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UN Women Calls for Strengthening of Mechanism and Policies Towards Ending Gender Violence

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UN Women Calls for Strengthening of Mechanism and Policies Towards Ending Gender Violence

By: Michael Mike

UN Women has advocated for the strenghtening of mechanism and policies towards ending gender-based violence, especially technology-facilitated abuse that increasingly threaten women.

It called on traditional rulers across Nigeria to take up the role of watchdog against violation of gender rights in their domains as play custodians of culture and authority, with a direct contact with the people within communities.

The advocacy was made at the National Convening of Traditional Leaders on GBV Prevention, in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Representing the UN Women Country Representative, to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, the Deputy Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms. Patience Ekeoba, explained that the rate at which digital spaces are becoming new avenues for violence against women, harassment, exploitation, and intimidation, there is an urgent needs for every one to contribute their quota in curbing the menace.

She noted that recent national surveys show that while progress is being made, harmful practices and physical, emotional, and sexual abuse continue to affect millions of Nigerian women.

She further called for stronger enforcement mechanisms and coordinated community action to protect survivors and deter perpetrators. stressing that the Traditional Rulers remain essential in driving collective reforms and accountability within communities.

She noted that: “The commemoration of the 16 days of activism with Traditional Rulers is therefore part of a sustained effort to reflect your positive influence in challenging and transforming cultural practise used to justify and perpetuate violence against women and cultural practise used to justify and perpetuate all forms of violence. It is also a moment to recognise your potential to drive broader women’s empowerment, peace building, women political participation.

“We believe that our Traditional Rulers can lend their voice to make sure that that bill passes and women are able to get more seats at the National Assembly.”

She highlighted community-level success stories in Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Enugu, and Cross River States, where traditional leaders, with support from government and development partners, have abolished child marriage, widowhood rites, and female genital mutilation.

According to her, these examples prove that “cultural transformation is possible when tradition aligns with justice and human dignity. Reiterating UN women commitment towards ending Gender Based Violence.

“UN Women, together with the governments of Nigeria and partners, remain committed to supporting Traditional Rulers through technical assistance, capacity building, documentation, and platform for coordination. As we continue the 16 days of activism, we really need your support to make sure that the new form of violence that we are seeing, especially around digital violence, technology-enabled violence. We’re really hoping that you use your good office to begin to talk to our young people, even as you get back home, to ensure that they use technology properly. So as we talk about other forms of violence, because they are important, we also want your help in making sure that people understand that technology, while it is a good tool, has also become a tool in the hands of people to pull down women, girls, boys, and men”.

On her part, Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, stressed that though Nigeria has made strides in establishing robust legal frameworks, however, legislation alone cannot enforce itself.

She stressed that for legal frameworks to translate into protection, they must be embedded within the cultural norms and community practices. This is why your leadership as traditional rulers is indispensable.

She added: “Your Majesties and Your Highnesses, Nigeria cannot defeat gender-based violence without you. You are the moral compass of our nation, the guardians of our cultural identity, and the first line of defence for the vulnerable. Your voices can end harmful practices, promote accountability, and create a national environment where dignity becomes the norm and violence becomes unacceptable.”

She added that: “As we share experiences today; from kingdoms, emirates, chiefdoms, stools, and councils across our diverse nation; may our wisdom guide us toward sustainable solutions. May our actions reflect the Nigeria we aspire to build: a nation where culture pects, not harms; where leadership uplifts, not oppresses; and where every woman and girl can live free from violence,”

The Mandate Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, said the convening offers a platform to redefine GBV at cultural, traditional, and institutional levels.

She noted that: “Traditional leaders are transformers and gatekeepers whose voices can reshape norms, strengthen family value systems, and eliminate the cultural silence that often protects perpetrators. Protecting women and girls requires a united response anchored on community accountability”.

Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi, further restated FCTA’s commitment to sustaining partnerships that would prevent violence, support survivors, and enhance framework for strengthening social justice in the territory.

Also speaking the Convener-General of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa (COTLA), the Emir of Shonga, Haliru Yahaya Ndanusa, reaffirmed traditional rulers readiness to work collectively to end harmful practices that cause physical, emotional, or digital harm.

