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FCTA, UN Women, and Traditional Rulers Unite to End Gender-Based Violence
FCTA, UN Women, and Traditional Rulers Unite to End Gender-Based Violence
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Women Affairs Secretariat, in collaboration with UN Women, is partnering with traditional leaders across the FCT to eliminate gender-based violence and promote safer communities for women and girls.
At a high-level sensitization workshop held in Abuja, influential traditional rulers from across the territory gathered to strengthen grassroots action, reshape harmful cultural norms, and reinforce community-driven accountability in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
The initiative, supported by the Ford Foundation, is part of a wider national effort where traditional leaders are playing a pivotal role in promoting gender equality and protecting women’s rights. Through dialogue, advocacy, and local policy reform, the collaboration aims to end practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and other forms of abuse.
In her keynote address, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, stressed that gender-based violence (GBV) is not only a moral and social crisis but also an economic one. She explained that violence against women has measurable financial costs, reducing national productivity and growth.
“Gender-based violence is not just a social issue. It’s not just a medical or personal issue. Statistics show that GBV is an economic problem one that reduces a country’s GDP by as much as 2%, costing nations billions of naira every year. It affects men, women, and entire communities, limiting our collective ability to prosper.”
Eyong illustrated how the long-term impact of GBV goes beyond physical or emotional harm, deepening poverty by preventing millions of women from contributing meaningfully to society and the economy.
“Gender-based violence perpetuates poverty and reduces people’s capacity to produce. Imagine 30 million Nigerian women unable to reach their potential because of fear and harm that’s billions lost to our economy each year. Every time a woman is silenced, beaten, or denied opportunity, the nation loses talent, creativity, and productivity.”
She spoke passionately about how denying girls education through early marriage or harmful traditional practices creates lifelong barriers to empowerment, prosperity, and equality.
“Imagine a young girl who, at 15, is taken out of school to be married off. That single act shifts her entire life into poverty because she never got the chance to learn a trade or complete her education. When girls are denied knowledge and opportunity, they are denied power. Educating a girl means equipping a future mother, leader, and nation builder it’s the most powerful tool we have to break the cycle of gender-based violence.”
Eyong emphasized that the involvement of traditional rulers is critical to ending GBV, as they hold moral authority and deep cultural influence. She pointed to examples across Nigeria where royal fathers have led transformative campaigns against harmful practices.
“Traditional rulers are not only custodians of culture but also moral compasses and agents of transformation. Across Nigeria, we have seen royal fathers lead the charge against practices like child marriage, female genital mutilation, and widowhood rites. When traditional institutions speak, communities listen and that power can be used to protect women, empower girls, and inspire a generation of change-makers.”
In closing, Eyong issued a heartfelt call for unity among government, traditional leaders, and communities to create a future where every woman and girl can live without fear.
“This session is not just a meeting; it is a movement a movement to reimagine leadership, to protect our daughters, and to preserve the integrity of our communities. The commitments made here will spark community dialogues across the FCT and beyond. Together traditional rulers, women leaders, youth, and partners we can end gender-based violence, one declaration, one action, and one community at a time.”
Pioneer Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat (WAS), Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi began her address by emphasizing that the workshop is not just a formal gathering but a rallying movement for change a collective call to action bringing together traditional leaders, policymakers, and community influencers to end GBV and protect women across all FCT communities.
“Today’s gathering is more than a meeting. It is a movement of conscience and collaboration a shared commitment to end the scourge of gender-based violence and to build communities where women and girls live, learn, and thrive without fear.”
She highlighted the indispensable role of traditional rulers in influencing social behavior and shaping moral values. According to her, royal fathers are not just custodians of tradition but powerful agents whose authority reaches places where government policy often cannot.
“Our traditional leaders remain the heartbeat of our cultural identity, the moral custodians of our communities. Your wisdom, influence, and authority reach where government policy cannot into the hearts, homes, and history of our people.”
Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi urged traditional rulers to use their authority and influence to lead the transformation from within by turning culture into a force for protection rather than harm. She said the conversation with traditional institutions will help craft homegrown strategies for ending GBV.
She added that: “Through the culture of the royal monarchy, we will have colours that make our GBV action not only shine but show and tell a story that is not just local but global. The strategies we create here today will translate influence into impact and tradition into transformation making every chiefdom in the FCT a zero-tolerance zone for gender-based violence.”
She appealed for a societal mindset shift — from silence to solidarity, from stigma to support and reaffirmed that ending GBV requires collective action by leaders, communities, and citizens alike.
“Beyond structures and policies, we need a change of mindset. Let this workshop ignite a new spirit where silence is replaced by solidarity, where stigma gives way to support, and where culture becomes a catalyst for compassion, not a cover for harmful practices. The protection of women is not just a woman’s issue it is a humanity issue.”
Mandate Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat (ACSS), Hon. Bitrus Garki commended the workshop’s focus on traditional rulers, noting that their participation was significant because they play a crucial role in addressing issues affecting communities at the grassroots level.
He said: “This workshop for traditional rulers has come at the right time because issues of this nature have always been part of their responsibilities in the palaces. It is rare to have such an assembly of royal fathers, and their presence here shows how important this fight against gender-based violence is to them and their communities.”
He assured participants and development partners that the traditional rulers present would take the message of the workshop back to their respective communities, ensuring that the fight against GBV reaches the grassroots and achieves real, lasting impact.
“I want to assure you that the message from today’s workshop will reach the grassroots. Once that happens, the aim has been achieved. Our royal fathers will amplify this message in their palaces and communities, helping us move toward the total eradication of gender-based violence across the FCT.”
His Royal Highness Haruna Tanko Jibrin, Gomo of Kuje, representing the Ona of Abaji, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Baba Yunusa, expressed the commitment of traditional rulers to championing the cause.
He said: “I am delighted to be part of this important workshop on an issue that deeply affects our communities. We appreciate the FCTA and UN Women for organizing this engagement for traditional rulers in the FCT. We stand firmly in support of efforts to end gender-based violence in the FCT and across Nigeria. We will continue to work and speak out until GBV is completely eliminated.”
His Royal Highness Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III, Chairman, Council of Chiefs, Kwali Area Council, narrated a distressing case of child molestation involving a young child, Chibuke, who was abused by a perpetrator, Abbas. The case was initially reported to the police, and while the suspect was released, authorities and community leaders ensured continued follow-up. The matter was then reported to the local government council, which provided support to the child and her mother. Persistent advocacy and intervention from the council and traditional leaders eventually ensured that justice was served, sending a strong message that GBV will not be tolerated in the community.
He stressed that the council and chiefdoms are actively working to eradicate physical and sexual violence in their communities, highlighting the ongoing efforts to build a culture of reporting, awareness, and collective action against GBV.
“Our commitment is clear. We support the fight against gender-based violence. In my chiefdom, we have totally dealt with it
it never existed here. We are working to ensure that such harmful practices do not interfere with the safety and wellbeing of our communities.”
He emphasized the importance of concerted efforts among traditional rulers and communities to prevent new cases of violence and encourage a culture of reporting and response.
“We are all working together to ensure we do not have new cases of gender-based violence. We are building a culture of reporting, response, and awareness so that families and cultural lineages understand that such harmful practices have no place in our communities.”
FCTA, UN Women, and Traditional Rulers Unite to End Gender-Based Violence
Athena Graduates 13 Pioneer Fellows, Publishes Essays on Nigerian Unity
By: Michael Mike
The Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership has graduated 13 pioneer fellows of its Junior Fellowship Programme, with a call on young Nigerians to take up leadership responsibilities and help build institutions capable of delivering good governance and national development.
The six-month programme, implemented in partnership with Anchoria Group, brought together young Nigerians from the six geopolitical zones, 11 states, 11 universities and 11 academic disciplines to deepen their understanding of public policy, governance, institutional development and leadership.
