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NiMet STAKEHOLDERS  FORUM REFLECTS NEW ERA OF CONNECTIONS, SERVICE DELIVERY- DIRECTOR CHUKS OKOH , The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe has said the recent Stakeholder Engagement Forum organised by the agency and held in Lagos has helped achieved its aimed of strengthening connections with its diverse audience. She noted that the initiative reflects NiMet new era of engagements and the agency’s growing commitment to improving communication and service delivery across Nigeria’s weather and climate sectors. The Director, who was instrumental in initiating the forum has been in the forefront championing the case for NiMet’s public image and visibility both locally and internationally. The Stakeholder Engagement Forum, a first-of-its-kind initiative in NiMet has the theme: “Early Warnings: Raising Awareness on Climate Risks and Promoting Early Action.” Mrs. Arowojobe said “The forum was an avenue to project NiMet, showcase our products, and intimately connect with stakeholders and the public informing them about our strategic plans, progress and even challenges.” “It emerges against the backdrop of nearly two years under the direction of DG/CEO Professor Charles Anosike, who has driven reforms that include the upgrade of forecasting equipment and the improvement of staff welfare.” Highlighting the forum’s core objective, the Public Affairs Director said “We want to open communication channels with stakeholders, understand how we are perceived, as well as learn precisely what problems they want us to solve.” The engagement, she said was essential to improving client satisfactions and managing expectations which is one of the core functions of the Public Affairs and Consumer Protection directorate. The forum’s agenda spotlighted several priorities, enhancing service delivery by listening closely to stakeholders needs, reinforcing NiMet’s value proposition to sustain patronage, and create shared successes. “We hope this reform will build trust and foster inclusion through clear, concise, and transparent communication” she added. “While NiMet has garnered strength in aviation, agriculture, environmental management, and hydrological sectors, there is an ambition to broaden our impact in the marine, oil and gas, health, construction and other industries.” Funke told journalists. “Stakeholders Engagements and Collaboration is one of the Key success factors of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Developments Strategic Plan 2024-2028. This factor hopes to increase partnerships and participation for the optimum utilization of resources in achieving goals.” “We are grateful for the unwavering support constantly received from the Minister Festus Keyamo SAN, a valiant and astute leader, and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to fulfill these objectives.” Looking beyond immediate reforms, Mrs. Adebayo-Arowojobe envisions a comprehensive mapping of stakeholders by geography, economic sector, gender, community, service, etc., to better understand and serve them, while welcoming frank feedback as a catalyst to break down barriers and silos that could hinder collaboration and growth. According to her, the outcomes will be communicated widely through radio, TV, social media, governmental channels, and in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility and continuous engagement. “Our aim is to remain responsive and build lasting partnerships with all Nigerians, more especially those in need of our products and services” she affirms. Whilst she emphasizes the diverse makeup of NiMet’s stakeholders to include the federal and state governments, policymakers, the aviation, agriculture, education, and private sectors as well the general public that underline the importance of tailored dialogue. Mrs. Arowojobe further urges the general public to reach out to the agency through the consumerprotection@nimetagency.org.ng. NiMet, is charged with collecting, analyzing, and disseminating weather and climate data and provides critical forecasts and climate services across multiple sectors. It advises on government policies and conducting research that supports Nigeria’s socioeconomic development while protecting lives and property.

