The Niger State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, has thrown her full weight behind 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, who previously served as the Commissioner for Transportation in Niger State, described the honour as well-deserved and patriotic, noting that Oyebamiji’s contributions to the development of inland waterways and support for the media deserve recognition from stakeholders in the maritime sector.
She recalled her experience working with a section of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists led by veteran journalist, Mr. Frank Meke, during her tenure as Commissioner for Transportation, describing the engagement as richly rewarding.
According to her, the visiting maritime journalists demonstrated a high level of professionalism, intellectual depth and engagement, while their presentations and subsequent reports following the visit were brilliant, balanced 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,” she said.
Kuta further disclosed that during the fact-finding visit of the maritime press to Niger State, the Coalition held strategic meetings with the Deputy Governor and five other commissioners, following a directive from Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.
She noted that the governor was particularly excited by the depth and seriousness of the engagement, describing the visit as timely and insightful, adding that the successful interaction was largely influenced by the groundwork and reforms put in place during her tenure as Commissioner for Transportation.
Speaking on her current role, the Commissioner said she has hit the ground running at the Ministry of Women Affairs, mobilising women across the state and embarking on visits to hospitals and health facilities to assess conditions firsthand.
She explained that part of the ministry’s early interventions includes ensuring that sick women receive timely medical attention, while also taking inventory of the needs of health workers and caregivers, with concrete plans underway to support and strengthen their capacity to deliver quality care.
Kuta reaffirmed her commitment to people-oriented governance and inclusive development, stressing that strategic collaboration with professionals, including the media, remains key to achieving sustainable progress in Niger State.