The graduation ceremony in Abuja also witnessed the unveiling of a collection of 13 civic essays written by the fellows, titled Though Tribe and Tongue May Differ: Young Nigerians on Belonging, Equal Citizenship and the Work of Nation-Building.
The publication, produced by Athena Press, is the first volume in an annual series, The Republic We Are Building, designed to encourage young Nigerians to examine the country’s founding ideals against the realities of governance and citizenship.
Speaking at the event, Founder and Chancellor of the Centre, Osita Chidoka, said the fellowship was established on the conviction that building strong institutions required deliberate investment in the people who would eventually lead them.
“We cannot continue to demand better institutions without deliberately investing in the people who will lead them. Institutions do not build themselves. People build them,” he said.
Chidoka said the programme deliberately brought together young Nigerians from different geographical, educational and professional backgrounds to foster mutual understanding and develop their capacity to work across the country’s differences.
“We brought together young Nigerians who might otherwise never have met, from different regions, universities, disciplines and experiences, and asked them to learn, argue and grow as one cohort.
“If we are serious about building the Republic we all dream of, learning to live, think and work across our differences has to become a habit,” he said.
He said the fellows were exposed to intensive learning, mentorship and practical engagements with experienced professionals, including BudgIT’s Seun Onigbinde, Dr Sam Amadi and Dr Dakuku Peterside.
The programme featured six months of virtual learning and mentorship, during which participants received monthly stipends, followed by a one-week residential session. Each graduate also received an HP laptop to support continued research and writing.
Anchoria Group part-funded the initiative, which combined public policy, governance, research and leadership training with financial literacy, investment and practical economic decision-making.
Chidoka said the fellows’ essays were inspired by the line in Nigeria’s National Anthem, “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand”, and explored questions of belonging, equal citizenship, identity and nation-building.
He described the National Anthem, the National Pledge and Chapter II of the Constitution as embodying what he called “the promise of the Republic”.
“They describe the Nigeria we say we want: a country founded on justice, equality, dignity, unity and opportunity.
“Every generation inherits that promise, and every generation must convert the promise into performance through the institutions it builds, the standards it enforces and the everyday experience of the citizen,” he said.
According to him, subsequent cohorts of the fellowship will use the annual publication to assess how effectively the country is translating these national ideals into tangible outcomes for its citizens.
The fellows also benefited from engagements with prominent figures in public policy and national development, including Patrick Okigbo, Founding Partner of Nextier, who discussed the promise of Nigeria and the experiences of young Nigerians within the country.
Representatives of Nextier attended the graduation and interacted with the fellows on career opportunities in policy and advisory services.
The fellows were also received by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who shared his experiences of international training, returning to Nigeria and contributing to national development.
One of the fellows was subsequently invited to participate in the forthcoming Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance.
In his valedictory address, the Overall Best Fellow, Ezekiel Adebisi, said the programme had equipped participants with the analytical skills, intellectual discipline and sense of responsibility required to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He said the fellows arrived as young professionals seeking answers but were leaving with a deeper appreciation of the complexity of governance and the responsibilities associated with knowledge.
Adebisi urged them to approach public institutions with courage, integrity and a commitment to evidence-based decision-making.
He cautioned against equating access to political power with the ability to drive meaningful institutional reforms.
“We came to learn how institutions shape nations. We leave committed to shaping institutions that serve nations,” he said.
The graduating fellows are Augustina Enuwa Abakpa, Rashida Bafashi Abubakar, Yahaya Abubakar, Ezekiel Adebisi, Afodun Muhammad Saheed, Adaobi Ayogu, Kosisochukwu Praise Bosah, Enegbuma Angelica Onagiekhuwemhe, Haruna Hassan Suleiman, Mohammed Baba Kale, Daniel Nnamani, Eunice Olasunkanmi and Shedrack Owen.
Chidoka urged the graduates to measure their success not merely by the knowledge acquired during the fellowship but by their contributions to the institutions and communities they would serve.
“The value of this Fellowship will be measured over years: in the institutions you serve, the decisions you influence and the people you, in turn, help to develop.
