News
FG to Wipe Out Cases of GBV, to Establish Procedure for Its Prosecution in Schools
FG to Wipe Out Cases of GBV, to Establish Procedure for Its Prosecution in Schools
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has expressed displeasure over growing cases of Gender-based Violence (GBV) and has revealed its plan to establish Standard of Operations (SoP) procedure for speedy prosecution of related cases in schools.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) made the disclosure on Tuesday at the national close-out/ handover ceremony of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative project organised by the United Nations to end violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
The Spotlight Initiative was established in the country to tackle the widespread cases of GBV and other harmful traditional practices.
Fagbemi said: “The ministry has been a beneficiary of numerous programmes under the EU/UN spotlight initiatives, in partnership with the UN Women, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP.
“These are programmes centered on criminal justice actions at the Federal and spotlight States. The ministry will be launching the SoP for prosecution of GBV.
“It is funded by UNESCO under the EU/UN Spotlight Initiative; the SoP is targeted at determining and responding to GBV when it occurs in our schools.
“This initiative propels further collaboration with key ministries of Women Affairs and Justice, to give rise to more robust-real-time and readily available pattern for solution room.”
The Minister mentioned that situation room would be situated at the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Ministry of Justice respectively.
On his part, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, commended the initiative, stating that it aptly tackled cases of GBV in the country.
Bagudu, who was represented by Director of International Cooperation at the ministry, Mr Lanre Adekanya, said: “From the implementation of Spotlight Initiative reports in Nigeria it is clear that significant milestones have been achieved with the success stories hinged on commitment of stakeholders.
“It is important that the national stakeholders sustain the outcome by mainstreaming its activities to other strategic and operational plans.
“Given that women and girls are agents of change in any developing nation, I assure you the ministry will leave no stone unturned in supporting similar programmes sustain impacts of Spotlight Initiative in Nigeria.”
The Emir of Shonga, and Deputy Convenor-General of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa (COTLA), Dr Haliru Ndanusa, who also spoke at the event described the initiative as the most substantial commitment by EU/UN in tackling Sexual-GBV (SGBV).
He said: “SGBV remains the most widespread human rights violations impacting our society socioeconomic development and conflicting the values of human dignity and sanctity in our communities.
“In recognizing the sociocultural harms of SGBV, we as custodians of culture and traditions have ethically worked to transform practices related to violence.”
The monarch added that: “We express immense satisfaction at Spotlight Initiative fostering a movement of ethical group in tackling SGBV, we will actively sustain the achievements of the initiative.”
In his remarks, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mathias Schmale, said the initiative focused on GBV in relation to collective efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda in the SDGs.
He said: “Since the beginning of the Spotlight Initiative in Nigeria in 2019 , we have made tangible difference in the lives of many in Nigeria.
“It has enabled more than 60,500 women and girls receive worthy services. It made allies of traditional leaders, enhanced data collection and galvanization in changing mindsets and changing lives.”
Schmale noted however that there is the need to secure commitments from governments and relevant stakeholders to safeguard the progress of the Spotlight Initiative.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Samuela Isopi, on her part described the initiative as the world’s largest efforts and investments to fights against GBV.
She highlighted that: “EU launched it in 2018 together with the UN, it is funded with the global investment of €500 million, because we are convinced that this is what is necessary to make transformative change.
“Out of this €500 million, €25 million has been allocated to support fights against GBV in Nigeria; in Nigeria the programme has tasted new holistic approach that brought all actors together.
“This has allowed us achieve resounding results, a record number of 35 States of the Federation have passed the VAPP Act into Law making it fastest Bill passed in Nigeria.”
Highpoint of the event was video documentary on Spotlight Initiative results and impacts, stage performance on SGBV, discussion on Spotlight Initiative, official declaration of the project “closed” and handing over.
FG to Wipe Out Cases of GBV, to Establish Procedure for Its Prosecution in Schools
News
Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army
Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring peace, have repelled an attack by unidentified gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 5 at Rim general area.
