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EU, UNDP screen movie to advocate for gender equality
EU, UNDP screen movie to advocate for gender equality
By: Michael Mike
The European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria have hosted a private screening of the feature film “Deafening Silence” to advocate for gender equality and women empowerment in Nigeria.
The film which is a result of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative aligns with the government of Nigeria’s gender priorities as well as the European Union’s and the United Nations’ Gender Action Points.
empowerment, and combating SGBV and Violence Against Women (VAW).
“Deafening Silence” produced by the UNDP within the framework of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, leverages the power of storytelling to explore themes of Gender Equality.
The intervention is on gender equality, women’s Gender Empowerment, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.
The film aims to foster deep and honest conversations around these critical issues, with the goal of incentivizing social change.
The film seeks to raise awareness and inspire action to combat GBV, promoting a society where gender equality and empowerment are fundamental values.
Speaking during the private screening, Samuela Isopi, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said: “Art is a powerful tool to promote behavioural change, fight stigma and create awareness around negative social norms.
“It is therefore my hope that this film will contribute to promoting gender equality and prevent g gender-based violence in Nigeria and build a more inclusive society”.
In her remarks, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, stated that “Deafening Silence is more than a film”, stressing that “it is a comprehensive communication, media and visibility intervention designed to challenge biased gender norms and inspire transformative conversations.”
She further added, “It harnesses the power of storytelling, communication, and mainstream media to catalyse societal change and promote gender equality.”
On his part, a former Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, sought protection for women in other aspects of their lives.
“Our budget at the federal and state levels does not reflect the aspirations of women in the rural communities where we have over 60 per cent population,” he said.
The former minister also said most of the food consumed in Nigeria was being produced by women in the rural areas, stressing that when government policies exclude the rural areas, women are automatically excluded.
In Nigeria, the spotlight initiative was implemented in five states: Sokoto, Cross River, Lagos, Adamawa, and Ebonyi, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and ended in December 2023.
EU, UNDP screen movie to advocate for gender equality
Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits have ambushed operatives of the C-Watch security outfit in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing eight persons and setting two patrol vehicles ablaze.
The incident happened late Friday night when gunmen invaded a village near Dandume around midnight.
Residents said C-Watch operatives responded to a distress call and rescued eight villagers who had earlier sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
However, on their way back, the operatives reportedly ran into an ambush by the bandits, who opened fire on them, killing the rescued victims and burning two patrol vehicles belonging to the security outfit.
Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles
Troops barbecued scores of bandits in Kankara, Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have eliminated scores bandits in ongoing clearance operations in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Zagazola learnt that the operations, which began on Friday, targeted multiple bandit hideouts in the area.
The sources said the troops, supported by other security components, engaged the criminals in sustained firepower, leading to the neutralisation of an undisclosed number of them.
“The operations are still ongoing, with troops pursuing fleeing bandits into the forest corridors,” one of the sources said.
Military authorities are yet to issue an official statement as at press time.
Troops barbecued scores of bandits in Kankara, Katsina
Zulum Visits Families of 63 Borno Residents Killed by Boko Haram
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has visited Darajamal, a community in Bama, to condole with families of the 63 people killed by Boko Haram insurgents on Friday night.
The victims comprise 5 soldiers and about 58 civilians that were earlier displaced by the insurgents but have been resettled in Darajamal for two months now.
Zulum, visibly moved by the incident, met with community leaders and consoled the bereaved families. He expressed grief and condemned the brutal attack in the strongest terms.
Speaking to newsmen, the governor said, “We are here to commiserate with the people of Darajamal over what happened last night that has claimed the lives of many people. It is very sad. This community was settled a few months ago and they go about their normal activities, but unfortunately, they experienced Boko Haram attack last night. Our visit is to commiserate with them and build their resilience.”
On the casualties, the Governor said, “at this moment we have confirmed that 63 people lost their lives, both civilians and military, although the civilian casualties are more. Close to about 60 civilians and 5 soldiers lost their lives.”
Governor Zulum, while noting the challenges faced in the fight against insecurity, also called for the immediate deployment of the newly trained Forest Guards to complement the military in safeguarding vulnerable communities.
He said, “We have to take note that the numerical strength of the military is not enough to cover everywhere, so far so good, two sets of Forest Guards have been trained, therefore one of the solutions that we need to implement immediately is to deploy the trained Forest Guards to most of the locations that are vulnerable, they will protect the forest and communities.”
Also, the Senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, whose constituency Darajamal falls under, has condemned the attack, describing it as a crime against humanity.
He expressed his commitment to supporting Governor Babagana Umara Zulum through legislative backing to restore peace in Borno State.
Zulum Visits Families of 63 Borno Residents Killed by Boko Haram
Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles
Troops barbecued scores of bandits in Kankara, Katsina
Zulum Visits Families of 63 Borno Residents Killed by Boko Haram
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