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Ford Foundation Makes Commitment Towards Fight Against GBV
Ford Foundation Makes Commitment Towards Fight Against GBV
By: Michael Mike
The Ford Foundation has made a commitment towards supporting the ongoing fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria
The commitment was made on Monday by the visiting Vice President, International Programmes, Ford Foundation, Martin Abregu, at a roundtable organized by UN Women at UN House Abuja with stakeholders.
Abregu said having listened to all the contributions of the stakeholders in the battle to end GBV in the country, the Ford Foundation is ready to collaborate and ensure its success.
He noted that fight against gender based violence and discrimination are topmost on the agenda of Ford Foundation.
At the roundtable discussions titled: “Diverse Approaches to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention in Nigeria”, were representatives of UNFPA, UNDP, UNESCO, and UNICEF, Federal Government, traditional and religious leaders.
The Country Representative of UNWomen, Ms. Beatrice Eyong on her part said the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria, like many other parts of the world, remains a pervasive issue that undermines the fundamental rights and dignity of women and girls, impeding progress towards gender equality and sustainable development.
She noted that: “Globally, an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life. 33 percent Nigerian women have experienced physical violence by the age of 15. Similarly, data from the Mirabel Centre in Lagos show that 81 percent of reported cases of sexual assault between 2013 and 2019 were perpetrated against children – 67 percent of the perpetrators were known.
“In Nigeria, these staggering statistics have worsened because of the security challenges arising from armed conflict, insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings across the country. Additionally, the economic downturns arising from the recent devaluation of the local currency, high inflation, and the slow recovery from global economic shocks from COVID-19 have also exacerbated the prevalence of GBV.”
She however said: “Yet, amidst these challenges, there is hope. Hope in the transformative power of collaboration, innovation, and solidarity. This roundtable provides a platform to share best practices and lessons learned from the joint EU-UN Spotlight Initiative and other successful interventions in Nigeria and globally, fostering cross-learning and innovation. Today’s discussion provides us with an invaluable opportunity to harness this collective energy and expertise to explore diverse approaches to GBV prevention that are grounded in the unique socio-cultural context of Nigeria.”
Eyong said: “At this juncture, permit me to reiterate our gratitude to the Ford Foundation for the collaboration with UN Women to implement a three-year-long initiative (2023-2026) known as the “Traditional and Cultural Leaders for Ending GBV by Advancing Advocacy, Policy and Social Norms Change in Nigeria and West Africa – LEAP Project.” The project aims to partner meaningfully with powerful agents of social change, including government at national and sub-national levels, CSOs, and especially traditional and religious leaders, to shift underlying structures of power within communities, end harmful practices, address religious misconceptions, and transform cultural norms around violence against women and girls.”
She said: “With LEAP, UN Women is already sustaining the momentum from the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative by collaborating with traditional leaders through the Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (COTLA) to implement community-led initiatives towards challenging negative practices that perpetuate violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
She commended the traditional leaders for hosting community dialogues to commemorate 16 Days of Activism against GBV in 2023 and 2024 International Women’s Month, adding that: “Such dialogues are breaking the barriers in reporting GBV at the community level and making the palaces of their royal highnesses and majesties a safe space for GBV survivors.”
She said: “We are also proud to highlight the practical demonstration of commitment to women’s empowerment towards the prevention of GBV by His Royal Highness, Ambassador (Dr) Apollos Chu, the Paramount Ruler of the Nchia community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, through the cash transfer of Twenty-Five Thousand Naira to 250 women during one of the community dialogues facilitated by the LEAP project to commemorate 2024 IWD.
“Furthermore, UN Women’s partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs on the project is progressing well and will soon result in the development of the first national GBV prevention policy to provide guidance for action on preventing and responding to GBV in different sectors and settings in Nigeria.”
Eyong said: “Your Highnesses, our guests, and colleagues and partners, as we engage in dialogue and exchange insights, let us remain mindful of the urgency of our shared mission. Every voice, every perspective represented in this room is a testament to our shared determination to build a future where every individual – regardless of gender – can live free from violence and discrimination. It is my belief that discussions at the roundtable can inform the development of policies and strategies that address GBV comprehensively and effectively.”
Ford Foundation Makes Commitment Towards Fight Against GBV
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
By: Michael Mike
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched new WhatsApp and live chat support channels to improve customer service and ease access to National Identification Number (NIN) enquiries for Nigerians and legal residents.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission said the initiative forms part of its ongoing digital transformation and service reform agenda under the leadership of Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
According to NIMC, the newly introduced platforms are designed to provide faster, more convenient and real-time support services to the public, while reducing the need for physical visits to its offices.
