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Open Grazing Ban: OPC, Farmers, Lawyers, Others Back Southern Govs

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5 years ago

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Both Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and the Agbekoya Farmers Society have backed Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (SNGF) on the ban on open grazing of cattle in the southern part of the country.
The two groups described the idea as welcome development that would go a long way in checking insecurity across the region but also sought the governors permission on the use of ‘juju’ for it enforcement and deal with criminal/ defiant herdsmen ruthlessly.
Speaking separately with newsmen, both OPC Publicity Secretary, Yinka Oguntimehin; and the National Secretary of Agbekoya, Prince Adegbenro Ogunlana; expressed the readiness of their groups to complement government effort on security.
On ban of open grazing by the governors, the groups pledged to support the government to make sure the law is effective by using all what they have (Juju) to enforce it, stating that it would be more effective than what the government is depending on to enforce it.
Oguntimehin said, “It’s is a very welcome development, and we believe in it go a long way in checking issues of insecurity. Whenever it comes to issue of security, OPC is always in forefront, our intervention on issues of security is an open secret.
“People should not misinterpret the good intention of the governors; they are not against anybody but the criminal elements who disturbing the peace of Nigerians. For peace to reign will collaborate the government as we have been doing before and again, if we get the government backing we will use all have including juju to tackle insecurity”.
Welcoming the development as well, Ogunlana said, “It’s a good step taking in the right direction by the governors if, they are sincere with their decision and not just playing politics as usual.
“Nobody is against anybody, all we care for is security of life and property, the South is not against the North. Apart from ban on open grazing and other resolutions of governors, the farmers should also be compensate for their loss in the past, government should support us, we need support.
“If government can back us, our traditional ways of protecting life and security are still with us, and we are ready to unleash it if permitted by the government “.
Also, many lawyers have faulted the position of some northern stakeholders that the declaration of ban of open grazing by the southern governors was not in line with 1999 Constitution.
The National President of Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), Khalil Mohammed Bello, while reacting to the development, had said that the ban on open grazing negates the 1999 Constitution.
It is unfortunate that the makers of such statement did not consult knowledgeable people before exhibiting such ignorance, the lawyers argued.
The lawyers said, “The ban on open grazing is just a regulation of a trading activity in line with what the Constitution permits. No trade or business activity is allowed under the Constitution to be carried in a manner destructive of the means of sustenance of others. Where the freedom of the herdsmen ends is where the rights of others begin.
“It is disappointing and disheartening that in the 21st Century, some supposedly educated people still believe that mundane and atarvistic manner of rearing animals by open grazing should be elevated beyond human existence.
“At the age when other nations are striving to attain the best scientific achievement possible, some people are craving for land grabbing in the name of right to graze. It is a shame honestly.
“They should listen to voices of reason from the North like Governor Ganduje of Kano and former Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Reasonable people from the North do not indulge in such insensitive banalities. The governors should just stick to their principled position on this issue, implement the law on anti-open grazing like we have in Oyo State and other places. We must return this country to its glorious days of peace and progress”.

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Women In STEAM: Overcoming underrepresentation: A Nigerian woman’s journey in Asian tech, design

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4 hours ago

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March 23, 2026

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In this episode of Women in STEAM, Nabhel Harmony, a Nigerian product designer living in Indonesia, reflects on her journey navigating the global tech industry as an African woman in the room.

Ms Harmony says underrepresentation is a major challenge, often leading to bias and underestimation.

PT: What inspired you to pursue a career in product design?

Ms Harmony: I began as a graphic designer in 2017, first learning CorelDRAW to help my mom with flyers, then building skills with Adobe Suite and working at a printing press. The real shift happened during my master’s programme when I came across a Microsoft UX video. That moment, along with learning Figma, inspired me to pursue product design. Since then, I have focused on creating intuitive, human-centred digital experiences, driven by the belief that design should be both impactful and useful.

PT: What experiences or skills do you think are essential to break into the field?

Ms Harmony: I think the essentials for breaking into design right now come in two layers. First, you still need a strong foundation in UX, understanding user needs, problem-solving, and being able to communicate ideas clearly. Tools like Figma are great, but more important is learning how to think like a designer: how to frame problems, test assumptions, and iterate.

The second layer is adaptability. With the rise of AI-powered tools like Stitch, Claude, Cursor, Lovable and others, the way we design is evolving. These tools can speed up workflows and even generate starting points for us, but they do not replace the need for critical thinking or empathy. I always encourage new designers to learn the traditional UX process and experiment with AI tools to see how they can supercharge creativity and productivity.

Finally, I would say, the designers who will thrive are those who are curious, willing to explore, and able to use both human insight and machine assistance to create experiences that feel truly meaningful.

PT: Can you share an example of a project that had a significant social impact, and how you approached designing for that specific challenge?

Ms Harmony: One project with real social impact was the redesign of iglooconnect, a platform that links smart locks with services like Airbnb. The old system was clunky and confusing, creating barriers for property managers, small businesses, and international users, sometimes even affecting safety and livelihoods. I approached it with empathy, becoming a user myself, gathering insights from support teams, and studying competitors.

