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Oluremi Tinubu, Governors Wives Sign Agreement to Stop Harmful Practices Against Women
Oluremi Tinubu, Governors Wives Sign Agreement to Stop Harmful Practices Against Women
The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and the wives of state governors on Tuesday signed an agreement to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful social practices against women in Nigeria.
The agreement was signed in Abuja at the maiden edition of Gender and Social Norms Summit 2024 organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Renewed Hope initiative in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady.
In her keynote address, the First Lady said that the prevalence of harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, which in some cases leads to Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), and other forms of violence against girls and women remain unacceptably high.
She said, in spite of various efforts, the incidence of these practices continues to grow, decrying that the spate of rape cases and GBV had reached an alarming rate, not sparing babies too.
She said: “Do we allow this trend to continue, or do we look the other way? That is why I am calling on the law enforcement agencies, the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General of the Federation and the National Assembly.
“To appropriate and enforce stiffer laws and punishments for perpetrators of rape, sexual violence, and other forms of GBV.
No guilty party should be allowed to go free and start running the streets looking for the next victim.”
Tinubu admitted that collective action was needed to put an end to the practices, while advocating for the development of state-specific action plans to promote the allocation of adequate resources in government budgets to support gender equality initiatives and GBV prevention programmes.
She noted that: “This summit provides us with a common platform to create awareness, exchange lessons learned, and promote effective strategies for preventing and responding to GBV and harmful practices.”
The UNFPA Officer-In-Charge of the Nigerian office, Mr Koessan Kuawu, on his part, said that family planning was not only a crucial health intervention but a cornerstone of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
He however lamented that in many communities across Nigeria, social norms drive misconceptions and cultural barriers, hindering the uptake of family planning.
He noted that Nigeria occupies a unique position globally in the pursuit of the Social Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 due to its vast population.
He, however, commended the government for its steadfast dedication to creating an enabling environment, through the passage and enforcement of critical legislation, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, and also the implementation of the National FGM Policy, National Child Marriage Policy, and state-specific action plans to eliminate FGM and child marriage.
He said: “These milestones have been achieved through persistent advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening the adoption and implementation of these laws.”
Kuawu noted that though eliminating GBV and harmful social practices was an immense task, it was not insurmountable, insisting that: “With the right resources, political will, and community support across the states, we can change the narrative for women and girls in Nigeria.”
On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Uju Ohanneye, advocated for stricter penalties for perpetrators of violence against women.
She noted that: “Overseas, where they are afraid to commit crimes or social norms or things that can harm another, it’s because when you do it, you face the consequences, legally and otherwise.
“However, here in Nigeria, when you have connection, before you know it, it dies a natural death and we forget so easily.
“So on this note, to support this program, we in the Ministry of Women Affairs will move forward to make sure there will be consequences if you commit a crime.”
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), defined social norms are the unspoken rules or expected behaviour that set social standards of appropriate and inappropriate behaviour in a specific culture or social group.
Fagbemi, who was represented by the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs Beatrice Agba, said GBV encompasses various forms of violence directed at individuals based on their gender, often rooted in unequal power dynamics and societal norms.
Fagbemi noted that the practices “may unfortunately be attributed to the patriarchal and male dominance theoretical framework in place in our society.”
He said that the Federal Ministry of Justice was fully aware of the crucial role that the justice system plays in addressing gender and social norms issues through the provision of a framework for accountability, protection, and empowerment.
The Attorney General added that by upholding the rule of law, promoting gender equality, and advancing justice for all, the justice system could contribute significantly to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and just society for the present and future generations.
He said in addition to ongoing legislative reforms, the ministry was working with critical stakeholders to engage community actors such as traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, and informal community justice systems to address the notions and institutions that perpetrate violence against women and girls within the criminal justice system.
“We are initiating a pilot phase with the Area Councils in collaboration with area council chairmen in order to support ongoing dialogue and initiatives on this subject.”
Oluremi Tinubu, Governors Wives Sign Agreement to Stop Harmful Practices Against Women
At Umrah, VP Shettima Prays for Nigeria’s Peace, Stability
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has performed the lesser hajj (Umrah) at the Holy Mosque of Makkah (Masjid al-Haram) in Saudi Arabia.
The Vice President offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace and stability during the spiritual exercise.
Speaking on Wednesday at the holy site in Makkah, VP Shettima beseeched God’s guidance and intervention for the nation’s leadership and citizenry.
