• Hot Source
• Hot News
• June 16, 2025
• 36 views

FG, UNESCO Push for Climate-resilient WASH in Schools

FG, UNESCO Push for Climate-resilient WASH in Schools

The Federal Ministry of Education and the National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO) have called for increased investment in climate-resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in Nigerian schools to promote sustainability and protect student wellbeing.

The Director of Educational Planning, Research and Development in the ministry, Mrs Obianuju Anigbogu, made the call at a workshop in Abuja on Monday.

The event, themed ‘The Impact of Climate Change on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Nigerian Educational Institutions,’ focused on addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change and poor WASH infrastructure in schools.

She was represented by the Director of Educational Planning, Mrs Juliet Uzor.

Anigbogu highlighted the need to address both climate change and inadequate WASH services.

She cited data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which shows that countries in the Global South, including Nigeria, are especially vulnerable to climate-related disruptions such as floods, droughts, and erratic rainfall.

“Inadequate access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene in schools negatively affects attendance, academic performance and student health. It is both a development issue and a matter of human rights,” she said.

Anigbogu stressed that as climate change continues to threaten the availability and sustainability of essential services, urgent and collaborative action was necessary to ensure that all Nigerian children learn in safe and healthy environments.

“The importance of WASH services in schools cannot be overstated. We must act swiftly to protect our children’s future and equip schools to withstand the impacts of climate change,” she added.

Anigbogu expressed hope that the workshop would drive cross-sectoral collaboration and generate policy recommendations that will help Nigeria meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

“With just five years to the 2030 deadline, the time to act is now,” she said.

Also speaking, the Secretary-General of NATCOM-UNESCO, Dr Lateef Olagunju, described the workshop as both timely and necessary, in light of worsening climate impacts on WASH systems in schools.

“Climate change is altering how we access, manage and use water resources.

“These disruptions have serious implications for sanitation and hygiene, especially in schools where poor facilities can lead to disease outbreaks, absenteeism and poor academic performance,” Olagunju said.

He noted that while schools are vulnerable to climate change, they also offer unique opportunities for change.

“Schools are more than just centres of learning, they are community anchors. By embedding sustainability into the curriculum and investing in resilient infrastructure, we can raise a generation of environmentally responsible citizens,” he added.

Olagunju emphasised that access to clean water and sanitation is not merely a service, but a fundamental human right.

The workshop also featured student perspectives.

An SS2 student at Government Secondary School, Ushafa, Onyinyechi Livinus, shared her school’s challenges with water and sanitation.

“Our toilet has no water supply. We fetch water from a lifting pump located far away. The same pump is used by the junior and primary sections.

“We don’t have proper hand washing basins, so we use plastic bowls and rubbers with taps. Even our drinking water is fetched from the pump and transferred into dispensers,” she said.

In contrast, an SS1 student at Government Science and Technical College, Area 3, Pascalyn Agbor, said her school had comparatively better facilities.

“We have toilets with showers, flushing systems and handwashing stations. Water is supplied through tanks and dispensers.

“During our periods, we have a proper place to dispose of pads. Some of us use reusable ones, which we wash and store hygienically.

“Even during water shortages, the school ensures we fetch and store water, so the disruption doesn’t last,” she added.

The workshop brought together stakeholders from the education, health, environment and development sectors to explore strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s climate resilience. (NAN)

​  

The Federal Ministry of Education and the National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO) have called for increased investment in climate-resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in Nigerian schools to promote

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• June 16, 2025
• 30 views

Ijaw Traditional Rulers’ Appoints Committee to Resolve Lingering Crisis in Okomu Community

Ijaw Traditional Rulers’ Appoints Committee to Resolve Lingering Crisis in Okomu Community

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

In a bid to resolve the agelong crisis in Okomu community, Ijaw traditional rulers have appointed an 18-man Peace and Conflict Resolution committee to resolve the crisis.

This development came after a meeting among stakeholders including the traditional rulers which cut across the riverine areas of the Ijaw communities in Ondo, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States where it was resolved that all identified factions should cease hostilities and work towards a peaceful resolution.