We streamlined user flows, simplified navigation, and improved accessibility. The result was a platform that now supports thousands globally, helping property managers focus on hospitality, enabling small businesses to grow, and making the experience intuitive for international users. It reinforced for me that good design isn’t just about looks, it’s about equity, trust, and opportunity.

PT: As a senior product designer, what qualities do you look for in a design team, and how do you foster a collaborative and innovative environment?

Ms Harmony: As a senior product designer, I look for curiosity, empathy, and resilience in a design team. Curiosity drives exploration, empathy ensures we design for people and collaborate well, and resilience helps us embrace feedback and ambiguity. To foster collaboration and innovation, I focus on building trust, encouraging open dialogue, celebrating collective wins, and creating a safe space for experimentation and growth.

PT: As a design tutor, how do you approach mentoring junior designers, and what advice would you give to those looking to grow in their careers?

Ms Harmony: I mentor by focusing on mindset over tools. I encourage juniors to see design as problem-solving, not just screen-making. I give them small, real projects to build confidence, and I make feedback a two-way process so they learn to see critique as growth.

My advice is simple: stay curious, build portfolios that show your process (not just polished screens), and find a design community to learn with. Skills evolve, but curiosity, empathy, and resilience will always set great designers apart.

PT: Can you discuss your approach to designing accessible and user-centred solutions, and how you balance business needs with user requirements?

Ms Harmony: My approach to accessible, user-centred design starts with empathy. I focus on understanding user pain points, then simplify flows to make products clear, inclusive, and intuitive. To balance this with business needs, I connect user pain points to outcomes such as efficiency, adoption, and retention. For example, in one of my recent projects, I simplified access flows for property managers by creating an integrated dashboard which not only improved usability but also reduced support tickets, creating value for both users and the business.

PT: What challenges have you faced as a woman of African descent in the tech and design industries, and how have you overcome them?

Ms Harmony: One of the biggest challenges I have faced as a woman of African descent in tech and design is representation. Living in Asia, particularly here in Indonesia, I have often found myself as the only African woman in the room, which sometimes meant dealing with bias, being underestimated, or having to work harder to prove my expertise.

I have overcome this by leaning into resilience and community. I built networks with other designers and used those connections for support and growth. More importantly, I let my work speak for itself, focusing on delivering impact and creating meaningful solutions.

PT: How do you think designers can give back to the community, and are there initiatives you have been involved in to promote design education and awareness?

Ms Harmony: One of the most meaningful ways designers can give back is by creating access to knowledge, to opportunities, and representation. For many people, design may feel like an unfamiliar career path, especially now with the rapid rise of AI. And the first barrier is often simply not knowing where to start. By mentoring, sharing resources, and opening doors, we can demystify design and make it more inclusive.

ALSO READ: Women in STEAM: Excellence Joshua speaks on navigating motherhood, building a career

I have been mentoring women who are breaking into tech and design through She Code Africa. Additionally, I mentor on ADPList, guiding emerging designers worldwide on career growth. Last year, I partnered with the Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) to provide free and discounted memberships, extending access to high-quality courses that many may not otherwise be able to afford. I also run a Telegram tech community of over 800 designers, where I regularly share opportunities like jobs, internships and courses that can help someone to take the next step in their career. Altogether, these efforts have allowed me to support hundreds of aspiring designers in building strong foundations and finding their place in the industry.

PT: How do you stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and technologies, and what resources would you recommend for others looking to do the same?

Ms Harmony: I stay up to date by staying active online, especially on Twitter (X). It may sound a little cheesy, but it genuinely works for me. I follow thought leaders and official design team accounts like Google Design, Microsoft Design, and tools like Figma and Framer on Twitter (X) and LinkedIn. I also make it a point to experiment with new tools as they are released, particularly AI-powered ones like Figma Make, Cursor, Lovable, and Stitch. From time to time, I complement this with online courses, which help me strengthen my foundation and stay adaptable.

For others, I would recommend a balance: structured learning through platforms like the Interaction Design Foundation or Coursera, paired with mentorship opportunities on ADPList or She Code Africa for aspiring African women in tech. That mix of formal education, community learning, and hands-on exploration is what keeps you not only up to date but truly adaptable in such a fast-moving field.

PT: What message would you like to convey to women and underrepresented groups who are interested in pursuing a career in tech and design, but may be hesitant or unsure?

Ms Harmony: My message would be simple: you belong here. Tech and design can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when you don’t see many people who look like you in the room, but your perspective is not just valid, it’s valuable. The industry needs diverse voices and experiences to create solutions that work for everyone. If you are hesitant, start small. Take a course, join a community like She Code Africa and surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you. Do not wait until you feel “ready”; none of us ever really does. Growth comes from trying, learning, and showing up consistently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ministry Raises Concern Over Rising Teenage Pregnancies, Begins Adolescent Sensitisation Campaign

