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Ford Foundation Makes Commitment Towards Fight Against GBV

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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

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.

Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.

The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.

Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.

The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.

One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.

No military equipment was lost during the operation.

Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.

Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership

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UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership

By: Michael Mike

A high-level United Kingdom trade mission on education and skills has concluded a week-long skills and schools trade mission to Nigeria, laying a solid foundation for expanded collaboration in education and workforce development between both countries.

The mission, which ran from April 19 to 23 in Abuja and Lagos, brought together leading UK private schools, skills providers and education institutions with Nigerian stakeholders, including policymakers, investors and school operators.

Organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade, the engagement is part of the UK’s broader International Education Strategy, which identifies Nigeria as one of five priority markets for global education partnerships. The initiative is being championed by Steve Smith, who is expected to return to Nigeria later this year to sustain momentum.

The mission builds on diplomatic and educational engagements during a recent state visit to the United Kingdom in March, further reinforcing the growing importance of education within UK–Nigeria bilateral relations.

At the heart of discussions was the expansion of in-country delivery of British education, including the establishment of internationally recognised UK schools in Nigeria, as well as the development of industry-aligned skills programmes, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

In Abuja, the delegation held high-level talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, securing strong political backing for deeper institutional cooperation. Both sides explored pathways for partnerships that would strengthen Nigeria’s education system while equipping young people with skills tailored to labour market demands.

The delegation also visited several British curriculum schools and colleges in Abuja and Lagos, gaining first-hand insight into teaching standards and operational models already in place within Nigeria.

Speaking at the conclusion of the mission, British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, highlighted education as a key pillar of bilateral engagement.

“The UK and Nigeria share a deep and longstanding relationship, and opportunities in education are one of its most exciting frontiers,” he said, noting that the mission demonstrated “strong appetite on both sides to deepen collaboration.”

He added that connecting UK institutions with Nigerian partners would help build sustainable, in-country education systems, while positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for high-quality learning.

Also reflecting on the mission, Sarah Chidgey described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the UK’s education strategy in action.

According to her, progress in UK–Nigeria education collaboration has grown steadily since her first visit in 2022, with the current mission reinforcing mutual commitment to expanding access, quality, and innovation in the sector.

The delegation included representatives from prominent UK institutions such as Harrow International School, The King’s School Canterbury, Whitgift School, Bedford School, and Pearson, among others.

The mission concluded with a robust pipeline of follow-up activities, including one-on-one engagements, memorandum of understanding (MoU) discussions, and agreed next steps aimed at translating dialogue into tangible partnerships.

Analysts say the initiative signals a shift toward more structured and commercially viable education cooperation between both countries, with potential benefits spanning student mobility, local capacity building, and skills development aligned to Nigeria’s economic priorities.

With sustained engagement expected in the months ahead, stakeholders believe the mission could mark a turning point in positioning Nigeria as a major destination for international education investment in Africa.

UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership

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