Traditional Rulers who approved the reconciliation move include, HRM. William Ogoba, Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom; HRM. Zacheus Egbunu, Pere of Arogbo Kingdom; HRM. Joel Ibane, Pere Of Iduwini Kingdom; HRM. Capt, King Frank Okiakpe, Pere Of Gbaraun Kingdom, HRM Stephen Oyabebefa Ebikeme, Pere of Poromor Kingdom; HRM. Godwin Ogunoyibo, Pere Of Olodiama; HRM. Gbebokedi Ajiroba, Pere of Tubutoru; and HRM. Roman Ikiyouseigha, Pere Of Furupagha.

The committee, headed by Chief Sunny Ajele is to engage with critical stakeholders to identify the root causes of the crisis and propose solutions.

Others in the Committee are;
High Chief Pascal Akpofagha Secretary, High Chief Thompson Eduh, treasurer, Gen Don Ben Donyegha, Amb Andrew Igiri, High Chief Julius Tonfawei and others.

The committee was tasked with critical areas to foster peace in the affected region, including conducting a comprehensive assessment, facilitating dialogue and reconciliation between the warring factions, documenting damage and losses caused by the crisis, including property destroyed, to facilitate compensation, as well as work closely with security agencies.

The Okomu Community in Ovia Southwest Local Government Area of Edo State where the Okomu Oil Palm Plc is domiciled, has been plagued by a long-standing crisis for many years, where several people have lost their lives and over 74 houses razed down.

Caught in the midst of the conflict in the Ovia locality and severely impacted by the crisis, were several Ijaw villages, including Okomu, Agbede, Oweike, and Okorodudu.

The crisis led to heightened tensions and instability in the area, causing significant disruptions to the lives of the people in these settlements.

Several attempts by leaders of Ijaw groups including the Ijaw National Congress (INC), to resolve the crisis were short-lived, after attaining minimal effect as both factions continue to lay claims to dominance and the alleged one sided role played by past administrations for political reasons.

In a statement in Benin City at the weekend, head of the reconciliation committee, Chief Sunday Ajele said the agelong crisis has its roots in a dispute between different factions within the community.

According to Chief Ajele, “This crisis has been lingering for years now without a solution. INC came but couldn’t do much. Prominent ijaw people tried but were also frustrated out. The major community is Okomu but the crisis escalated to other areas where some persons were killed and houses burnt.

“In the Agbede community they burned over 30 houses, and in the Winke community, they destroyed about 18 houses, at Okorodudu six Houses were burnt. Most security men are afraid to go to the waterside”. That is where a certain militant leader Lawrence came from” he said.

Ajele further noted: “But the traditional rulers told Lawrence to surrender his tools which he never did. The military and the state’s vigilante invaded his community, destroyed his property, and killed his boy”. Lawrence managed to escape but came back with a reprisal attack on those he fingered to have let out his secrets to the government amongst his kinsmen and this eventually escalated”.

Continuing he said, “What we want to do now as a committee is to bring everyone together under one roof to live as one and work with security agents to do a thorough work in the waterside areas to ensure peace return to the Okomu community”.

While pointing accusing fingers at the divide-and-rule tactics used by the top government of the past administrations, which some believe have exacerbated the crisis, Ajele outlined the vision of the committee for peace and reconciliation in the community, believing that dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect are key to resolving the crisis.

He expressed hope that the resolution committee headed by him is expected to bring a new level of hope and optimism to the community, promising to work tirelessly to bring the warring factions together and find a lasting solution to the crisis.

​  

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City In a bid to resolve the agelong crisis in Okomu community, Ijaw traditional rulers have appointed an 18-man Peace and Conflict Resolution committee to resolve

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• June 16, 2025
• 32 views

Ijaw Leader Kicks against Plot to Jettison Tantita’s Contract to Secure Oil Facilities

Ijaw Leader Kicks against Plot to Jettison Tantita’s Contract to Secure Oil Facilities

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Grand Patron of Ijaw Youth Congress and ex-House of Representatives aspirant, Prince Collins Eselemo, has kicked against a sinister plot by some security experts of Itsekiri origin to blackmail President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led federal government into jettisoning the existing contract with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to provide round-the-clock security for oil infrastructure in the maritime environment. 

