News
HEIR Women Hub engages 40 FCT young women on leadership, civic knowledge enhancement
HEIR Women Hub engages 40 FCT young women on leadership, civic knowledge enhancement
By: Omirin Joshua
HEIR Women Hub hosted a Peer to peer virtual session on Leadership and Civic Knowledge Enhancement for Young Women in the FCT.
The project began in January with a training conference and a public sensitization of young women in the FCT in collaboration with the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) and was implemented by LEAP Africa with support from Ford Foundation and MacArthur Foundation with the theme: “Advancing Leadership Capacity of Young Women: A cross-generational strategy to tackling Gender Gaps in Governance“.
The Executive Director (ED) of HEIR Women Hub, Añuli Aniebo Ola-Olaniyi in an opening remark stressed the need for young women to do more and thrive amidst societal norms, while expressing hope for positive impact on the project and expectations afterward.
She disclosed that Facts about young women’s participation in leadership shows that global percentage of women’s participation in leadership is at 22.5% and that of the African region around 23.4%, addi8ng that the national average of women’s participation in governance in Nigeria is set at 6.7% despite women accounting for 49.4%of the total population with the mean age of women involved in political processes set at 55years.
“Is there a place for young women” she queried?
According to her, of the 4,259 contestants for the presidential and the national assembly seat in the 2023 elections, only 381 are women constituting 8.9%| with 5 5 states of the 36 states having female candidates contesting for a seat at the National Assembly.
She however blamed the wide gender gap in female participation in leadership on
Lack of support based on cultural expectations of young women ,
sexual harassment, gender discrimination, lack of support for female leader, traditional perceived gender roles among others and the lack of economic resources
“The report from the world gender gap report 2022 places Nigeria at 123rd with a score of 0.639 out of a total of 146 countries with a gender gap of 63.9%.
“Statistics from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) report revealed that only 30% of companies in Nigeria have attained gender balance in the workforce and women account for 33% of the workforce . Nigeria has less than 65% wealth equality , ranked 50t in economic participation and opportunity, 134th in educational attainment, 97th in health and survival, and 141st in political empowerment
Sharing her past and present political journeys at the meeting , Barrister Juliet Isi Ikhayere, a Principal Partner at MAKHOMS-J Attorneys noted the numerous challenges faced by young women in politics, and how she is still thriving,”she explained.
According to the ED, the involvement of women in nation-building is an inalienable right, as well as an inescapable reality for holistic and comprehensive political, economic, and social advancement.
“When young women are included in leadership across different levels , this will promote productivity and progress for both the women and the country.
“There will be a decline in the case of gender-based violence confronting young women as more responsive policies will be promoted and this will encourage the growth of GDP of the country,”she added.
” It didn’t end with training young women to take on more leadership positions in society. HEIR Women Hub went a step further to take this to the street. We engaged young women and the general public first on their civic rights and also on the benefit of having young women in leadership.
“About 50% of the young ladies who were at the leadership training came out for this purpose and it was an experience indeed. A lot of feedback has been drawn from this engagement and we believe that henceforth, it will go beyond taking as we shall begin to see results.
“It is a cheering thing to see young women from different climes unite for a common goal. The future is indeed female,”she assured
Sharing her past and present political journeys Barrister Juliet Isi Ikhayere, a Principal Partner at MAKHOMS-J Attorneys expressed the challenges she faced, and how she is still thriving.
Similarly, Sylvia Sarki, the National Youth Coordinator, National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) noted that contesting for the position of the President for the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). One can say her experience is a combination of sour and sweet. She urged young women who were in attendance to not give up on their ambition irrespective of the challenges they face.
HEIR Women Hub engages 40 FCT young women on leadership, civic knowledge enhancement
News
NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials
NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials
By: Michael Mike
Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt.Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub has commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for his trailblazing leadership as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and for his current role as the National Security Adviser.
The NTAC boss , who made the commendations on Saturday in Abuja, while celebrating the foremost lawyer and public servant, who turned 65 on Friday, also lauded Ribadu for steering Nigeria through complex security challenges with courage and integrity, stating that this has set an enduring example for all public officers to emulate.
In a message he personally signed and made available the media in Abuja,Buba emphasized the great roles Mallam Ribadu has continued to play in the evolution of the Nigerian state.
He said: “I have the honour to refer to the above subject-matter and avail myself of the opportunity of this auspicious moment to celebrate you, Dear Leader and Brother, on the occasion of your birthday celebration this year.
“Yesterday again marked yet another milestone of wisdom, dedication, and service as you celebrated 65 years of life, many of which you have invested in the service of our nation and humanity at large.
“Without the risk of reciting the obvious, Sir,
your trailblazing leadership as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where you transformed the fight against corruption, and now as the National Security Adviser, steering Nigeria through complex security challenges with courage and integrity, has set an enduring example for all of us to emulate.
“Your legacy of principled reform, selfless service, and steadfast patriotism continues to inspire countless Nigerians, especially the young professionals and Volunteers we work with every day. May Allah (SWT) continue to strengthen you for greater wisdom and performance as you age in wealth and wellness.
“For myself, my dear family and on behalf of the Management and staff of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), where with your kind support I have served as DG these past years, I extend heartfelt congratulations to you, Sir, on this remarkable milestone and solemn achievement.
“May Allah grant you good health, long life, and the special wisdom to keep guiding our nation toward peace, security, and prosperity.
“We pray that the years ahead bring you abundant joy, fulfillment, and the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of your tireless efforts in many more years of blessings.”
NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials
Crime
Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers
Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers
By: Zagazola MAkama
Suspected jihadists on Friday attacked and seized control of the Gendarmerie Camp in Garbougna, Niger Republic, killing more than 21 gendarmes, according to security sources.
The attackers, believed to be affiliated with Sahel-based extremist groups, stormed the facility in large numbers, overwhelming security personnel during the early morning assault.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the insurgents also carted away several vehicles, along with a significant quantity of arms and ammunition stored at the camp.
“The situation is dire. The Garbougna gendarmerie post was overrun, and dozens of weapons and vehicles were taken. The number of casualties is still being compiled, but more than 21 gendarmes are feared killed,” one security source said.

The attack underscores the escalating insecurity in parts of Niger, where jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State continue to mount coordinated assaults on security formations and rural communities.
Niger’s military authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident as at the time of filing this report.
Zagazola recalls that the tri-border region spanning Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso has witnessed intensified jihadist activities in recent months, with security forces increasingly targeted in ambushes and camp raids.
Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers
News
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has emphasized the critical role of independent broadcasters in promoting the country’s information sovereignty, national cohesion, and digital security.
Represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, at the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference, on Thursday, Tuggar stressed that the broadcast sector is a key player in shaping Nigeria’s global narrative and ensuring internal stability.
The event’s theme, “Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion and Digital Security,” according to the minister aligns with the nation’s foreign policy objectives.
He urged broadcasters to produce locally relevant content, counter disinformation, and bridge ethnic and cultural divides, adding that a united Nigeria commands greater international respect.
He also highlighted the need for robust digital security measures to protect against cyber threats and misinformation campaigns, warning that breaches in the sector could undermine national security.
He called for stronger collaboration between the government and media to safeguard Nigeria’s information ecosystem and project a positive global image.
The conference aimed to address the evolving challenges of broadcasting in a digital age.
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years agoTHE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News7 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
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.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
