News
ECOWAS Launches US$350 million Women Empowerment Project
ECOWAS Launches US$350 million Women Empowerment Project
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has launched the US$365 million Sub-Saharan Africa Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Plus (SWEDD+) project, with Nigeria among the countries to benefit.
The regional initiative for sub-Saharan Africa Women’s Empowerment and the Demographic Dividend (SWEDD) is a concerted response by the World Bank and the United Nations to the call for action made in 2013 by the Heads of State on the demographic challenges in the Sahel. The programme aims to address development challenges through the empowerment of women and girls in the region. initially targets five countries—Burkina Faso, Chad, The Gambia, Senegal, and Togo
It later extended beyond the Sahel to support other countries in sub-Saharan Africa with countries of Benin, Cameroon,, Côte d’Ivoire, , Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger.
Following its success with the empowerment of over two million girls since 2015, it is now broadened and renamed SWEDD+ project and Nigeria is brought in as one of the countries to benefit.
The initiative, presided over by Madame Damtien Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, aims to further address gender inequality and foster the economic and social empowerment of women and girls across the region.
The 365 million dollar SWEDD+ project, funded by the World Bank with technical support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), while engaging regional institutions such as ECOWAS and the Economic Community of Central African States, ECCAS.
Highlighting its importance, Madame Tchintchibidja stated, “SWEDD+ is a call to action for countries to invest in reducing the vulnerabilities of adolescent girls and young women, enabling them to become active contributors to the economic and social development of their nations.The programme will expand interventions that have already made significant impacts in Education with over 1 million girls have stayed in school, supported by scholarships, meals, and transportation.”
She noted that more than 150,000 young women have gained access to job opportunities and skills training. With over
8,000 safe spaces and 5,000 male engagement clubs have fostered gender equality and tackled harmful norms.
She added that over a million new contraceptive users have been supported, with stock-out rates at health facilities reduced to 24%.
She however explained that the new phase of the programme introduces three transformative components: “Gender-transformative Interventions: Promoting education, skills-building, and economic opportunities for women and girls.
“Strengthened Health Services: Expanding access to reproductive, maternal, and adolescent health services and training more healthcare workers.
“Policy Advocacy: Strengthening institutional capacity for gender-sensitive policies and combating gender-based violence.
The event, attended by key stakeholders including ministers, development partners, and regional leaders, also served as a platform to assess SWEDD’s achievements and outline the roadmap for SWEDD+ implementation.
With SWEDD+ poised to expand its reach, the project symbolizes a renewed commitment to empowering women and girls, fostering their active participation in development, and paving the way for sustainable growth across Sub-Saharan Africa.
ECOWAS Launches US$350 million Women Empowerment Project
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forced have neutralised two suspected notorious bandits during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
Sources told Zagazola that the operation followed credible intelligence received on Tuesday at about 1:00 p.m.
The report indicated that a criminal gang led by one Senen Hemen, also known as Orpa, was sighted along the pipeline axis between Gbeji and Igbongom communities in Ukum.
According to the sources, security forces were promptly mobilised to the location, where the gang engaged the operatives in a gun duel.
During the exchange, Hemen and another gang member identified as Mzungweve Ichur, both from Igbongom, were shot dead, while others fled the scene with gunshot injuries.
The sources confirmed that the corpses of the two suspects had been recovered and deposited at a private mortuary in Gbeji, while a manhunt had been launched in the surrounding bushes to track the fleeing accomplices.
The sources assured residents that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to rid Ukum and adjoining areas of violent criminal gangs.
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a worshipper from a mosque in Gbonkan Village, Ipapo, Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
Sources said that the victim, identified as Amadu Usman, was kidnapped on Monday night while praying at the mosque alongside his elder brother, Adamu Usman.
The sources said seven armed men invaded the mosque at about 9 p.m. and whisked the victim away to an unknown destination.
The sources said that a joint team of security forces, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes and local hunters had since launched a search-and-rescue operation, combing surrounding bushes to track down the suspects and rescue the victim.
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the Police, Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes, have repelled a bandit attack in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Sources said that the incident happened on Tuesday evening when armed bandits launched an attack on a hunters’ camp in Naalma village.
According to the sources, the troops and other security operatives responded swiftly to a distress call and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to withdraw.
“During the operation, Usman Lawal, 35, the Commander of the Hunters’ group, sustained fatal injuries. One of the bandits was neutralised while the rifle earlier seized from the hunters’ commander was recovered.
“Other fleeing bandits are suspected to have escaped with gunshot wounds. Troops are currently conducting cordon-and-search operations within the area,”said the sources.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
News5 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
