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UN Women: Security Challenge has Exacerbated GBV in Nigeria
UN Women: Security Challenge has Exacerbated GBV in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ms. Beatrice Eyong has decried that security challenges arising from armed conflict, insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings across the country has exacerbated the prevalence of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
Eyong, in her welcome address in Abuja on Thursday at the Convening of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Assessing EVAW and GEWE Landscape in Nigeria, said “we are confronted with the harsh reality that gender-based violence continues to be a pervasive and deeply rooted problem in our society. It affects women and girls of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, depriving them of their fundamental rights and freedoms. It is a violation of human rights, a barrier to development, and a threat to peace and security.”
She noted that: “As practitioners, we are all very familiar with the statistics but we must never become numb to the fact that each number represents a life. A life with ambitions, potential and one that has value.
“Globally, an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life. 33 percent Nigerian women have experienced physical violence by the age of 15. Similarly, data from the Mirabel Centre in Lagos show that 81 percent of reported cases of sexual assault between 2013 and 2019 were perpetrated against children – 67 percent of the perpetrators were known.
“In Nigeria, these staggering statistics have worsened because of the security challenges arising from armed conflict, insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings across the country. Additionally, the economic downturns arising from the recent devaluation of the local currency, high inflation, and the slow recovery from global economic shocks from COVID-19 have also exacerbated the prevalence of GBV. Furthermore, women’s voices continue to be marginalized with Nigeria holding the lowest figure for women’s representation in politics. Unfortunately, this situation impacts negatively on the gender profile of Nigeria.”
Eyong insisted that: “Today’s convening provides us with an opportunity to take stock of our achievements in the last five (5) years, identify gaps and challenges, and explore new strategies and partnerships to accelerate progress towards ending violence against women and promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. This is especially off the back of the large investment made by the EU-UN joint Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls. What are the lessons learned and how do we sustain the gains made?”
She explained that: “UN Women with support from the Ford Foundation is implementing the Traditional and Cultural Leaders for Ending GBV by Advancing Advocacy, Policy and Social Norms Change in Nigeria and West Africa (LEAP). This intervention places emphasis on prevention, transformation of norms and practices and engagement of influential cultural leaders to end GBV. This is critical because at its base root of GBV are systems of unequal power and social structures.”
She however told the participants that: “Your insights, expertise, and experiences are invaluable as we work together to create a more just, equal, and violence-free society for all.
“I encourage you to actively participate in the discussions, share your knowledge and best practices, and engage in constructive dialogue with your peers and partners. Let us use this platform to renew our commitment to the cause, to learn from each other, and to strengthen our collective efforts to achieve our common goals.”
UN Women: Security Challenge has Exacerbated GBV in Nigeria
Female Terrorist Family Member Surrenders to Troops in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
A female family member of suspected ISWAP terrorists has surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the surrender took place at about 5:04 p.m. on April 30 when the individual approached troops of 24 Task Force Brigade deployed in the area.
The sources disclosed that the woman was received by the troops and subsequently profiled and documented in line with standard procedures.
According to the sources, the development is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to encourage defections and dismantle terrorist networks in the North-East.
They added that further necessary actions would be taken following the profiling process.
The sources noted that military operations and engagements aimed at restoring peace in the region are ongoing.
Female Terrorist Family Member Surrenders to Troops in Borno
Troops Respond to Kidnap Threat Letter in Kaduna Community
By Zagazola Makama
Troops have responded to a reported kidnap threat letter found in Anwar Hali village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 11:45 a.m. on May 1 when troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 75 were alerted to the presence of a suspicious letter in the community.
The sources disclosed that the letter, written in Hausa language, contained two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a telephone number allegedly provided for contact.
According to the sources, troops contacted the number and recorded the conversation as part of ongoing investigative procedures.
They added that efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the individuals behind the threat.
Security operatives assured residents that surveillance and patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent any attack and maintain public safety.
Troops Respond to Kidnap Threat Letter in Kaduna Community
Adedini Joins 2027 Reps Race, Vows Inclusive Development for Ife Constituency
By: Michael Mike
A development advocate and grassroots mobiliser, Marcus Adedini, has formally declared his intention to contest the House of Representatives seat for Ife Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
Adedini’s entry into the race follows his purchase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination and expression of interest forms, signalling what he described as a decisive step toward deepening public service and advancing community-driven development across Ife land.
Positioning himself as a candidate rooted in grassroots engagement, Adedini highlighted years of involvement in community-focused initiatives spanning education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and social welfare. According to him, these efforts reflect a consistent commitment to improving living standards and expanding opportunities for residents.
In the education sector, his interventions have included scholarship schemes, distribution of learning materials, and support for infrastructure development aimed at enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. His healthcare outreach programmes, he noted, have provided medical services to underserved communities while promoting awareness on preventive health practices.
Adedini also underscored his focus on youth empowerment, citing initiatives that equip young people with vocational skills, entrepreneurial training, and startup support to tackle unemployment and foster economic independence. Similar programmes, he added, have targeted women and vulnerable groups, helping to strengthen livelihoods and social inclusion.
Beyond community projects, Adedini pointed to his legislative exposure, which includes contributions to policy discussions and drafting of bills in sectors such as education, healthcare, and social development. He argued that his understanding of budgeting processes and project facilitation would enable him to attract federal interventions to the constituency.
Calling on constituents to support his ambition, Adedini pledged to run a campaign anchored on issues, inclusivity, and accountability. He assured residents of effective representation and responsive leadership if elected, emphasizing that his vision is built on sustainable development and collective progress.
Adedini Joins 2027 Reps Race, Vows Inclusive Development for Ife Constituency
Female Terrorist Family Member Surrenders to Troops in Borno
Troops Respond to Kidnap Threat Letter in Kaduna Community
Troops Engage Terrorists, Encounter IEDs in Anambra Patrol Operation
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