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 (NIWA) and Osun State APC governorship candidate, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists.
Kuta described the proposed honour as well-deserved and patriotic, saying Oyebamiji’s contributions to the development of inland waterways and his support for the media warrant recognition from stakeholders in the maritime sector.
The commissioner, who previously served as Niger State Commissioner for Transportation, recalled her experience working with a segment of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists led by veteran journalist, Mr. Frank Meke, describing the engagement as productive and rewarding.
According to her, the visiting maritime journalists displayed a high level of professionalism, intellectual depth and engagement during their interactions with government officials.
She said their presentations and subsequent reports were balanced, insightful and impactful.
“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 further disclosed that during the fact-finding visit by the maritime press, the Coalition held strategic meetings with the Deputy Governor and five commissioners, following a directive from Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.
Kuta noted that the governor was impressed by the seriousness and depth of the engagement, describing the visit as timely and insightful.
She added that the success of the interaction was largely influenced by reforms and groundwork laid during her tenure as Commissioner for Transportation.
On her current responsibilities, Kuta said she has commenced active engagements at the Ministry of Women Affairs, mobilising women across the state and visiting hospitals and health facilities to assess conditions firsthand.
She explained that the ministry’s early interventions include ensuring that sick women receive timely medical attention, as well as assessing the needs of health workers and caregivers, with plans underway to strengthen their capacity to deliver quality healthcare.
Kuta reaffirmed her commitment to people-oriented governance and inclusive development, stressing that strategic collaboration with professionals, including the media, remains crucial to achieving sustainable progress in Niger State.