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Ford Foundation Makes Commitment Towards Fight Against GBV

Published

2 years ago

April 8, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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

News

Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid

Published

15 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, under the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have neutralised a notorious bandit and recovered arms and ammunition during a raid on a hideout in Plateau State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted on Jan. 8 at Yolan Gboka–Yama Da Lahdi, following sustained efforts to track and arrest perpetrators of the Dec. 16, 2025 attack on illegal miners at Tosho community in Fann District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

According to the sources, troops made contact with the bandits during the raid and engaged them in a firefight.

“One of the bandits was neutralised during the exchange of fire and was later identified as Sadiq Isah, while others fled the area,” the sources said.

The sources added that troops subsequently exploited the hideout and recovered two AK-47 rifles and 162 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition.

The recovered arms and ammunition are currently in military custody, while troops have commenced follow-up operations to intercept the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities in the area.

Zagazola reports that Operation Enduring Peace is a joint security initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability across Plateau and neighbouring states.

Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid

News

FG Urges NSCDC to Boost Intelligence as Interior Minister Decorates 113 Senior Officers

Published

15 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

FG Urges NSCDC to Boost Intelligence as Interior Minister Decorates 113 Senior Officers

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has called on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen intelligence gathering and operational readiness in the face of rising security threats across the country.

The call was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a ceremony to decorate 113 newly promoted NSCDC commandants. The minister, represented by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd), commended the Corps for its role in protecting critical national infrastructure, lives, and property.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for strategic intelligence mapping to counter emerging threats, particularly as the Corps now shoulders additional responsibilities for the protection of Very Important Personalities (VIPs), a role previously managed by the Nigeria Police Force.

He encouraged the newly promoted officers and all personnel to uphold the confidence placed in the service by President Bola Tinubu, noting that the merit-based promotions are designed to boost morale and enhance performance.

The Commandant General of NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Audi, urged the officers to mentor subordinates, embrace leadership responsibilities, and adhere strictly to merit-based postings. He warned against lobbying for preferred postings, affirming that performance and dedication would guide all administrative decisions.

Representing the promoted officers, Commandant Ekanem Ekpenyong pledged unwavering commitment to duty, promising to uphold integrity and the Corps’ Oath of Allegiance.

In a key highlight of the ceremony, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commandant. The event also featured goodwill messages from the Controller General of Corrections, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, and representatives from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and the Department of State Services.

The ceremony underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen the NSCDC and reinforce its role in Nigeria’s security architecture.

FG Urges NSCDC to Boost Intelligence as Interior Minister Decorates 113 Senior Officers

News

Zulum commissions remodelled ‘2nd chance school’ for vulnerable girls

Published

2 days ago

January 8, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Zulum commissions remodelled ‘2nd chance school’ for vulnerable girls

.Disburses N1bn to SMEs in 5 LGAs

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday commissioned a fully remodelled “Second Chance School” for vulnerable girls and women in Biu Local Government Area.

The newly inaugurated facility is part of a strategic initiative designed to offer adult women, including those who missed formal education or dropped out of school due to prevailing challenges, a pathway to self-reliance.

The school’s curriculum is tailored towards providing comprehensive skills’ acquisition, critical digital knowledge and basic literacy, and numeracy training.

With the Biu centre now operational, Zulum’s administration has established three such schools across the state, with existing centres already operational in Maiduguri and Bama.

Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has disbursed N1 billion to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across five local government areas in southern Borno.

The targeted LGAs include Biu, Hawul, Shani, Bayo and Kwaya-Kusar, with the funds intended to support entrepreneurs and enhance business sustainability.

Zulum explained that the direct injection of capital into the SME sector is essential for driving grassroots development and fostering self-reliance in the post-insurgency recovery phase.

In a related development aimed at tackling youth restiveness and promoting social stability, Governor Zulum has ordered immediate employment of 200 young individuals from the Biu Local Government Area.

After the inauguration, Zulum visited Biu Specialist Hospital where he announced the immediate and automatic employment of a number of dedicated volunteer health workers who have served tirelessly.

He also inspected the 100-unit teachers’ housing estate under construction in Biu town. The estate is part of the Borno State Government’s motivational strategy to attract and retain qualified teaching professionals in public schools.

Governor Zulum has also directed immediate commencement of rehabilitation work on the Borno State Hotel Annexe in Biu.

Zulum commissions remodelled ‘2nd chance school’ for vulnerable girls