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2 weeks ago

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March 9, 2026

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The Department of Public Health in the Rivers State Ministry of Health has raised concern over the increasing cases of teenage pregnancies in society as it intensifies efforts to educate adolescents across the state.
Programme Manager for Adolescent Health and Development in the department, Mrs. Tammy Briggs, expressed the concern during a sensitisation programme held at Government Girls Secondary School Rumueme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Briggs explained that the campaign was designed to educate adolescents on the dangers of teenage pregnancy and other health-related issues affecting young people.
According to her, teenage pregnancy is currently on the rise, making it necessary for the ministry to step up awareness programmes among students.
“This is something that is on the rise for now. We have observed that there are many cases of teenage pregnancies, so we are here to sensitise them on ways to prevent it entirely,” she said.
She disclosed that the sensitisation campaign is being carried out in selected schools across four local government areas of the state, namely Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area and Eleme Local Government Area.
Briggs noted that the programme focuses on several key issues affecting adolescents, including sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, emotional health and proper nutrition.
She added that the outreach programme also featured tuberculosis screening for students as well as the distribution of sanitary pads and mathematical sets to support their health and academic development.
The programme manager commended the management of Government Girls Secondary School Rumueme for their cooperation and support in hosting the sensitisation exercise. She also advised the students to avoid behaviours that could jeopardise their future.
Speaking during the session, Dr. Nwadike Chinonso urged the students to make informed decisions about their lives and remain focused on their education.
He cautioned them against engaging in early sexual activities, stressing that abstinence remains one of the most effective ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
Some of the students who participated in the programme expressed appreciation to the team for the awareness campaign and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to make responsible life choices.

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PH Ring Road: The October Delivery Promise

Published

2 weeks ago

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March 9, 2026

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The recent assurance by the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, that the ongoing Port Harcourt Ring Road would be completed by October this year has rekindled hope among Rivers people. For many people of the state who have endured months of disruption and uncertainty, the promise comes as a breath of fresh air. The importance of the project cannot be overstated; it represents not just a road network but a vital artery for economic activity and mobility across the state.
Stretching across six local government areas—Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre, Etche, Eleme, and Ogu-Bolo—the project covers about 50.15 kilometres and includes six flyovers. Initiated in July 2023 and executed by Julius Berger Nigeria, the ambitious undertaking was conceived to ease traffic congestion, stimulate economic growth, and improve connectivity between communities.
However, the project’s journey has not been smooth. When construction stalled last year, many residents who depended on the affected routes found themselves in severe difficulty. Commuters, traders, and transport operators suddenly had to navigate half-finished sections, diversions, and rough terrain.
Perhaps nowhere has the hardship been more visible than around the Ogbogoro axis, where residents continue to face daily inconvenience. For many families, the unfinished road has turned routine travel into a gruelling ordeal. Long detours, damaged vehicles, and rising transport costs have become the bitter reality.
The scale of disruption was significant. Houses were demolished to make way for the road expansion, businesses were displaced, and livelihoods were interrupted. While such sacrifices are sometimes inevitable in large infrastructure projects, the prolonged delay left many people in dire straits.
It is therefore understandable that the governor’s renewed commitment has been greeted with cautious optimism. For residents who have borne the brunt of the disruption, the promise of completion offers the prospect of relief and restoration. In many quarters, hope is gradually replacing frustration.
When finished, the Ring Road is expected to give the state a much-needed facelift. In a nation where several public projects have suffered abandonment over the years, many feared the same fate might befall this landmark development. That concern is precisely why the latest assurance has struck a chord with the public.
Governor Fubara’s recent inspection of the project site and his firm declaration that the road would be delivered by October have helped steady public confidence. Actions such as these signal seriousness and accountability—qualities citizens increasingly demand from public officials.
Nevertheless, while the governor deserves commendation for the renewed momentum, the task before him goes beyond this single project. Other initiatives already commenced under his administration, as well as those inherited from previous governments, should also receive the attention required for completion.
Indeed, governance is a collective enterprise. Stakeholders across the state must rally behind the administration to ensure progress is not hindered. Political actors, community leaders, and civil society groups all have a role to play in creating the environment necessary for effective governance.
Rivers State has endured its fair share of political turbulence in recent years, and infrastructure development has sometimes been caught in the crossfire. It is therefore imperative that institutions such as the Rivers State House of Assembly work constructively with the executive arm so that citizens can finally enjoy the dividends of democracy.
The earlier six-month halt during the period of emergency rule should serve as a lesson. Infrastructure projects of this magnitude cannot afford prolonged interruptions. The governor must therefore ensure that such setbacks do not recur, and that other projects under his watch do not suffer a similar fate.
Regular site visits and close monitoring of the contractors will also be essential. Such oversight will not only accelerate progress but will demonstrate to the contractors and the public alike that the government considers the project a priority.
Beyond the physical structure of asphalt and concrete, the road carries broader economic promise. Improved connectivity among the affected local government areas will facilitate trade, reduce travel time, and open new opportunities for businesses. It will also enhance access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities for thousands of residents.
Ultimately, meeting the October deadline is only half the task. The quality of the work must meet the highest standards to guarantee durability and safety for the countless commuters who will use the road daily. The security of the construction workers must also remain paramount to prevent kidnapping or other threats. Delivering the Port Harcourt Ring Road on schedule, and doing it well, would indeed be the right step forward for Rivers State.
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