A delegation of female Chief Executive Officers heading key Federal Government agencies, on Thursday, paid a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, where they pledged their commitment to the continued growth of the party and the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The delegation, led by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, comprised 37 women occupying strategic leadership positions across federal government agencies and parastatals.

The visit served as a platform for the women to showcase their contributions to national development, express solidarity with the APC leadership, and advocate greater inclusion of women in the nation’s political structure.

Among those in the delegation were Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission; Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS; Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria; Zubaida Umar of the National Emergency Management Agency; Binta Bello of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons; Mojoyinoluwa Dekalu-Thomas of the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company; Nonye Ayeni of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council; and Tola Akerele of the National Theatre Nigeria, among others.

During the meeting, the women highlighted their contributions to governance and grassroots development while emphasizing the pivotal role women play in strengthening the party’s electoral base across the country.

The delegation noted that women remain the backbone of political mobilisation in Nigeria, particularly at the grassroots level, yet often receive limited recognition and support in political structures and appointments.

They observed that despite their dedication to party activities and governance, women frequently face challenges including inadequate funding, limited political backing, and underrepresentation in leadership positions.

The delegation reiterated that women constitute the largest voting bloc in Nigeria and remain instrumental in mobilising grassroots support for the APC.

They pledged their readiness to intensify mobilisation efforts nationwide as the country approaches the next election cycle.

The female CEOs also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for giving women significant opportunities to serve in leadership roles within government, noting that their appointments reflect growing recognition of women’s capabilities in governance.

However, they appealed for greater gender balance in political appointments and party structures to ensure broader representation.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dabiri-Erewa explained that the group came together to support one another and showcase the collective impact of women in government leadership.

She said the women were united in their commitment to support the APC and the administration of President Tinubu, adding that they were prepared to contribute actively toward the party’s success in the 2027 general elections.

According to her, the women believe strongly in the leadership capacity of the APC National Chairman and expressed confidence that his disciplined and inclusive approach would further strengthen the party.

Responding, the APC National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda, commended the delegation for their leadership and for showcasing the contributions of Nigerian women in governance.

He congratulated them on their appointments and assured them of the party’s support, noting that women play an indispensable role in strengthening democratic participation and political mobilisation.

The APC Chairman emphasized the importance of visibility in politics and encouraged the women to participate actively in party programmes and activities.

According to him, increased participation and visibility would help amplify the contributions of women and provide greater opportunities for recognition and advancement.

He also assured them that the APC leadership would support initiatives aimed at promoting women’s involvement in political activities and governance.

Yilwatda further informed the delegation that the names of those who visited the party would be included in committees for the forthcoming APC National Convention, as part of efforts to ensure broader participation of women in party activities.

The APC Chairman encouraged the women to consistently publicise their achievements and programmes, noting that communicating their successes would help the party showcase the impact of the administration’s policies and strengthen public engagement with the electorate.

He stressed that mobilisation remains a critical component of political success and urged the delegation to continue engaging women across communities nationwide.

He also assured them that the party possesses a credible and technology-driven membership database, which can assist in identifying and engaging women at the grassroots level for mobilisation and political participation.

Reaffirming his support, Yilwatda assured the delegation of an open line of communication with the party leadership and pledged to work closely with them to strengthen women’s participation within the APC. The visit ended with a renewed commitment from both the APC leadership and the female CEOs to deepen collaboration, strengthen grassroots mobilisation among women, and consolidate support for the APC and the Tinubu administration ahead of future electoral engagements.

…says panel not mandated to determine whether Nnaji forged certificate

Dr Robert Ngwu, the Special Adviser to former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Uche Nnaji, has clarified reports claiming that a Federal Government panel confirmed certificate forgery against the ex-minister.

Ngwu, who made the clarification in a statement issued on Friday, in Abuja, said the investigative panel was not constituted to determine whether Nnaji forged a certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

He explained that the panel was set up following a petition Nnaji submitted to the Federal Ministry of Education over alleged misconduct by some officials of the university.

Ngwu said that report in some quarters suggested the panel had confirmed certificate forgery involving the former minister.

“The panel referenced in media reports was never constituted to determine whether Chief Uche Nnaji forged a certificate.

“It was set up following his petition to investigate alleged misconduct by certain university officials.

“It is, therefore, misleading for any publication to suggest that the panel has already established certificate forgery when its official findings have not even been released.

“The matter concerning Chief Nnaji’s academic records is currently before a competent court, and it would be inappropriate for anyone to pre-empt the outcome of both the panel’s report and the judicial process.

“We urge the public to await the official report of the investigative panel and the final determination of the court before drawing conclusions on the matter,” Ngwu said.

He, however, said the official findings of the panel had not yet been released by the ministry.

According to him, Nnaji’s petition accused certain UNN officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, of intimidation and unlawful access to confidential student records.

Ngwu added that the petition also alleged tampering with academic records and disclosure of personal academic data without authorisation.

He said the petition argued that such actions could contravene provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and other public service regulations.

“The petition also questioned a document allegedly used to justify the university administration’s actions.

“The Public Complaints Commission confirmed that a letter purportedly issued from its office was fraudulent,” he said.

Ngwu said the commission noted that no complaint had been filed against Nnaji and that the alleged author of the letter was not its staff member.

He also said the dispute over Nnaji’s academic records was currently before the Federal High Court.

Ngwu said Nnaji was seeking an order compelling the university to release his academic transcript, which he reportedly requested since May 2025.

He said proceedings at the Feb. 26 court sitting before Justice H. J. Yilwa could not continue due to procedural issues.

According to him, the court file lacked proof of service, while some respondents’ filings were not properly regularised.

Ngwu said counsel representing the university leadership sought an adjournment to address the issues.

He said the request was not opposed by Nnaji’s legal team from the chambers of Wole Olanipekun and Sebastine Hon.

Ngwu said the central issue remained Nnaji’s request for the release of his academic transcript from UNN.

He added that claims suggesting the panel had already confirmed certificate forgery were premature. (NAN)

The Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP) has urged lawmakers to consider practical alternatives before implementing a nationwide ban on single-use plastics, warning that the policy could disrupt water supply and increase illegal production.

Mrs. Clementina Ativie, a representative of ATWAP, made the appeal while presenting her address at a one-day public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the Preparedness for the Single-Use Plastic Ban in Nigeria at the National Assembly.

Speaking on behalf of table water producers across the country, Ativie said the association represents more than 45,000 indigenous water producers operating across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and local government areas.

She explained that the packaged water industry, including sachet and bottled water, plays a vital role in providing affordable drinking water for millions of Nigerians, particularly low-income households.

According to her, a sudden ban on single-use plastic packaging without viable alternatives could lead to unregulated water production and serious public health risks.

“If you ban water production without an alternative, you will introduce illegal production where there will be no traceable address, no identity, and no regulatory oversight,” she said, warning that such a development could lead to the spread of waterborne diseases.

Ativie also highlighted the sector’s role in employment generation, noting that the industry provides jobs for thousands of Nigerians, many of whom lack formal education and depend on the sector for their livelihoods.

She urged lawmakers to adopt a gradual approach to environmental reforms by focusing on recycling initiatives and developing affordable alternatives to plastic packaging.

According to her, ATWAP already has nationwide structures that could support recycling programs, including systems to recover used nylon packaging through distributors and customers.

She stressed that recycling remains the most practical option for now until affordable and widely available alternatives to plastic packaging are developed.

The public hearing forms part of the House of Representatives’ efforts to evaluate Nigeria’s readiness for a potential ban on single-use plastics and to gather input from stakeholders across the manufacturing, environmental, and public health sectors.