Connect with us

News

Ebonyi State Government has political will, commitment to make Spotlight Initiative 2.0 successful

Published

on

Ebonyi State Government has political will, commitment to make Spotlight Initiative 2.0 successful
 
By: Michael Mike

As the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to End Violence Against Women and Girls closed out and was handed over to Ebonyi State Government, the State Governor, H.E. Francis Nwifuru, has reassured partners and other stakeholders, of his government’s political will and commitment to ensure the success of the second phase of the Spotlight project.

Represented by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa at the event held on 26 October 2023, the Governor informed that “the state is well prepared to take up the second phase of the SI project. The state government is well equipped to support the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agncies, and other partners to make the second phase a success.”

Nwifuru reassured all stakeholders and the people of Ebonyi that the signing of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, was not a joke, emphasizing that the law would be implemented and enforced. “The state government is committed to the full actualization of the VAPP Act. If there is any gap in the implementation of the VAPP law, the state government stand ready to address such gaps.” He pointed out, and later declared the project closed and committed to continuing its second phase.

The joint EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls and harmful practices was launched in 2019, with implementation focusing on five states: Adamawa, Cross-River, Ebonyi, Lagos, and Sokoto, plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).  
UNESCO representative at the event, Ms Regine Priso, urged the Ebonyi State Government to take active steps to sustain the gains of the first phase of the Spotlight project. “The state performed well, the next phase can only be better considering the enabling environment provided by the Governor and the First Lady of the state.

She highlighted some of the achievements of the Spotlight project in Ebonyi State: Establishment of the National Gender-Based Violence Data Situation Room and Dashboard; One-stop Centre; Safe spaces; and the Second Chance Education programme which reached 25,000 girls and young women, including boys and men in the state; among many others.

National Spotlight Coordinator Ms Anu John, noted that the Spotlight Initiative project had led to notable progress towards gender equality in Nigeria. “In 2020, the country saw a significant reduction in gender-based violence (GBV) cases, as well as an increase in reporting of such cases.” She said.

According Ms John, this progress is reflected in the Global Gender Gap reports, with Nigeria rising to 128 out of 153 countries in 2020. “Furthermore, Nigeria has climbed 16 places in the 2022 global gender gap index, reaching the 123rd position out of 146 countries. This represents a substantial improvement from its ranking of 139th out of 156 countries in 2021.” She added.

The hand-over ceremony featured screening of a TV Documentary on the achievements and impacts of Spotlight Initiative in Ebonyi State, and beneficiaries testimonials, while the State Cultural troupe also presented a stage performance on ending GBV.

Ebonyi State Government has political will, commitment to make Spotlight Initiative 2.0 successful

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets

Published

on

Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets

Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Staff on Thursday inaugurated six blocks of renovated classrooms and newly constructed toilets at Central Primary School, Mayo-Belwa Local Government, Adamawa State.

Abbas, who was represented by the Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, said the project was a special intervention scheme and cooperate social responsibility of the Nigeria Navy to give back to the community.

According to him, the project is being executed by the Rear Adm. Abdulhamid Baba-Inna, the Navy Secretary in his hometown in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.

He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the facilities responsibly for maximum benefit.

In his remarks, Baba-Inna, said the project was to improve the learning environment to be conducive for the pupils and teachers.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, this project aligns squarely with the Nigeria Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation and Relations framework.

“We recognise that our effectiveness is not measured solely by operational successes at sea or on the battlefield but also by the strength of our relationship with the people we serve.

“Projects such as this are deliberate efforts to build trust, foster goodwill and strengthen the bond between the military and civil society”, he said.

According to him, the classes and offices were provided with tables and chairs as well as the solar power light to enhance safety and security in the school.

Baba-Inna urged the pupils and teachers to take ownership of the project for maximum benefit.

In his remarks, Mr Adiyal Kurdah, Member I, Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Navy for such a project.

He said the project would significantly improve enrollment, retention and quality education in the area.

Alhaji Ardo Bamanga, District Head of Mayo-Belwa, described the project as a good legacy that would help to shape the character of children to be responsible citizens in future.

The event featured presentation of learning materials to pupils, tree planting, cultural displays and awards presentations.

Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets

Continue Reading

News

Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

Published

on

Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring peace, have repelled an attack by unidentified gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 5 at Rim general area.

According to the source, troops deployed at the location came under sporadic gunfire from unknown assailants.

He said the troops swiftly responded and engaged the attackers, forcing them to withdraw from the area.

“Troops successfully repelled the attack, and the criminals fled,” the source said.

The source added that follow-up patrols had been intensified to track the fleeing attackers and prevent further security breaches in the area.

Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

Continue Reading

News

Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

Published

on

Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, met with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos on Tuesday during which he discussed opportunities for his state’s local creators to link into the value chain.

Zulum’s administration, since 2019, has pushed to diversify Borno’s economy while also creating a conducive environment for business and investment.

The governor, who was received by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, alongside Executive Director, Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, had paid a similar high-level visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) last year.

At the NSC meeting, Zulum had pushed for the fast-tracking of the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port; a landmark project designed to bring port services closer to the northeast. 

Once operational, the dry port will create thousands of jobs, generate significant internal revenue and boost Borno’s overall economic activity by reducing logistics costs and decongesting coastal ports.

In a related development, Zulum’s administration is also working to fully establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Banki, a border town neighbouring the Republic of Cameroon, with the process already at an advanced stage.

By simultaneously advancing the Dry Inland Port in Maiduguri and the Free Trade Zone in Banki, Zulum is putting in place a coherent strategy to industrialise Borno, create jobs, generate revenue and permanently shift the state’s economy away from over-reliance on monthly federal allocations.

Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights