News
Combating SGBV: FG, UN agencies, Stakeholders Advised to Step Up Funding
Combating SGBV: FG, UN agencies, Stakeholders Advised to Step Up Funding
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government, United Nations and all relevant stakeholders have been advised to step up fundings and investment in the ongoing battle against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in order to consign the malady to history.
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Women Aspire Empowerment Initiative (WAEI) gave this advice at the weekend in Abuja as part of it’s activities to commemorate the 2023, 16 days activism.
Making the appeal at a summit set to establishing grassroot women advocacy and activism movement to stop Violence Against Women and Girls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Founder WAEI, Dr. Bibiana Okereafor stressed the need to address the socio-economic demands of survivors of SGBV, by empowering women and girls to reduce the inequality that exists in the society, and also continue to advocate for the reduction of gender based violence through the implementation of laws and policies to stop Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWGs).
Okereafor said: “Practical evidence shows that strong and independent women movements are the most important force to drive policy change in GBV. Unfortunately, such women entities and movements that are key drivers of mobilization/recruitment are not being funded.
“Increasing funding sources that are long term in nature to finance Women-focused rights organisations is key to funding solutions and response to VAWGs in Nigeria.”
She added that: “We are calling on the federal government through the office of the Women Affairs Minister, Barrister Uju Kennedy to push for the inclusion of Funding Organisations that are involved in the fight to prevent VAWG, as well as the rehabilitation of existing victims/survivors and reduce incidents of future violence.
“We also call on Federal Government organizations, states, international bodies, UN Women & Corporate organizations, high net-worth individuals within and outside Nigeria to give financial support to stop continued VAWG in Nigeria.
Okereafor further questioned the intentionality of government about ending VAWG, noting that the poor distribution of amount allocated to the nation through international funding as well as the distribution of generated funds among organisation’s working to stop Violence Against Women and Girls.
She also called for the speedy legislation of the 5 Gender Based Bills thrown out by the 9th Assembly, and the creation of a one stop centre for the victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, medical, psychosocial and counselling for female survivors of Sexual Assault.
Delivering his keynote Address, Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) Tijani Ahmed noted that violence against women and girls is a pressing global issue that requires collective attention and action, lamenting that human lost due to violence against women and girls is incalculable and an unfortunate reality that continues to persist.
He however commended the call for establishment of a grassroots women’s advocacy and activism movement stating that “it is an essential step. Such a movement aims to empower women and girls, provide them with a platform to raise their voices and promote gender equality in all aspects of life. By mobilizing at the grassroots level, we can ensure that the voices of marginalized women and girls and their specific needs are addressed.
Ahmed, who was represented by an Assistant Director in the Commission, Comfort Sanni said: “To establish a successful grassroots movement, we need to focus on key areas, awareness and education: This movement should start by raising awareness about violence against women and girls.
“We need to educate communities, both rural and urban, about the various forms of violence and their detrimental effects on individuals and society as a whole. By dispelling and challenging stereotypes, we can change attitudes and foster a culture of respect and gender equality
“In the FCT, we must take a firm stand against such acts of violence and work towards creating a safer and more inclusive society for everyone. This is the bane of this year’s commemoration,” he said.
Also, Women and Children’s rights activist and Public Analyst, Nana Kazaure reiterated that violence meted to women have grave consequences on their well being, stating that it is a greater cause of ill health than traffic accidents and malaria combined.
Kazaure also stated that “as troubling as these incidents are, they do not evoke in Nigerians, the needed empathy to prompt them to action. Instead, a pervasive culture of silence pervades the land as everyone stuck in our traditional “siddon look” or “waka pass mode re-in forced by our see no evil, hear no evil mindset.
“Traditional attitudes of hostility and discrimination against women underpinned by mindless stereotyping, have been exacerbated by violence perpetrated by corporate non-state actors and individuals across all the geopolitical zones of the country with hundreds of thousands of women and their children uprooted from their homes and handed off to Internally Displaced Persons camps where the majority of them become victims of rape of camp officials in order to obtain favour.”
Combating SGBV: FG, UN agencies, Stakeholders Advised to Step Up Funding
News
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.
He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.
He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.
Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.
He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
News
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations, describing Bangladesh and Nigeria as natural partners bound by shared aspirations for development, cultural understanding, and global cooperation.
Speaking at the Bangla New Year 1433 celebration in Abuja, the High Commissioner, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, emphasized that although geographically distant, Bangladesh and Nigeria share strong historical and developmental parallels as populous, dynamic, and rapidly evolving economies in their respective regions.
He noted that the relationship between both countries has continued to expand steadily in recent years, particularly in areas of trade, education, capacity building, and cultural exchange.
According to him, there remains significant untapped potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, ICT, and human capital development.
The High Commissioner stressed that cultural diplomacy remains a vital bridge in strengthening bilateral relations, adding that events such as the Bangla New Year celebration in Abuja provide an important platform for fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. He described such engagements as essential tools for building trust and expanding cooperation beyond formal diplomatic channels.
He further underscored the importance of people-to-people connections, noting that the Bangladeshi community in Nigeria plays a key role in reinforcing goodwill and serving as informal ambassadors of their country. He commended their contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic environment while also preserving cultural identity abroad.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s interest in stronger engagement with Nigeria, the High Commissioner said both countries stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation in trade diversification, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships. He expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cultural interaction would translate into more structured bilateral initiatives in the near future.
He described the celebration of the Bangla New Year in Abuja as a reflection of the growing warmth in bilateral relations and a symbol of shared commitment to friendship and mutual progress between Bangladesh and Nigeria.
The event was arranged by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Abuja. And present were Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of think tanks, media, business community of Nigeria and expatriate Bangladeshis. The venue was colourfully decorated with traditional Bangladeshi artifacts, symbols of cultural heritage. Diversity of Bangladesh’s landscape in different seasons were put on display. A spectacular cultural performance by Bangladeshi and Nigerian artists displaying different aspects of the six seasons of Bangladesh charmed the audience. Traditional Bangladeshi food items including various pithas were served among the guests.
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
News
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5 Operation Peace Enforcement (OPEP) have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching incident in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom Militia.
Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on April 28 in Maiduna village, Dafof district, when armed individuals attacked a civilian and attempted to seize his motorcycle.
The sources said troops deployed at Maiduna general location responded swiftly to distress calls, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene.
According to the sources, the victim was rescued with injuries and his motorcycle recovered by troops during the operation.
They added that the victim was later evacuated to a clinic in Dafof, where he was confirmed dead despite medical attention.
The recovered motorcycle is currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years agoTHE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
