News
Uyo Kingdom Issues Public Declaration Abolishing GBV, Harmful Traditional Practice Against Women
Uyo Kingdom Issues Public Declaration Abolishing GBV, Harmful Traditional Practice Against Women
By: Michael Mike
In a landmark move to promote gender justice and human dignity, His Royal Highness, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, Paramount Ruler of Uyo Kingdom, has issued a binding public declaration abolishing all forms of gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices within the Uyo community.
The declaration was made on 8th May 2025, follows months of in-depth consultations with elders, youth leaders, religious figures, women’s groups, and the broader community. In collaboration with the Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF) and UN Women, with funding from Ford Foundation, the initiative reflects a unified stand against practices that have long endangered the rights and well-being of women and girls.
According to His Royal Highness
Effective immediately, the following practices are abolished within the State:
Wife battery and all forms of domestic violence; Female Genital Mutilation (FGM); Denial of inheritance rights to widows and other forms of economic disempowerment; Sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation
His Royal Highness emphasised that any individual found promoting, practising, or defending these outlawed acts will face both traditional and legal consequences, as such behaviour stands against the values of justice, equity, and the collective conscience of the Uyo people.
“This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to uphold human dignity, ensure gender justice, and foster a society grounded in peace, respect, and shared humanity,” stated His Royal Highness Edidem Okon.
Represented by the National Programmes Officer for UN Women, Ms Patience Ekeoba, the Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms Beatrice Eyong, applauded the paramount ruler and traditional council for this bold step, stating that traditional and religious actors should challenge harmful practices that directly or indirectly accommodate violence against women and girls.
A statement by UN Women, stated that moving forward, Uyo Kingdom will partner with the Government of Akwa Ibom State, WARIF, UN Women, and other stakeholders to implement community-based guidelines, launch education and awareness campaigns, support survivors, and establish accountability mechanisms to ensure the declaration is fully realised.
The statement said the historic declaration positions Uyo Kingdom as a beacon of progress in the region and reaffirms the community’s united stand to protect and empower every woman and girl.
Uyo Kingdom Issues Public Declaration Abolishing GBV, Harmful Traditional Practice Against Women
Military
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the critical role of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in strengthening discipline, leadership and operational effectiveness across the Nigerian Army.
The COAS made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed 6 Division Regimental Sergeant Major’s House in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
Speaking at the event, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described RSMs as the backbone of regimental administration and custodians of discipline, standards and morale within the Army.
He said the provision of dedicated accommodation for RSMs was not merely a welfare initiative but a strategic investment aimed at enhancing leadership at the unit level and improving operational efficiency.
According to the Army Chief, RSMs play a vital role in translating command directives into action, maintaining troop cohesion and ensuring effective implementation of operational orders across various theatres of operation.
He added that the senior non-commissioned officers also serve as the crucial link between officers and soldiers, fostering professionalism, mutual trust and esprit de corps within formations and units.
Shaibu noted that the influence of RSMs in mentoring soldiers, enforcing discipline and sustaining troop morale remains indispensable to the success of military operations.
He stressed that providing conducive accommodation for key regimental leaders would enhance their ability to discharge their responsibilities effectively and contribute to improved operational readiness.
The COAS reiterated that under his “Soldier First” philosophy, the welfare of personnel, particularly those occupying critical leadership positions, remains a top priority.
He maintained that sustained investment in welfare infrastructure and leadership development would continue to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to remain a resilient, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intercepted a herd of cattle found grazing in a restricted area in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Sector 4 OPEP responded to a report of illegal grazing at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday in Nyerwie village.
The sources said that upon arrival at the location, the troops found a herd of cattle grazing in the restricted area.
The herders reportedly fled into nearby bushes on sighting the troops, abandoning the livestock.
The intercepted cattle were subsequently moved to a secure location for necessary administrative action, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing herders, the sources said.
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected vandals in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State for allegedly stealing construction materials from an ongoing road construction site.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Arin Itse, 21, and Agwom Christopher, 19, were arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on Friday during a routine patrol by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, along the Kwanga road in Jos North.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted while in possession of iron rods suspected to have been stolen from a road construction company handling an ongoing project in the area.
According to the sources, the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation, while the recovered iron rods were handed over to the construction company.
The sources added that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and whether other persons were involved.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
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