Hon. Obiora Obeagu, Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area (LGA) in Enugu State, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the civil populace in maintaining the security and peace achieved in the area. His remarks came during the commissioning of the Community Secondary School, Mbu (CSSM), a project initiated by Major Gen. Jonathan Ugwuoke, an indigene of the community and Commander of the Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps, under the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Civil-Military Cooperation initiative.

Collaborative Efforts

During the event, Obeagu expressed gratitude to both Dr. Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State, and Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, for their partnership in addressing insecurity and implementing development projects in the council area. He noted that both the governor and the military have been employing a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to foster security and development.

He highlighted the establishment of a military camp at Ogbete Mgbuji, Eha-Amufu, and surrounding areas as a vital component of the successful security interventions. Obeagu committed to further strengthening this partnership to ensure sustained peace in Isi-Uzo.

Key Development Initiatives

Obeagu outlined several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in the community, including:

• Road Infrastructure Projects: Enhancing connectivity and accessibility in the region.
• Health Initiatives: Establishing 11 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres.
• Education Projects: The ongoing multi-billion naira Smart Green School initiative across the 11 wards in Isi-Uzo and the CSSM project at Mbu.

He stressed that education is crucial for alleviating poverty and nurturing informed and empowered youths who can contribute positively to community development.

Reframing Perceptions of the Military

Obeagu noted that his engagements with Army generals over the years have altered the perception of the military among community members. He emphasized that the military is not solely focused on combat but is also involved in numerous public good initiatives through Civil-Military Cooperation. He stated, “Isi-Uzo LGA remains a great beneficiary of Civil-Military Cooperation projects,” highlighting the military’s role in fostering peace and development in the region.

Commitment to Partnership

In conclusion, Obeagu reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining and expanding the partnership with the Nigerian Army to attract more community-oriented projects. He aims to ensure long-term stability in Isi-Uzo, deliver dividends of democracy, and sustain development efforts within the council area.

The South East Business and Investment Summit Group (SEBIS) has highlighted several significant factors impeding investment in the South Eastern states of Nigeria. According to Dr. Ifedi Okwenna, Executive Secretary of SEBIS, these challenges include:

• Limited Government Support: Inadequate backing from local and federal governments hinders the growth of businesses.
• Restricted Access to Finance: Many entrepreneurs struggle to secure funding for their ventures due to stringent lending criteria.
• High Interest Rates: Elevated borrowing costs deter potential investments, making it difficult for businesses to thrive.
• Lack of Financial Literacy: Many investors and entrepreneurs lack the necessary financial knowledge to manage and grow their businesses effectively.
• Absence of Sustainable Business Structures: A lack of well-established business frameworks and infrastructures further complicates the investment landscape.

Dr. Okwenna explained that these issues, compounded by perceptions of growing insecurity and unfavorable business environments, have discouraged investors from considering the region. Once a vibrant economic hub, the South East has seen a decline in its investment attractiveness compared to other Nigerian regions.

Historical Context and Current Trends

He pointed out that the scars of the nearly three-year civil war have left the region economically devastated, causing a significant outflow of human and financial resources. Moreover, the lack of cooperation among the five subnational governments in the South East has hampered collaborative economic development initiatives.

Despite outperforming other regions in critical human development indicators—such as having the lowest poverty rates and a higher per capita GDP—Dr. Okwenna noted that the region’s economic performance has not kept pace with its potential. South Easterners, traditionally known for their strong presence in trade and commerce, are increasingly choosing to invest outside their region due to better business conditions, infrastructure, and opportunities for skill development in other parts of the country and beyond.

He lamented the decline of key markets like Onitsha and Aba, which were once among West Africa’s largest and most bustling trade centers. “Unfortunately, the South East may have lost this edge, as many find it more attractive to invest outside the region,” he added.

Upcoming South East Business Summit

In response to these challenges, the upcoming South East Business and Investment Summit, set to take place in Enugu in December 2024, aims to address these issues head-on. The summit is expected to attract over 1,000 business leaders, investors, and innovators from around the world, with an additional 10,000 participants joining virtually.

