News
Aisha Kwaya-Bura on a mission to take nawoj to the next level
Aisha Kwaya-Bura on a mission to take nawoj to the next level
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) is a liberal organization for professional journalists. It has also given maximum room for women to breath. Also in spite of the fact that the union regards every member as gentlemen of the press, the body has found a way to permit the women among us to enjoy equal status like men in the country as they associate in the name of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (nawoj) . That equilibrium was struck over 30 years ago and it’s been a win win situation all the way for our Comrade women. The Nigerian Association of women journalists (Nawoj) is equally about the growth of women and it is an association that basically caters for our women colleagues and their children who feel the brunt of the hardship they encounter in the trenches like their male colleagues. It is for this reason that delegates should vote for Comrade Aisha Ibrahim Kwaya-Bura for President of the association. Any attempt not to vote for anyone with like minds like this result oriented Comrade would be a futile exercise for the return to the politics of false hope, lack of transparency, emotion and mediocrity.
Who is Aisha Kwaya Bura?
Aisha Bura is a journalist per excellence who has seen it all in the profession. Even if you can’t claim to know all about her, the little we know while watching her in Borno has to do with her ability to lead from the front when it comes to the welfare of her gender. During the times I have seen her attend congress, she had always been a servant leader who watches the back of others before crossing the road concerning the NUJ. She has shown quite alright that she is not a push over in the politics of the NUJ and has paid her dues in the business of being a welfare unionist. She is a rare breed between the NUJ and nawoj. Voting for her will mean voting for a mother figure who will help bring the women together and ensure that the home front does not suffer at all. This university of maiduguri mass communication graduate is a veteran in the political tuff of the NUJ and that makes her a much more matured and stable candidate for the presidency. As one of those practicing when women were second rated in Nigerian politics, she knows what it takes to carry women along the paths of righteousness to achieve a common goal of unity devoid of clannish pettiness and emotional instability. And that is why she has contested many positions and won at the NUJ level within her region in the country. This journalist has international connections the entire women journalists will benefit from.
Indeed NAWOj was established on 14th September 1989, to serve as a rallying point for Nigerian female journalists.The birth of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists was the result of the struggle to gain more recognition for women in the journalism profession. And that kind of recognition is already fixed if some delegates will put aside their pettiness and vote for someone who is emotionally stable and not someone who will “talk down” on you during congress meetings at the national level. Or a candidate who will behave like a tug and intimidate you for demanding for transparency over your finances. With Aisha you are safe when it comes to your funds for instance because she has already aligned with a tested hand for internal auditor in Jemila Abubakar of the NTA.
A vote for Aisha will ensure that the efforts by the pioneer President of Nawoj Brenda Akpan and a few female journalists who started the association will not go in vein because we can all see that the last three years were wasted years poured down the drain of insolence, indulgence, latent corruption and outright vein glory to one individual instead of the collectivity of the union. Unionism is not about filling your pockets or using check up dues to outshine one another. It is about selflessness and you will see that in Aisha a servant leader.
With the support of some of us who are gender sensitive, it is our intention to ensure that the next leadership under Comrade Aisha Kwaya Bura will become as transparent as possible as it was during the leadership of George Izobo which molded nawoj into existence as an affiliate to the NUJ instead of a nonchalant challenging monster to the NUJ as the incumbent leaders are trying to turn the association into. Gentlemen colleagues any aspiring leader that is not with the NUJ our parent union is a lost sheep. Do not waste your precious votes on them. Vote Aisha a well balanced member of the association and the NUJ.
Bringing the association back to the original ideals.
Nawoj was formed to serve professionally as an umbrella organization for all female journalists in the country and to cater for their career interests in terms of training and retraining and to take care of the responsibility of the welfare and interests of women and children in the society. Most of these ideas have been eroded away by pettiness and obstinate tendencies not known to our constitution.
At some point, some observers have began to think nawoj was an autonomous organization which does not take cues from any one at the national level. But that is not the nawojian body founded by those who wanted better things for female comrades. NAWOJ is an affiliate of the parent NUJ constituted so that the union shall take notice of them in times like these and NAWOJ, will remain as its affiliate. When nawoj was formed over 30 years ago, by a group of female journalists who came together, it was meant to attract goodwill and respect to themselves and respect for others. Surely not for authoritative tendencies and outright despotism as is displayed by the incumbent who wants to return with more punishment for you if you bring her back. This is why you want to vote for Aisha Ibrahim Kwaya-bura a mother, sister and friend who will use her soft spoken nature to take you from where you are into the pinnacle of excellence where you should be and by God’s grace the sky will be the beginning of good things to come.
