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ECOWAS Calls for Mainstreaming Gender into Trade Policy to Boost Development of West Africa Subregion

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ECOWAS Calls for Mainstreaming Gender into Trade Policy to Boost Development of West Africa Subregion

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on member states to mainstream gender into their trade policies to achieve the objectives of the African Continental Trade (AfCTA), noting that until women, who represents half of the subregion population is fully integrated, the much searched development may continue to be a mirage.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, made the plea at the opening of a regional meeting on trade and gender in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said that promoting inclusive subregional trade by empowering women in business was in line with regional approaches and guidelines, as well as international best practices.

Toure-Litse while describing international trade as a powerful driver for wealth creation and development, lamenting that however women representing about 50 per cent of the global workforce is presently facing barriers to participating in it.

She said: “Women-owned businesses often struggle to access export markets, and women workers are overrepresented in low-wage, low-skilled sectors.

“Trade policies frequently overlook gender-specific needs and perspectives, exacerbating existing inequalities.@

She said that addressing these disparities was crucial for promoting inclusive and equitable trade practices, unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs and workers, and ensuring that international trade benefited all.

She added that: “However, increased trade supported by discriminatory trade policies is acknowledged to be a catalyst for the possible widening of the inequality gap between men and women involved in trade.

“According to UN Women, it is estimated that 70 per cent of informal cross-border trade in Africa is conducted by women traders.

“I am pleased to note that ECOWAS has already developed several community texts and initiatives to promote gender-inclusive trade.

“These efforts align with our commitment to deepening regional integration and accelerating development through inclusive trade.”

She however urged participants drawn from ECOWAS member countries, to share their expertise and constructively discuss the issue of gender mainstreaming in trade to enrich the ECOWAS draft action plan on trade and gender.

Toure-Litse noted that: “A well-crafted action plan will definitely contribute to achieving the Vision 2050, AfCTA, the AU Agenda 2063 as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.”

She said the entry into force of AfCFTA had culminated in great opportunities for increased intra-African trade, and solicited necessary steps for it to provide equal opportunities for men and women.

“In this regard, the regional AfCFTA implementation strategy aims to achieve objectives such as gender equality and structural transformation of state parties.

“Specifically, the strategy aims to contribute to positive gender and youth impact of AfCFTA through women and youth led-business activities, employment and social protection as well as informal cross-border traders,” she added.

Declaring the event opened, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that mainstreaming gender in regional trade policies would lead to creating a prosperous and equitable trade.

Represented by the ministry’s Director, Special Duties, Dr Simon Ozomo, the minister said that gender trade mainstreaming was in line with the Federal Government’s trade facilitation policy.

ECOWAS Calls for Mainstreaming Gender into Trade Policy to Boost Development of West Africa Subregion

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Young farm labourer shot dead while fleeing Amotekun in Osun

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Young farm labourer shot dead while fleeing Amotekun in Osun

By: Zagazola Makama

A 20-year-old farm labourer identified as Solomon (surname yet unknown) has been found dead with gunshot wounds after he was allegedly shot by a member of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, along the Ilesa/Iperindo Road in Osun State.

The incident, which occurred on June 29, followed the reported confrontation between a local security operative and a group of five farm labourers on their way to a farmland.

According to Temidayo Olowookere, the employer of the deceased, the labourers were accosted around 11:00 a.m. by an Amotekun operative, one Ajayi Ibukun, who accused them of extorting money from passersby. Two members of the group were apprehended, while the remaining three fled into the bush.

Olowookere said the detained workers were later released to him in the afternoon. However, later in the evening, when two of the three fleeing labourers returned, Solomon remained missing.

A search party was immediately organised. His body was discovered in the bush with gunshot wounds on his back, raising suspicions that he may have been shot during the initial confrontation.

His remains were evacuated to Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, where he was confirmed dead and deposited at the morgue for autopsy.

Police say efforts are currently underway to trace and apprehend the security operative allegedly involved in the shooting, while the community continues to call for justice.

Young farm labourer shot dead while fleeing Amotekun in Osun

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Mining site worker dies after rock collapse in Kabusa

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Mining site worker dies after rock collapse in Kabusa

By: Zagazola Makama

A mining site worker identified as Adam Bahago, also known as Peter, has died following a rock collapse at a site operated by Inhui Mining Company in the Kabusa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The incident occurred on June 29 at about 3:20 p.m., while the deceased was carrying out routine work at the site. Bahago, a native of Kaduna State and a member of the Koro ethnic group, was reportedly struck by a large falling rock.

According to the site manager, Brown Ekelechi John, the victim sustained critical injuries during the collapse and was immediately rushed to Asokoro General Hospital for medical attention. He was, however, confirmed dead on arrival by medical personnel.

His remains have since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary, and his family has been duly notified.

Preliminary findings indicate the incident may be linked to structural weaknesses in the rock face, prompting renewed calls for stricter adherence to safety protocols in artisanal and commercial mining operations across the FCT.

Mining site worker dies after rock collapse in Kabusa

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Police Officer wounded while repelling bandit attack on security camp in Katsina

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Police Officer wounded while repelling bandit attack on security camp in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces have successfully repelled an attempted armed bandit attack on C Watch Camp in Rimaye Village, Kankia Local Government Area.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on June 30 when suspected armed bandits stormed the location in an attempt to overrun the camp.

Security sources swiftly mobilised a team to the scene, where they engaged the assailants in a gun duel.

The bandits were forced to retreat and flee the scene with unspecified casualties on their side.

During the exchange of gunfire, the Officer-in-Charge of Rimaye Police Outpost, ASP Shola Odenkule, sustained gunshot wounds on his right leg, as well as bruises to his head and right hand.

He was immediately rushed to Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), Rimaye, where he received medical treatment and was admitted for further observation.

Police Officer wounded while repelling bandit attack on security camp in Katsina

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