From Waterways to Women’s Welfare: Kuta backs maritime journalists’ honour for Oyebamiji
Maureen Aguta
The Niger State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, has endorsed the planned courtesy visit and award presentation to the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, describing the initiative as patriotic and richly deserved.
Kuta, a former Commissioner for Transportation in Niger State, said the recognition reflects Oyebamiji’s tangible contributions to the development of inland waterways and his consistent support for the media, particularly practitioners covering the maritime and transport sectors.
According to her, Oyebamiji’s tenure at NIWA marked a period of renewed stakeholder engagement and policy direction that merits acknowledgment from professionals within the sector.
Drawing from personal experience, the commissioner recalled hosting a delegation of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists during her time in the transport ministry, noting that the engagement was both rigorous and rewarding. She specifically referenced the team led by veteran journalist, Mr. Frank Meke, whom she described as bringing depth, professionalism and intellectual clarity to the interaction.
“The journalists demonstrated a strong grasp of transportation and maritime issues,” Kuta said.
“Their presentations were incisive, and the reports that followed were balanced, impactful and reflective of a deep understanding of governance and policy.”
She added that the coverage generated from the visit contributed positively to public discourse and helped shape policy direction in Niger State’s transport sector.
Kuta further disclosed that the fact-finding visit by the maritime press included strategic meetings with the Deputy Governor and five commissioners, an engagement that was carried out on the directive of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.
She said the governor expressed particular satisfaction with the seriousness and depth of the discussions, describing the visit as timely and insightful.
According to her, the success of the engagement was aided by institutional reforms and groundwork laid during her tenure as Commissioner for Transportation, which opened up the ministry to constructive media scrutiny and stakeholder dialogue.
Speaking on her current responsibilities, Kuta said she has commenced an aggressive outreach programme at the Ministry of Women Affairs, mobilising women across the state while undertaking visits to hospitals and health facilities to assess conditions firsthand.
She explained that early interventions by the ministry have focused on ensuring prompt medical attention for sick women, as well as conducting needs assessments for health workers and caregivers, with plans underway to provide targeted support to strengthen service delivery.
Reaffirming her commitment to inclusive and people-focused governance, Kuta stressed that sustained collaboration with professionals, including the media, remains critical to driving transparency, accountability and long-term development in Niger State.