By George Mgbeleke

Former Minister of Mines and Steel Development,Dr.Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, has in a message brimming with gratitude and renewed optimism for the people of Isuikwuato and the entire Abia North region, praised the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi for approving and commencing the long-awaited reconstruction of the Uturu–Afikpo Federal Road, a deplorable highway that has for years strained Economic and social life across communities in Abia and Ebonyi States.

Uturu–Afikpo corridor, widely regarded as one of the most strategic routes in the Southeast, serves as a major artery for commerce, agricultural exchange, inter-state trade and student movement between the two states. Years of neglect had turned the road into a nightmare for motorists, traders and residents.
Today’s intervention, Dr Ogah noted, “marks not just a project launch but a restoration of dignity, safety and Economic vitality for thousands who depend on the route daily.”

Reacting to the development, Dr Ogah described Minister of Works action as “a turning point for the hopes of our people,” applauding the Minister for his trademark blend of engineering excellence, responsive Leadership and compassionate Governance. He noted that the swift approval reflects Umahi’s National commitment to infrastructure renewal and his determination to ensure that no region is sidelined in the Federal works agenda.

According to Ogah,“This is a masterstroke of statesmanship. Sen.Umahi has once again proven that he is a builder of both roads and trust. He has given our people a reason to believe again.”

He further appealed to residents and host communities to cooperate with contractors and safeguard ongoing work to ensure timely and quality delivery.
Ogah reaffirmed his personal dedication to championing more infrastructural improvements across Abia, stressing that development thrives when leaders and citizens work in synergy.

He concluded that the reconstruction of the Uturu–Afikpo Road will unlock Economic opportunities, enhance security, ease movement, and restore regional pride.

Ogah emphasized that Sen.Umahi deserves the heartfelt appreciation of Ndi Abia for this transformative and long-overdue intervention.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Human Rights Committee of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly has marked the World Human Rights Day in partnership with the Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence(AWAGBV) with a call for the review of existing laws against gender abuse and human Rights violations.

The gathering of State Legislators led by the Chairman of the State Assembly Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Ted T. Elemeforo and the Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence (AWAGBV) led by the President, Dr. Dise Goddy Harry also witnessed the recognition and award of excellence to Fifteen distinguished personalities involved in the human rights advocacy.

Among those honoured is the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, King Peremobowei Shedrack Erebulu for his advocacy against female Genital Mutilation, the Wife of the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Council, Queen Timinipre Dakolo for her advocacy against violence against the girl Child, Her Royal Majesty Queen Tecy Diongoli for her strong posture in defence of the Girl Child, the Vice Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Vivien Brisibe PhD for her role as Chairperson of the NBA Committee on Human Rights and owner of the Sunny Springs Event Arena, Bolou Ebi Esther Opukiri Esq for her support towards the protection of the girl child.

Also in attendance were the second National Vice President, Dr Joan Filatei and all members of the AWAGBV including representatives of the National human Rights Commission, Gender Vanguard CDS of the National Youths Service Corps led by Ngozi Perpetual Awuze, other human Rights advocates.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Ted Elemeforo commended all key players in the fight to reduce human rights abuses and described the human rights.

He promised that the present state house of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Abraham Ngobere will take a second look at existing laws to allow for quick justice to those persons violated, ” I want to also call on our traditional institutions and other key stakeholders to look out for the protection of women and ensure the protection of human rights”

He also said the State House of Assembly have started the process of looking at the gaps in the existing laws.

Two other State Legislators at the event, Hon. Godbless Oyinke and Hon. Hon. Chief Ayibanegiyefa Egba threew their weights behind the Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Human Rights,promising to support all efforts to improve legislations to protect the rights of women and child in the state.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yenagoa Branch, Mr. Clement Bibisa Kekemeke Esq and the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State Chapter, Dr. Boma Tonye Miebai Esq agreed that there is the need to review and domesticate the existing legislations to have more bite and protect victims rights and privileges infringed upon.

