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.

The Labour Party(LP) has urged the federal government to implement bold reforms to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality, and corruption.
The Labour Party’s call for reforms echoes concerns from various stakeholders, including international organizations and civil society groups.
In a statement marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, Labour Party National Caretaker Chairman, Dr. Nenadi Usman, emphasized the need for inclusive governance and economic growth.

“Nigeria’s wealth of resources contrasts sharply with its stark realities. Nearly half the population lives below the poverty line, and over 20 million children are out of school,” Dr. Usman said.

She called for urgent action to address these issues, stressing that governance failures and corruption have hindered Nigeria’s progress.

Dr. Usman highlighted the wealth of resources Nigeria possesses but lamented the setbacks that have stalled its progress.
She pointed to alarming statistics, noting that nearly half of the population lives below the poverty line and over 20 million children are currently out of school.
She also expressed concern over the persistence of corruption and the lack of integrity in the country’s political and electoral systems.
While acknowledging some economic growth, Dr. Usman emphasized that widespread poverty and inequality persist.
She argued that governance failures and corruption have kept Nigeria ranked poorly in global indices measuring corruption and adherence to the rule of law.

To steer Nigeria toward a brighter future, Dr. Usman called for bold reforms, including policies aimed at promoting macroeconomic stability, stimulating private sector growth, and expanding social safety nets for the most vulnerable.
She also stressed the importance of fostering unity across tribal and religious lines to build a New and Productive Nigeria focused on the collective well-being of its citizens.

Dr. Usman further emphasized the need for a citizen-centric approach, focusing on improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as ensuring free and fair elections.

In conclusion, the Labour Party Chairman called on Nigerians to take meaningful steps toward a better future, pledging that through collective action, courageous leadership, and a shared commitment to progress, the nation can thrive and fulfill its true potential.