Dr. Okwenna described the event as a crucial opportunity to reshape business and investment in the South East, stating, “This will be the most important business meeting in the South East and a key driver for corporate and economic transformation in the region.” The summit seeks to provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration that could reinvigorate the region’s economic landscape and restore its former prominence as a center of trade and commerce.

Mr. Osagie Okunbor, the Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company and Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, reaffirmed on Tuesday that the company is not leaving Nigeria, despite its plans to divest from onshore assets. Speaking during a high-level panel session at the ongoing Nigeria Economic Summit, themed “Fuelling Growth: The Future of Oil and Gas,” Okunbor emphasized that Shell is shifting its focus to the deepwater sector, where it holds significant technological and financial advantages.

Okunbor highlighted that Shell is increasing its investment in Nigeria, with single deep offshore projects costing up to $5 billion. “Shell is not leaving Nigeria. We are not going anywhere, and we will be together for a long time. Our onshore asset shares are being divested to a consortium of four companies that went through a rigorous selection process,” he stated.

He addressed concerns about the industry’s outlook, asserting that Nigeria’s petroleum sector is not in decline. “Let us not leave here with the thought that our industry is in decline; it is not. Since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and its supporting regulations, we are actually in a much better place,” he explained. Okunbor also mentioned that recent presidential directives are providing the coherence needed in the industry that had been lacking for a long time.

Call for Economic Growth and Diversification

In the same panel session, Mr. Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), stressed the importance of growing and diversifying Nigeria’s economy. He pointed out that Nigerians must lead efforts to achieve economic growth and diversification.

Mshelbila remarked on the crucial role of the oil and gas industry in this growth. “We have huge potential, and it is important that we diversify,” he said. He highlighted that the approach to diversification should not be about replacing one sector with another but rather ensuring that both sectors can grow simultaneously. He noted the historical shift from an agriculture-based economy to one dominated by oil and gas in the 50s and 60s, advocating for a future where both sectors thrive together.

The discussions at the summit reflect ongoing efforts to address challenges in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector while fostering economic development and sustainability.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and key stakeholders in the South East have urged the Federal Government to prioritize non-kinetic strategies to complement efforts in addressing separatist agitations in the region. This appeal was made during a one-day dialogue titled “Building Trust and Enhancing Civil-Military Relations in Nigeria’s South East Geopolitical Zone,” held in Enugu on Monday. The event was organized by the Security, Violence, and Conflict Research Group (SVCRG) at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in collaboration with the United States Institute for Peace (USIP).

Participants at the dialogue called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a means to consolidate recent progress in restoring peace and security in the South East. Professor Freedom Onuoha, the Coordinator of SVCRG, highlighted that research conducted by the group indicated that non-military approaches, including Kanu’s release, could foster peace and security in the region. He noted that many locals view Kanu’s continued detention as unjust, further fueling the separatist movement.

Onuoha advocated for strategic dialogue with agitators and the granting of certain concessions to facilitate lasting peace. He also urged South East governors to engage more earnestly with the Federal Government to pursue political solutions that would lead to Kanu’s release and address insecurity and violence in the area.

Professor Chris Kwaja, Country Director of USIP, emphasized the importance of strategic dialogue between the military and separatist groups to enhance civil-military relations in the South East. In his absence, USIP Programme Officer Terfa Hemen encouraged South East governors to listen to their constituents and constructively engage the Federal Government to adopt political solutions to the ongoing crisis.

The dialogue included discussions on measures to strengthen trust and collaboration between the military and local communities to sustain recent improvements in security. Professor Chukwuemeka Nwanegbo, Director of the Institute for Peace, Security, and Development Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra State, attributed the rise of separatist agitations to governance failures in the region. He criticized the Federal Government’s military approach, arguing that it had transformed peaceful agitations into violent movements. Nwanegbo called for the integration of freedom fighters into peacebuilding processes to achieve long-term stability in the region.