A clarion call has been made to the elites of the Nigerian society, to as a matter of urgency and need, use their endeavours and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the overall development of the Nigeria and her people, emphasising that they must “go beyond their comfort zones to create actions that better the society” The call was made by Dr Thomas Attah, a trained psychologist, business executive and development expert, at the at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Psychological Association (NPA), held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital. Addressing the gathering as a keynote speaker, on the theme, “Psychology in Action: Integrating Psychological Science, Policy, and Practice to Solve Societal Problems”, Attah, a doctorate holder in PhD holder in Social and Personality Psychology, at the premier University of Ibadan, further urged all to get committed to: “A vision of psychology that is not just academic, but active. Let us be the generation of psychologists who not only study the problems of our society but leverage our knowledge and expertise to solve them” Attah, a caregiver and holder of the traditional chieftaincy of Ekpen (Lion) of the Sacred Kingdom of Ekpoma, Edo State, also envisioned that all members of the NPA and the elite policymakers, politicians, elected leaders, captains of industries and others, to engage directly with the grassroots to design evidence-based interventions that address the everyday struggles of Nigerians. At the occasion, Dr. Attah, who hailed from Ososo in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, and a long standing member of NPA, was inducted as a Fellow of the association. Guests at the conference included Ebonyi State governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, the Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Prof Ugota Awoke, Dr. Law Mefor, Commissioner of Information, Anambra State, Professor Andrew Zamani, President, Pan African Psychology Union and Professor Olukakayode Afolabi, President, Nigeria Psychological Association.

HOODLUMS ON THE RISE IN GOWON Estate AND -VANDALISM, THEFT ON THE INCREASE -CDA CHAIRMAN , WE ‘RE HANDICAPPED CHUKS OKOH   Residents of Gowon Estate in Alimosho area of Lagos State now live in fear as hoodlums and bandits have continue to unleash terror in the area Residents in the estate are no longer sleeping with their eyes closed especially when almost all the streets in the estate have rested their security guards following the high cost of keeping them at night These hoodlums in the past few weeks have descended heavily on car owners, vandalising their cars. While some cars had their batteries, brain boxes stolen after vandalising them, some had their cables cut completely removed. One of the residents  who simply gave his name as Ubani had his parked truck vandaliised at 412 Road in the estate. According to him, the vehicle was sent to him from Germany. The hoodlums destroyed the battery protector, cut off all the copper wires and removed its battery. Just last week,  residents of union bank, army block and  some other buildings had their pumping machines and cables completely stolen overnight Some of the hoodlums most scavengers in the day and thieves at night were apprehended around 3 am with stolen items in sack bags. Items found in the sack include, three giant aluminium pot covers, packs of new students exercise books and other items stolen from shops in the estate. Most worrisome is the stealing of aluminium covers of manholes across the estate as the manholes pose danger especially when it rains Reacting to the ugly development in Gowon Estate, the Chairman of Community Development Association (CDA) Alhaji Dauda Oyebanji traced the origin of insecurity in the area to emergence of scavengers in the estate Oyebanji said he raised concerns about abandoned vehicles on the roads, which have become security challenges for residents and called for the removal of these vehicles and the establishment of a task force to tackle the issue. He noted that members of the committee failed to carry out their activities to restore sanity in the area. Oyebanji said the CDA was handicapped in providing security as residents in the estate have refused to contribute towards securing lives and property in the area. He condmned the activities of scavengers, saying they have constituted nuisance in the area. Oyebanji noted that a metal sales depot at the customs quarters in the estate now served as abode to these scavengers adding that the CDA had last year written to them to evacuate but no response He also lamented the lack of commitment by residents towards the activities of the CDA. Gowon Estate has so many security blocks, including the DSS, the Police, Customs, Navy and Army, yet it remained the abode of hoodlums and misccreants.