He also warned those behind the sinister move to delink the security of pipelines from the controversies surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward delineation of Warri Federal Constituencies, as well as claims and counterclaims to the ownership of some ancestral lands.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja yesterday, Prince Eselemo reminded those scheming to truncate Tompolo’s contract with the federal government to understand that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has provided employment to hundreds of youths of the Niger Delta, irrespective of tribe or cultural affinity, stating that its employment policy is an example of employment in diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

He also noted that the Land Use Act empowers governors to issue certificates of occupancy to landowners within their jurisdiction.

He said: “I will leave the federal government and members of the security community with this strong warning that some elements in the Niger Delta area want to import something alien and present it as a security threat to blackmail the President of this country because of his marital link to the Itsekiris, in order to jettison the well-intentioned appointment by the federal government of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, which has increased oil production to better the lives of Nigerians through people oriented projects executed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led federal government.

“So, the federal government should not listen to them; it is a cheap blackmail for so-called security experts to come on board and give a fictitious report. The members of the security community are domiciled in the Niger Delta. Therefore, the ball is in the government’s court. The Director of DSS is in Delta State, and the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force and all other members of the security forces are there. They can bring their reports and not rely on reports from makeshift security experts to jettison the well-intentioned project being handled by Tompolo.

“What is at stake is that the Nigerian government has put in place a security network via Tantita, and it is producing results, which have nothing to do with the ward delineation of constituencies, Itsekiri, or the Niger Delta region. It has everything to do with Nigeria. So, we take serious exception to that, and the President should ignore that cheap blackmail by the Itsekiris.” 

He stressed that Tompolo is doing his job in accordance with the terms of the contract and has not faulted in any way and has been performing very well.

“Therefore, let the Itsekiris not bring politics into it through their alleged court judgment on ward delineation that is still pending. The ward delineation should be separated from the Tompolo-Tantita job,” he reiterated.

Noting that the Supreme Court verdict on the ward delineation of Warri Federal Constituencies is sacrosanct and INEC must obey it, the Ijaw leader said the executive and legislative arms of government cannot stop the execution of the judgment.

​  

Linus Aleke in Abuja The Grand Patron of Ijaw Youth Congress and ex-House of Representatives aspirant, Prince Collins Eselemo, has kicked against a sinister plot by some security experts of Itsekiri

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• June 16, 2025
• 26 views

Bayelsa to Launch e-Commerce Entrepreneurship Programme for MSMEs

Bayelsa to Launch e-Commerce Entrepreneurship Programme for MSMEs

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Government has announced the unveiling of a landmark Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Program (BEEP 2025) set to equip 500 business owners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the e-commerce space.

This flagship initiative under the MPOWER500 Programme is expected to be launched on June 17, 2025, by the state Governor, Douye Diri, at the Government House banquet hall, Yenagoa, the state capital.

Addressing the media at the weekend, the state Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiowou Kolu-Obiyal, said the programme aligns perfectly with the Prosperity Agenda, which prioritizes economic inclusion, youth and women empowerment, and sustainable development.

She said: “This year, the government intends to  equip 500 business owners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the e-commerce space through BEEP. This programme will not only empower our youths and women but also contribute to the economic development of our state.

“I urge all stakeholders, including our citizens, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, to take advantage of this opportunity. Let us work together to build a prosperous Bayelsa State, where everyone has access to opportunities and resources.”

Giving an overview of the programme, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Investment, Mrs. Owanari Henry, said each year, under the MPOWER500 initiative, the Bayelsa State government will empower 500 MSMEs, youth-led startups, women-owned ventures, and grassroots enterprises through expert-led training, strategic mentorship, and direct access to markets, funding, and digital tools.

She said: “The Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Programme is more than an economic initiative; it is a bridge designed to transition 500 of our most promising micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

“Because in the midst of Nigeria’s digital boom, too many of our businesses in Bayelsa State remain excluded from its benefits, held back by limited access to digital tools, technical know-how, and viable markets.

“BEEP is our answer to that gap. It is our strategy to ensure no entrepreneur is left behind. From e-commerce and logistics to branding, payment systems, and marketplace integration, BEEP 2025 will  provide structured support that ensures every beneficiary is prepared to scale and succeed.”