The Commission stated that users can now access support through the live chat feature on its official website, NIMC Official Website, as well as through its official WhatsApp support line at +234 701 566 6971.
NIMC noted that the move aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to improve efficiency in public service delivery through technology-driven solutions.
The Commission explained that the platforms would offer prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and verified information relating to NIN services and identity management matters.
It added that the reforms being championed by Coker-Odusote are aimed at expanding access to identity services, strengthening public confidence, and enhancing operational efficiency across the Commission’s activities.
NIMC also urged Nigerians and legal residents to utilise only its official communication channels and remain vigilant against misinformation and fraudulent activities.
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
News
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says troops operating within the sector have neutralised more than 250 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters during sustained offensive and defensive operations across Yobe and parts of southern Borno.
Martins disclosed this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu, where he highlighted major operational achievements recorded within the sector’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
He said the achievements were made through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at degrading the operational capability of terrorists and restoring security across critical locations.
According to him, troops carried out deep penetration and clearance operations into previously inaccessible terrorist enclaves within the Timbuktu Triangle, including Buk, Chileria, Kafa, Abbagajiri and Maisani.
He stated that over 50 terrorists were neutralised during offensive operations conducted within the Timbuktu Triangle, Bulabulin Forest and other identified hideouts.
Martins further disclosed that troops also foiled coordinated attacks on military formations at Kukareta, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir, Gonori, Buni Gari and Katarko, among other locations.
He said the failed attacks resulted in more than 200 terrorist casualties.
“In the course of these operations, troops recovered over 150 assorted weapons and large quantities of ammunition from the terrorists,” he said.
The commander listed some of the recovered items to include AK-47 rifles, PKT machine guns, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, hand grenades, mortar bombs, motorcycles, communication gadgets and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials.
He added that troops also discovered and destroyed terrorist life-support structures, detention facilities, IED fabrication sites and Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) in Chileria, Buk and other identified locations.
Martins said intelligence-driven operations had equally disrupted terrorist logistics networks, leading to the arrest of more than 30 suspected logistics suppliers, couriers and collaborators.
According to him, troops intercepted drugs, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and medical supplies suspected to be destined for insurgent groups.
The commander attributed the successes to sustained offensive pressure, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between troops and local communities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Sector 2 troops to sustaining operations aimed at eliminating remaining terrorist threats within the North-East theatre.
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says the Nigerian military has significantly enhanced operational mobility and surveillance capacity in the North-East through the repair of battle-damaged equipment and deployment of modern combat enablers.
Martins stated this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu while outlining operational and non-kinetic achievements recorded by the sector.
He said the sector successfully overhauled and repaired 30 battle-damaged and burnt armoured and tactical vehicles previously considered beyond economic repair.
According to him, the refurbishment programme has improved operational lift capability and increased firepower available to troops operating across the sector.
The commander said the initiative was part of efforts to sustain combat operations without waiting for prolonged procurement processes for new platforms.
He explained that the sector also procured critical operational equipment within available resources to improve troop effectiveness and communication.
The items, he said, included Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), surveillance cameras, tactical drones, Starlink communication systems, radios, repeaters, floodlights and inverters.
Martins noted that the equipment had enhanced surveillance capability, troop coordination and operational response within difficult terrains across the Area of Responsibility.
He added that troops also sustained Counter-IED and shoulder-clearance operations along major highways, particularly the Maiduguri-Damboa and Biu-Damboa routes, to improve troop mobility and reduce ambushes and roadside bomb attacks.
On non-kinetic operations, the commander said the sector intensified stakeholder engagements with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and religious leaders to strengthen civil-military relations and improve intelligence sharing.
He said troops also provided armed escorts for commuters and humanitarian organisations along vulnerable corridors, including the Maiduguri-Damboa, Damaturu-Maiduguri and Biu-Damboa roads.
According to him, Sector 2 conducted regular farm patrols to protect farmers during cultivation activities and supported reconciliation efforts between farmers and herders in flashpoint communities.
Martins said the sector further collaborated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on humanitarian support, sensitisation campaigns and training on international humanitarian law.
He also commended vigilantes and Hybrid Forces for their contributions to intelligence gathering and deep insertion operations within difficult terrains.
The commander assured that troops would continue to sustain offensive operations and strengthen collaboration with communities to consolidate gains recorded in the fight against insurgency.
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
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