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On Friday, May 10, 2024, the Niger State Speaker of the House of Assembly announced that he planned to “assist” young victims of banditry attacks in his constituency by marrying them off.
What is the genesis of this issue?
The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, said that he only came up with these plans because he had been approached by religious leaders in Mariga LGA regarding how the orphans were helpless after the banditry attacks that took their parents.
Sarkindaji stated he would pay the dowries for the bridegrooms during a mass wedding ceremony scheduled for May 24. He described the initiative as an empowerment project to alleviate the suffering of the orphans.
Although local religious leaders supported this idea, it didn’t sit well with the Minister of Women Affairs and members of the public who took to social media to air their grievances.
What did the Minister of Women Affairs do about this?
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, expressed reservations about the legality of the wedding, questioning whether the girls had reached the age of consent and marriage as defined by Nigerian laws, including the Child Rights Act. Subsequently, Kennedy-Ohanenye filed a complaint to the police and sought a court order to halt the plan for further investigations on the girls’ consent, ages, and marriage arrangements.
She said, “I have filed for an injunction to prevent him from doing whatever he intends to do on May 24th, until a thorough investigation is conducted on those girls, to determine whether they gave their consent, their ages, and who is marrying them”.
What was the speaker’s reaction?
On Wednesday, May 15 2024, Honourable Sarkindaji announced his withdrawal from the planned mass wedding of orphans after the intervention of the Minister of Women Affairs.
However, Sarkindaji later defended the initiative, insisting that the minister had misunderstood it. He said his intention was humanitarian and the planned marriages would not violate the Child Rights Act, contrary to the minister’s concerns.
Sarkindaji emphasized that the girls, despite “being ripe for marriage”, don’t have the means to wed because they are orphans or from impoverished families. He urged the minister to visit his constituency to better understand the situation of the girls and see how she could assist them directly.
The Speaker also stated that the preparations he made for the wedding, including paying bride prices on behalf of the grooms, remained in place, but the decision on whether to proceed with the wedding or not would be taken by traditional and religious leaders in the area.
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How is the public reacting to this event?
The public’s reactions were divided, with support rising from the Imams and residents within Niger state. In contrast, members of the public in other areas of the country continue to raise concerns about the mass marriage.
A petition circulating online has garnered thousands of signatures, with citizens expressing shock and dismay over what they perceive as a misuse of public funds, a violation of the rights and dignity of vulnerable children.
The Niger Imams council, represented by Umar Abudullahi states that the girls were not being forced into marriages.
The council maintained that the Minister had overstepped her bounds and would have the whole Imams in the country to battle with, if the weddings do not hold as planned.
They also asked that the Minister of Women Affairs tender an apology for her actions and words which have misrepresented their intentions and to retract her petition otherwise a lawsuit would ensue. The council also petitioned that her appointment be retracted and declared her unfit for the position of Minister.
“The planned weddings have the blessing of all the religious and traditional leaders from the area. The sponsor of the wedding consulted widely before accepting to take the responsibility and we are strongly behind him.
“The girls are not underage and they are not being forced into marriage as the minister has made the public believe. This is what the minister failed to investigate,” the council added.
Before this, the Take It Back Movement called on the Speaker to rescind his decision to marry off the 100 female orphans.
What happens next?
It’s unclear if the girls will be married off or not. The Imams council awaits a response from President Tinubu.
President Bola Tinubu won the 2023 elections and was sworn-in on May 29, 2023. As is customary, he recruited a new set of ministers to work with. The president appointed 45 new ministers with a slight increase in his female selection. They were sworn in on August 21, 2023.
The full list of ministers and their portfolios includes:
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
Name: Dr Bosun Tijani
Age: 46
State of origin: Ogun
Geopolitical Region: South West
Another name for this man could be Minister of Tech. His job is to influence job creation, economic growth, and good governance through technology and innovation. It’s a new portfolio, but long overdue.
Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management
Name: Dr Ishak Kunle Salako
Age: 64
State of origin: Ogun
Geopolitical Region: South West
The Minister of State for Environment, Environment and Ecological Management in Nigeria leads environmental sustainability efforts, implementing research-based reforms and ensuring a greener environment.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy
Name: Wale Edun
Age: 61
State of origin: Ogun
Geopolitical Region: South West
Ever heard of the national budget, AKA national cake, that everyone wants to get a piece of? This man is in charge of it. Everything about how money works in Nigeria is this man’s cup of tea.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy
Name: Adegboyega Oyetola
Age: 69
State of origin: Osun State
Geopolitical Region: South West
This Osun state ex-governor helps Nigeria make money from the water through practices such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, shipping, and maritime transportation.
Minister of Power
Name: Adebayo Adelabu
Age: 53
State of origin: Oyo State
Geopolitical Region: South West
For everything concerning the national grid and electricity, hold this man accountable. He is literally NEPA.
Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare
Name: Tunji Alausa
Age: 53
State of origin: Lagos
Geopolitical Region: South West
Remember that we had prefects and assistants in school? The same applies here. The Minister of State assists the Minister of Health and welfare in providing healthcare facilities, disease prevention and improving the Nigerian health system.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development
Name: Dele Alake
Age: 67
State of origin: Ekiti state
Geopolitical Region: South West
We’re always ranting about mismanagement of Nigeria’s natural resources. This minister’s job is to ensure our solid minerals are profitable and sustainable.
Minister of Tourism
Name: Lola Ade-John
Age: 60
State of origin: Lagos
Geopolitical Region: South West
For laws, funds and licences regarding tourism, hotels and affiliated centres, this is the go-to minister. She also heads the Council for Arts and Culture.
Minister of Transportation
Name: Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali
Age: 55
State of origin: Gombe
Geopolitical Region: North East
A lot of Nigerians will probably want to have a word or two with the minister who is in charge of road safety, efficiency and fair transport rates. The Minister directs and manages the transportation sector to ensure a safe, and integrated transport system.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
Name: Doris Uzoka-Anite
Age: 50
State of origin: Imo State
Geopolitical Region: South East
This minister can be called the national iyaloja which means captain of the market. She’s in charge of how Nigeria runs businesses either with other countries or between citizens.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology
Name: Uche Geoffrey Nnaji
Age: Unknown
State of origin: Enugu
Geopolitical Region: South East
Need a minister to handle the sciences and represent the government’s interest in terms of research? That’s what this one is for.
Minister of State, Labour and Employment
Name: Nkiruka Onyejeocha
Age: 54
State of origin: Abia state
Geopolitical Region: South East
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment deals with issues such as poor working conditions, child labour, labour migration, registration of trade unions, and overall labour protection services. The National Labour prefect never felt so right.
Minister of Women Affairs
Name: Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye
Age: 50
State of origin: Anambra
Geopolitical Region: South East
For all things female in Nigeria, this woman takes the lead. Either it is business, empowerment, education, arts, households or even disputes. She’s the national headgirl.
Minister of Works
Name: David Umahi
Age: 60
State of origin: Ebonyi
Geopolitical Region: South East
Bridges, roads, houses, hospitals, barracks etc —- everything can be traced back to this man. Talk about being a life-size bob-the-builder.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
Name: Festus Keyamo
Age: 54
State of origin: Delta State
Geopolitical region: South South
Who needs the Avatar Aang when we have our own airlord? The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development monitors and directs Nigeria’s air travel and aviation services.
Minister of Youth
Name: Dr Jamila Ibrahim
Age: 37
State of origin- Kwara state
Geopolitical Region: North Central
Her job is to promote socio-economic development for the Nigerian youth. Basically, she’s like the class rep but for young people in Nigeria.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation
Name: Betta Edu
Age- 37
State of origin- Cross River
Geopolitical region- South South
Although currently suspended for embezzlement of funds, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria is usually responsible for developing humanitarian policies and showing the government how best to help its citizens.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Name: Yusuf Tuggar
Age- 57
State of origin: Bauchi
Geopolitical Region: North East
The Job of “oga foreign” is to direct foreign policies that reflect the domestic, political, economic, technological, social, and cultural aspirations of the Nigerian people.
