News
EU, IIDEA engage commissioners of women affairs on gender equality, rights
EU, IIDEA engage commissioners of women affairs on gender equality, rights
By: Michael Mike
In a bid to advance gender equality and rights in Nigeria, the European Union (EU), in partnership with the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA) and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, has launched a collaborative initiative by organising a two-day conference tailored for state Commissoners of Women Affairs and their Permanent Secretaries.
Laolu Olawumi, the European Union’s Programme Manager on Democracy, Rule of Law and Gender highlighted that the event aims to provide Commissioners of Women Affairs and their Permanent Secretaries with the technical support needed to address and tackle issues affecting women, children, and other vulnerable groups nationwide. Set against the backdrop of International Women’s Day 2024, the conference marks a significant step towards achieving this year’s theme, “Inspire Inclusion.”
Olawumi elaborated that the conference’s structure is designed to furnish Commissioners with the tools required to effectively confront and resolve rights issues. Moreover, the event serves as a knowledge-sharing forum beyond its primary role of offering technical assistance.
Olawumi added that the EU’s support includes ensuring that planning, budgeting, and implementation processes are inclusive. This strategy promotes the full participation of women, children, and persons with disabilities, integrating inclusivity into governance and societal development.
Under the leadership of the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the conference fostered a meaningful exchange of insights and strategies among state Women’s Affairs Commissioners, bolstering their ability to advocate for gender equality within their jurisdictions.
The event is part of the recently inaugurated second phase of the European Union’s Support to the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) programme implemented by IIDEA and based on the achievements of its preceding phase. At the programme launch, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Samuela Isopi, stated the necessity of a second RoLAC phase to sustain the momentum and continue the EU’s efforts in supporting the Nigerian governments objective of
Of strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria. “It was clear to the European Union that a second phase of the RoLAC was essential to consolidate the progress and continue the commendable work done on enhancing the rule of law in Nigeria,” Ambassador Samuela Isopi remarked during the launch.
Speaking at the conference, the Imo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, expressed the significance of the conference, stating, “This conference, courtesy of the EU, is very important to us, as it gives us an opportunity to come together, share experiences, and develop practicable solutions for our work, which focuses on human rights and the protection of vulnerable populations.”
Adding to the discourse, the Commissioner of Women Affairs for Abia State, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, shared her thoughts: “This gathering is a cornerstone for us in Abia State to forge stronger collaborations and innovate on policies that directly impact the lives of women and children. It is an invaluable platform for learning and exchanging ideas that can be transformed into actionable strategies for gender equality and the empowerment of the most vulnerable in our society.”
Through the conference, the EU aims to empower state ministries of women affairs to develop and implement comprehensive strategies that support their mission and mandate. Additionally, the initiative seeks to build the capacity of state Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries for Women Affairs, enabling them to act as visible and effective advocates for policy, advocacy, and action on rights-based issues concerning women, children, and persons with disabilities.
EU, IIDEA engage commissioners of women affairs on gender equality, rights
News
Concrete casters say Yahaya’s support boosting youths employment in Gombe
Concrete casters say Yahaya’s support boosting youths employment in Gombe
Concrete casters on Gombe State under the auspices of Gombe Concrete Casting Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Ltd has commended Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for providing an environment conducive for their businesses to thrive.
Malam Dahiru Abdullahi, chairman of the association in the state gave the commendation in Gombe on Saturday while inaugurating the distribution of food items and clothing materials to over 3, 250 members of the association for this year’s Ramadan.
Abdullahi said that his members were now able to provide employment for youths because of the good business policies initiated by Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State.
He said that Yahaya had supported its members through project awards which he said had created jobs for countless youths in the state while reducing crime rate too.
“Some of our members have been awarded contracts which have made them busy while employing more youths; this has helped in gainfully engaging the youths while distracting them from crime and drug abuse.
“This is why we are commending our Governor for the supports and we are assuring him that we will keep supporting the government to empower more youths with jobs,” he said.
He urged the governor to continue to support his association with more contracts so that more youths could be gainfully engaged.
Abdullahi while speaking on the food items distributed said the gesture was to support its members during this year’s Ramadan and Salah celebration.
Abdullahi who is marking his one year in office as chairman, said the items were to help beneficiaries observe the fasting seamlessly.
Abdullahi said that the beneficiaries who are the vulnerable members of his association needed to be supported following the economic hardship impacting on some of his members.
He said that over 500 small bags of rice, millet would be distributed while some fabrics would be given to members for Sallah celebrations.
He said two concrete mixers and two motorcycles would also be given to assist its members.
He said that the items being distributed were worth N7.1 million.
According to him, he has also within his one year in office supported orphans, housewives, youths and other residents with different items worth N9.65 million.
On his part, Mr Adamu Inuwa Pantami, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Gombe State
who was represented by his Personal Assistant, Malam Mohammed Baba-Adamu, commended Abdullahi for empowering his members while urging other associations to take their cue from what the association is doing.
Pantami said he was happy with the association for its efforts at empowering members which he said was in line with the agenda of Gov Yahaya.
He said that the chairman had been engaging in consultation with critical stakeholders before taking decisions and “that’s why he is getting things right.”
Concrete casters say Yahaya’s support boosting youths employment in Gombe
News
Guterres To VP Shettima: Nigeria Must Lead Africa’s Charge For New Global Order
Guterres To VP Shettima: Nigeria Must Lead Africa’s Charge For New Global Order
By: Our Reporter
Backs nation’s UNSC bid, applauds President Tinubu’s reforms, regional security role
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has asked Nigeria to spearhead Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN Chief made the remarks on Friday during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the talks, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism place it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” Guterres said.
The UN Secretary-General and the Vice President discussed key developments in Nigeria, as well as the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration in advancing global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Vice President Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in promoting global peace, saying Africa has benefitted immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” VP Shettima said.
The Vice President also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across the African continent.
Guterres To VP Shettima: Nigeria Must Lead Africa’s Charge For New Global Order
News
CAIDOV Urges DSS to Arrest El-Rufai Over Alleged Admission of Tapping NSA’s Calls
CAIDOV Urges DSS to Arrest El-Rufai Over Alleged Admission of Tapping NSA’s Calls
By: Michael Mike
The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently investigate and arrest former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over what it described as a confession to tapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Executive Director, Gbenga Soloki, the group said the alleged action by El-Rufai raises serious national security concerns and must not be treated lightly by security agencies.
CAIDOV insisted that security operatives should “move swiftly to trap him even if Nigeria will divide,” stressing that no individual is above the law regardless of political status or influence.
According to the group, El-Rufai has “succeeded in putting himself into trouble” and should be made to face the consequences of his alleged actions. It accused the former governor of displaying what it called an “alarming level of arrogance,” warning that personal disagreements with top security officials should not lead to actions that could undermine national security.
The group further claimed that the alleged development has “exposed whatever may have been planned underneath,” urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the matter.
As of the time of filing this report, El-Rufai had not publicly responded to the allegations, while the DSS has yet to issue an official statement on CAIDOV’s demand.
The call adds to growing political tensions surrounding recent exchanges involving key political actors and security institutions.
CAIDOV Urges DSS to Arrest El-Rufai Over Alleged Admission of Tapping NSA’s Calls
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years agoTHE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 months 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