For Nigeria’s two hundred and fifty million people and multitudes across the ‘honey’ world, the ‘Africa’s giant’, had gained another feat. An infamy of scoring cheap-own-goals. As if we aren’t tired of a run with the unusual! One of our own, the Director General (DG) of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, a learned professor of this and that, particularly of Emeritus in Pharmaceutics and Drug Product Evaluation, from the highbrow College of Pharmacy, Roosevelt University, USA, was caught in a windstorm of a key official pronouncement. ‘DG-NAFDAC’, as her uppermost position is widely called in the country, had made two conflicting statements on the ranging global scourge, the Genetically Modified foods. Wielding her exalted office as the number one official hunter of fake food and drug and their diehard dealers, Adeyeye had blown hot and then cold, leaving all in palpable confusion about which to believe of the two conflicting statements she had made, debunking public safety concerns. There are over 50 genetically modified (GM) foods, whose spread, consumption and deadliness to humans, continually generates reactions in the country. Speaking to journalists in August, 2025 at Abuja, Prof Adeyeye said vividly; “GMOs are genetically modified foods when it comes to food, and they are not bad for us…, depending on what type of foods they are and whether the safety conditions have been taken”. The same pundits who hailed her earlier comments soon came upon her. “It’s outright praises for the Agama lizard, but not when it adds black feces to the whitish part. A double-speak, so to say, when in June, 2024 Adeyeye uttered that; “We have not registered a single GMO product, because we are sensitive about it…” “In terms of GMOs, we do not think it is safe…for our own consumption. That is the position of NAFDAC”. Prof Adeyeye, who spoke verbatim in English had turned around to say she was misquoted. How possible? But for a spontaneous hue and cry by a coalition of over eighty NGOs, NAFDAC would have eloped with the skewed news headlines and the matter swept under the carpet, like several others. The coalition, led by the Home of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), included Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), the GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance and others. The coalition, in a press conference, accused the NAFDAC’s boss and the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), of failure to produce credible, independent, and long-term studies to justify their position that GM foods are safe for consumption. More tangible issues were raised by subsequent speakers, featuring Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, HOMEF’s Executive Director. He warned of the deadly imports of the GMO foods on quasi agriculture and ecology realms. “GMOs go beyond health risks, where reports of Nigerian cotton farmers say their soils no longer support conventional crops after three years of planting genetically modified Bt cotton. Herbicide-tolerant GMOs have led to biodiversity loss and the emergence of super weeds, forcing farmers to use more toxic chemicals” Prof. Johnson Ekpere, convener of the GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance, queried NAFDAC and NBMA on credible feeding studies to back their claims, citing an Iranian study, where rats that were fed GM soybean oil, suffered significant organ damage. Dr. Ifeanyi Casmir, a medical microbiologist, also raised further alarm over Bt crops such as beans, which release toxins that destroy beneficial soil microorganisms, that have been detected in the blood of pregnant women and fetuses. The body also emphasised that GMOs threaten Nigeria’s food sufficiency and sovereignty, where durable indigenous seeds give way to GM seeds, which are short-lived and local farmers were discouraged from farming. There was another conspiracy theory that the current armed insurgencies raging Nigeria, were designed to chase farmers away from their farmlands, so that the alternative is for the country to depend on GM foods and technology shipped in from overseas. Apparently, the more Adeyeye justified her gaffe the more she validated it as a misspeak. Interestingly, Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, Director General of NBMA, spilled the beans by her insistence “that no GM food permits are issued without NAFDAC’s involvement, and faulting the inadequacy of synergy between her agency, NAFDAC and the supervising Federal inistry of Health, in corroboration of government’s failure to concretise actions on the GMOs blight. Prof Adeyeye’s assertion that NAFDAC hasn’t signed any GMO permit sounded too good to be true. Otherwise, how come that the country witnessed a controversial approval of GM maize imports by WACOT Limited, which obviously had eroded the public trust in the country’s shoddy GMOs pursuit? Will such huge GM products sneak into the country without NAFDAC and NBMA? How does numerous other GM foods find their way into the Nigerian markets? What proactive measures have NAFDAC and NBMA taken to arrest the offenders and serve deterrence? Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health was harassed, lately, into a tripartite fence-mending meeting with NAFDAC and NBMA, by the coalition’s intensity. But a fly in the ointment is Prof Adeyeye insistence, after the meeting, that the choice is left for Nigerian consumers to ascertain whichever GM products they could buy, among countless other foods that are roughly labeled by NAFDAC, where numerous Nigerians are not lettered. Pertinently, how many NAFDAC’s labeled products do Nigerians read before buying, including the numerous that have fake NAFDAC’s labels? Yet, one could find it unbelievable that Prof Adeyeye, who professed to being a “food freak”, could recommend or label the GM toxic for Nigerians. Did inventors of the COVID 19 vaccine fraud not refuse to administer it on themselves and their dependents, whilst it was meant for others? GM foods are rejected across the globe. Why should Nigeria’s case be different? There was Prof Dora Akunyili as NAFDAC boss and now a counterpart Adeyeye. When a person who isn’t around is eulogised, as all are still disposed to the late Prof Akunyili, long after her demise, for having given NAFDAC a meaningful direction, it is, therefore, a wake-up call to the

