Kuta Backs Maritime Journalists’ Visit, Says Oyebamiji’s Waterways Reforms Merit National Recognition
Niger State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Kuta, has endorsed the planned visit and award presentation by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists to former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Osun APC governorship candidate, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, describing the honour as well-deserved and patriotic.
Kuta, a former Commissioner for Transportation in Niger State, said Oyebamiji’s contributions to the development of inland waterways and his support for the media warranted recognition by stakeholders in the maritime sector.
She recalled her experience working with a segment of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists led by veteran journalist, Mr Frank Meke, during her tenure in the transportation ministry, describing the engagement as professionally enriching and impactful.
According to her, the visiting maritime journalists demonstrated exceptional professionalism, intellectual depth and constructive engagement, adding that their presentations and subsequent reports were brilliant, balanced and influential.
“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,” Kuta said.
She disclosed that during the fact-finding visit of the maritime press to Niger State, the Coalition held strategic meetings with the Deputy Governor and five other commissioners, following a directive by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.
Kuta noted that the governor was particularly impressed by the seriousness and depth of the engagement, describing the visit as timely and insightful for policy formulation and sectoral reforms.
She added that the success of the interaction was largely anchored on the groundwork and institutional reforms implemented during her tenure as Commissioner for Transportation, which enhanced stakeholder engagement and openness.
Speaking on her current assignment, Kuta said she has commenced wide-ranging engagements at the Ministry of Women Affairs, including mobilising women across the state and conducting visits to hospitals and health facilities to assess conditions firsthand.
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She explained that early interventions by the ministry include ensuring timely medical attention for sick women, as well as taking stock of the needs of health workers and caregivers, with plans underway to strengthen their capacity to deliver quality healthcare services.
Kuta reaffirmed her commitment to people-oriented governance and inclusive development, stressing that sustained collaboration with professionals, including the media, remains critical to achieving long-term and sustainable progress in Niger State.
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