A Russian man who survived 66 days adrift at sea in a small inflatable boat spoke from his hospital bed about his harrowing ordeal. Mikhail Pichugin, 46, was rescued by a fishing boat on Monday off the coast of the far eastern Kamchatka peninsula, more than two months after he set out on a boat trip with his brother and 15-year-old nephew, both of whom tragically died during the journey.

Upon being taken to a hospital in Magadan, Pichugin was well enough to provide journalists with a brief account of his experience. Looking pale with red-rimmed eyes but not emaciated, he recounted how he managed to survive in the Sea of Okhotsk.

“With God’s help, how else? If a boat called Angel saved me,” he said, smiling as he referred to the fishing boat that rescued him. Pichugin mentioned that he collected rainwater to drink and credited a sleeping bag filled with camel hair for keeping him warm. “It’s wet, it doesn’t get dry, but you crawl under it, you wriggle around a bit and you get warm,” he explained.

Motivated by thoughts of his family, he stated, “I had no choice. I have my mother at home, my daughter.” Magadan’s deputy governor, Tatiana Savchenko, reported that Pichugin’s condition was “satisfactory” and announced that the administration would cover his flight home and expenses for relatives to visit him.

Pichugin hails from Ulan-Ude in Siberia but was working on the far eastern island of Sakhalin as a driver before the ill-fated trip.

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has expressed dissatisfaction over being excluded from the list of university staff unions invited by the Federal Government (FG) to renegotiate the 2009 Agreement with various unions.

In a protest letter dated October 14, 2024, signed by its National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, the union addressed its concerns directly to the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Labour and Employment, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Titled “Re: Inauguration of Re-Negotiation Committee, Non-Invitation of Congress of University Academics, CONUA,” the letter articulates CONUA’s frustration with its ongoing exclusion from discussions that directly impact its members.

The letter stated: “The national leadership of the Congress of University Academics, CONUA, is in receipt of an invitation letter to a sister union titled ‘Inauguration of Re-Negotiation Committee’ dated 10th October 2024 and written by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo. CONUA, for the umpteenth time, was taken aback that issues concerning its members, previously represented by the sole academic union, would be discussed without extending an invitation to CONUA.”

CONUA expressed concern that the Federal Ministry of Education is deliberately sidelining a legally recognized academic union, emphasizing that any agreements reached without their involvement would directly affect its members. They described this exclusion as unjust and potentially harmful to the overall university system.

Sunmonu recalled that CONUA had previously sent several letters to the Minister of Education and other government agencies protesting their exclusion from critical activities. He pointed out that in May 2024, CONUA had protested its exclusion from Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) activities, a situation that has persisted despite their repeated efforts to engage with TETFund.

“We see this development as a deliberate attempt to sideline and undermine us. However, they should note that we are duly registered as an academic union in the university system and have members across universities nationwide. The Federal Government should do the needful to avoid another round of industrial disharmony,” Sunmonu stressed.

On Tuesday, the FG announced the inauguration of a committee led by former Head of Service, Yayale Ahmed, to reconsider the 2009 Agreement. The invited unions included the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Allied Institutions (NASU), but CONUA was notably excluded.

CONUA was officially registered during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022 amid an eight-month strike by ASUU. The 2009 Agreement between university staff unions and the government has been contentious, particularly concerning the annual release of N200 billion for university infrastructure upgrades and the periodic renegotiation of welfare issues. To date, only one payment of N200 billion has been made, and the welfare reviews, meant to occur every four years, have yet to be implemented.

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has voiced its dissatisfaction over being excluded from the list of university staff unions invited by the Federal Government (FG) to renegotiate the 2009 Agreement with various unions.

In a protest letter dated October 14, 2024, and signed by its National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, the union addressed its concerns directly to the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Labour and Employment, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Titled “Re: Inauguration of Re-Negotiation Committee, Non-Invitation of Congress of University Academics, CONUA,” the letter articulates CONUA’s frustration with the ongoing exclusion from discussions that directly impact its members.

