News
FCTA, UN Women, and Traditional Rulers Unite to End Gender-Based Violence
FCTA, UN Women, and Traditional Rulers Unite to End Gender-Based Violence
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Women Affairs Secretariat, in collaboration with UN Women, is partnering with traditional leaders across the FCT to eliminate gender-based violence and promote safer communities for women and girls.
At a high-level sensitization workshop held in Abuja, influential traditional rulers from across the territory gathered to strengthen grassroots action, reshape harmful cultural norms, and reinforce community-driven accountability in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
The initiative, supported by the Ford Foundation, is part of a wider national effort where traditional leaders are playing a pivotal role in promoting gender equality and protecting women’s rights. Through dialogue, advocacy, and local policy reform, the collaboration aims to end practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and other forms of abuse.
In her keynote address, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, stressed that gender-based violence (GBV) is not only a moral and social crisis but also an economic one. She explained that violence against women has measurable financial costs, reducing national productivity and growth.
“Gender-based violence is not just a social issue. It’s not just a medical or personal issue. Statistics show that GBV is an economic problem one that reduces a country’s GDP by as much as 2%, costing nations billions of naira every year. It affects men, women, and entire communities, limiting our collective ability to prosper.”
Eyong illustrated how the long-term impact of GBV goes beyond physical or emotional harm, deepening poverty by preventing millions of women from contributing meaningfully to society and the economy.
“Gender-based violence perpetuates poverty and reduces people’s capacity to produce. Imagine 30 million Nigerian women unable to reach their potential because of fear and harm that’s billions lost to our economy each year. Every time a woman is silenced, beaten, or denied opportunity, the nation loses talent, creativity, and productivity.”
She spoke passionately about how denying girls education through early marriage or harmful traditional practices creates lifelong barriers to empowerment, prosperity, and equality.
“Imagine a young girl who, at 15, is taken out of school to be married off. That single act shifts her entire life into poverty because she never got the chance to learn a trade or complete her education. When girls are denied knowledge and opportunity, they are denied power. Educating a girl means equipping a future mother, leader, and nation builder it’s the most powerful tool we have to break the cycle of gender-based violence.”
Eyong emphasized that the involvement of traditional rulers is critical to ending GBV, as they hold moral authority and deep cultural influence. She pointed to examples across Nigeria where royal fathers have led transformative campaigns against harmful practices.
“Traditional rulers are not only custodians of culture but also moral compasses and agents of transformation. Across Nigeria, we have seen royal fathers lead the charge against practices like child marriage, female genital mutilation, and widowhood rites. When traditional institutions speak, communities listen and that power can be used to protect women, empower girls, and inspire a generation of change-makers.”
In closing, Eyong issued a heartfelt call for unity among government, traditional leaders, and communities to create a future where every woman and girl can live without fear.
“This session is not just a meeting; it is a movement a movement to reimagine leadership, to protect our daughters, and to preserve the integrity of our communities. The commitments made here will spark community dialogues across the FCT and beyond. Together traditional rulers, women leaders, youth, and partners we can end gender-based violence, one declaration, one action, and one community at a time.”
Pioneer Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat (WAS), Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi began her address by emphasizing that the workshop is not just a formal gathering but a rallying movement for change a collective call to action bringing together traditional leaders, policymakers, and community influencers to end GBV and protect women across all FCT communities.
“Today’s gathering is more than a meeting. It is a movement of conscience and collaboration a shared commitment to end the scourge of gender-based violence and to build communities where women and girls live, learn, and thrive without fear.”
She highlighted the indispensable role of traditional rulers in influencing social behavior and shaping moral values. According to her, royal fathers are not just custodians of tradition but powerful agents whose authority reaches places where government policy often cannot.
“Our traditional leaders remain the heartbeat of our cultural identity, the moral custodians of our communities. Your wisdom, influence, and authority reach where government policy cannot into the hearts, homes, and history of our people.”
Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi urged traditional rulers to use their authority and influence to lead the transformation from within by turning culture into a force for protection rather than harm. She said the conversation with traditional institutions will help craft homegrown strategies for ending GBV.
