General
NIWA Targets Increased Contribution to Nigeria GDP
By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has pledged to work tirelessly to harness ocean resources in raising the authority’s contribution to the Nigerian economy by increasing its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
This was disclosed by NIWA’s Managing Director, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, in a chat with newsmen shortly after the organisation’s 3-Day Special Retreat held at Edge Drive Hotel, Lokoja, Kogi.
The managing director explained that the agency’s work would be targeted at boosting the nation’s economy while ensuring safe water transportation.
The authority’s general and area managers signed a bond with the managing director at the retreat towards better performance and service delivery as public servants.
“We have to do this because the honourable minister of marine and blue economy with the permanent secretary signed a performance bond with the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This bond is to measure performance, evaluate performance, and see that all the ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria key into the vision of the Federal Government.
“At the same time, they are expected to achieve the best in line with the thematics of Mr President.
“Therefore, my expectations from NIWA staff that have already signed the performance bond with me is for them to achieve the best for NIWA in all areas.
“This is because Marine and Blue Economy is a ministry that is going to carry out the commercial leg of governance, and I can assure you that the minister is positioned for that,” he said.
Mr Oyebamiji said that the authority would partner with investors, local and foreign, to drive the opportunities in the ministry, and boost the economy by generating huge revenue.
He said that this was the reason President Bola Tinubu created the ministry was to add value to the Nigerian economy, especially at a crucial time when the country needed revenue.
He noted that there were going to be a lot of benefits to the citizens, such as employment creation and boosting the nation’s GDP, saying, “The ministry is going to add value, especially in the areas of fisheries, aquaculture, and so many others that have been planned in its roadmap.
“I can assure you that in the next couple of months and years, you will see the indicators that the ministry is firmly rooted to drive the Nigerian economy.”
Mr Oyebamiji stressed that it expected the staff to achieve the best for the Ministry, while also achieving the best for Nigeria’s desired growth and development, stating that in his effort to reposition NIWA, the first thing that agitated his mind was safety.
According to him, in the last couple of months, the agency has seen a series of boat mishaps.
“I can tell you that there is going to be a committee going forward that is going to handle safety, registration of boats and partnering with the local boat builders to ensure standard boats.
“We have drivers of these boats that are trained, and we have a rescue committee that is agile, vibrant, and can be tested anytime for the safe movement of people and goods on the waterways, ” he said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
