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ECOWAS Launches US$350 million Women Empowerment Project
ECOWAS Launches US$350 million Women Empowerment Project
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has launched the US$365 million Sub-Saharan Africa Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Plus (SWEDD+) project, with Nigeria among the countries to benefit.
The regional initiative for sub-Saharan Africa Women’s Empowerment and the Demographic Dividend (SWEDD) is a concerted response by the World Bank and the United Nations to the call for action made in 2013 by the Heads of State on the demographic challenges in the Sahel. The programme aims to address development challenges through the empowerment of women and girls in the region. initially targets five countries—Burkina Faso, Chad, The Gambia, Senegal, and Togo
It later extended beyond the Sahel to support other countries in sub-Saharan Africa with countries of Benin, Cameroon,, Côte d’Ivoire, , Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger.
Following its success with the empowerment of over two million girls since 2015, it is now broadened and renamed SWEDD+ project and Nigeria is brought in as one of the countries to benefit.
The initiative, presided over by Madame Damtien Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, aims to further address gender inequality and foster the economic and social empowerment of women and girls across the region.
The 365 million dollar SWEDD+ project, funded by the World Bank with technical support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), while engaging regional institutions such as ECOWAS and the Economic Community of Central African States, ECCAS.
Highlighting its importance, Madame Tchintchibidja stated, “SWEDD+ is a call to action for countries to invest in reducing the vulnerabilities of adolescent girls and young women, enabling them to become active contributors to the economic and social development of their nations.The programme will expand interventions that have already made significant impacts in Education with over 1 million girls have stayed in school, supported by scholarships, meals, and transportation.”
She noted that more than 150,000 young women have gained access to job opportunities and skills training. With over
8,000 safe spaces and 5,000 male engagement clubs have fostered gender equality and tackled harmful norms.
She added that over a million new contraceptive users have been supported, with stock-out rates at health facilities reduced to 24%.
She however explained that the new phase of the programme introduces three transformative components: “Gender-transformative Interventions: Promoting education, skills-building, and economic opportunities for women and girls.
“Strengthened Health Services: Expanding access to reproductive, maternal, and adolescent health services and training more healthcare workers.
“Policy Advocacy: Strengthening institutional capacity for gender-sensitive policies and combating gender-based violence.
The event, attended by key stakeholders including ministers, development partners, and regional leaders, also served as a platform to assess SWEDD’s achievements and outline the roadmap for SWEDD+ implementation.
With SWEDD+ poised to expand its reach, the project symbolizes a renewed commitment to empowering women and girls, fostering their active participation in development, and paving the way for sustainable growth across Sub-Saharan Africa.
ECOWAS Launches US$350 million Women Empowerment Project
Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 13 Brigade, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected cultist and gunrunner during a raid operation in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 1:10 a.m. on April 3 along Effangha Spring Road in Ikom.
The sources disclosed that the suspect, who hails from Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, was apprehended during the coordinated raid.
According to the sources, troops recovered one revolver pistol, one sword, two laptops, four mobile phones, one digital camera, one wristwatch, three identity cards, and a sack of garri allegedly used to conceal the weapon.
The suspect and recovered items have since been handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security authorities said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb cult-related violence and illegal arms circulation in the South-South region.
Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons
Gunmen kill village head, wife in Adamawa, son hospitalised
By: Zagazola Makama
Unknown gunmen have killed a village head and his wife in Tunga Waja community, Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:50 p.m. on April 2, when the assailants attacked the residence of the village head and opened fire on him, his wife and their son.
The sources disclosed that the village head died on the spot, while his wife and son sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated to a medical facility in Tingno for treatment.
According to the sources, the wife later died at the hospital, while the son is currently receiving treatment.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The incident has heightened concerns among residents, as security agencies intensify efforts to restore calm and prevent further attacks in the area.
Gunmen kill village head, wife in Adamawa, son hospitalised
Three soldiers injured in road accident during pursuit of bandits in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Three soldiers have sustained injuries following a road traffic accident during an encounter with suspected armed bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on April 2, when troops of 2 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base Dogon Dawa were returning from an administrative patrol.
The sources explained that the troops reportedly sighted a group of armed bandits attempting to block the road at Ngede Allah and engaged them, forcing the criminals to flee.
During the pursuit, however, three soldiers fell off a military gun truck and sustained varying degrees of injuries, including fractures to the hand and leg.
The injured personnel were immediately evacuated to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, where they are currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
Security operations in the area have continued as troops maintain pressure on criminal elements within the axis.
Three soldiers injured in road accident during pursuit of bandits in Kaduna
Man O’ War personnel reports abduction of female colleague in Bayelsa
Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons
Gunmen kill village head, wife in Adamawa, son hospitalised
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