“Our prayer is for peace to prevail in our land. May Allah grant our land peace and social harmony,” the Vice President said.
He also sought divine attributes for Nigeria’s leaders praying, “May Allah grant our leaders, from the President down to our local councillors wisdom , patience and the generosity of Muhammad Rasulullah in all their dealings”.
The Vice President continued his supplications: “May Allah grant us the wisdom to rule our nation well and to govern our people well.”
“Let there be peace, tranquility and prosperity in our nation. This is our prayer and Insha’ Allah, our prayers will be answered by Allah.”
Meanwhile, the Vice President’s scheduled bilateral meeting with the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in Jeddah has been rescheduled for a later date. He is expected to return to Nigeria tomorrow.
The Vice President had flown to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the commissioning of a $315 million oil production and storage facility owned by Oriental Energy Limited (OERL).
At Umrah, VP Shettima Prays for Nigeria’s Peace, Stability
News
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
By: Our Reporter
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has donated soap-making machines and office furniture to the Borno State Government as part of its efforts to empower Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through vocational training and livelihood support.
The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, received the items during an official handover ceremony at the UNHCR Sub-Office in Maiduguri.
The donation, which includes two sets of soap-making machines equipped with mixers, crushers, driers, extruders, and tables, as well as 30 chairs and office furniture to replace items damaged by recent floods, reflects UNHCR’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in crisis-affected areas.
Speaking during the event, the Head of the UNHCR Sub-Office in Maiduguri, Nicholas Kaburaburyo, emphasized the organization’s dedication to strengthening partnerships with the government and the Ministry of Education. He highlighted UNHCR’s role in facilitating the repatriation, resettlement, and livelihood reintegration of returnees, particularly through vocational training programs.
Engr. Wakilbe commended UNHCR for its unwavering support, noting that the donation aligns with the state government’s resettlement and empowerment initiatives. He revealed that nine Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers in Borno are actively training IDPs, with the vision of transforming the state into a hub for skilled artisans.
The Commissioner also directed the Director of Science and Technology to commence training for master trainers at the Borno State Vocational Enterprise Institute (BOSVEI) in Muna, with the goal of launching the IDP training program by January 2025.
Zakaria Ahmed, Coordinator of BOSVEI Muna, and Ali Musa, Director of Administration and Supplies in the Ministry of Education, expressed their gratitude to UNHCR. They acknowledged that the donation would significantly enhance vocational training opportunities for IDPs and improve working conditions within the ministry.
This initiative underscores UNHCR’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and fostering sustainable development in Borno State. Through such efforts, the organization continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by conflict and disaster.
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, recently visited Bokkos council Area to engage with stakeholders, discuss peace building strategies and find possible ways to eliminate all threats to peace and security in the area.
The meeting which was attended by council Chairman, Amalau Samuel and his Management Team, as well as Community/Religious Leaders, Youth/Women Leaders, and Security Help Groups arrived at silent resolutions for the peace to remain intact during the yuletide period.
A statement from the police spokesman Alfred Alabo stated that during the meeting, discussions focused on salient issues such as the incessant attacks, farmer/herder clashes, and cattle/animal rustling in the council area.
The release noted that the stakeholders expressed their concerns over the rising levels of insecurity within the area even as they pleaded with the Commissioner of Police to help them ensure peace and calmness within the area.
The stake holders also pledged their support and cooperation to the Police in their efforts to enhance security and ensure the safety of residents in Bokkos area.
“They also agreed to work together through intelligence sharing, to identify and address the root causes of the security challenges facing some communities in the LGA.
“CP Adesina assured the stakeholders of his Command’s commitment to addressing the security challenges in Bokkos council area emphasizing the need for collaboration and information sharing between the Police and the community, to effectively combat crime and maintain peace in the area.
“He further assured them that efforts are being made to deploy additional manpower and logistics to major flashpoints within the area, to forestall any future threats.
“Chairman, Amalau Samuel while responding thanked the CP for his unflinching commitment towards attending to their needs and ensuring that Bokkos council area is peaceful and safe for all to live in.
“He assured the CP that the council Area under his watch will continue to support the Police, untill all criminal elements are flushed out.
“The chair warned all those who intend to cause mayhem especially during this festive period, to desist from such plans, as his administration will not fold it’s hand and watch them destroy the fragile peace currently being enjoyed.
“The Plateau State Police Command remains dedicated to its mandate of protecting lives and property in the state.” Noted the release.
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
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At Umrah, VP Shettima Prays for Nigeria’s Peace, Stability
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
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