Gentlemen, Nawojians have made their mark in different ways in this country. This is the time to abandon the old ways of doing things to the contemporary which is collaboration with all willing partners for the good of gender parity and the progress of the woman folk.
16th The advent of dangerous diseases like COVID-19 and diphtheria hunting our children cannot escape the eagle eyes of Aisha because these concerns our children. You will see less talk and more actions in her executive when she wins. Nobody will be left out on the quest for a good living condition even the wives of our male colleagues during sickness or death. This is because of her principled and incorruptible background. Her ways of doing things are unique. And let me tell you, she will respect the view of congress.
Proactive response to challenges
Recently, a radio executive in katsina state was accused of sexually assaulting a female colleague. Comrade Aisha virtually condemned it with a warning that her executive will not leave such excesses lying low. That is how a proactive leader talks the talk. That is the Aisha you will get to meet if you vote for her. Proactive, and result oriented. After all the entire country will be her Constituency and nobody will be left out in the dividends of her new dawn supported by her deputy from the south south. Vote for Aisha and vote for myriads of gains for yourself and family this weekend.
The struggle continues!!!
Aisha Kwaya-Bura on a mission to take nawoj to the next level
Nigeria Unveils Net Zero Investment Plan to Unlock Climate Finance, Drive Green Growth
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an ambitious Net Zero Investment Plan (NZIP), a major policy framework designed to mobilise climate finance, accelerate sustainable economic growth, and strengthen the country’s pathway to net zero emissions by 2060.
The plan, unveiled in Abuja by the National Council on Climate Change, represents a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to translate its climate commitments into concrete investment opportunities capable of attracting both domestic and international financing.
Developed under the NDC Partnership’s “Global Call for NDCs 3.0 and LT-LEDS,” the framework received technical support from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and funding from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety through the International Climate Initiative.
The NZIP is expected to serve as a strategic roadmap for implementing Nigeria’s long-term climate agenda by identifying priority sectors for investment, outlining financing needs, and proposing mechanisms to bridge existing climate finance gaps.
Government officials said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic transformation agenda and reinforces the country’s aspiration to emerge as a leading climate-responsive economy in Africa in line with the African Union Agenda 2063.
The investment framework builds on key national policies, including the Nigeria Agenda 2050, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), all of which provide the policy backbone for Nigeria’s transition toward sustainable and climate-resilient growth.
Under the LT-LEDS framework, Nigeria targets net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060, while the NDCs outline short- and medium-term actions under the Paris Agreement.
Speaking at the launch, Country Director of GIZ, Markus Wagner, described the NZIP as a critical instrument for transforming climate goals into bankable projects capable of attracting large-scale investment.
According to him, the framework goes beyond policy declarations by providing a structured mechanism for mobilising public and private capital toward climate resilience, low-carbon industrialisation, and sustainable economic development.
Wagner noted that achieving net zero emissions would require strong collaboration among government institutions, development partners, financial organisations, and the private sector.
He said the plan demonstrates Nigeria’s determination to align climate action with economic development priorities while creating opportunities for innovation, green jobs, and long-term sustainable growth across strategic sectors of the economy.
Analysts say the launch of the NZIP could improve investor confidence in Nigeria’s green economy ambitions and position the country to access increasing pools of global climate finance targeted at low-carbon and climate-resilient development initiatives.
Nigeria Unveils Net Zero Investment Plan to Unlock Climate Finance, Drive Green Growth
Nigeria Reaffirms One-China Policy, Seeks Deeper Economic Partnership With Beijing
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the One-China Principle, describing the country’s position on Taiwan as settled, consistent and non-negotiable.
The reaffirmation comes amid renewed global attention on China’s insistence that the People’s Republic of China remains the sole legitimate government representing China, with Taiwan regarded by Beijing as an inseparable part of its territory.
According to the NCSP, Nigeria’s adherence to the One-China policy dates back more than five decades to the establishment of diplomatic relations with China in 1971, and has remained a cornerstone of bilateral relations between both countries.
The agency noted that Nigeria again demonstrated its commitment during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing in 2024, where both nations issued a joint statement reaffirming Nigeria’s recognition of the People’s Republic of China as the only legal government representing the whole of China.
The NCSP said Nigeria also expressed support for China’s pursuit of national reunification during the high-level engagement.
The statement followed heightened diplomatic conversations surrounding the Taiwan issue after a recent visit to Beijing by a United States delegation reportedly led by President Donald Trump alongside leading American business executives.
Director-General of the NCSP, Joseph Tegbe, said Nigeria intends to build on its longstanding diplomatic ties with China to unlock broader economic opportunities in manufacturing, technology transfer, industrialisation and export-driven production.