The Grand Patron of the Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence (AWAGBV) , Chief (Dr.) Antonia Garner, in a lecture on the difference and similarities in the existing legislation in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, said though there are similarities in purpose but a huge difference in the implementation of the laws against human rights violations and Gender based violence.

Dr. Antonia Garner, who is a practicing social worker in the United Kingdom, said while the protection of Rights are embedded in article 8,16 and 17 of the UK laws, it is complex for existing laws of Nigeria to protect the people.

According to her, the existing laws in UK,United States and Nigeria are meant to protect it’s citizens, ” But Nigeria needs to do more in the area of legislation locally to protect and solve existing social problems. There is the need for State Assemblies. national Assembly, the Court and the Government to work together.”

In her contribution, the Permanent Secetary of the Bayelsa Ministry of of Women Affairs, Children Affairs and Social Development, Ms Agnes Oloye called on Gender Advocacy groups to take advantage of the existence of a safe house for the victims of gender abuse and ensure that the Ministry is called upon during challenges.

Apparently disturbed by the ravaging attacks of bandits in some parts of the country, Progressive Governors’ Forum have resolved to strengthen local security towards preventing possible attacks that could truncate the development in their states.

The governors stated that strengthening community-based security initiatives and better intelligence gathering from the grassroots were identified as major antidote to gunmen attacks across the country.

The communique issued by the governors on Saturday after a two-day meeting in Lagos where security, economy, and social welfare issues were reviewed with the aim to address hurdles that may affect growth and development in the country.

The communique was read by the chairman of the Forum, Governor Hope Nzodimma of Imo State.

Governors in attendance attendance included: Kebbi, Dr. Nasir Idris, Edo, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Ogun, Dapo Abiodun, Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji, Ondo, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Sokoto, Ahmad Aliyu, Akwa-Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno, Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori, Enugu, Peter Mbah, Kaduna, Uba Sani and Katsina, Dikko Umar.

The host Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu said, “The engagement provided an opportunity to review the nation’s current trajectory, deepen coordination among progressive governors, and reaffirm the Forum’s unwavering support for the Renewed Hope agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

According to the governors on platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the decision to embark on strengthening local security architecture was taking after a review of the security situation across the country particularly as it affects each states.

The Forum reviewed the security situation across the country and expressed appreciation for the improved coordination between federal, state and local security structures, as well as the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers.

The Forum commended the President for the ongoing re-engineering in the security architecture of the country.

Governors reiterated that safety of lives and property remains a non-negotiable obligation of government.

The PGF resolved to continue strengthening community-based security initiatives, intelligence gathering, conflict-prevention mechanisms and support for victims of violence and disaster.

The Forum underscored the importance of social cohesion, inter-faith harmony and inter-ethnic understanding, and urged all leaders to use their voices and platforms to promote unity, moderation and respect, while isolating criminality and hate speech in all its forms.

“The meeting served as an important platform for aligning state-level priorities with national reforms, reinforcing the centrality of citizens, citizens’ welfare in governance, and consolidating the Forum’s shared vision of people focused and development-driven leadership at all levels of government.

“The Forum undertook a broad review of the political, economic, and social environment in the country.

“Governors reaffirmed that the ultimate purpose of every reform must be to improve the lives of Nigerians, protect their dignity, and expand opportunities for all, rural and urban, youth and elderly, women and men, workers, entrepreneurs, and vulnerable groups alike.

“The Forum noted ongoing efforts at food security, power sector improvement, transport and infrastructure upgrades, social investment, and support for productive enterprises, and pledged to align state policies to maximise the benefits of these reforms for citizens in every ward and in our communities.

The Progressive Governors Forum resolved to intensify state-level interventions in areas such as food production and distribution, support to small and medium-scale enterprises, youth employment, social protection for the poorest and most vulnerable, and targeted relief for workers and low-income households.

“We, the Progressive Governors, are committed to working closely with federal institutions, the National Economic Council and local governments to ensure that things keep improving, that no group is left behind, and that the gains of reforms continue to translate into visible improvement in the quality of life of the people.”