Minister of State, Gas Resources
Name: Ekperikpe Ekpo
Age: 55
State of origin: Akwa Ibom
Geopolitical region: South South
Nothing new here, just the assistant minister of gas resources. His job is to help Nigeria tap into its natural gas assets.
Minister of State, Petroleum Resources
Name: Heineken Lokpobiri
Age: 57
State of origin: Bayelsa State
Geopolitical region: South South
In one word, The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources works with the Minister of Petroleum to drive policies that enhance the sector and economy.
Minister of Sports Development
Name: John Enoh
Age: 57
State of origin: Cross River State
Geopolitical Region: South East
If jerseys and teams are involved, this man attends to the matter on a national level. The job of the Minister of Sports Development in Nigeria involves overseeing youth and sports development policies, programs, and activities.
Minister of Federal Capital Territory
Name: Nyesom Wike
Age: 56
State of origin: Rivers State
Geopolitical region: South South
The Minister plays a crucial role in institutions, headquarters, and political entities in the FCT, which houses major political figures and government institutions.
Just like the science folks got their minister, there’s one for art too. The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy in Nigeria is tasked with the development of the creative sector in the country. This includes initiatives to support artists, preserve cultural heritage, and drive economic growth through creative industries.
Minister of Defence
Name: Mohammed Badaru
Age: 61
State of origin: Jigawa State
Geopolitical region: North-West
This man is the don in charge of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ensuring they are modern, competent, and well-equipped to fulfil their duties effectively. He keeps them trained and ready on all fronts.
Minister of State, Defence
Name: Bello Matawalle
Age: 55 years
State of Origin: Zamfara State
Geopolitical Region- North West
This is the assistant defence minister. He’s in charge of the National Defence Policy, and helps the balance for internal and external security needs.
Minister of State Education
Name: Tanko Sununu
Age: 72
State of origin: Kebbi State
Geopolitical Region: North West
The Minister of State for Education’s responsibilities include creating and managing educational policies, resolving federal and local state matters, and executing duties related to the Federal Ministry of Education,
Minister of Housing and Urban Development
Name: Ahmed M. Dangiwa
Age: 61
State of Origin:
Geopolitical Region: North
The is the federal real estate agent, if you may. His job is to provide affordable housing, foster livable communities, and ensure access to decent and quality housing for all Nigerians. He’s also the man who decides what lands can be commercial or public, and what houses have been wrongly built or not.
Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development
Name: Abdullahi T. Gwarzo
Age: 63
State of Origin: Kano state
Geopolitical Region: North West
Beyond housing, this minister seeks to foster public-private partnerships, creating an enabling environment for private-sector investments, and advocating for sustainable urban development. He’s also in conjunction with the minister of housing.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning
Name: Abubakar Atiku Bagudu
Age: 62
State of origin: Kebbi
Geopolitical Region: North West
This is your guy for economic plans, policies, budgeting, advice on development, and nation building. He works closely with the minister of finance and is often in charge of planning how national expenditure happens.
Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory
Name: Mairiga Mahmud
Age: 48
State of origin: Kano
Geopolitical Region: North West
The Minister of State supports the main Minister in executing various responsibilities related to governance, infrastructure development, and service delivery within the FCT.
Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation
Name: Bello M. Goronyo
Age: 58
State of origin: Sokoto
Geopolitical zone: North West
This Minister assists in the administration of activities within the ministry, allowing the senior minister to focus on delivering water and sanitation services nationwide.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
Name: Abubakar Kyari
Age: 61
State of origin: Borno
Geopolitical Region: Northeast
He’s the reason why the agricultural sector is still alive. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria is responsible for ensuring food security, rural income growth, job creation, and rural development.