​  

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The Bayelsa State Government has announced the unveiling of a landmark Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Program (BEEP 2025) set to equip 500 business owners with the skills and

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• June 16, 2025
• 39 views

Lagos Pledges Support, Tasks Vets on Biosecurity, Data Integration

Lagos Pledges Support, Tasks Vets on Biosecurity, Data Integration

Sunday Okobi

In a bold push for stronger collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health systems, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Lagos chapter, has called on the Lagos State Ministry of Health to adopt the One Health paradigm to tackle public health threats, particularly antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and zoonotic diseases.

The call was made yesterday during a courtesy visit to the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, by the leadership of NVMA Lagos, led by its Chairman, Dr. Ofua Mark, and the immediate-past President of the Commonwealth Veterinary Association, Dr. Olatunji Nasir.

In his address, Mark highlighted the urgency of a united front between the veterinary and human health sectors, citing Lagos’s vulnerability to emerging public health crises such as AMR and zoonoses.

He said: “We come with a shared vision: to safeguard the health and well-being of Lagosians. We are sitting on a keg of gunpowder with the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animals and humans.”

He expressed deep concern over recent findings that antimicrobial-resistant organisms are now being isolated from bush meat and wildlife, calling for immediate action.

“The NVMA Lagos chapter is here to pledge our commitment to forging stronger ties with your ministry to protect our communities,” he said.

Nasir and other team members, including veterinary surgeon, Dr. Victor Onehi; Vice Chairman and Treasurer, Dr. Bernard Oluoha; Public Relations Officer, Dr. Okoro Calista; past State Chairman, Dr. Alao Mobolaji; General Secretary, Dr. Anu Durodola-Brown; and COO of GET Africa, Dr. Bobadoye, reinforced the association’s willingness to support the state health initiatives.

In his response, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi welcomed the initiative, emphasising that the Ministry of Health was already advancing biosecurity and surveillance in human health. “We need to incorporate animal health surveillance into our systems. The One Health principle is critical,” he affirmed.

He revealed ongoing collaborations with the World Bank for accurate febrile illness diagnosis and malaria elimination, and cited the use of SHIP (State Health Information Platform) as a potential tool for data integration with the veterinary sector.

“We can develop a module on SHIP for NVMA to feed animal health data into,” Abayomi suggested.

The commissioner advised the veterinary association to work closely with key Ministry of Health personnel—Director, Environmental Health, Dr. Theophilous Ajayi, and Director Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam.

He proposed a follow-up meeting within three months to assess progress on the collaboration.

In his remarks, Abdus-Salam expressed optimism about the One Health collaboration, stating that Lagos had previously spearheaded such inter-sectoral efforts.

“We have led several One Health responses, including the anthrax outbreak, and facilitated significant funding through cross-ministerial coordination,” he said.

He remarked that there’s a key challenge in health data access, citing the need for better integration among the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Environment.

“Environmental data on air and water pollution is locked away. We need access to this to inform proactive human health responses,” he added.

The NVMA visit concluded with a firm commitment from both parties to deepen collaboration.

The association pledged support for awareness campaigns, capacity building, vaccination drives, and regulatory enforcement aimed at curbing AMR and preventing zoonotic disease outbreaks in the state.

​  

Sunday Okobi In a bold push for stronger collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health systems, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Lagos chapter, has called on the Lagos State

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• June 16, 2025
• 36 views

82,150 Nasarawa  Farmers Receive Tree Seedlings for Climate Change Mitigation

82,150 Nasarawa  Farmers Receive Tree Seedlings for Climate Change Mitigation

Igbawase Ukumba in lafia

In a bid to mitigate the effects of climate change in Nasarawa State, a non-governmental organisation, One Acre Fund Nigeria, has commenced the distribution of over 2.3 million Albizia Lebbeck and Moringa tree seedlings to no fewer than 82,150 smallholder farmers in the state.

Speaking at the flag-off of the exercise in the Adogi community of Lafia Local Government Area of the state yesterday, the Trees Lead of One Acre Fund Nigeria, Zainab Haruna, noted that the organisation aims to support farmers by providing them with access to high-quality agricultural inputs to end poverty, hunger and generally improving their livelihoods.

While explaining that the gesture was done in order to reduce the devastating effects of climate change in the state, she noted that trees planting was part of the avenues the organisation uses to support farmers to continue to feed themselves, their families and generally enjoy financial stability.