She added that: “Through the culture of the royal monarchy, we will have colours that make our GBV action not only shine but show and tell a story that is not just local but global. The strategies we create here today will translate influence into impact and tradition into transformation making every chiefdom in the FCT a zero-tolerance zone for gender-based violence.”
She appealed for a societal mindset shift — from silence to solidarity, from stigma to support and reaffirmed that ending GBV requires collective action by leaders, communities, and citizens alike.
“Beyond structures and policies, we need a change of mindset. Let this workshop ignite a new spirit where silence is replaced by solidarity, where stigma gives way to support, and where culture becomes a catalyst for compassion, not a cover for harmful practices. The protection of women is not just a woman’s issue it is a humanity issue.”
Mandate Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat (ACSS), Hon. Bitrus Garki commended the workshop’s focus on traditional rulers, noting that their participation was significant because they play a crucial role in addressing issues affecting communities at the grassroots level.
He said: “This workshop for traditional rulers has come at the right time because issues of this nature have always been part of their responsibilities in the palaces. It is rare to have such an assembly of royal fathers, and their presence here shows how important this fight against gender-based violence is to them and their communities.”
He assured participants and development partners that the traditional rulers present would take the message of the workshop back to their respective communities, ensuring that the fight against GBV reaches the grassroots and achieves real, lasting impact.
“I want to assure you that the message from today’s workshop will reach the grassroots. Once that happens, the aim has been achieved. Our royal fathers will amplify this message in their palaces and communities, helping us move toward the total eradication of gender-based violence across the FCT.”
His Royal Highness Haruna Tanko Jibrin, Gomo of Kuje, representing the Ona of Abaji, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Baba Yunusa, expressed the commitment of traditional rulers to championing the cause.
He said: “I am delighted to be part of this important workshop on an issue that deeply affects our communities. We appreciate the FCTA and UN Women for organizing this engagement for traditional rulers in the FCT. We stand firmly in support of efforts to end gender-based violence in the FCT and across Nigeria. We will continue to work and speak out until GBV is completely eliminated.”
His Royal Highness Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III, Chairman, Council of Chiefs, Kwali Area Council, narrated a distressing case of child molestation involving a young child, Chibuke, who was abused by a perpetrator, Abbas. The case was initially reported to the police, and while the suspect was released, authorities and community leaders ensured continued follow-up. The matter was then reported to the local government council, which provided support to the child and her mother. Persistent advocacy and intervention from the council and traditional leaders eventually ensured that justice was served, sending a strong message that GBV will not be tolerated in the community.
He stressed that the council and chiefdoms are actively working to eradicate physical and sexual violence in their communities, highlighting the ongoing efforts to build a culture of reporting, awareness, and collective action against GBV.
“Our commitment is clear. We support the fight against gender-based violence. In my chiefdom, we have totally dealt with it
it never existed here. We are working to ensure that such harmful practices do not interfere with the safety and wellbeing of our communities.”
He emphasized the importance of concerted efforts among traditional rulers and communities to prevent new cases of violence and encourage a culture of reporting and response.
“We are all working together to ensure we do not have new cases of gender-based violence. We are building a culture of reporting, response, and awareness so that families and cultural lineages understand that such harmful practices have no place in our communities.”
FCTA, UN Women, and Traditional Rulers Unite to End Gender-Based Violence
Military
Establishment of Army Depot in South-East Reflects FG’s Commitment to National Unity, Security and inclusiveness– COAS
Establishment of Army Depot in South-East Reflects FG’s Commitment to National Unity, Security and inclusiveness– COAS
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has said that the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army in Amasiri-Edda, in Ebonyi State is a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to national security, inclusiveness, national integration and balanced development across the country.
Shaibu made the remarks while addressing dignitaries during activities marking the inauguration of the newly established military training institution in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
According to the Army Chief, the depot, which is the first primary recruit training institution of the Nigerian Army in the South-East geopolitical zone, represents a strategic investment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in strengthening national security and promoting equitable distribution of critical national institutions.
“The establishment of this depot reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to national security, inclusiveness, national integration and balanced development,” Shaibu said.
He described the inauguration of the facility as a landmark achievement in the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army under President Tinubu, noting that it would significantly enhance the Army’s capacity to train professionally competent and combat-ready soldiers.