Tegbe observed that China has played a major role in supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure development through investments in railway projects, ports, energy facilities, telecommunications and industrial expansion.
He stressed that the partnership should now evolve into deeper collaboration in Nigeria’s digital economy, solid minerals development, agro-processing and consumer markets in order to create a more balanced and productive economic relationship.
The NCSP reiterated its commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and China across trade, infrastructure, investment, technology transfer and capacity building, with the ultimate objective of delivering measurable economic benefits to Nigerians.
Nigeria Reaffirms One-China Policy, Seeks Deeper Economic Partnership With Beijing
NDLEA Busts Mega Nigerian-Mexican Meth Syndicate, Seizes N480bn Drugs in Largest Lab Raid Ever
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has dismantled what officials described as one of the most sophisticated transnational drug syndicates ever uncovered in Nigeria, arresting a notorious drug baron, three Mexican methamphetamine experts, and six Nigerian collaborators in a sweeping operation spanning Ogun and Lagos states.
The operation also led to the discovery and destruction of what the agency called the largest clandestine methamphetamine laboratory ever found in the country, hidden deep inside a forest in Ijebu area of Ogun State.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, disclosed the details on Wednesday during a media briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, describing the raid as a major blow against transnational organised crime and illicit drug manufacturing networks operating in Nigeria.
According to Marwa, elite operatives from the agency’s Special Operations Unit executed coordinated strikes across Ogun and Lagos within 48 hours after months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
He said the primary target was a remote property located inside Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, allegedly operated by a drug trafficking organisation headed by suspected kingpin, Anochili Innocent.
Marwa revealed that operatives stormed the forest laboratory on May 16, catching members of the cartel while processing illicit substances.
Among those arrested were three Mexican nationals identified as methamphetamine production specialists allegedly brought into Nigeria to run the operation. They were named as Martinez Felix Nemecto, Jesus López Valles, and Torrero Juan Carlos.
Four Nigerian collaborators arrested at the laboratory were identified as Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, and Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor.
Simultaneously, another tactical team raided the Lekki residence of the alleged cartel leader at Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lagos, where Anochili was arrested.
Marwa said a search of the property uncovered the passports and mobile phones of the three Mexican suspects, linking the alleged drug baron directly to the importation and coordination of foreign methamphetamine specialists.
The NDLEA boss disclosed that follow-up operations on May 18 led operatives to another property linked to the suspect at Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, where another alleged syndicate member, Kingsley Orike Omonughwa, was arrested.
Investigators also stormed the residence of another suspected collaborator, Emeka Nwobum, said to have operated a strategic stash house for the cartel.
The arrests brought the total number of suspects in custody to 10, including the kingpin, the Mexican specialists, and six Nigerian collaborators.
Marwa said the operation yielded an unprecedented 2,419.48 kilograms of chemical substances, including crystallised and liquid methamphetamine as well as dangerous precursor chemicals and industrial solvents.
He estimated the international street value of the seized narcotics at 362.9 million dollars, equivalent to over N480 billion.
According to him, the volume of drugs recovered represented millions of potential street doses capable of fueling addiction, violence, and organised crime across local and international markets.
The agency also recovered operational vehicles including a Toyota Tacoma allegedly used at the forest laboratory and a Toyota Highlander seized from the cartel leader’s residence.
Marwa warned that Nigeria would remain hostile territory for drug cartels and foreign criminal networks attempting to establish manufacturing bases in the country.
“We are fully aware of the shifting tactics of these cartels, including the disturbing trend of hiring South American cartel specialists to set up production factories in our rural communities,” he said.
“No matter how deep into the bush you hide, no matter how secure your gated estate is, the NDLEA will hunt you down, dismantle your network, and seize your illicit wealth.”
The NDLEA chairman also linked the latest operation to the recent takedown of another international drug trafficking network allegedly headed by Simon Amadi, saying the agency was intensifying cooperation with global law enforcement partners to combat organised narcotics operations.
He commended operatives of the Special Operations Unit and the agency’s chemical and forensic teams for what he described as exceptional professionalism and bravery during the operation.
Marwa also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, warning that the Ogun forest laboratory had operated under the guise of a legitimate farm.
NDLEA Busts Mega Nigerian-Mexican Meth Syndicate, Seizes N480bn Drugs in Largest Lab Raid Ever
Nigeria Unveils Net Zero Investment Plan to Unlock Climate Finance, Drive Green Growth
Nigeria Reaffirms One-China Policy, Seeks Deeper Economic Partnership With Beijing
NDLEA Busts Mega Nigerian-Mexican Meth Syndicate, Seizes N480bn Drugs in Largest Lab Raid Ever
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