“Today, we celebrate what you have learnt. Tomorrow, Nigeria will judge what you do with it,” he said.
He announced that the Junior Fellows Programme would continue with new cohorts, sustaining the Centre’s effort to develop a new generation of Nigerians committed to responsible leadership and institution-building.
Athena Graduates 13 Pioneer Fellows, Publishes Essays on Nigerian Unity
Tijjani Muhammed’s promotion to Lithuania’s top division excites Mailantarki Care FC
The management and entire family of Mailantarki Care FC proudly extend heartfelt congratulations to our former star forward, Tijjani Muhammed, on helping FK Babrungas clinch the 2026 I Lyga title and secure a historic promotion to Lithuania’s elite top-tier division, the TOPLYGA.
Mr Adamu Usman Ahmed, the
General Secretary of
Mailantarki Care FC conveyed the management’s message in a press statement issued to newsmen on Saturday.
Tijjani Muhammed’s remarkable journey from sharpening his craft at Mailantarki Care FC to making a decisive, high-impact presence on the European stage is a testament to his exceptional talent, discipline, and relentless work ethic.
Playing a pivotal role in guiding FK Babrungas to the summit of Lithuanian football marks a monumental milestone in his professional career and stands as a shining example for young talents across Nigeria.
Commenting on the milestone, the club leadership led by its President Hon Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki noted that Tijjani’s success reflects the core vision of Mailantarki Care FC of developing world-class players equipped to compete and excel at the highest levels of global football.
“We celebrate this well-deserved achievement with Tijjani. His hunger for success and dedication continue to make us immensely proud. We wish him even greater milestones, stellar performances, and countless goals as he prepares to take on the challenge of the TOPLYGA next season,” the statement read.
Tijjani Muhammed earned his pathway into European football following a scintillating, star-making performance with Mailantarki Care FC, the champions of the 2024 Dana Cup in Denmark, where he clinched both the highest goal scorer award and the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) honor.
Mailantarki Care FC remains steadfast in its mission to discover, nurture, and project homegrown talent onto the international stage, living up to its mantra.
Tijjani Muhammed’s promotion to Lithuania’s top division excites Mailantarki Care FC
Zulum Orders Suspension of Dikwa Council Secretary, Directors Found Absent on Duty
…Halts Work on Nurses’ Quarters
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has directed the immediate suspension of the secretary and some directors of Dikwa Local Government Council over alleged neglect of duty.
The Governor issued the directives on Friday during a working visit to Dikwa, where he found several senior council officials absent from their duty posts.
He directed the affected officials to hand over to their respective assistants immediately.
However, the Director of Primary Healthcare and the Education Secretary were exempted from suspension because both were on duty at the time of the visit.
“Residents depend on the local government for essential services. Senior officials must report for duty and carry out their responsibilities.
Those who neglect their duties will face disciplinary action,” Zulum said.
The governor directed the Borno State Local Government Service Commission to compile a list of the affected officials and begin the administrative process of filling the posts to ensure that council services continue.
…Zulum halts work on nurses’ quarters
Governor Babagana Zulum also ordered the halting of construction at the nurses’ quarters after raising concerns about the quality of work.
During the visit, Zulum inspected ongoing projects at Dikwa General Hospital, the nurses’ quarters and a mega primary school.
Visibly dissatisfied with the standard of construction at the nurses’ quarters, he ordered work to stop immediately pending the engagement of another contractor.
“Public funds must deliver buildings that are safe, durable and fit for use. Every contractor must meet the approved specifications. Those who fail to do so will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” Zulum stated.
Governor Zulum warned that contractors who fail to meet contractual specifications and approved standards would face immediate sanctions.
Zulum Orders Suspension of Dikwa Council Secretary, Directors Found Absent on Duty
Athena Graduates 13 Pioneer Fellows, Publishes Essays on Nigerian Unity
Tijjani Muhammed’s promotion to Lithuania’s top division excites Mailantarki Care FC
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