CHUKS OKOH, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar has thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing members of the newly constituted Board of Directors of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). In his inaugural speech, the chairman said their appointment marks the beginning of another phase in the history of the great organization of repute, “I therefore consider myself privileged alongside other members of this Board to have been appointed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, who considered us worthy for these appointments. I would also like to specially appreciate the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola for recommending us accordingly”. The Board Chairman commended the past visionary Board and Management Teams, who worked tirelessly with enthusiasm, inspiration and creativity, to achieve the noble objectives for which the Authority was set-up, particularly on infrastructural development of the Inland Waterways and the welfare of the Staff. According to him some of these great men and women, have passed on, leaving behind a lasting legacy that have withstood the test of time as shown in the Authority’s continued relevance in the Maritime Sector. He Further stated “as the Chairman of the Board of this great Organization, I will do my best to discharge my duties, and undertake to respect the judgment and advice of my fellow members as well as the Management. I will join hands with well-meaning Stakeholders to create and bequeath an organization that is better than the one we have today”. “I want to assure you that I will be fully committed and willing to deploy my time and resources towards the attainment of the Authority’s vision to establish and sustain a first-class Organization managed professionally and responsibly; one that is flexible and adaptable to the needs of Nigerians and recognized and respected locally and internationally”. In his welcome address the Managing Director/CEO of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Mr. Bola Oyebamiji FCIB, extended his warm welcome to members to the first meeting of the Board. He said it is an honor to have such a distinguished group of individuals on board, and look forward to working together to drive the Authority’s growth and success. “As we begin this new chapter, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the Authority’s current state and our future prospects. We have made significant progress/achievements in recent times which includes; Increasing the number of goods and passengers on the inland waterways, enhancing safety on the Inland waterways by ensuring that the Water Transportation Code was processed and gazetted, deployment of more Water Marshals to man loading and off-loading points across the country, sensitizing the general public on safety by conducting sensitisation programmes in more than twelve states, while close to six thousand units of standard lifejackets were distributed. This is in addition to our annual safety campaigns across jetties and watersides through our operational bases and by enhancing collaboration with the state governments such as Bayelsa, Niger, Kwara, Sokoto, and Lagos”. The Board of Directors has  Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar chairman, Managing Director: Bola Oyebamiji FCIB Members are Hussaini Shettima Jeminiwa Adewale Charles Dr. Ndidi Jenifer Ozegbe Engr. Prof. Sadiq Z. Abubakar Surv. Kunle Olugbemiro Capt. Tajudeen Alao Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye Capt. Jerome Andwunwe Hon. Hoplyn Euore Barr. Naziru Biyankare – Secretary

CHUKS OKOH, As the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) sets for its national delegates conference, a prominent member of the Association, Engr Chief Francis Igwe, has vowed to end any form of workers victimisation and improve on their welfare At a press conference to mark his declaration in Lagos to contest for NAAPE’s highest position, Igwe said he will ensure that no employer in Nigeria tramples on the dignity of workers labour saying he will work hand-in hand with members across all sectors to ensure a unified front against injustice. On improved welfare and wages, Igwe explained that through stronger negotiations and transparent agreements (Conditions of Service), members will not just earn a living, but enjoy a life of dignity. According to him, “I will ensure that welfare packages for our members are reviewed periodically to reflect current economic realities” Igwe, public relations officer of NAAPE, vowed to work with  National Administrative Council and National Executive Council to bring every eligible pilot and engineer under it’s umbrella, removing fears and resolving grey-areas that have kept some organizations from embracing unionization. Igwe noted that a divided union is a weak union saying he work tirelessly to unite every branch and every member under one voice. “In my first twelve months, I will visit all branches nationwide, listen to your concerns directly, and ensure NAAPE’s leadership is visible and accessible”   The contender to the NAAPE top position explained that qualified state councils and the women’s commission will be inaugurated to foster inter-branch relationships and enhance the representation of women in leadership while members will be equipped for the future through workshops, education, and leadership programs. “I will prioritize international certifications, and technical exposures.  Secretariat staff will not be left behind. They shall enjoy their annual training and represent the union on wherever necessary” Igwe also promised accountability as every funds, resources, and decision of leadership, will be open to scrutiny while adopting an open-door policy, consult widely before taking critical decisions, and ensure members can contribute ideas without fear of victimization.