The trees lead further explained that if the trees are well nurtured, the farmers will be able to harvest the trees when they reach maturity and enjoy their numerous environmental benefits which include protecting their farmlands from erosion, adding that they will also be able to sell some of the trees for furniture purposes.

She said: “In 2025, One Acre Fund Nigeria aims to reach 471,700 smallholder farmers across the three states of Nasarawa, Kwara and Niger with 12.5 million tree seedlings.

“Out of this total, Nasarawa State alone will receive 2,300,200 pieces of tree seedlings which will be distributed to 82,150 farmers in the state. This is a testament to our commitment to driving Nigeria’s agroforestry transformation.

“We are offering this programme because we have seen changes on our lands as climate change continues to have negative effects on them by damaging nutrients within the soil and affecting rain falls, among other challenges that our farmers face on a regular basis.”

She, therefore appealed to the beneficiaries to plant the seedlings and take care of them, expressing confidence that in the coming years, the trees would serve as an additional source of income that could sustain them and their families.

On his part, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Umar Tanko Tunga, represented by a Director in the Ministry, Lidia Kyari, commended One Acre Fund, Nigeria for the empowerment programe.

The commissioner further reiterated the state government’s commitment to continue to support and partner organisations that are making efforts to mitigate the issues of climate change in the state.

​  

Igbawase Ukumba in lafia In a bid to mitigate the effects of climate change in Nasarawa State, a non-governmental organisation, One Acre Fund Nigeria, has commenced the distribution of over 2.3

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• June 16, 2025
• 21 views

Delta North APC Meets, Strategises for Total Victory in 2027

Delta North APC Meets, Strategises for Total Victory in 2027

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North senatorial district have resolved to strengthen its mediation and conciliation machinery in order to forge greater unity, and chart  a harmonious roadmap for ensuring overwhelming victory for the party’s candidates particularly in 2027. 

At a well-attended meeting and rally of the Delta North APC leaders and members held at Idumuje-Ugboko, the country home of the Senator representing the district in the National Assembly, Senator ‘Ned Nwoko, at the weekend, the party unanimously passed vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ned Nwoko, as respective candidates of the APC, in the next general election in the country.

These were parts of a successful motion at the meeting, which also indicated a generally welcome disposition of the people of the district at encouraging and supporting the ongoing efforts towards the realization of the Anioma State agenda, which Senator Nwoko – sponsor of the state creation Bill – described as ‘A done deal’.

Participants at the meeting included chieftains of the APC, present and past national and state legislatures, various leaders, political appointees, elders, youths and general party faithful, who were practically competing for space in the carnival-like atmosphere.

The aforementioned motion was moved by a former member of the House of Representatives representing Ndokwa-Ukwuani Federal Constituency, Hon. Nicholas Ossai and seconded by Chief Felix Ndukwe of Oshimili North Local Government Area of the State, and unanimously supported via a vice-vote from all members present, and without any dissenting voice.

Highlight of the motion included the establishing of a Leadership Council, to be headed by Senator Ned Nwoko and co-chaired by the APC Delta North Senatorial District Chairman, charged with the responsibility of ensuring an all-inclusive system that will involve critical leaders and stakeholders of the APC in Delta North senatorial in the relevant decisions and affairs of the party.

The motion of APC Delta North spelt out membership of the new leadership council: “That the following persons should be automatic members of the leadership council….(I) All former and present members of the National Assembly; (ii) All former speakers of the Delta State House of Assembly; (iii) All present members of the State and National Working Committees of the Party; (iv) All local government party chairmen in the senatorial district plus ten members from each of the nine local government areas that make up the Delta North Senatorial District.”

However, notable resoutions of the Motion include, “A vote of confidence in favour of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – ‘because he is doing well’.

‘’A vote  of confidence given to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

‘’Also, a vote of confidence in favour of the distinguished Senator, representing Delta North, Prince Ned Nwoko.”

Earlier in an address of welcome, Senator Nwoko, announced the award of a four-year full scholarship for 10 students each from the nine local government areas of Delta North making up the district, otherwise known as Anioma Nation.

Nonetheless, the senator assured the people  that all was going well regarding the legislative process regarding the creation of Anioma State from the present Delta State.

“We are on course; the technical committee will be inaugurated in Asaba, to help me to work towards actualizing the creation of Anioma State.

