News
Boat Mishaps: Kwara receives 1,000 life jackets from FG
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Government has received 1,000 life jackets as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to promote safe water travels across riverine communities in Nigeria.
The items are to be distributed across riverine communities in Patigi, Edu, Baruten, Kaiama, and Moro local government areas.
Presenting the items in Ilorin, the state capital, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Adetola, said a balance of 2,500 life jackets would be delivered to the State soon.
Adetola, who was represented by the Director, Maritime Services, Dr. (Mrs) Mercy Ilori, said the initiative is a strategic step to make water transport safer and more reliable for all users, lamenting that boat
mishaps remain a recurring and avoidable tragedy in many parts of the country, caused by poor safety practices, especially the failure to wear life jackets.
He urged all boat and ferry operators to make safety a priority, adding that wearing a life jacket is a responsibility.
“The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is taking practical steps to prevent such losses and ensure that every journey by water is a safe one by using the three core pillars: strict enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, sustained public education and sensitisation on safety, and provision of life-saving gear, particularly life jackets to waterway users across the country,” the Minister said.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Mamman Saba Jibril, who represented the Governor, implored the benefiting communities and boat operators to ensure that passengers use the jackets regularly.
“We should not keep the jacket at home; we must use it because if we use it, the Ministry will be happy with Kwara. Let me re-emphasize that we should not keep it at home but use it for our safety,” he said.
Prof Jibril commended the President for providing the life jackets and the Ministry for putting in its best to forestall the loss of lives and properties to boat mishaps.
Commissioner of Transportation Hon Aliyu Kora Sabi, for his part, said the event underscores the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq to protecting the lives of the citizens.
“As we all know, life jackets are not just pieces of equipment; they are life-saving devices that can make the difference between life and death,” he said.
The event was also attended by the Commissioner for Communications Hon Bola Olukoju; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Hon Ibrahim Orire; representatives of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA); Directors of Personnel Management (DPMs) for affected local governments; and Chairman, Boat Owners Association, Abdullahi Yakub.
End
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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