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EU, IIDEA engage commissioners of women affairs on gender equality, rights

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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

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Locals Cry Out for Help as Lakurawa Terrorists Menace Kebbi Villages Against Mechanized Farming

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Locals Cry Out for Help as Lakurawa Terrorists Menace Kebbi Villages Against Mechanized Farming

By Zagazola Makama

Residents of some villages plagued by the Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi State have cried out to the Nigerian military and government to intervene and protect them from the terrorists who have been wreaking havoc in their communities.

The terrorists have issued a chilling warning to farmers in some villages in Augie Local Government Area, threatening to execute anyone who replaces their cattle-farming method with mechanized farming machines. This warning has sent shockwaves through the communities, which have already been devastated by massive cattle rustling carried out by the Lakurawa terrorists.

The terrorists’ actions have forced the villagers to dispose of their remaining cattle used for farming, and some were considering using small mechanized farming machines. However, the terrorists’ warning has made it clear that this option is no longer viable.

A source who reported the warning to the authorities said, “Now, the terrorists are dictating how we should farm, forbidding us from adopting modern farming methods that replace traditional farming with tools tied to cattle.” The source added, “When we farm with cattle, they come and seize them, and we’re large-scale farmers, farming for our needs and commercial purposes.”

The warning from the terrorists has created a sense of hopelessness among the villagers, who feel they are being strangled by the terrorists’ demands. They are desperate for the government and military to intervene and provide protection.

An intelligence source confirmed that the terrorists’ warning was indeed issued to the villages, and that anyone found not abiding by the warning will face severe consequences, including execution. However, the matter is receiving due security attention, offering some hope that the situation may be addressed soon.
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KSrelief to Drill 78 Solar-Powered Well Across 10 States in Nigeria

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KSrelief to Drill 78 Solar-Powered Well Across 10 States in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) has concluded plan to drill 78 medium-depth, solar-powered well across 10 states of Nigeria.

The Centre has signed a cooperation agreement via video conference on Tuesday with a civil society organisation to implement the project.

According to a statement from the Centre, the initiative is expected to benefit approximately 733,350 individuals.

KSrelief’s Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programmes, Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz signed the agreement at KSrelief’s headquarters in Riyadh.

The agreement is aimed to provide safe drinking water for both people and livestock, support domestic water needs, and enhance water access in low-income areas.

It also seeks to reduce the spread of waterborne infections and parasitic disease vectors, ultimately helping to save lives, particularly among infants.

Additionally, the project contributes to improved nutrition by providing a reliable source of clean water.

The statement said the initiative is part of a broader range of humanitarian and relief projects in the water and sanitation sector, implemented by the Kingdom through KSrelief, aimed at improving the quality of life and reducing the spread of diseases and epidemics in vulnerable countries worldwid

KSrelief to Drill 78 Solar-Powered Well Across 10 States in Nigeria

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Nigeria Finalizes Evacuation of Citizens from Israel, Iran as Crisis Escalates

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Nigeria Finalizes Evacuation of Citizens from Israel, Iran as Crisis Escalates

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian government has finalized arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in Israel and Iran as crisis between the two nations escalate with incessant bombings.

The arrangements of the Nigerian government was communicated on Wednesday signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

The statement read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that following the escalation of the crisis between the State of Israel and Islamic Republic of Iran, the Federal Government is finalizing arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in both countries.

“All affected Nigerian citizens are therefore strongly advised to abide by necessary security protocols and contact the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Mission for registration and further instructions.

“The Ministry commends the efforts put in place by our Missions in Tel Aviv, Israel and Tehran, Iran for their dedication and commitment to reaching out to the Nigerian Community in these difficult times.

“We wish to assure the general public that the Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of all its citizens, both at home and abroad, and is working in close coordination with relevant international partners and local authorities to ensure the timely and secure evacuation of Nigerians in affected areas.”

The statement added: “In the same vein, the Government of Nigeria reiterates its call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties involved to embrace dialogue, respect international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians.

“Nigeria stands firm in its support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reaffirms its longstanding commitment to regional and global peace and stability.”

The government promised to provide further updates from time to time through official channels as operations progress.

Nigeria Finalizes Evacuation of Citizens from Israel, Iran as Crisis Escalates

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