News
FGM: NHRC Calls for Strengthening of Collaborations
FGM: NHRC Calls for Strengthening of Collaborations
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for strengthening of collaborations to end female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu made the call in his message on the Day of Zero Tolerance for the Practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Ojukwu reminded the citizens, healthcare workers and other duty bearers of the need to strengthen their collaborations to end FGM in Nigeria.
The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM” and it is observed on the 6th of February every year.
He noted that the Commission has always been at the forefront of eradicating the painful, unhealthy, harmful and degrading practice of FGM right from time.
Ojukwu observed that NHRC in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre (CIRDDOC) had in 2017 produced a training Manual on human rights and other related issues of FGM in Nigeria to stem the tide of this human rights violation in various communities across the federation.
“The Manual provides a general background analysis of women’s human rights and Female Genital Mutilation, which is a type of violence against women and girls. The Manual also provides a guide for reporting FGM in line with the prescribed standard”, the Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria added.
In the same vein, the NHRC Boss disclosed that with the support of UNFPA/UNICEF, the Commission undertook a joint programme on elimination of FGM, conducted training for stakeholders on the use of the developed Manual in five programme focal states namely- Imo, Ebonyi, Osun, Oyo and Ekiti and available statistics have indicated positive changes geared towards eliminating, FGM in the country. The use of the manual and training will be replicated in other endemic states in the Country depending on the availability of resources.
“The participants at the training in the aforesaid states were drawn from relevant MDAs, CBOs, FBOs, Media, Security Agents, Traditional Rulers and CSOs/NGOs and at the end of the exercise, thereafter participants prepared independent and shadow reports”, the Executive Secretary stated.
According to the Executive Secretary, apart from the aforementioned effort to eliminate FGM in the country, the Commission with the support of EU-UN Spotlight Initiative in 2019 established the defunct Special Independent Investigation Panel on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
The panel which was headed by the Executive Secretary sat in the six geopolitical zones of the country, successfully heard and determined complaints of SGBV, and provided empowerment for victims including supporting women to acquire skills and engage in various forms of business activities to earn a living and assist their families instead of depending solely on their husbands who may lack the capacity or willingness to cater for their families.
He used the occasion to urge Nigerians to report all cases of FGM and other human rights violations to the Commission who will in turn take appropriate actions to ensure the protection of the rights of the victims in accordance with municipal, regional and international laws.
He urged citizens to leverage the NHRC toll-free line 6472 to report any case FGM and other cases of human rights violations to the Commission.
FGM: NHRC Calls for Strengthening of Collaborations
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Woman in Katsina Community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade deployed at Yantumaki in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State have rescued a 30-year-old woman abducted by suspected terrorists during an early morning attack on the community.
Security sources said the troops responded swiftly after hearing gunshots from the outskirts of the town in the early hours of May 21.
According to the sources, the soldiers immediately mobilised to the area where frightened residents informed them that the terrorists had abducted a woman identified as Mrs Abida Rufai and escaped into the surrounding bush.
The troops were said to have trailed the attackers along their withdrawal route and subsequently engaged them in a gun duel.
Overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, the terrorists reportedly abandoned the victim and fled into the bush.
Mrs Rufai was thereafter rescued unharmed and safely reunited with her family amid relief and excitement from members of the community.
Military authorities said troops have continued aggressive patrols and domination operations within the general area to forestall further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Woman in Katsina Community
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected impostor who allegedly posed as a personnel of the Nigerian Navy in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources disclosed that the arrest followed a report concerning the activities of a suspicious individual identified as Mohammed Auwal at Grovos Hotel, Apata area of Jos North.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the intelligence report at about 2:56 p.m. on May 23 and apprehended the suspect at the hotel premises.
Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect allegedly claimed to be a serving naval personnel, prompting security concerns and further scrutiny by the troops.
The suspect is currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to ascertain his identity, motive and possible involvement in other unlawful activities.
Security authorities have continued to warn members of the public against impersonation of military and security personnel, describing such acts as criminal offences capable of undermining public trust and security operations.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals or activities to security agencies for necessary action.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Jos
Senegal President sacks Prime Minister Sonko, dissolves government amid growing tensions
By: Zagazola Makama
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the country’s government following months of growing political tensions between the two leaders.
The decision was announced late Friday through a presidential decree broadcast on state television.
According to the decree read by a presidential aide, President Faye “ended the duties of Ousmane Sonko and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state who are members of the government.”
No immediate replacement for Sonko was announced as of the time of filing this report.
The dismissal followed a parliamentary session earlier in the week during which Sonko openly criticised President Faye, further exposing divisions within the ruling political establishment.
Political observers said relations between the two leaders had deteriorated in recent months over issues relating to party leadership, governance direction and the management of state affairs.
Analysts noted that the development could introduce fresh political uncertainty in Senegal at a time the country is facing mounting economic pressures, including rising public debt and broader fiscal challenges.
The dissolution of the government is expected to trigger consultations within the ruling coalition ahead of the appointment of a new prime minister and cabinet.
Senegal has long been regarded as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies, but recent political tensions have continued to attract regional and international attention.
Senegal President sacks Prime Minister Sonko, dissolves government amid growing tensions
Troops intensify anti-bandit operations in Katsina, neutralise terrorist
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Woman in Katsina Community
Troops Foil Mob Action Against Customs Officer in Katsina after reckless shooting of local
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics12 months ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