The COAS disclosed that the first set of recruits trained at the new depot would graduate the following day, describing the event as a historic milestone not only for the institution but also for the evolution of recruit training within the Nigerian Army.
“Their graduation will not only mark the successful completion of basic military training but will also usher in a new chapter in the evolution of recruit training in the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Shaibu explained that since its establishment, the depot had steadily developed into a modern recruit training institution designed to produce disciplined, professional and capable soldiers in line with the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda and long-term strategic vision.
He said the facility forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and expand military capacity to address Nigeria’s dynamic security environment.
The Army Chief expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the establishment of the institution and providing the necessary resources for its successful implementation.
He noted that the new depot would not only improve military training capacity but also strengthen the strategic importance of the South-East within Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, locating the institution in Ebonyi State underscores the government’s determination to ensure that all parts of the country benefit from national development initiatives while fostering greater national cohesion.
Shaibu also commended Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for his unwavering support towards the establishment and successful take-off of the depot.
He said the state government provided accommodation, logistics and other essential support that contributed significantly to the successful training of the pioneer batch of recruits.
“From facilitating the historic groundbreaking ceremony to providing sustained support for this institution, the governor has demonstrated remarkable patriotism and an enduring commitment to national security,” he said.
The COAS further described the Government and people of Ebonyi State, as well as the entire South-East, as indispensable partners in the establishment and growth of the institution.
He also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, political leaders, religious leaders, community leaders and residents of the state for creating a peaceful and conducive environment for the depot to thrive.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to deepening its partnership with host communities and stakeholders, stressing that sustained collaboration between the military and the people remains critical to enhancing national security and maintaining lasting peace.
According to him, the state’s sustained support demonstrates a strong commitment to national security, peace and development.
The Army Chief further commended traditional rulers, community leaders, members of the State Development Committee, political and religious leaders, and other stakeholders for fostering a peaceful environment that enabled the successful establishment of the Depot.
He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army values its partnership with the state and pledged to continue strengthening collaboration in pursuit of improved security and national development.
The COAS also paid tribute to distinguished retired senior military officers from the region for their contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian Army.
The establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army in Ebonyi is widely regarded as one of the landmark military infrastructure projects under the Tinubu administration, aimed at expanding recruit training capacity while promoting inclusiveness, national integration and balanced development across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Establishment of Army Depot in South-East Reflects FG’s Commitment to National Unity, Security and inclusiveness– COAS
Troops, CJTF Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant Accused of Identifying Kidnap Targets in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB) under Sector 3 of Operation HADIN KAI, working in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) informant in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Isa Janyu, 30, was tracked and apprehended at about 7:20 p.m. on July 4 during a targeted intelligence-led operation at Kasuwan Shanu in Monguno town.
According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect included a Tecno mobile phone, a knife, a comb, a mirror, and ₦10,000 in cash.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a native of Arianna Mai Massallachi Village in Kukawa Local Government Area and allegedly specialised in identifying wealthy residents for ISWAP elements to facilitate kidnapping operations for ransom.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the Headquarters Sector 3 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation and other necessary actions.
Military sources said the arrest was part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks and disrupting the activities of informants providing critical information to insurgent groups in the North-East.
They added that although the general security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of operational readiness and sustained offensive pressure against terrorist elements.
Troops, CJTF Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant Accused of Identifying Kidnap Targets in Borno
News
FG Moves to Stem Human Trafficking, Irregular Migration as Over 1,000 Nigerians Return from Crisis Routes
FG Moves to Stem Human Trafficking, Irregular Migration as Over 1,000 Nigerians Return from Crisis Routes
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government on Tuesday unveiled a renewed strategy to curb irregular migration and dismantle human trafficking networks, warning that worsening economic hardship and the growing use of digital platforms by traffickers are exposing more Nigerians, particularly women and young people, to exploitation across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
The renewed commitment came as the government and its international partners marked the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Protection, Reintegration and Assistance to Migrants and Communities (COMPASS) Programme, revealing that more than 1,000 stranded Nigerians have voluntarily returned from countries including Libya, Lebanon, Morocco, Mali, Egypt, India and the United Arab Emirates, while over 900 vulnerable returnees have received psychosocial care, healthcare and livelihood support to rebuild their lives.