He said: “Cultural and religious laws provide clear guidance on ending practices that cause more harm than good. The palaces can also serve as safe havens for girls facing abuse. Traditional rulers possess influence that can swiftly change community behaviours when they speak with one voice, in discouraging child marriage, protecting survivors, and promoting responsible digital conduct among young people.”

The dialogue with a focus on deepening commitments, sharing community-led solutions, and exploring practical pathways for sustained action, brought together traditional rulers and key stakeholders to strengthen collective efforts to end violence against women and girls.

UN Women Calls for Strengthening of Mechanism and Policies Towards Ending Gender Violence

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President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

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President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

By: Bodunrin Kayode

President Bola Tinubu will today visit the Plateau state capital Jos to commiserate with residents who lost loved ones during the Palm Sunday shooting spree by criminals that took place at Angwa rukuba area of the city.

The President who was scheduled to visit Ogun state postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, meant to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.

From the Plateau, the President is expected to travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday public holiday which ushers the beginning of the Easter public holiday which rounds up the lent period.

A state house release signed yesterday by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircrafts for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth on Saturday April 4th.

“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.

“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructural projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“These projects include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.

“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri’s completed projects.” Said the release.

Sadly several residents lost their lives during the black Palm Sunday shooting spree which is suspected to have been carried out by auto bike riding bandits following after their patterns in the hinterlands of the state.

These bandits who had tormented, killed and destroyed homes of residences of the Jos north axis of the state for several years after September 7th 2001

This damnation let loose on innocent residents is resurfacing after hundreds of killings had occurred in the Jos North council area of the state from September 7th 2001 till date.

And because of the myriad of challenges creeping into the federal security system sub regionals have geared up to manage their on police and Intel services which would assist greatly because they are masters of their territories.

The Federal government is fast tracking the process of state police to ensure that each sub nationals take charge of their environment to ensure that they support the center in the maintenance of internal security.

President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

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NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

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NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that in 2026, the length of the rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 138 days.

This is contained in the Agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document, which Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State, made available to Our Correspondent in Gombe on Tuesday.

The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2026 is predicted to be between 701 mm in the northern part of the state (Nafada) and 1089 mm in the South (Shongom).

The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 29 (Shongom) and cease by October 22 (Yamaltu/Deba).

Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye were likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above) between June and August.

Musa while speaking to Our Correspondent on the first rainfall experienced in some communities in Akko, Gombe and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state on Monday urged farmers to resist the temptation of early planting of crops.

He described the first rain as false onset, explaining that the rainfall was false because it would not support any germination as seeds planted with such rain would not survive.

“This (first rain) is a false onset because the precipitation cannot carry any germination and so any seed planted would not survive.

“So farmers should not engage themselves in planting but to prepare their farmlands while getting their seeds and other inputs ready,” he said.

Musa advised farmers in the state, to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses in view of the impact of climate change on agriculture.

He further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with the rainy season.

NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

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Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

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Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

By: Michael Mike

The rumoured interest of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar in becoming the governor of Bauchi State come 2027 may have been confirmed he resigned on Monday to prepared ground for actualization of his political ambition.

The resignation was ahead of the deadline set for political appointees seeking elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.

In a resignation letter submitted to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s Four-D foreign policy strategy.

The former minister also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.

During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through initiatives focused on people-centred diplomacy. These included humanitarian evacuations, facilitation of scholarships for Nigerians abroad, and sustained support for citizens in the diaspora.

His tenure also witnessed increased diaspora engagement, including efforts to develop a structured database of Nigerians living abroad aimed at strengthening their participation in national development.

In addition, Tuggar strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with traditional partners and regional alliances, particularly across the Global South. His leadership also promoted regional security cooperation and supported the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiative.

He also prioritised economic diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector, while facilitating diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and improved bilateral relations.

The resignation letter was received on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, ahead of the March thirty-first deadline directed by President Tinubu in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.

Tuggar’s resignation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.

Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

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