News
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
Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions
By: Michael Mike
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the State of Kuwait has urged Nigerian nationals in Kuwait and Bahrain to remain calm, vigilant, and compliant with host government ldirectives in light of prevailing regional developments.
In a circular dated March 1, 2026, and referenced NKT/GA/C/004/Vol. I, the Embassy — which holds concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Bahrain — advised citizens to strictly observe safety guidelines and official advisories issued by authorities in both countries.
The mission encouraged Nigerians to stay informed by monitoring credible local news outlets and official government announcements in Kuwait and Bahrain. It assured the community that it is closely tracking the situation and maintaining communication with leaders of Nigerian groups and associations in both countries.
To enhance real-time communication, the Embassy announced the creation of a dedicated mobile and WhatsApp line to ensure active engagement with nationals.
For further inquiries or assistance, Nigerians were advised to contact the Embassy via email at nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or through the designated telephone and WhatsApp numbers provided by the mission.
The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of all Nigerian citizens in its jurisdiction and pledged to continue providing timely updates as the situation evolves.
Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions
Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei
Dr Salihu Bakari Girei, Gubernatorial aspirant under the platform All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 described the defection of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to the ruling party as a welcome development for the APC in the state.
Girei said that his defection is coming at the right time to galvanise the party’s victory in 2027 General Elections at the national and sub national level.
Dr Girei who is one of the founding fathers of the APC in the state disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Yola.
He said, Fintiri joined APC at the right time considering his outstanding performance in the state which he said was in line with President Tinubu’s transformation agenda.
He added that the defection would add value to the APC family and also help deliver dividends of democracy to the ordinary people that are yearning for good governance as well as to fast-track development.
He said Fintiri has performed credibly well, in line with his 10-point agenda for the state to justify the people’s trust in his leadership and administration.
Dr Girei further lauded President Bola Tinubu for his effort and strategy in addressing Nigeria’s challenges for and ensuring rapid development.
He said, “President Tinubu is very strategic in addressing Nigeria’s challenges and many now understood that Mr President meant well for this country and has turned the fortune of the country around for good.”
According to him, records have shown that the dollar has crashed, the economy stabilized, security improved, food is affordable and issues of strikes are no more among others.
Bakari-Girei said, all these are factors that naturally attract people joining the APC across the country for more development in the country.
He queried those saying that President Tinubu is turning the country into a one-party system, recalling that the PDP once had 30 governors and no one complained.
“Today people have decided to join APC because of many factors initiated by the President Tinubu administration that naturally attracted people to join APC and support Mr President.”
He pointed to President Tinubu’s history as governor of Lagos, where opposition platforms continued to function, as evidence of his commitment to multi-party democracy.
He also appreciated the foresight of the President for appointing Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser who has invested much in APC in the state.
He further urged unity and understanding of all APC stakeholders in the state for the progress and success of the party at all levels.
Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei
News
Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea
Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea
By: Michael Mike
The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS will hold a high-level bilateral meeting in the Republic of Guinea from March 2 to 4, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen the enforcement of its judgments across Member States.
The three-day engagement, organised in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States, is expected to bring together the Court’s delegation, Guinea’s Competent National Authority (CNA), senior government officials, and representatives of civil society to address persistent challenges in implementing the Court’s rulings.
At the heart of the meeting is the push to close the gap between judicial decisions and their execution at the national level. While the ECOWAS Court continues to deliver landmark judgments on human rights, governance, and community law, enforcement remains a critical concern in several jurisdictions. The Guinea dialogue is aimed at building a more effective, coordinated, and transparent enforcement framework.
Discussions will focus on practical strategies to improve compliance rates, streamline procedures, and strengthen collaboration between national institutions and the regional court. Participants are expected to review existing bottlenecks, share best practices, and identify sustainable solutions that can enhance uniformity in enforcement mechanisms across the sub-region.
The programme will include a dedicated forum examining the current status of enforcement of the Court’s judgments in Guinea, alongside presentations on the Court’s enforcement processes and the national legal landscape. Civil society organisations will also engage directly with the Court in a bilateral dialogue designed to promote accountability and inclusive participation.
Beyond the technical sessions, the Court’s delegation will pay courtesy visits to key government figures, including the Minister in charge of ECOWAS Affairs, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Finance, the President of the Supreme Court, and the Speaker of Parliament. Meetings are also scheduled with the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission and the President of the Bar Association.
The delegation will be led by the President of the Court, Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, and will include Vice-President Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Honourable Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara, as well as directors and other officials.
Similar bilateral meetings have previously taken place in the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reflecting the Court’s broader strategy to institutionalise cooperation and reinforce the authority of its judgments throughout West Africa.
As ECOWAS marks five decades of regional integration, the Guinea engagement signals a renewed determination to ensure that the decisions of its judicial arm are not only pronounced but fully implemented—strengthening the rule of law and deepening trust in regional justice systems.
Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea
Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions
Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei
Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea
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