The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Centre seeks more women in fishing, aquaculture

    Centre seeks more women in fishing, aquaculture

    The Centre for Gender Equality (CGE) Africa, a nonprofit, nongovernmental organisation has made a case for women empowerment through opportunities in fishing and aquaculture.

    The Executive Director, CGE, Uchenna Idoko made this appeal on during her opening remarks at the 2024 Gender and the Blue Economy Conference to commemorate the World Oceans Day in Lagos yesterday.

    Speaking on the theme of the event entitled “Expanding the Horizons for Women in Fisheries and Aquaculture,” she stressed the need for stakeholders, especially policy formulators to encourage more women participation in the blue economy.

    According to her, “We want to build women that will own multimillion fishing businesses and not just ₦7million that will fizzle out with just a little challenge. We want to empower women to become millionaires.

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    “We know that women in costal fishing face a lot of challenges due to climate change, and this limit their chances, hence reduces their overall output as they are more vulnerable to climate-related risks and uncertainties.”

    On her part, Ms Mfon Archibong, Assistant Chief Fisheries Officer, Federal Ministry of Blue Economy, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, noted that awareness needs to be created in some coastal communities where women are not allowed to own land.

    Mfon noted that women are not having access to the coastal land, a development, she said was very big setback impeding against women participation in coastal fishing and aquaculture.

    She noted that with the CGE initiative, such communities would be approached on how to secure coastal land for women in fishing activities.

    Also speaking at the occasion, Mrs Chinasa Asonye, CEO, Chinelo Farms, who doubles as the President of Fish Farmers in Lagos, noted that the association procures fish feed in bulk, adding that member are given the feed at a subsidised rate.

  • Ogbuku-led NDDC has changed Niger Delta story – Bayelsa monarch

    Ogbuku-led NDDC has changed Niger Delta story – Bayelsa monarch

    The Chairman, Bayesla State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, has applauded the Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) saying it has changed the region’s story.

    Dakolo in a statement signed by the commission’s Director Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, particularly commended the NDDC for organising free medical outreaches across the Niger Delta region.

    The monarch, who spoke during the NDDC free medical mission at the Diete Koki Memorial Hospital in Yenagoa, said that the current board and management of the commission had executed numerous developmental projects and programmes.

    He said: “The present board of NDDC has carved a niche for itself as a result of its strategic and innovative projects. The impact is very huge and felt by everyone, not only in Bayelsa State, but the entire Niger Delta region.”

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    The royal father described the free medical outreach organised by the NDDC as a life-saving programme that should be carried out regularly.

    He said: “I want to appeal to the management of NDDC to ensure a higher frequency of the exercise which is a life-saving project. Everyone that has benefitted from this intervention today will ever remain grateful to NDDC as a saving grace because if not for this programme, a lot of deaths would have been recorded.”

    In his address, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the medical mission was designed to provide health care services to medically underserve rural communities in the region.

    He said it was one of the many health care programmes of the commission aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “Health for All, Time for Action” proclamation at the 2023 World Universal Health conference.

    Ogbuku, who was represented by the Head of Administration and Human Resources, Bayelsa State Office, Mr. Anderson Woyengiauro, noted that since the commencement of the programme, over 2million Niger Deltans had benefitted from the scheme.

    He said: “The NDDC through the free medical mission has provided health solutions to over two million Niger Deltans across communities in the region and remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders to improve health and other critical sectors that impact positively on the overall development of the health and wellness of the people of the region.”

    In his remarks, the Deputy State Project Coordinator of Derums Global Services, the Medical Consultant of the outreach mission, Dr. Blessing Oboidhe, explained that 69 general surgeries, 18 obstetrics and gynecology, 434 dental procedures, 79 ophthalmology procedures, among other services were provided to people.

  • Minister inaugurates multi-million naira gas facilities in Delta

    Minister inaugurates multi-million naira gas facilities in Delta

    Minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperike Ekpo, has restated federal government’s commitment to leverage on Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves for national development.

    Ekpo, who spoke yesterday at the inauguration of Nedogas Plant and the 300 MMscfd Kwale Gas Gathering (KGG) Facility, in Kwale, Delta state, described the occasion as “a pivotal step forward in Nigeria’s energy sector.”

    According to him, the gas infrastructure aligns with the federal government’s “Decade of Gas” initiative, which aims to leverage our vast natural gas reserves for national development.

    He said, “I am particularly proud to witness the commissioning of these facilities, which represent major strides in our efforts to harness Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources. The Nedogas Plant and the Kwale Gas Gathering Facility are more than just industrial installations; they are symbols of progress, innovation, and sustainable development.”

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    Nedogas Development Company Limited (NDCL) is a Joint Venture company between Xenergi Limited and NCDMB in collaboration with the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

    The KGG Facility was designed to handle stranded gas resources in Nigeria’s OML56 oil province by providing the opportunity for independent operators in the area to monetize natural gas from their fields through the gas gathering, compression, injection and metering infrastructure of the KGG for quick access to market.

    “The projects demonstrated the power of partnership between the government, private sector, and local communities and effectiveness of shared vision and collective effort in achieving remarkable outcomes.”