According to the source, troops deployed at the location came under sporadic gunfire from unknown assailants.
He said the troops swiftly responded and engaged the attackers, forcing them to withdraw from the area.
“Troops successfully repelled the attack, and the criminals fled,” the source said.
The source added that follow-up patrols had been intensified to track the fleeing attackers and prevent further security breaches in the area.
Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army
News
Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up
Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, met with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos on Tuesday during which he discussed opportunities for his state’s local creators to link into the value chain.
Zulum’s administration, since 2019, has pushed to diversify Borno’s economy while also creating a conducive environment for business and investment.

The governor, who was received by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, alongside Executive Director, Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, had paid a similar high-level visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) last year.
At the NSC meeting, Zulum had pushed for the fast-tracking of the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port; a landmark project designed to bring port services closer to the northeast.
Once operational, the dry port will create thousands of jobs, generate significant internal revenue and boost Borno’s overall economic activity by reducing logistics costs and decongesting coastal ports.

In a related development, Zulum’s administration is also working to fully establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Banki, a border town neighbouring the Republic of Cameroon, with the process already at an advanced stage.
By simultaneously advancing the Dry Inland Port in Maiduguri and the Free Trade Zone in Banki, Zulum is putting in place a coherent strategy to industrialise Borno, create jobs, generate revenue and permanently shift the state’s economy away from over-reliance on monthly federal allocations.
Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up
News
APC Backs Tegbe for Power Reforms, Cites Proven Expertise, Strategic Leadership
APC Backs Tegbe for Power Reforms, Cites Proven Expertise, Strategic Leadership
By: Michael Mike
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has hailed the nomination of Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Nigeria’s Minister of Power, describing it as a timely move amid the country’s persistent electricity challenges.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, the party’s state leadership said Tegbe’s selection reflects both merit and the urgent need for competent leadership in the nation’s power sector.
The statement, jointly signed by State Chairman Chief Moses Adeyemo Alake and State Secretary Hon. Fatai Adesina, expressed strong confidence in Tegbe’s ability to drive meaningful reforms, citing his extensive professional background and policy experience.
Tegbe, an engineer and seasoned policy strategist, brings over three decades of experience spanning engineering, consulting, and public sector advisory.
He previously served as Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership, where he coordinated bilateral development initiatives and investment engagements between both countries.
He also chaired the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, playing a key role in advancing Nigeria’s fiscal reform agenda and strengthening revenue frameworks.
Before transitioning fully into public service, Tegbe built a distinguished career at KPMG, rising to become Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services in Africa. In that role, he led major engagements on governance reforms, economic policy, institutional transformation, and investment strategy across both public and private sectors.
Earlier in his career, he worked with Shell Petroleum Development Company, gaining experience in corporate operations and resource management.
Academically, Tegbe holds a first-class degree in Civil Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University and has attended executive programmes at globally renowned institutions including Harvard and INSEAD, further reinforcing his technical and leadership credentials.
The APC noted that this blend of technical expertise and policy leadership positions him to tackle longstanding challenges in power generation, transmission, and distribution.
“The APC in Oyo State is confident that Chief Tegbe will bring innovation, efficiency, and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s power sector. His history of performance and commitment to service positions him to make meaningful contributions to national development,” the statement read.
The party emphasized that Nigeria is at a critical stage where strategic direction is essential to unlock sustainable energy solutions, noting that Tegbe’s leadership could help reposition the sector for improved performance.
It added that the APC in Oyo would offer its full support while maintaining constructive engagement with the minister-designate and other stakeholders to ensure progress.
The statement also acknowledged Tegbe’s longstanding contributions to the growth of the party in the state, expressing optimism that his new role would further deepen his commitment to national development.
The APC wished him a successful tenure, expressing hope that his leadership would mark a significant shift toward stable and reliable electricity supply across the country.
APC Backs Tegbe for Power Reforms, Cites Proven Expertise, Strategic Leadership
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