Commissioner backs journalists’ visit, award to ex-NIWA boss, Oyebamiji

By Joy Enamuna

The Niger State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, has endorsed the planned visit and award presentation to the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority and Osun State APC governorship candidate, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, describing the initiative as patriotic and well deserved.

Kuta, who signed the statement, said the recognition was justified in view of Oyebamiji’s contributions to the development of inland waterways and his support for the media, adding that such efforts deserved acknowledgement from stakeholders in the maritime sector.

The commissioner, who previously served as Niger State Commissioner for Transportation, recalled her working relationship with a section of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists led by veteran journalist, Mr Frank Meke, describing the engagement during her tenure as productive and impactful.

She said the visiting maritime journalists demonstrated professionalism, depth and strong engagement, noting that their presentations and reports after the visit were balanced and insightful.

“These reports did not only reflect a proper understanding of the transportation and maritime landscape, they also contributed positively to governance and policy direction in Niger State,” she said.

Kuta disclosed that during the fact-finding visit of the maritime press to the state, the coalition held strategic meetings with the Deputy Governor and five commissioners, following a directive from Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.

She noted that the governor was impressed by the quality of the engagement, describing it as timely and insightful, and added that the success of the visit was influenced by reforms and groundwork laid during her tenure as Commissioner for Transportation.

Speaking on her current role, Kuta said she had begun mobilising women across the state and visiting hospitals and health facilities to assess conditions and ensure that sick women receive timely medical attention.

She added that the ministry was also taking stock of the needs of health workers and caregivers, with plans underway to strengthen their capacity, reaffirming her commitment to inclusive governance and collaboration with professionals, including the media, to drive sustainable development in the state.