The letter stated: “The national leadership of the Congress of University Academics, CONUA, is in receipt of an invitation letter to a sister union titled ‘Inauguration of Re-Negotiation Committee’ dated 10th October 2024 and written by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo. CONUA, for the umpteenth time, was taken aback that issues concerning its members, previously represented by the sole academic union, would be discussed without extending an invitation to CONUA.”

CONUA expressed concern that the Federal Ministry of Education is deliberately sidelining a legally recognized academic union, emphasizing that any agreements reached without their involvement would directly affect its members. They described this exclusion as unjust and potentially harmful to the overall university system.

Sunmonu recalled that CONUA had previously sent several letters to the Minister of Education and other government agencies protesting their exclusion from critical activities. He pointed out that in May 2024, CONUA had protested its exclusion from Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) activities, a situation that has persisted despite their repeated efforts to engage with TETFund.

“We see this development as a deliberate attempt to sideline and undermine us. However, they should note that we are duly registered as an academic union in the university system and have members across universities nationwide. The Federal Government should do the needful to avoid another round of industrial disharmony,” Sunmonu stressed.

On Tuesday, the FG announced the inauguration of a committee led by former Head of Service, Yayale Ahmed, to reconsider the 2009 Agreement. The invited unions included the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Allied Institutions (NASU), but CONUA was notably excluded.

CONUA was officially registered during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022 amid an eight-month strike by ASUU. The 2009 Agreement between university staff unions and the government has been contentious, particularly concerning the annual release of N200 billion for university infrastructure upgrades and the periodic renegotiation of welfare issues. To date, only one payment of N200 billion has been made, and the welfare reviews, meant to occur every four years, have yet to be implemented.

“We have recently concluded the implementation of the Federal Government’s 2020 policy of linking every phone number to a NIN. Though it was a bit painful for Nigerians, I think we also need to appreciate what this does for us. Today, there is no phone number that we cannot associate without a verified NIN. Not just a number, but a number that has been verified,” Maina declared while speaking at the 2024 Annual Corporate Governance Conference.

This announcement is more like an unexpected denouement. For a project that began in December 2020 with only a two-week implementation timeline but has since witnessed twists, turns, and multiple timelines, it presents more of an anti-climax than the real accomplishment it claims to be. It is in order to extend congratulations to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for finally putting a closure to an exercise that periodically doled out trauma to Nigerians.

In a moment of triumph, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, enthused, “The policy will enable Nigeria to take giant strides towards improving national planning, overcoming security challenges, and boosting our GDP. National Digital Identity will accelerate economic planning and development. It will also promote digital inclusion, digital financial services, and other value-added services across the nation. It will also help Nigerian security agencies to improve their effectiveness in dealing with cybercrime, particularly in the area of digital forensics, crime tracking, and identification.”

However, Pantami later raised alarm bells, stating that his life had come under threat due to his unwavering support for the policy implementation, vowing that nothing would deter him. The crux of the issue, however, is that this policy was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated isolation and remote engagements rather than crowd activities, which the policy encouraged. The planning was deficient, and execution was even more haphazard, revealing that NIMC was ill-equipped to handle the task. There was widespread outrage.

Since then, the process has been riddled with drama, more outrage, deadlines, and curses from a populace feeling oppressed by a policy that harassed and attenuated their humanity.

A convoluted journey seemingly ends here. With a September 14, 2024, deadline given in August this year, following an unexpected reaction to MTN’s mass disconnection of subscribers without proper NINs, Reuben Muoka, Public Affairs Director at the Nigeria Communications Commission, stated that 153 million SIMs have been linked to their NINs, which is about 96 percent of the subscribed mobile lines in the country.

Let us analytically examine the above statement, and you will see why Kwankwaso makes me laugh. The former governor of Kano State and leader of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) betrays his confused state of mind, egotism, and delusion in making this spurious claim. He asserts he is “bigger” than Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 elections, without justifying his claim. He cannot justify it because it is a blatant lie.

