News
OIL HOST COMMUNITIES FELICITATE WITH ENGR. MATHEW TONLAGHA ON BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY

says he uses wealth to add value to lives of Niger Deltans | a true born leader par excellence–Fiawei Pathfinder
Thousands of Indigenes from oil host communities in the Six States of the Niger Delta region have showered encomium on the Vice Chairman of the Tantita Security Services Nigeria limited, Engr. Mathew Tonlagha on his birthday celebration.
The Youths and Elders of the Host Communities under the aegis of the Host Communities of Oil, Gas And Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria, HOSTCON, described Engr. Mathew Tonlagha as a an uncommon philanthropist, a patriot that has used his wealth to add value to the lives of Niger Deltans and Nigerians at large.
The HOSTCON YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA, under the leadership of the National President, Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, noted that Engr. Mathew Tonlagha, who is also the Managing Director of the Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited and the Executive Director, FENOG NIGERIA LIMITED, have shown capacity as a true leader, a beacon of hope, a philanthropic and humanitarian icon and a pillar of the Host Communities Producing Oil and Gas.
According to him,” he is a peace maker and a bridge builder and a unifier who have laid down his life tirelessly to fight for the betterment of the ordinary Niger Deltans. We are highly elated to celebrate a true leader a beacon of hope, a philanthropic and humanitarian icon and a pillar of the Host Communities Producing Oil and Gas, a peace maker and a bridge builder and a unifier who have laid down his life tirelessly to fight for the betterment of the ordinary Niger Deltans and Nigerians.”
” He has contributed to changed the ugly past of Nigerians as the narrative of many lives have dramatically changed to become a better person’s in the society irrespective of their backgrounds.”
“He is one of the finest sons of the Ijaw Nation, an outstanding philanthropist in the Niger Delta region, a generous, patriotic, and true Nigerian leader, also a man who is after God’s heart that cares about humanity, and has touched a lot of Niger Deltans and Nigerians at large.”
“Today, indeed, is a day of reflection and celebration and we see that God brought you into the world to add value to the lives of Nigerians and beyond the shores of the country.”
“He is also a trailblazer who has given life and hope to the downtrodden in the Oil and Gas Producing communities in the Niger Delta and Nigeria in general and your Foundation hasl empowered so many people in the Niger Delta and touched a lot of people’s lives in the creek and Nigeria in which today they are leaders in their own way because of your philanthropy is uncommon to none.”
“We have seen and met with personalities but your kind is difficult to find, you are overwhelmingly exceptional because your humility is iconic and heroic, and have become a strong reference point today.”
“He is also a true born leader par excellence based on your broad and amazing experience demonstrated by your unwavering commitment to national development as a peace maker and a bridge builder, you have synergized with other national leaders to galvanize the economy and ensure sustainability of national peace, especially this time that people are losing hope, and we also believe in your patriotism and commitment to ensure Nigeria’s economic growth and development is on the right path to attract investors.”
“We have seen your humility, humbleness and kind generosity is amazing and we are proud to state categorically that your deep commitment, tireless efforts and sacrifices you have contributed so far in the war against oil theft and pipeline vandalism has led to the high production output in the nation’s oil sector, and today the negative and frustrating stories in the nation oil and gas sector have changed including host communities under development issue is now a thing of the past in the Niger Delta region.”
“We see you as a beacon of hope for the entire Oil Gas Producing communities in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large, you have also immensely and positively impacted the Ijaws not just in Delta State alone but the entire Ijaw nation, and today, and your amazing deeds of kindness and patriotism have transformed our youths, women and communities as a whole.”
“The HOSTCON YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA, as a reputable foremost youth organisation in Nigeria, believes strongly in your painstaking transparent leadership and labours for the nation, therefore, as you add another year to your age we are optimistic that greater impact you will make in the lives of Niger Deltans and Nigerians.”
“We say a very big and glorious happy birthday anniversary, enjoy sound health with more blessings from God to you and beyond your expectations.” host communities felicitate with Mathew Tonlagha on birthday
Politics
Female Politicians Saw Me As Threat, Not A Partner – Okutete