Minister of Education
Name: Tahir Mamman
Age: 69
State of origin: Adamawa
Geopolitical Region: North East
The Minister of Education is the biggest driver of the education agenda through budgeting, policies, inspection and standard-setting. He defines the educational trends and models for institutions across the country.
Minister of Interior
Name: Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
Age: 42
State of origin: Ondo
Geopolitical Region: South West
This minister is everywhere in internal affairs. He covers various duties such as granting Nigerian citizenship, providing consular and immigration services, issuing business permits and expatriate quotas, managing federal marriage registries, coordinating national celebrations, managing national emergencies, recruiting personnel for security services, and handling retirement benefits for paramilitary retirees.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare
Name: Prof Muhammad Ali Pate (CON)
Age: 55
State of origin: Bauchi
Geopolitical Region: North East
The task of providing quality healthcare for all Nigerians, achieving health goals, and enhancing health security measures falls on this minister. He is the go-to for national health partnerships with international bodies and whatnot.
Minister of Police Affairs
Name: Ibrahim Geidam
Age: 67
State of origin: Yobe
Geopolitical Region: North East
The Minister of Police Affairs oversees the affairs of the Nigerian Police Force, ensuring the effective administration and management of the country’s law enforcement agency.
Minister of State, Steel Development
Name: Uba Maigari Ahmadu
Age: 57
State of origin: Taraba
Geopolitical Region: North East
The Minister of State works with the main minister of steel development to collaborate with stakeholders, industry players, and government agencies to promote the importance of steel in driving economic activities, supporting construction projects, and fostering technological advancements in Nigeria. Basically, he’s Iron Man but from Taraba.
Minister of Steel Development
Name: Shuaibu A. Audu
Age: 43
State of origin: Kogi
Geopolitical Region: North Central
The minister’s job is to lead efforts to revive key steel projects like the Ajaokuta Steel Company, formulate policies, implement strategic initiatives, and partner with stakeholders to ensure the success of steel development projects.
Minister of Information and National Orientation
Name: Muhammed Idris
Age: 57
State of origin: Niger
Geopolitical Region: North Central
Ever seen a public relations officer at work? This is the National P.R.O. He controls the information distribution process and serves as the key spokesperson for the Nigerian federal government.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
Name: Lateef Fagbemi
Age: 64
State of origin: Kwara
Geopolitical Region: North Central
This is the chief law officer of the Federal Government. He represents the government in legal matters, provides legal advice to government agencies, oversees public prosecutions, and ensures the rule of law is upheld.
Minister of Labour and Employment
Name: Simon Bako Lalong
Age: 60
State of origin: Plateau
Geopolitical Region: North Central
The relationship between workers and employers can be complicated, but this man lords over such disputes and ensures that labour relations remain cordial. He also manages labour policies in both the public and private sectors.
Minister of State, Police Affairs
Name: Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim
Age: 43
State of origin: Plateau
Geopolitical Region: North Central
This Minister works on implementing police reform efforts, enhancing community engagement, transparency, and professionalism within the police force. He works with the minister of police affairs to ensure that the armed forces and security are managed properly.
Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs
Name: Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo
Age: 54
State of origin: FCT
Geopolitical Region: North Central
If anything is tagged as unconventional or special, this minister handles it. Programs that cover federal, state, and local governments, and extend to relations with the organized private sector are included. He also handles National Youth Service Corps matters.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation
Name: Prof Joseph Utsev
Age: 43
State of origin: Benue
Geopolitical Region: North Central
His job is to oversee the development, management, and regulation of water resources, ensuring the provision of clean water supply and sanitation facilities.
Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security
Name: Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
Age: 57
State of origin: Niger
Geopolitical Region: North Central
This minister fills in to help the minister of agriculture improve food security and promote agricultural development. He contributes to their shared goal through local production, reducing import bills, and ensuring sustainable practices.
A good number of things don’t add up in Nigeria. Social systems don’t work and maintenance of physical structures is a myth, but we at least thought we had gotten somewhere with the ease of carrying out transactions over the internet. More than 1.85 million students applied to write the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exams) in 2016, but the process remains crude.
