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Reps Move to Avert Boat Mishaps In Nigeria

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…urge NIWA to set standards for boat construction, enforcement, inspection
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to set standards for boat construction, licensing boat builders, conducting annual inspections to ensure sea worthiness; and step up enforcement and establish training centres across the country to educate boat operators.
The House also called on the Nigerian Navy being charged in its policing water mandate as Coastal Guard on Nigerian Waters, Coastal and International Waters, to set up a Command in River Niger flank of Niger state.
The lawmakers Further urged HYPERDEC and NIWA to ensure procurement of Life jackets Floaters for all Water passengers and Enforcement condition on all Waterways Operators.
Theses resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on Boat Accident Involving 300 Persons In Gbajibo, Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, by Rep. Joshua Gana on Tuesday at plenary.
Rep. Gana noted that no fewer than 80 bodies have been recovered, 74 dead, 6 alive with 200 still missing in the boat accident that occurred on Tuesday on the Niger River of the Jebba Dam at Gbajibo community in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
He express worries that the families of the missing and the unrecovered victims of the boat accident are being traumatized by this tragic loss.
Gana said that mostly women and children were on board in the wooden vessel that capsized in Mokwa, locally made with a capacity of 100 passengers, but had about 300 people on board when it overturned in the rural Mokwa.
The motion reads: “Further notes that the boat which was conveying about 300 passengers going for a Maulud celebration from new Gbajibo in Kwara state to old Gbajibo in Niger state, consisting of youths from Kwara state, when it capsized at 8:30pm.
“Further concerned that this would be the second such major disaster in Niger in 18 months after more than 100 people were killed in another boat accident.
“Aware that through the joint efforts of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, Niger State Ministry of Transport, the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, brave divers, and other community volunteers, a total of 16 bodies were recovered on Wednesday.
“Informed that the breakage of the boat was attributed to several violations, including overloading, the use of a substandard wooden boat lacking navigational aids, the absence of safety vests and night sailing;
Worried that most of the boat disasters in Nigeria in recent years increasingly point to regulatory failures and are often attributed to overloading, poorly maintained boat”.
The House observed a minute silence in honour of those that loss their lives in the boat accident.
The lawmakers unanimously adooted the motion and urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to give Humanitarian aide and Relief Materials to the bereaved families in Niger and Kwara States.
The House mandate its Committees on Inland Waterways and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation.
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Lagos police uncover baby factory, nab three suspects

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The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a baby factory in the Ijegun area and rescued 10 people.

According to the spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, also shared that three suspects were nabbed on Monday.

Hundeyin disclosed the illegal activity was exposed after the police received a tip-off last Saturday.

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He added that the officers swift into action to the location and arrested the main suspect, Mariam Vincent, aged 35, along with two others – Orie Ruth, 23, and Ujunwa Ifeanyi, 18.

During the operation, the police found and rescued several victims, including three children aged seven, five, and two.

In conclusion, seven adult women and three children were rescued.

Among the adult victims were Precious
(24), Magdalene (25), Adaobi (23), Princess (22), Ifeanyi (25), and Amaka (26).

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The rescued children are Destiny (7), Miracle (5), and Success (2).

All the rescued people are now getting proper care and support.

Hundeyin said the suspects admitted during questioning that they kidnapped the victims from different places in the state to run the baby factory.

He added that the investigation is still ongoing and the suspects will face charges in court.

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While giving updates on police efforts over the past two weeks,

Hundeyin said, “A total of 39 suspects who engaged in various crimes, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, child stealing, vandalism, illegal operation of a baby factory, illegal possession of firearms, and illicit drugs were arrested.”

In another case, police officers rescued two kidnapped people in Igbe Alagemo, Ijede area of Ikorodu.

The kidnappers had attacked the community at night on March 26, 2025.

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The police said the victims were safely rescued on March 29 after a joint effort with local teams and security forces.

A distress call had been received around 9 p.m. on the night of the attack.

Hundeyin explained, “Armed kidnappers invaded the quiet community, forcefully entering the residence of a 40-year-old man identified as Dare. The attackers shot and killed his security dog before abducting him.

“Not stopping there, the kidnappers proceeded to a neighbouring house, where they seized a second victim, 25-year-old Rodiat, under similarly violent circumstances.”

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He said the police and other security teams worked non-stop for three days before rescuing the victims at about 11:56 p.m. on March 29.

“The victims were immediately reunited with their families, and the area is now relatively calm.

“Surveillance continues, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the crime,” he added.

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OERAF Executive Director Dr Akpodiete, Held Memorial lecture on Essence and benefits of health insurance+Photos

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…Enrolled over 400 indigents into Delta state health insurance scheme

In a very unique and significant way of tackling health challenges in our society, the ever passionate and health insurance ambassador (HIA), Executive Director of Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) Dr Otemu Olotu Akpodiete held memorial lecture on essence and benefits of health insurance in Nigeria in honour of his late grand father, Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Ph.D

Speaking during the event at both Okparabe and Otor-Udu respectively yesterday, he noted that health insurance is very important to every family in the society.

Akpodiete explained that, Sometimes there might be an emergency and if you don’t have health insurance, you will spent alot before you can be attended to by Medical organizations. But if there’s health insurance card with you it get easier.

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“He further commended the Delta state government led by His Excellency, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, for brining this good initiative and it’s very affordable, just with seven thousands naira, you get enrolled unlike the federal government that is almost forty thousand per person.” he added.

The Director General (DG) of the Delta State Contributory health commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta ably represented by Mr. Emmanuel Akpofure, thanked the sponsor Dr Akpodiete for being the first person across Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency to register indigents for the scheme. He called on other wealthy individuals to emulate this young man.

Dr Akpodiete also received commendation from several beneficiaries of the scheme, they said that to enrole over 400 persons in this program so far is not a joke, each person is seven thousand naira and Dr Olotu Akpodiete is not the most wealthiest before doing it. He is a man with so much passion for humanity and we prayed God to grant him his heart desires.” they concluded.

Other highlights of the event was presentation of health insurance ambassador (HIA) award to the sponsor.

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Just in: Founder of Diamond Bank and ex-chairman of MTN, Paschal Dozie is dead

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Pascal Gabriel Dozie, founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc and a former chairman of MTN Nigeria, has died at 85 from an undisclosed ailment, a source close to the family revealed.

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