Looking at the official figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the presidential election of February 25, 2023, INEC scored Peter Obi third with 6,101,533 votes. Kwankwaso came a distant fourth with 1,496,687. How can one million be “bigger” than six million except in Kwankwaso’s delusional books? Furthermore, Peter Obi led the LP to win seven seats in the current 10th Senate, with senators drawn from several parts of the country, while Kwankwaso’s party only picked up two seats, both from Kano. In the House of Representatives, the LP netted 36 members, while the NNPP got 18, almost half. Even Obi’s arch-political foe, Nyesom Wike, confessed that Peter Obi was the main issue in the 2023 general elections.

Kwankwaso’s second claim, leading him to the queer conclusion that he is a better candidate, is based on age. Since when did age really matter in politics? Indeed, age is often a negative factor. It was Joe Biden’s age-related problems that threw him out of the race for President of the United States. One of Nigeria’s most effective rulers ever, General Ibrahim Babangida, consistently picked older deputies—Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe and Admiral Augustus Aikhomu. Namadi Sambo, President Goodluck Jonathan’s VP, was three years older. Age has nothing to do with quality leadership.

The Kano politician also claims he “performed better” as governor. Says who? Beauty is usually in the eyes of the beholder. In spite of Kwankwaso’s touted educational achievements, Obi, who was his peer in office, took Anambra from 26th to first in WAEC and NECO performances. Kwankwaso’s Kano languished behind. Obi made news as the only governor so far who handed over billions of naira and millions of dollars in savings to his successor. He is also an accomplished economist, businessman, and industrialist with a proven record of incorruptibility, frugality, and self-effacement.

In contrast, Kwankwaso (PhD) is a professional politician who made his billions from politics. He is a political dealmaker, as evidenced during the 2023 presidential race when he was ready to step down for Bola Tinubu of the APC “if certain conditions are met,” as he often puts it. Even after the elections, he continued to hobnob with “victorious” Tinubu until their negotiations fell apart.

In terms of trust and leadership abilities, Obi is miles ahead of Kwankwaso. The latter seems to recognize this, thus his willingness to “deputise” for the same man he claims to be better than. The truth is that Obi and Kwankwaso are like water and oil; they don’t mix. Their paths and visions for Nigeria are fundamentally different, highlighting the stark contrasts in their political ideologies and leadership styles.

The discourse surrounding governance and the restructuring of Nigeria has intensified recently, fueled by ongoing debates and calls for change. However, this conversation often suffers from a lack of depth, relying heavily on rhetoric and superficial exchanges, while ignoring the historical context that has shaped Nigeria’s political landscape. Central to this discussion is the 1999 Constitution, which has faced significant criticism and is frequently labeled as an imposition from a military regime, leading to calls for its abrogation.

Proponents of regionalism and those advocating for the revival of the 2014 National Conference often present these ideas as pathways to a “new and better” Nigeria. However, such proposals must be critically examined, as they risk overlooking the complexities of Nigeria’s historical evolution, including the institutional frameworks that have developed over time. Dismissing the past and expressing condescension towards current realities will not contribute to meaningful progress.

At this critical juncture of uncertainty and agitation, it is essential to reflect on the individuals and events that have significantly impacted Nigeria’s trajectory. Among these figures, General Yakubu Gowon stands out as a pivotal leader whose contributions to nation-building have been invaluable. His leadership during a tumultuous period in Nigeria’s history played a crucial role in maintaining national unity and fostering progress.

Gowon’s legacy is evident in Nigeria’s continued existence as a unified nation, embodying the potential and dignity of the African continent. His vision, integrity, and dedication to the country’s well-being were instrumental in guiding Nigeria through its formative years. Shortly after assuming power, Gowon convened a National Conference aimed at addressing the nation’s future and promoting harmony among its diverse regions. He urged participants to envision a Nigeria that would not jeopardize future generations and cautioned against the dangers of disintegration.

