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ActionAid: There still Exist Societal Norms Attempting to Silence Voices of Girls in Nigeria
ActionAid: There still Exist Societal Norms Attempting to Silence Voices of Girls in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has lamented that despite many progress made in gender advocacy in the country, many Nigerian girls remain burdened by issues like early marriage, gender-based violence, lack of access to quality education, and the societal norms that continually attempt to silence their voices.
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu speaking at the commemoration of 2024 International Day of the Girl in Abuja on Friday noted that the theme of the celebration: “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” could not be more fitting as it serves as a powerful reminder that girls are not just passive recipients of change, they are the architects of a better, more equitable tomorrow.
He said: “However, as we celebrate today, we must also acknowledge the harsh realities that too many girls in Nigeria still face. Despite progress, many of our girls remain burdened by issues like early marriage, gender-based violence, lack of access to quality education, and the societal norms that continually attempt to silence their voices.”
He decried that: “In Northern Nigeria, for instance, only 47% of girls attend school in some areas, while issues such as child marriage and teenage pregnancy persist at alarming rates.
“We know that girls are disproportionately affected by crises, often being the first to feel the impact of economic insecurity, violence, and systemic exclusion,” But added that “it is essential to remind ourselves that these girls are not victims in need of rescue,they are and always have been powerful agents of change.”
Mamedu stated that: “From the research carried out in Jigawa and the FCT, 60% of men believes that it is detrimental to educate a girl because it leads to immorality, while others believe that education is important but prefers girls to learn a skill or engage in petty trade and 54.5% of boys felt that educating girls was unnecessary since girls would eventually get married, making it pointless to invest in their education. These and many other findings were captured during the research. This goes a long way to inform you that, girls are not prioritized and that needs to change.”
He said: “At ActionAid Nigeria, we believe in the immense power of girls’ voices, perspectives, and experiences. Through initiatives like our girl-led research in communities across Jigawa and Abuja, we have seen first-hand how girls are confronting the issues that affect them, from menstrual health and hygiene to safety from violence. These girls are not just identifying the problems they are leading the way in developing solutions. They are holding up a mirror to society, exposing its failures, and demanding their rightful place at decision-making tables.
“This International Day of the Girl, we are not just celebrating the challenges that girls have overcome, but we are also celebrating their resilience, their vision, and their determination to create a future that is safe, just, and filled with opportunities. From standing up for their right to education to pushing back against harmful stereotypes, girls are challenging the systems that limit them.
“We see this in the findings from our research. Girls in Nigeria told us that education is key to their future, they want more access to schools, to digital tools, and to environments free from violence and harassment. They want spaces where they can be heard and where their aspirations are recognized.”
He said: “As adults, as leaders, and as allies, we have a duty to not only listen but to act. We must push for policies that prioritize girls’ education, protect them from violence, and ensure they have equal access to resources and opportunities. And we must commit to creating spaces where girls can share their vision, and where we can work alongside them to bring that vision to life.”
One of the girls from the girl led research on issues around girls in the country, Favour Usman said: “Our theme today, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” speaks not just to a dream but to our reality as young girls who want to be heard, to lead, and to create the changes we need in our communities and our country. It’s about imagining a future where girls are safe, empowered, and free to reach our full potential.
She said: “Educating girls is non-negotiable: It is essential that the government and other stakeholders provide scholarships, reduce the cost of school materials, and ensure that girls have accessible, affordable and safe school experience. No girl should be forced to drop out because her family cannot afford the fees.
“Support Menstrual Health: No girl should have to go through stress because of her period. Girls should not have to miss school or risk their health because they cannot manage their periods. We need free menstrual health education and sanitary products for girls
“We must educate our communities about the importance of girls’ education, health, and safety. We believe that community leaders, parents, and girls themselves need more information on these issues to help us drive change.
“End Gender-Based Violence: There must be stronger laws and better enforcement to protect girls from violence. We need safe spaces in our communities where girls can report violence and intimidation without fear, and where we can receive the support, we need to heal and recover.”
