Women’s Rights Are Fundamental, Not Favors, Ojukwu Tells Global Forum in New York

By: Michael Mike

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, has declared that women’s rights are fundamental human entitlements and not privileges to be granted by men, calling for stronger global commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance.

Speaking at a sideline event during the Commission on the Status of Women 70th Session in New York, Ojukwu emphasized that the struggle for gender equality must be rooted in justice and fairness, noting that women are not seeking special treatment but demanding rights that are inherently theirs. He urged men to play an active role in supporting gender equity, stressing that meaningful progress requires collective responsibility.

The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing women’s rights. Ojukwu underscored the importance of inclusion in decision-making processes, stating that policies affecting women cannot be effectively shaped without their direct participation. “You cannot talk about women without having them at the table,” he said.

Highlighting internal reforms within the NHRC, he disclosed that the Commission has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and significantly increased women’s representation in leadership, with women now occupying 10 out of 15 director-level positions. He noted that creating safe and empowering environments enables women to thrive and contribute meaningfully across sectors.

Ojukwu further stressed that economic empowerment and sustained awareness are critical tools in tackling gender-based violence, which remains a major challenge globally. He called for sustained partnerships and practical interventions to ensure that women and girls are protected and given equal opportunities to succeed.

The event also drew participation from prominent Nigerian figures, including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Temitope Ogunwusi, among others, reflecting Nigeria’s high-level engagement in global conversations on gender equality.

The discussions at the forum reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls, with stakeholders calling for stronger collaboration to drive justice, inclusion, and sustainable development.

Women’s Rights Are Fundamental, Not Favors, Ojukwu Tells Global Forum in New York

TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI FOIL COORDINATED TERRORIST ATTACKS AT NJIMTILO, BAGA, BURATAI , DAMBOA, INFLICT HEAVY LOSSES ON ISWAP FIGHTERS

By: Our Reporter

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have once again demonstrated superior combat readiness and tactical dominance by successfully thwarted terrorist attacks launched by ISWAP fighters on multiple troops locations at Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai and Damboa. The attacks, which occurred in the early hours of 16 March 2026, were mounted from several directions in a desperate attempt by the terrorists to gain propaganda advantage and overrun military positions.

At Ajiri Cross, ahead of Njimtilo, terrorists attempted to infiltrate positions mounted by troops of Sector 1 but were swiftly detected and decisively engaged by the vigilant troops who had anticipated the move and prepared a deliberate offensive-defensive posture to defeat the assault. Through coordinated firepower and tactical manoeuvre designed to disrupt the attackers and cut off their withdrawal routes, the terrorists were routed and forced into a disorganised retreat while suffering heavy casualties. Similar desperate attacks at Baga, Buratai and Damboa were met with determined resistance as troops brought superior firepower to bear on the attackers. The engagements were further reinforced by timely close air support from the Air Component and the Nigerian Army Aviation, whose precision strikes disrupted the terrorists’ assault formations and compounded their losses as they attempted to withdraw.

During the engagements, several terrorists were neutralised, including a key leader who spearheaded the Buratai assault, while many others sustained injuries as they fled along their withdrawal routes. Despite the intensity of the firefights, which resulted in the destruction of some equipment and a number of wounded personnel, troops remained resolute and maintained firm control of all locations while continuing exploitation operations to pursue the fleeing terrorists.

Following the engagements, troops conducted exploitation operations around Baga, extending to Korochara and Garin Giwa ahead of the Gidan Kaje general area. During the exploitation, troops recovered significant quantities of enemy weapons and equipment, including 3 PKT machine guns, 7 AK-47 rifles, 206 rounds of PKT ammunition, 418 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition, 7 AK-47 magazines, 3 AK-74 magazines and 3 RPG bombs. Other items recovered include 2 camel bags, 3 head warmers, 1 blanket, 1 magazine carrier and 1 litre of engine oil, while 3 motorcycles used by the terrorists were also destroyed. In addition, 7 terrorist corpses were recovered while the miscreants buried another 20 bodies in shallow graves.

These failed attacks further demonstrate the growing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained operational pressure from OPHK forces across the Theatre. The successive defeats inflicted on the terrorists have significantly constrained their freedom of action and disrupted their attempts to create false propaganda narratives.

Troops remain in high spirits and continue to dominate the operational environment through superior tactical coordination, decisive firepower and sustained offensive operations against terrorist enclaves and logistics corridors. Operation HADIN KAI therefore reassures the public that all affected locations remain firmly under the control of own troops and that the Joint Task Force remains fully committed and capable of decisively defeating terrorist elements across the North East. Members of the public are also urged to remain vigilant and disregard disinformation and fake reports aimed at undermining ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI FOIL COORDINATED TERRORIST ATTACKS AT NJIMTILO, BAGA, BURATAI , DAMBOA, INFLICT HEAVY LOSSES ON ISWAP FIGHTERS

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KACRAN Applauds Buni’s Leadership, Cites Job Creation and Food Security Gains in Yobe

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has commended Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, for what it described as visionary leadership that has significantly improved job creation, food security, and overall wellbeing of citizens in the state.

In a statement signed by its National President, Khalil Mohammed Bello, the association said the desire of any society is to have a leader who prioritizes the welfare, security, and long-term prosperity of the people, noting that Governor Buni embodies such qualities.

KACRAN praised the governor’s humility and accessibility, describing him as a leader who maintains close contact with citizens to better understand their needs and challenges. According to the association, this people-oriented approach has contributed to sustained peace and unity in Yobe State.

Highlighting key achievements, the group noted that Buni’s administration has consistently invested heavily in agriculture by procuring and distributing farm inputs to farmers at subsidized rates. This, it said, has boosted food production and strengthened food security not only in Yobe but across neighboring states.

The association also lauded the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock, which it said has reinforced Yobe’s position as a leading livestock hub in Nigeria. It added that the construction of modern markets across major towns has further enhanced commercial activities within the state.

On human capital development, KACRAN pointed to the award of scholarships to thousands of students for studies within and outside Nigeria, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure to improve connectivity between rural and urban areas.

The group further commended the governor for creating employment opportunities through recruitment into the civil service and various empowerment programmes targeting youths and women.

KACRAN also acknowledged the efforts of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), led by Mohammed Goje, in providing relief materials to internally displaced persons and vulnerable populations affected by insurgency, floods, and other disasters.

It noted that during the ongoing Ramadan, the state government has intensified food distribution initiatives, ensuring that thousands of households receive daily support as part of broader measures to cushion economic hardship.

While stressing the importance of proactive governance, KACRAN urged other state governments and the Federal Capital Territory to emulate Yobe’s approach to investing in agriculture, human development, and security in order to avert potential food crises and improve living standards nationwide.

The association concluded that sustained commitment to these priorities would promote peace, unity, and long-term stability across the country.

KACRAN Applauds Buni’s Leadership, Cites Job Creation and Food Security Gains in Yobe