The conference addressed critical issues, proposing various governmental structures to ensure stability and cooperation among Nigeria’s regions. Gowon’s foresight in presenting potential frameworks for governance is particularly relevant today, as the nation grapples with similar challenges. He emphasized the importance of home-grown solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique context, a perspective that resonates strongly in today’s discussions on restructuring.

Ignoring the lessons of history can lead to repeated mistakes, and Gowon’s insights remain relevant as Nigeria navigates its political challenges. The 1966 Conference examined vital topics such as the division of powers between federal and regional governments, economic policies, taxation, and revenue allocation—issues that continue to spark debate today. The current calls for restructuring, while often framed as new demands, are rooted in longstanding political conversations that have persisted since Nigeria’s independence.

In summary, the journey toward a more cohesive and effective governance framework in Nigeria necessitates a thorough understanding of the past and an acknowledgment of the contributions of key historical figures like General Gowon. Engaging with history can provide valuable insights that inform current efforts, fostering a more mature and productive dialogue on the future of Nigeria.

Recent flooding has submerged several communities, including Abala-Oshimili, Umuoru, Adia-Obiaka, Ase, Onya, and Asaba-Asa, in the Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State. The flooding, caused by a significant rise in water levels over the past few days, has reached alarming levels as the River Niger and its adjoining creeks overflow their banks.

The impact on local agriculture has been severe, with farmlands completely overtaken by floodwaters. Farmers are now racing against time to harvest their crops, including yams, cassava, and plantains, before they are lost to the rising waters.

Reports indicate that some residents have started relocating from their submerged communities to safer areas, while others are temporarily residing on elevated platforms. Mr. Clinton Omokaro, a resident of Ase community, shared that many individuals have begun moving into the local primary school as they await the establishment of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

Mr. John Alibofi, Chairman of the Umuolu Community Development Committee, expressed his concerns, stating, “Flood has taken over my area and has submerged many homes. Some people are no longer sleeping in their homes.”

In response to the situation, Mr. Vincent Osilonya, Chairman of the Ndokwa East Local Government Area, confirmed that Abala-Oshimili has been the worst affected community. He stated that efforts are underway to evacuate residents from the area to upland locations for their safety.

The flooding has raised urgent concerns about the well-being of affected residents and the need for immediate assistance. Authorities and humanitarian organizations must prioritize relief efforts, ensuring that displaced individuals have access to shelter, food, and other essential services during this critical time.

It is with a heavy heart that we must once again confront the recurring tragedy on Nigeria’s inland waterways. Over the past five years, more than 1,500 innocent lives have been lost due to preventable boat mishaps across the nation. This tragic trend shows no signs of abating, as nearly 300 lives have already been lost in 2024 alone. From Lagos to Kano and from Adamawa to Cross River, these grim statistics serve as haunting reminders of the unchecked menace threatening the safety and livelihoods of Nigerians dependent on these waterways.

On October 7th, yet another preventable tragedy unfolded in Lagos State when two overcrowded boats collided in the lagoon near Imore town, in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area. This incident resulted in three confirmed deaths and two missing persons. This latest tragedy is not an isolated accident; rather, it reflects systemic failures and a gross abdication of responsibility by both regulatory authorities and boat operators.

These incessant boat mishaps are not mere accidents—they stem from negligence, recklessness, and incompetence. Rickety and poorly maintained boats, blatant overloading, and a shocking disregard for safety regulations are prevalent on our waterways. The situation is exacerbated by underwater wrecks that litter navigational routes, creating hazards that further endanger passengers.

Despite this alarming state of affairs, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the federal agency responsible for enforcing safety standards on our inland waters, has consistently demonstrated a disturbing lack of capacity and will to fulfil its mandate. This inadequacy is further compounded by failures at the state level, where local regulatory and safety agencies have effectively abandoned their responsibilities to ensure safe passage for Nigerians.