ActionAid: There still Exist Societal Norms Attempting to Silence Voices of Girls in Nigeria
Marwa: New Drug Control Master Plan to Deepen Crackdown, Strengthen Public Health Response
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has declared that the forthcoming National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2026–2030 will mark decisive new phase in Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs, addiction, and related criminal networks.
Speaking on Thursday at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja, Marwa while receiving the final summative evaluation report on the implementation of the 2021–2025 master plan, described the review as both a scorecard of progress and a compass for future reforms.
He said the next five-year framework is being designed to consolidate operational gains recorded in recent years while closing critical gaps, particularly in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
“With the depth of preparation and the seriousness attached to the 2026–2030 Master Plan, its execution will significantly strengthen our ongoing drug control efforts,” Marwa said. “When fully implemented, it will deliver measurable improvements in public health outcomes and reinforce national security.”
According to him, Nigeria’s drug challenge remains intertwined with organised crime, insurgency financing, and youth vulnerability, making a comprehensive and coordinated response imperative.
He stressed that the new master plan will further integrate supply reduction strategies—such as seizures, arrests, and dismantling of trafficking syndicates—with demand reduction efforts, including education, counselling, and community-based rehabilitation programmes.
Marwa commended the evaluation team led by Prof. Ibrahim Wakama of the University of Maiduguri for what he described as a rigorous and objective assessment of the 2021–2025 plan.
“I must commend your diligence and professionalism,” he said. “Your recognition of the successes achieved under both the drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction pillars is well appreciated. It is important that we build on these gains as we move into the next cycle.”
The NDLEA chief expressed confidence that under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the agency would achieve even greater milestones in safeguarding communities from the devastating impact of narcotics and psychotropic substances.
Earlier, Prof. Wakawa praised Marwa’s leadership, noting that the agency had exceeded many of the targets set in the 2021–2025 framework. He said the evaluation revealed substantial progress in operational efficiency, inter-agency coordination, and public awareness campaigns.
While acknowledging areas that require strengthening—particularly in drug demand reduction—Wakawa voiced optimism that the NDLEA would address identified gaps through improved policy alignment, resource deployment, and stakeholder collaboration under the new master plan.
He was joined by Mrs. Ngozi Oguejiofor and Mrs. Ibiba Odili, both retired Assistant Commanders General of Narcotics and former heads of the NDCMP secretariat, who contributed to the evaluation process.
The National Drug Control Master Plan serves as Nigeria’s central policy blueprint for combating drug trafficking and substance abuse. It aligns law enforcement operations with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and multi-sectoral engagement—an approach authorities say is essential to confronting a drug crisis that threatens both public health and national stability.
With preparations for the 2026–2030 plan nearing completion, stakeholders say its implementation could define the next chapter of Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign, combining tougher enforcement with a more expansive public health response.
Marwa: New Drug Control Master Plan to Deepen Crackdown, Strengthen Public Health Response
Boko Haram Terrorists Ambush Vigilantes in Borno, One Killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have ambushed members of a vigilante group on routine patrol along the Warave–Gwoza Road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing one member.
Sources said the attack occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday when the gunmen opened fire on members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters conducting patrol in the area.
A member of the CJTF in Warave, Bello Adamu, 50, sustained fatal injuries during the ambush. He was evacuated to the General Hospital in Gwoza, where he was certified dead on arrival. His remains were later released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI were deployed to the scene following the incident, while monitoring and patrols have been intensified along the axis to prevent further attacks.
Boko Haram Terrorists Ambush Vigilantes in Borno, One Killed
Troops Neutralise Four Terrorists in Offensive Operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised Four suspected Boko Haram terrorists during an offensive operation in Shehuri area of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola that the operation, conducted at about 9:15 a.m. on Feb. 25 under Operation Desert Sanity IV, led to the interception and engagement of the terrorists.
Following the encounter, troops carried out exploitation of the area, during which four insurgents were neutralised.
Items recovered from the scene included AKSM automatic rifle and pump-action rifle with cartridges and magazines.
Sources added that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high as clearance operations continue across parts of the state.
Troops Neutralise Four Terrorists in Offensive Operation in Borno
Marwa: New Drug Control Master Plan to Deepen Crackdown, Strengthen Public Health Response
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