Stakeholders warned that trafficking syndicates are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting technology, poverty and unemployment to lure desperate Nigerians into dangerous migration routes where many end up trapped in forced labour, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse.
Speaking at the anniversary event, the Chief of Mission of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, said migration itself was not the problem but the absence of safe and legal pathways.
She said: “Migration is not the problem. The challenge is ensuring that migration is safe, orderly and regular, while protecting the dignity of every migrant.”
Dimanche said the COMPASS Programme had significantly strengthened Nigeria’s migration governance architecture by improving policies and institutional coordination while placing the protection of migrants at the centre of migration management.
Highlighting the programme’s impact, she recounted the story of “Joy”, a Nigerian woman trafficked abroad and subjected to severe exploitation before returning home traumatised.
According to her, through IOM’s psychosocial support and reintegration programme, Joy rebuilt her life, established a fashion business and now employs several young women.
“Joy is no longer defined by what happened to her. She is defined by what she has become,” Dimanche said, describing the story as evidence that effective reintegration can transform survivors into productive members of society.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro. reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting returning migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities.
He said the government’s “One Humanitarian, One Poverty Reduction” framework under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to integrate humanitarian assistance with long-term poverty reduction.
“Migration, when properly managed, presents opportunities for national development. We will continue to strengthen institutions, expand livelihood opportunities and ensure that returning migrants are empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity.”
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was represented at the event, by the Director and Special Adviser Administration, Mrs. Erimfolami Ola, warned that women and children continue to bear the greatest burden of irregular migration and human trafficking.
According to her representative, the ministry has worked closely with partners under the COMPASS Programme to facilitate the voluntary return of over 1,000 stranded Nigerians while strengthening institutional responses to trafficking and forced displacement.
She stressed that interventions in Edo State had demonstrated that addressing poverty and unemployment significantly reduces the factors driving irregular migration.
Representing the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by the the Head of Youth Migration and Climate Action Resilience, pecial Adviser (Administration), Adedoyin Oyekan, said creating sustainable opportunities for young Nigerians remains one of the most effective responses to irregular migration.
The ministry pledged to deepen collaboration with IOM and development partners in expanding entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, innovation and employment programmes aimed at discouraging dangerous migration.
Also speaking, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Bengt van Loosdrecht, announced plans for a football-based youth initiative that would equip young Nigerians with coaching and life skills while educating communities about the dangers of irregular migration.
He said the programme would empower participants to become community ambassadors for safe migration.
According to the ambassador, “Migration is fundamentally a human issue. Through COMPASS, we are investing not only in stronger institutions but also in protecting people, supporting survivors and preventing others from falling into the hands of traffickers.”
Van Loosdrecht explained that the Netherlands established the COMPASS Programme to consolidate migration support into a coordinated framework capable of providing survivor care, mental health services, institutional strengthening and protection for vulnerable migrants.
Also addressing the gathering, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, described the COMPASS Programme as one of Nigeria’s most strategic partnerships in the fight against human trafficking.
She said the initiative had strengthened the agency’s capacity to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases through specialised training for investigators and prosecutors while improving support for victims.
Warning that trafficking networks continue to evolve, Bello said: “Traffickers are adapting to technology, exploiting economic hardship and taking advantage of the aspirations of vulnerable young Nigerians. We must therefore strengthen partnerships among government, international organisations, civil society and communities to stay ahead of these criminal networks.”
The renewed commitment comes amid persistent concerns over the thousands of Nigerians who, in recent years, have embarked on perilous journeys across the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea in search of better economic opportunities. Many have perished, while others have been rescued from detention camps, trafficking rings and exploitative labour conditions abroad.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that while stronger law enforcement remains essential, tackling poverty, unemployment and social vulnerability is critical to addressing the root causes of irregular migration and sustaining Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking.
FG Moves to Stem Human Trafficking, Irregular Migration as Over 1,000 Nigerians Return from Crisis Routes
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