By Abubakar Yunusa
The Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Dr Stella Okotete, has said that female politicians in Nigeria often viewed her as a threat rather than a partner.
Speaking as a keynote speaker at the Junior Chambers International Business meeting in Abuja on Sunday, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, themed “Empowering Women, Empowering Communities: Accelerating Action Towards Gender Inclusivity”, Okotete reflected on the challenges she faced as a young woman in politics.
A former national women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okotete said, “With due respect, the female politicians didn’t want me around them. They saw me as a young woman who was a threat, not as a partner. My ideas were seen as too bold and too daring, and as a result, I was never given opportunities when nominations were being made.”
She explained that when she was appointed APC’s National Women Leader at the age of 36, it was an opportunity to bridge the gap for young women in politics, enabling them to aspire for greatness, showcase their worth, and gain visibility in governance and the public space.
“I initiated the Progressive Young Women’s Forum, which today boasts of having a former minister. Jamila was our president,” she said.
Okotete recounted how her experience in politics led her to create a support system for young women.
“I founded the Young Progressive Forum because, as a young politician, I noticed that, with due respect, female politicians didn’t want me around them. When I was made the National Women Leader, I had to create this platform so that other women would not face the discrimination I faced—from women, not men.”
She became emotional while addressing the audience, saying, “I’m saying this with a heavy heart because I never saw any woman as a threat, and I still don’t today. That is why, when I said there are no two Stellas in Nigeria, I meant it.
“We must stop the ‘table talks’ and tea parties and start taking real action. If we truly want to see more women in government, business, and the economy, we must support each other.”
Okotete warned that women risk being sidelined by men if they do not create spaces for one another to thrive.
“The men will continue to push us aside if we give them the opportunity. While we often blame men, we, as women, must also make it a priority to support each other. Whenever we have the chance, we must ensure other women are given visibility and opportunities.
“History has shown that when women try to block or dim the light of other women, they don’t go far. They are quickly forgotten, and history does not remember them.”
She urged women to take responsibility for fostering inclusivity, saying, “We are here today, not just as members of JCI, but as individuals chosen by fate to be among the few who will shape Nigeria’s future. We must break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and push for policies that drive development and growth in our nation.”
‘Men must be allies in the fight for gender equality’
Okotete stressed the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in the push for gender equality.
“We must challenge social and cultural norms together. We must also strengthen legal protections and policies, ensuring the enforcement of laws that protect women’s rights, including those against gender-based violence, discrimination, and workplace inequality.
“We must hold institutions accountable for implementing gender-responsive policies. That is why I always try to strike a balance between getting men to work with us and encouraging women to take action for themselves.”
She called on women to foster a culture of mutual support, saying, “We must lead the crusade for gender equality and inclusivity by loving and supporting one another. We must see other women in our workplaces not as competitors, but as sisters and partners.
“When we join forces, we can achieve great things.”
She highlighted the progress made by young women in politics, noting that there are now female commissioners in 20 states, as well as young female legislators in state assemblies and councillors in several APC-governed states.
“We are witnessing a new wave of female leadership in Nigeria, and we must continue to build on this momentum,” she concluded.
News
Atiku Backs Lagos Corper Facing Threats Over Viral Video

The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has praised National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita, who referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “terrible”, saying she embodies the spirit of a new generation of women championing political participation and advocacy.
Rita has accused the NYSC of allegedly threatening her after she complained about Nigeria’s economic struggles.
In a TikTok post, she expressed frustration over the country’s rising cost of living, lamenting that prices keep increasing, making it difficult for her to survive independently.
The corps member criticised President Tinubu, calling him a “terrible president” and questioning what his administration is doing to address the economic crisis.
Reacting on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, said:
“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.
She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and countless other women who have stood resolute in defence of the common good.
Rather than being met with hostility, Rita deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future.”
National
IWD: FG Calls For Gender-Responsive Policies To Close Economic Gap

By Abubakar Yunusa
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa has called on governments to implement gender-responsive policies and ensure equal access to education, finance, and leadership opportunities, saying such measures could add $12 trillion to the global economy by 2025.
Speaking at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Business Meeting in Abuja on Sunday, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, Munasawa, represented by Khadija Ali, a presidential aide on industry, stressed that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a societal and economic imperative.
“Studies show that closing the gender gap could add $12 trillion to the global economy by 2025. To achieve this, we must all play our part,” she said.
“Governments must implement gender-responsive policies, businesses must commit to diversity and inclusion, and civil society must challenge cultural norms that limit women’s potential.”
Munasawa highlighted the role of creative industries in advancing gender equality, saying she had witnessed first-hand how art, culture, and tourism could empower women and drive inclusive economic growth.
However, she acknowledged that systemic barriers continued to hinder women’s full participation in various spheres of life.
“Africa is a continent of resilience and promise, and Nigerian women are at the heart of our national progress,” she said.
“Yet, the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Report ranks Nigeria 124th out of 146 countries, with a gender gap closure rate of just 62.5%. This represents millions of women being denied access to opportunities that could unlock their full potential.”
She called for a shift from gender-neutral policies to intentional strategies that actively level the playing field, as well as greater representation of women in cultural narratives.
“The media and entertainment industries must challenge outdated stereotypes and promote diverse, empowering representations of women,” she said.
“When women see themselves in leadership roles, they are inspired to pursue their own ambitions fearlessly.”
In her keynote address, Dr Stella Okotete, Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), underscored the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in the push for gender equality.
“We must challenge social and cultural norms together,” she said.
“We must also strengthen legal protections, ensuring the enforcement of laws against gender-based violence, discrimination, and workplace inequality.”
Okotete urged institutions to be held accountable for implementing gender-responsive policies while calling on women to support one another.
“We must lead the crusade for gender equality by loving and supporting one another. Women in workplaces should see each other as sisters and partners, not competitors,” she said.
She also highlighted progress made by young women in Nigerian politics, noting that female commissioners were now serving in 20 states, alongside young female legislators and councillors in several All Progressives Congress (APC)-governed states.
“We are witnessing a new wave of female leadership in Nigeria, and we must continue to build on this momentum,” she said.
JCI Aso’s 2025 local president, Ambassador Felix Akinyemi, said the event served as a reminder of the remarkable progress women had made across various fields, including science, technology, business, and leadership.
“While we recognise the incredible progress made towards empowering women, we also acknowledge the work that still lies ahead,” he said.
He noted that the event featured a dynamic panel session with inspiring women driving positive change in their communities and a keynote speech aimed at accelerating action towards gender inclusivity.
“At JCI Aso, we believe that empowering women is essential to empowering our community. We are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” he added.