The tragic loss of life must serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved. It is imperative that the NIWA and state regulatory bodies take immediate action to implement and enforce stringent safety regulations, conduct regular inspections of vessels, and hold boat operators accountable for their negligence. The safety of our waterways is not just a regulatory issue; it is a matter of human rights and dignity.

We call upon the government and relevant authorities to prioritize the lives of Nigerians and to restore public confidence in the safety of our inland waterways. Every life lost is a tragedy that reverberates through families and communities, and we must not allow this pattern of negligence to continue. Let us work together to ensure that our waterways are safe for all who rely on them.

The Federal Government, through the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), announced plans to train 90,000 youths within three months on thirty different skills.

The Director-General of NDE, Silas Ali Agara, disclosed this during an interaction with journalists in Abuja. He stated that the programme will include ten participants from each electoral ward across the country and will run for three months. Recruitment will be conducted through online registration on a dedicated portal.

Agara emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at creating jobs and generating activities that inspire hope among the youth. He said, “We are hoping to train over 90,000 youths in about thirty skills spread across four departments. We can start by recruiting youths logging into our portal, which is over 90 percent ready.”

He expressed optimism that the portal would be functional by the end of the week and outlined that the programme would take three months, supported by an immediate roadmap generated in-house.

To facilitate the process, Agara mentioned the need for the NDE to utilize technology, including creating a website to store its database. He added that the agency plans to set up an application for the artisans it trains, enabling Nigerians in need of their services to make requests directly.

“We are not going to allow the people we train to roam the streets; they should practice what they learned. We will upload names of the beneficiaries in the application, and it will cost them nothing,” Agara stated.

He acknowledged that previous settlement packages for beneficiaries of the scheme had not been encouraging but promised that those selected in the ongoing recruitment and skills acquisition would receive better support to become self-sufficient.

Agara projected that the settlement package would range from N150,000 to N200,000, with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs also providing assistance to some beneficiaries.

He highlighted that the NDE aims to develop skills relevant to the needs of youths in various environments, addressing specific local requirements and challenges.

Agara concluded by noting that while the directorate has sufficient manpower, it faces challenges in motivation and access to necessary tools for training. “We are working hard to abridge the gap and ensure we provide the tools,” he said.

Sacked workers of Mobil Producing Nigeria, Unlimited (MPN-U), in Akwa Ibom State, have embarked on a peaceful protest, lamenting the nonpayment of their 12-year severance benefits.

The aggrieved workers, under the aegis of “Ex-Mobil Janitorial Service Staff” and Unified Catering Workforce, defied the early morning rain and converged at the gate of the Mobil Housing Estate in Eket LGA, demanding their entitlements.

The protesters, numbering about 100, sang various worship songs and displayed placards with inscriptions such as, “Human Rights Community to Mobil: Respect Labour Law and Nigerian Constitution,” “Agreement is Agreement: MPN stick to the collective bargaining Agreement,” “Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited Pay Us our Entitlements before you divest to Seplat Energy,” and “Stop the Abuse of Human/Labour Rights in Nigeria Now,” among others.

Leader of the protesters, Moses Mbong, disclosed that MPN Unlimited sacked 2,390 janitorial and catering services contract workers between 2007 and 2017 without paying their entitlements.

Mbong stated: “We have carried out a series of protests over this same issue. The matter was brought before the House of Representatives, but somehow it wasn’t settled. Mobil kept telling us that we are third parties, meaning that the contractors that engaged us ought to have settled us.”

“But it is not true. We worked for Mobil and deserve to be paid off. As we speak, 125 of us have died while waiting for their entitlements, and several others are in critical health conditions.”

“We can’t allow the impunity and slave treatment meted out to Nigerians by Mobil to continue. We can’t guarantee the safety of Mobil facilities and workers if this ill-treatment continues. We have been patient enough.”

Meanwhile, efforts by newsmen to reach the management of the oil firm for a reaction were unsuccessful at press time.