‘’If you were at Agbor during APC stakeholders gathering, you heard when the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, said that the creation of Anioma State ‘is a done deal’.

‘’We have taken all the steps in the Senate. As at today, 75 senators are supporting Anioma State creation.”

‘’We have moved from the committee stage of the process to public hearing coming up in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Thereafter, we will come back to the Senate for third reading of the bill for the creation of Anioma State.

“By next month, I will commence a visitation tour of all the nine local government areas in Delta North to showcase my development achievements for the past two years especially in areas of roads construction in the senatorial district, many motions and bills in the Red Chamber’.”

Former Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Victor Ochei, stressed the need for a thorough process of reconciliation of aggrieved members of the to engender a more cohesive and electorally successful party in 2027 and even beyond.”

Ochei said:”We are not having a party to divide us; we are having a party to unify and unite everybody. We must unite the party, particularly in Delta North. So, we need to go back to the drawing board, and ensure that we reconcile all aggrieved persons.”

The long list of eminent APC chieftains in attendance (some of who spoke) at the event, included the member representing Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, Chairman of the NDDC, Hon Chiedu Ebie, Engr Doris Uboh, Chief Emma Ejiofor, and Hon Ngozi Olejeme.

Nevertheless, chieftains of the APC of Delta North extraction, who were conspicuously absent at the form, and without any official explanation, include the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme as well as the immediate past State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa. 

​  

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North senatorial district have resolved to strengthen its mediation and conciliation machinery in order to forge

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• June 16, 2025
• 32 views

Silent Heroes Award: Nnaji Honoured for Transformational Leadership in Innovation, Technology

Silent Heroes Award: Nnaji Honoured for Transformational Leadership in Innovation, Technology

By Emmanuel Ikechukwu

Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has been conferred with the 2025 Nigeria Silent Heroes Award, a prestigious honour reserved for individuals whose quiet but far-reaching contributions are shaping the future of the nation.

Dr. Robert Ngwu, the Minister’s Senior Special Adviser, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the Silent Heroes Awards honours the unseen hands that move societies forward; and in this regard, Nnaji’s legacy is increasingly hard to ignore.

The announcement, made at a high-level event attended by national dignitaries and international stakeholders, came as a rare public recognition for a public servant who has deliberately kept the spotlight on his work rather than himself.

“I have quietly declined many award offers—not out of pride, but out of principle.

“But this one struck a personal chord; it reflects a philosophy I have lived by: that service to nation does not always need a spotlight.

“I dedicate this award to the many Nigerians—within government and beyond—who work silently every day to build a better nation. May we never lose sight of the power of humble service,” Nnaji said.

The Minister was represented at the award ceremony by Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

Since his appointment, Nnaji has redefined what it means to lead a government ministry in the 21st century.

Under his stewardship, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has transformed from a bureaucratic backwater into a strategic engine of national development.

Among his standout achievements:

• International Engagements: Represented Nigeria at the 79th UN General Assembly, championing discussions on space exploration, artificial intelligence, and climate-smart agriculture.
• Satellite Expansion: Secured federal approval for the launch of NigeriaSat-3, Sat-4, Sat-5 and NigeriaSAR-1—positioning Nigeria for enhanced national security, disaster response, and environmental monitoring.
• Project Green: Attracted €7.9 billion in FDI for Africa’s largest green methanol and hydrogen initiative.
• Healthcare Breakthroughs: Overseeing the establishment of Africa’s first insulin manufacturing plant and Nigeria’s first AI-powered smart hospital.
• Youth Empowerment: Trained 200,000+ youths on Ai using the Commonwealth Ai Academy, powered by Intel; Launched Project NOVA, training 25,000+ Nigerian youth annually in global tech skills; championed Youth Space Skill Programme and Barefoot Renewable Energy College.
• Energy Access: Initiated the Sustainable Energy Access Programme (SEAP), delivering renewable energy solutions across all 774 LGAs.
• Institutional Reform: United space-focused agencies—NASRDA, NigComSat, and DSA—under a harmonised national space strategy.
• Policy Innovation: Introduced 30% local value addition for raw material exports; launched a Science and Innovation Fund; facilitated a 10-year raw materials roadmap with AfDB.
• Global Partnerships: Signed MoUs with UNESCO on bioethics and with Commonwealth nations on AI and climate resilience.