  CHUKS OKOH The Niger State government has vowed to commence sanctioning and prosecuting Boat operators who refused to adhere to the usage of life jackets The Commissioner of Transport Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta who led a high delegation to Guni in Munya Local Government area to condole with the families of the victims of boat mishap which occurred in Zumba made this known during the visit. The Commissioner revealed that her Ministry provided one hundred and fifty life jackets to Guni boat operators before the incident and expressed her dismay as to why the passengers who lost their lives in the mishap refused to use them. She appealed to traditional leaders and especially the association of boat operators to ensure its usage as government will not take it lightly with anyone caught disobeying the rule. In their separate condolence messages on behalf of the Governor, the Commissioner of Lands and Survey Maurice Magaji and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Mairo Mohammed Mann urged members of the community to accept the irreparable loss as a destiny but stressed the need for the community leaders to ensure proper supervision of passengers wearing life jackets and the removal of undergrowth to prevent future occurrence. The duo assured of Umaru Mohammed Bago’s commitment in saving lives and properties of the people but call for collaboration from all stakeholders in achieving that objective. The families of the thirteen people who lost their lives in the mishap were availed two hundred thousand naira, 50kg of rice and maize each while fifty additional life jackets were also given to the association of boat operators in the area.

  CHUKS OKOH The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has called on the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to take decisive steps in enforcing waterways safety laws and prosecuting offenders who put lives at risk. This call comes against the backdrop of several recent fatal boat accidents in Niger State and other parts of the country, which have sparked calls for urgent reform of the inland waterways transport sector. Speaking during an interactive session with Journalists on safety and security concerns in rural water transportation at his palace in Bida on Wednesday, the royal father expressed deep frustration over the recurring loss of lives in boat mishaps, which he said are largely preventable if regulations are adhered to. Alhaji Abubakar decried a pattern of indiscipline among some boat operators and passengers, including habitual overloading of vessels, transporting goods far beyond capacity, and neglecting the use of life jackets. He warned that these unsafe practices, coupled with a lack of enforcement, continue to cause tragedies on Niger State’s rivers and waterways. “We cannot continue to watch our people die in accidents that could have been avoided. The government must not only issue safety directives but must ensure strict enforcement and prosecute anyone who violates these laws,” he declared. The monarch drew parallels between unsafe boating and the dangers of overloaded road vehicles, noting that just as buses crammed with passengers and luggage can lead to fatal accidents, boats weighed down beyond their limit are disasters waiting to happen. He stressed that every passenger should be provided with a life jacket and compelled to wear it before departure. According to him, enforcement must be more than a symbolic exercise. He urged the government to deploy trained safety officers at departure points along major waterways, tasked with inspecting vessels, monitoring passenger compliance, and stopping any operator who fails to meet safety standards. Alhaji Abubakar also highlighted the role of community participation, calling on traditional leaders, youth groups, and transport unions to join the campaign against recklessness on water. He said community vigilance is vital because most waterways transport activities occur in rural and riverine areas where government monitoring is often limited. He noted that while government officials often arrive to console victims after accidents, the real solution lies in proactive safety enforcement that prevents such incidents in the first place. “Our focus must shift from condolence after disaster to prevention before disaster. That is the only way to save lives and protect the livelihoods of our people,” he said. The Etsu Nupe further appealed for public awareness campaigns to educate passengers on their rights to safety and their responsibility to comply with safety instructions. He maintained that passengers also share blame when they board unsafe vessels without protest.