    He said the gas facilities will serve as models for future projects, on how to balance economic development with environmental stewardship.

    Delta Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, said the occasion marked a significant milestone in “our quest for energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.”

    He said the gas facilities will ensure that Nigeria maximises the utilisation of associated gas, thereby reducing flaring and minimising the environmental impact of our oil and gas operations.

    Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Ogbe, who expressed happiness at gas facilities, noted it exemplifies the board’s mandate to promote the development and utilisation of local capacity in the oil and gas industry.

  • Ijaws sad over Wike, Fubara rift in Rivers, says INC

    Ijaws sad over Wike, Fubara rift in Rivers, says INC

     The President, Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, has lamented the rift between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

    Okaba also said the INC is only committed to ensuring peace, unity and development in the entire Ijaw nation including Rivers.

    The INC boss spoke yesterday when Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress (RIPCO) led a delegation of its leaders to hold a crucial meeting with the INC leadership at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    The crucial meeting on the political developments in Rivers also had in attendance leaders of the Ijaw umbrella youth body, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).

    Okaba said the INC would work closely with any organisation that would benefit the Ijaw nation, describing Ijaw interest as paramount.

    He said the INC was not happy that the Ijaw people were divided over the political crisis in Rivers, insisting that Ijaws could be strong even in diversity of political affiliations.

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    Okaba said: “We will support any group that will benefit Ijaw people. In the same manner, we are going to fight any group that is against the progress of Ijaw Nation.

    “Ijaw Nation is grateful to Wike for working for an Ijaw man to lead Rivers State. We don’t hate him.

    “We also recall the efforts of Ijaw people in Wike’s political journey, especially his emergence as governor.

    “There was a time INC spokesman responded to a northern group that lambasted Wike. We said we cannot allow people to attack any Niger Delta leader for no just cause while we are here. The mandate of INC is to protect the interest of Ijaw people. And it will remain so.

    “We must come together because our unity is our strength. I believe we can be strong even in diversity. But let’s not fight ourselves.

    “You are free to be loyal to Wike since he has been good to you. Ijaw people are very grateful people. We have been helped and we are also helping.

    “However, let’s not in any way frustrate Sim Fubara. He is the undisputed Governor of Rivers State.

    “So while we are calling for peace and appreciating the godfather (Wike) who brought him, the governor deserves our respect. You have to protect him because he is our son.”

    The Professor of Sociology warned that the Rivers political feud could worsen if not properly managed.

    Earlier, the Leaders of the RIPCO delegation, Senator Alabo George Sekibo and Hon. Boma Iyaye said there was a need for the INC to maintain neutrality in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers.

    They told the INC that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike, had demonstrated his love for the Ijaw nation contrary to claims in some quarters arising from the political crisis rocking Rivers State.

    They said the narrative that Wike hated the Ijaws was not true, noting that out of his love, Wike gave more federal appointments he attracted to Rivers to Ijaw leaders and recalled that during his administration as the governor, he appointed Ijaw people into strategic positions.

    Specifically, Sekibo said though the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara had problems with his benefactor, Wike, the governor had not told Ijaw nation the reasons for their feud.

    He said Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress was interested in the unity amongst Ijaw people and rancour-free collaborations with other ethnic nationalities in the state.

    Sekibo emphasised that without the cooperation of other ethnic groups in the state, the Ijaw, as a minority group in Rivers, would not win elections in the state.

  • MFM’s GO, Olukoya, denies sending former pastors to jail

    MFM’s GO, Olukoya, denies sending former pastors to jail

    Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, (MFM) and the General Overseer, Dr. Daniel Olukoya have said that he did not frame or jail his former pastors Mr. Femi Jimoh and Caleb Oloruntele or any other person for nine years or for any period.

    It will be recalled that the convener of RevolutionNow, Mr. Omoyele Sowore through the Sahara Reporters, an online platform recently called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately arrest, and prosecute MFM Founder, Dr. Olukoya for allegedly influencing the incarceration of pastor Femi Jimoh for nine years without trial.

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    In the report, Pastor Femi Jimoh who identified himself as a former MFM pastor had accused the church of being behind his incarceration for nine years without trial, over the alleged armed robbery.

    Speaking at the Yaba headquarters of the church, on behalf of the church and the General Overseer, the Chief Legal Adviser, Davidson Adejuwon, explained that Jimoh was only remanded and granted bail, adding that after he was granted bail, the family refused to get two individuals to stand as sureties to perfect the bail and secure his release.

  • NGO offers panacea for good leadership

    NGO offers panacea for good leadership

    Accountability and good communication skills are some of the qualities a good leader must possess to successfully carry out assignments and responsibilities, facilitators at a leadership training programme in Lagos have said.

    The programme was organised by a civil society group, Peace, Progress and Unity Global Initiative and Fareedah Charity Foundation at Ikeja.

    Speaking at the event, the facilitators including Dr. Angella Harrison from the United Kingdom and Dr. Charles and Kelly Daniles from Ghana noted that self-consciousness prevents all individuals from being tossed around by whatever situation that comes around them.