A Leadership Style Rooted in Substance

Mrs. Ozioma Sonia Odita-Sunday, Project Coordinator of the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative, described Nnaji’s recognition as an affirmation of what true public service should represent:

“Chief Nnaji exemplifies the kind of quiet excellence that strengthens the moral and institutional fabric of our society. His story is one of substance over showmanship—results over rhetoric.”

The ceremony also marked the unveiling of “Nigeria’s Silent Heroes (Vol. 3)”, a commemorative publication profiling the lives and legacies of changemakers across sectors.

Nnaji’s chapter reads like a blueprint for national transformation—infused with data, vision, and humility.

Shared Honour, Shared Vision

But among the 40+ recipients, Nnaji’s name stood out—not for the decibel of applause, but for the echo of his impact.

Global Reflections, National Impact

Chief Nnaji’s trajectory is attracting international attention—not only as a reformer, but as a visionary who sees innovation not as a luxury, but as the foundation of inclusive growth and national sovereignty.

From space technology to green energy, AI to ethics, and youth skills to infrastructure, Nnaji is building a legacy not just for now—but for generations.

And as Nigeria looks to the future, it’s fitting that one of its quietest voices is proving to be one of its strongest.

Other awardees included global philanthropist Tony Elumelu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs.

The award was also presented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, represented by Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, Chief of Civil-Military Relations, who described Nnaji as a “distinguished Nigerian whose achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda have brought pride and progress to the nation.”

• Emmanuel Ikechukwu writes from Abuja

​  

By Emmanuel Ikechukwu Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has been conferred with the 2025 Nigeria Silent Heroes Award, a prestigious honour reserved for individuals whose

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• June 16, 2025
• 29 views

Monarch Petitions IG Over Threat to Destroy Community

Monarch Petitions IG Over Threat to Destroy Community

Fidelis David in Akure

The traditional ruler of Ifetuntun in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Taofeeq Osunmakinde, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged threat to destroy the community.

The monarch, who spoke with journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at the weekend urged the IG to investigate and apprehend the perpetrators of unrest stemming from the ongoing border dispute between Ife and Ijebu over the 30-mile land area known as Ifetuntun.

He said: “We are appealing to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. We have submitted petitions with evidence to his office, as well as to the Osun State and federal governments, to come to our aid. We are law-abiding citizens and cannot take the law into our own hands. We seek justice and government intervention.”

The monarch alleged that some top government officials are threatening to level Ifetuntun, noting that armed hoodlums are beginning to take control of the community while Amotekun, “acting on behalf of the commissioner, is victimizing law-abiding citizens.”

He also claimed that a group of hoodlums had been harassing residents along the federal road connecting Ife South to Ijebu West. He said the hoodlums have been extorting money from passersby, claiming to be acting on behalf of the state government.

The Obawure of Ifetuntun explained the history of the community, claiming that Ifetuntun has existed for a long time as a government-reserved area where he served as a chief known as ‘Baale’.

Oba Osunmakinde recounted that in 2001, during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, a conflict erupted between the settlers of Ifetuntun and the Ijebu, prompting federal government intervention. He said the office of the Surveyor General of the Federation demarcated the borders, allowing both communities to coexist peacefully until now.

Also, the traditional ruler noted that between 2008 and 2009, a chieftaincy inquiry in Osun State included Ifetuntun, affirming its status as a town. He said he was crowned as monarch in 2010 by the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, and the then Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, presented him with a certificate and staff of office.

He noted that while Ifetuntun had existed before 2010, this recognition of the throne solidified their peaceful way of life, which has persisted since.

The monarch highlighted that Ifetuntun has experienced the rule of nine military and civilian administrations without significant conflict or disarray in the community.

Similarly, he recounted that in 2016, they faced their first attack led by a forest guard from the Ministry of Natural Resources.  According to him, they hired thugs who burned houses and caused damage estimated at ₦2 billion.

The monarch said several arrests were made while the principal suspects disappeared, and the matter was eventually settled out of court through intervention from the Ooni of Ife and the former Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration.

​  

Fidelis David in Akure The traditional ruler of Ifetuntun in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Taofeeq Osunmakinde, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Kayode