  To cushion the effects of food shortages and improve the standard of living of Edo people, Speaker Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku, during the monthly prayer session with staff of the State Assembly, highlighted the need to embrace farming as a means to improve living standards. Speaker Agbebaku advised, “Plan for your retirement by engaging in farming. Utilize your precious time on the farm land rather than on socials that yield no money and food on the table.” He added, “As civil servants, your weekends and after-work hours can translate to tomorrow’s income.” He also noted that “modernized farming can be done by engaging a supervisor.” In a press statement by  the public relations officer, Mr  Paul Odiahi, the  Speaker emphasized that a great nation depends on individual efforts to upscale and increase per capita income. He reiterated that “a well-fed and healthy person does not succumb easily to disease.” The Speaker encouraged more staff to attend the prayer session to appreciate God for the new month. The monthly prayer session was held at the Hallowed Chambers of the Assembly, a ritual done on the first working day of each month from 8 am to 9 am. The Speaker was accompanied by other key members of his office.

  CHUKS OKOH. The National President of the Institute of Safety Professional in Nigeria (ISPON), Dr Stephen Udezi  has called on regulators in different sectors of the economy to ensure that only certified and trained professionals are allowed to handle safety responsibilities in organisations in the industry where they play. Udezi  said adhering to such an arrangement , is one of the ways the body is tackling quackery in the practice of safety management in many organizations. He said ISPON is consolidating its partnership with the relevant agencies of government and the House of Representative Committee on steps that must be taken to ensure organizations comply with the provisions of the ISPON Act. Udezi  said many hazards, incidents and unsafe practices could be minimized if only certified and registered members are allowed to serve as head of safety oversight in many organizations. Speaking at the ISPON Lagos Safety Leadership Summit & Membership Induction, Udezi called on the Federal Government to integrate safety management practices into the curriculum of all levels of education for nationwide acceptability. He said when safety management is integrated into every fabric of our national life, its practices will go a long way to improve compliance. He described the Lagos Safety Leadership Summit as a continuous professional development path that will guide professionals in the discharge of their duties while taking charge as personnel in charge of safe practices across the value chain. Udezi called on ISPON members to deepen cooperation and collaboration to uplift the practice of safety management in different spectrums of the economy. He said : ” The only way to drive safety practices is for practitioners and organisations to do the right things by putting standards, procedures in the right burner, it is in adherence to this that we can avoid or reduce sporadic accidents and other unwanted developments. Failure to comply with the prescribed safety practice rules that causes mishaps both in the workplace homes and other environments. ” I charge the new inductees to take advantage of the institutional capacity available during this safety summit to scale their act as continuous professional development. Safety practice is not static, it is dynamic and it is an opportunity to learn the right culture.” In collaboration with players, he said ISPON is working to ensure certified safety personnel take charge at the appropriate units.. He said : ” This is why the Federal Government must entrench the culture of safety being promoted by ISPON and pursue compliance, the issue of quackery, concerning service provision, is tackled. ” We are calling on the Federal Government to ensure Safety Management practices are integrated into the curriculum of all levels of education, and the country will be on the part of doing this correctly.” On his part, Chairman of Lagos ISPON branch , Olusola Ogunleye said the Summit was put together as a critical part of the national assignment to reposition safety management practices in the country, which should shine a spotlight on leadership. He said : ” The whole idea is to advance leadership and set the agenda for the government on ways to drive a robust and formidable safety system. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Lagos State Branch of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Mr Olusola Ogunleye, has said the body was focusing on appropriate synergy this year for the overall development of safety systems He remarked that the safety managers forum has to change from the perspective of leaving it for safety managers but to be redifined that every organisation, policy maker and worker provide a level of leadership According to him, safety management without leadership can never be safe adding that the tone of leadership determines the result of safety management.