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    The chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council of Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi said that a good leader must possess the right attitude and direction. He noted that direction is a compass guiding an individual towards his or her goals.

    The brains behind the programme, Dr, Prevail Faridah Ahmed sought support from people and the government for the continuity of the programme.

  • Ex-Ondo lawmaker hails Tinubu over national anthem, handling of wage strike

    Ex-Ondo lawmaker hails Tinubu over national anthem, handling of wage strike

    A former majority leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olumide Araoyinbo, has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s government for the reintroduction of the old national anthem, Nigeria, we Hail Thee.

    Araoyinbo, while speaking in Akure, the Ondo State capital, said the wordings of the old anthem capture the true essence of Nigeria as a nation.

    “If you listen to the wordings of the old national anthem, you’ll realise that it captures the true essence of our existence as a nation of different ‘tribes and tongues’”.

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    He noted that President Tinubu deserves to be applauded for the courage to effect the change, describing the president as a true democrat and a progressive.

    Araoyinbo also lauded the president for his handling of the minimum wage strike by organised labour.

    According to him, the president displayed his mastery of the game, which he said brought the crisis generated by the strike to an early end.

    “I respect President Tinubu’s astuteness and robust intervention in the minimum wage strike initiated by labour. His intervention brought to an early end what ordinarily would have snowballed into a major crisis for the country.

    “The naysayers were hoping for a major crisis in the land, but President Tinubu’s intervention dashed their hopes.”

  • Lagos communities laud lawmakers for intervening in land dispute

    Lagos communities laud lawmakers for intervening in land dispute

    Abomiti, Yegunda, and Eyin-Osa communities in Epe have praised the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly for forming a committee to investigate the land dispute between government officials and the communities.

    However, some members still hold grudges against investors to whom they sold land.

    Speaking to newsmen shortly after a meeting with the Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Cooperative led by Hon. Abiodun Tobun, the lawyer representing the communities, Mr. Olofinlade Oludayo, commended the Assembly’s efforts.

    Oludayo praised the Assembly’s efforts to settle the issue after several meetings with both the investors and community members.

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     “We came for the continuation of the meeting between the Assembly and the members of the affected communities on the Parcel B resettlement scheme, whose land has been taken away by government officials,” he stated.

    “We have had four different sessions with the committee, and we can move forward. We are happy that many issues have been addressed by the Assembly, and we thank the leadership, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the committee members.

    “In a situation like this, not everybody will agree, and winners cannot take all. There will be compromises, but we pray they will not be too much to bear,” the lawyer added.

    In a related development, Chief Femi Abdullah, the traditional ruler of Osunlaja in Epe, also appreciated the Lagos Assembly for revealing the truth impartially.

    He lamented that one Ibile did not give them the money he promised. “I want to appeal to the government to help us get our entitlement from Ibile,” he said.

    There was a series of revelations on how lands were sold and how investors bought them.

  • Invasion of privacy: Apologise within 30 days or face legal action, Gani Adams tells Igboho

    Invasion of privacy: Apologise within 30 days or face legal action, Gani Adams tells Igboho

    Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams has asked the Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho, to either apologise or face legal action for allegedly invading his privacy.

    Adams made this demand in a pre-litigation letter written on his behalf by his counsel, Adesina Ogunlana.

    In the letter dated June 4 2024 and addressed to Igboho, Adams detailed how the Yoruba activist allegedly infringed on his fundamental human right.

    He alleged that Igboho intruded on his privacy by publishing in the media, a private conversation he had with a friend sometime in 2021.

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    Adams described Igboho’s action as a deliberate, reckless, and malicious breach of his fundamental rights to privacy as constitutionally guaranteed as cognisable in Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

    Adams, however, demanded a “letter of unqualified apology” from Igboho for the reckless and unlawful invasion of his privacy by the mass publication of his private discussion with Mr. Nurudeen Banjo which has scandalised his pre-eminent personality and status.

    “Nonetheless, despite your affront to the honour and reputation of our Client, the great weight of his traditional title and office dictates first an embrace of rapprochement with you as a brother worthy and so, we have his instructions to request for an amicable settlement of his grievance in this matter with your good self.

  • Ogun APC mourns chieftain, Sola Lawal

    Ogun APC mourns chieftain, Sola Lawal

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun has mourned its former Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Sola Lawal, describing his demise as sad and unfortunate.

    Lawal died on Thursday in Lagos, aged 61.

    In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Friday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tunde Oladunjoye,, said Lawal’s death was a sad one for the party, as he served diligently in various capacities while alive.

    Oladunjoye described Lawal as a dedicated party man who diligently carried out his assignments effectively and efficiently to the best of his ability.

    “Anyone who came across Sola Lawal while alive will attest to the fact that he was a burst of energy, amiable and jovial.

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    “On behalf of the All Progressives Congress, Ogun State, we mourn the departed party chieftain, who has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

    “We sympathise with the families, relatives, associates and friends of the deceased and pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

     “We pray that the late politician will be granted Aljanah Fridaus,” he said.