This clip from a concerned Twitter user tells its own story
The struggle to buy JAMB form in Maiduguri the Borno state capital.
The people of Borno are still recovering from the horrors of the Boko Haram sect. Why should they go through any of this?
It really doesn’t make sense that the Ministry of Education and JAMB(Joint Administration and Matriculation Board) don’t give top priority to students from the conflict-affected states in the North. For one, these kids have been forced to abandon their studies for years, surely the least we can do for them is make the learning process easier for them?
The process of applying for and getting the JAMB form needs to be a lot easier for students nationwide.
Jamb that one should buy from the comfort of his bed and apply there. Almost 3 decades after others simplified registrations online
After more drama than the entire Telemundo channel put together, Rotimi Amaechi has been sworn in as the Federal Minister of Transportation.
Congratulations to him but we are interested in how to get our own. That’s why Zikoko has put together this strong manual on how to achieve success in 14 easy steps using Rotimi Amaechi as a template.
Get ready to learn. Your success is around the corner!
1. Remember to be diligent for your boss.
Some people are not serious – too lazy or proud to do simple tasks. Don’t be one of them. Even if it means carrying microphone for your boss when he’s making a speech you wrote and he doesn’t understand, keep at it. That’s how it starts.
2. And laugh with your enemies.
Laughter won’t kill you. Doesn’t the Bible say you should bless your enemies? It doesn’t matter if your enemy is your oga’s wife or his side chick, my friend open your mouth and laugh. Sometimes you’re laughing at them but it doesn’t matter as long as you’re laughing.
3. Even when they can’t count.
I mean, how is 16 greater than 19?
Sometimes, your boss miscalculates. No one is above mistake. Sometimes, they miscalculate your salary and only pay you 50% of what you agreed. Sometimes, they miscalculate the days of the month and only pay you once every 8 months. No vex, no one is above mistake.
4. And want to cheat you of your inheritance
NO, HOW IS SIXTEEN GREATER THAN NINETEEN?
To be honest, I don’t really know. Sometimes, you will face injustice and ignore. Sometimes, you will react. But make sure the mathematics is on your side. Better that you don’t make mistake in your own calculation too.
5. Praise God in everything
Don’t forget to add shoki to your praise. The devil hates shoki. Go to a good church and dance your wahala away. There is a blessing in the dance, abi how do pastors normally say it.
6. Do any job you are given very well, you never know where it will end up!
Why should a monorail mistake derail you?
Like we’ve said before, no one is above mistake. Don’t be one of those people always looking backwards. Anything can happen in your future. Be bold, buy original Beats By Dre and ignore the haters!
8. Some days will be easy
And everything will be sweet. Every drink will taste like it has sugar and nothing will do you one kind. Better enjoy those days because it’s like devil has gone for check up and has left you for a bit. Other days are coming.
9. Some days will be weird
Please why is this man pulling my ear?
On your road to your new destination, you will experience strange things. Repeat this to yourself, “na me dey find something“.
10. But keep singing and rejoicing
Open your mouth and sing. Sing praise songs. Sing reggae songs, then add blues after. Sing hip-hop sef. But don’t sing Adele’s “Hello”. That song can’t help you in tough times – the only person that song has helped is Adele.
11. And dancing
Pastors recommend it. Fitness experts recommend it. Dance and forget your troubles. You can’t come and go and kill yourself! Does it matter if you’re a terrible dancer?
12. Dress for the job you want.
After all, a minister has to be a model citizen. It pays to be bold and adventurous in your fashion choices. It’s good practice for the real work you’re aiming for and it gets you noticed.
13. And one day, you will be surprised with good news
All your work has paid off. They’ve called you to collect the job. Or the contract. Your hustle has clicked. You don get alert, #Godwin. Now is the time to change your phone number so that all the people that will now start asking you for things will let you rest.
14. And you know you’ve got victory over your enemies
Congratulations, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi!
Now the work begins.
