Seeks Senate’s Intervention Over Daughter’s Missing UTME Result, Alleges Supervisor Misconduct
A serious issue has arisen regarding the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as Mr. Onyebuchi Obioha has petitioned the Senate over the unexplained absence of his daughter Chizitere Audrey Obioha’s exam result. He claimed that the situation is linked to alleged misconduct by supervisor Mutiu Olayemi, appointed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
In a petition submitted to the Senate by Senator Neda Imasuen, Mr. Obioha accused Olayemi of providing his phone number to Chizitere, a 16-year-old candidate, after her examination on April 22, 2024, at Wisdom House CBT Center in Ogba, Lagos.
However, Olayemi has denied the claim, stating that he did not share his number with any candidate and is currently in Abuja to address the allegations.
Mr. Obioha expressed frustration over JAMB’s failure to release Chizitere’s results, noting that while over a million candidates received theirs, she was only informed of an “alleged examination infraction.” He urged JAMB to provide evidence of any wrongdoing.
The petition outlined Mr. Obioha’s attempts to seek clarity, including opening a ticket with JAMB on April 30, 2024, with little response. During an interaction with JAMB officials, Chizitere denied any misconduct.
Mr. Obioha emphasized his determination for justice, stating, “If my daughter is guilty, let the law take its course. If she’s wrongly accused, we seek justice.” He raised concerns about Olayemi’s behavior, mentioning a note Chizitere received from him after the exam.
Olayemi maintained he was not involved in reporting any infraction against Chizitere, attributing the issue to a Resident Monitor.
The Senate’s involvement may be crucial in addressing accountability within JAMB and the conduct of its supervisors.
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