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House of Representatives Promises to Enhance Gender Equality
House of Representatives Promises to Enhance Gender Equality
By: Michael Mike
The House of Representatives has promised to work at reducing inequalities and enhancing the participation of all genders in socio-economic and political development of the country.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen reiterated this commitment at the roundtable on Tuesday in Abuja and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between United Nations, UN Women and Media Executives to escalate media intervention and provide a media platform to enhance gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.
Represented by the chairman, House committee on women in parliament, Hon. Fatima Talba (APC, Yobe), the Speaker noted that part of the Green Chamber’s efforts in that regard was the re-introduction of the ‘Gender Equal Opportunities’ Bill which failed in the 9th Assembly as well as other critical legislations required to dismantle barriers to women’s economic and political inclusion.
He said the House has equally signed MoUs with various women advocacy groups including the Office of the United Nations Committee on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (UN-CEDAW) to enhance legislations and other interventions on issues of women economic and political inclusion.
He also noted that the bill to create special seats in the National Assembly and State Assemblies also passed second reading on the floor of the House on July 10, 2024.
He said: “It is an honour to be with you today to celebrate the Significant milestone of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and Media Executives.
“This partnership aims at providing media platforms to amplify and escalate media interventions in advancing women’s political participation and inclusion as we look ahead to the 2027 general Elections.
“Politically, the current representation of women in Nigeria’s parliament is alarmingly low, standing at less than 5%. This situation is unacceptable and must change by the next electoral cycle.”
He added that: “The media has a crucial role to play in not only highlighting the barriers to women inclusion but also in advancing these efforts, and in holding us accountable and providing insights into where progress is being made and where more effort is needed.”
This was as different women groups at the event unanimously recommended that the National Assembly and the Executive arm of government should consider amendment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and not its repeal.
A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, and Enact the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill, 2024 seeking holistic reform of the law to be in line with the realities of societal change and drafting standards to effective dispensation of justice, is the currently before the National Assembly.
In the resolution, read by media consultant to the UN Women, Moji Makanjuola, the women said: “The Nigerian women at a meeting convened on Abuja Continental Hotel today, September the 17th, 2024 recommend to the National Assembly and the Executive to consider an Amendment to VAP Bill not a repeal.”
In her opening remarks, the UN Women country representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong lamented that globally, one in every 10 women lives in extreme poverty, adding that projections indicate that 342.4 million women and girls will not have moved out of extreme poverty by 2030 unless the current trends are shifted.
Eyong said, the percentages could be higher for countries like Nigeria where the gap between the few rich and a majority poor continues to widen, lamenting the representation of women in Nigeria’s parliament, where critical policies and laws are made that is just about 4% with only 17% of them serving as ministers in the federal executive council.
“These are challenges that we must all join hands together to surmount. This is where you, as media practitioners come in. But the question is, how much is being done by the media to advocate for more women representation and inclusion in appointive and elective positions in Nigeria?
“What can media do differently to improve the chances of more women joining politics and winning in the next elections? These are challenges we must all respond to as women and gender champions in the media sector.”
Eyong noted that: “UN Women invests in enhancing personal resilience and professional development of women to increase their contribution in leadership, economic growth, peace, security and in humanitarian nexus. UN Women believes that investing in women equals to investing in the architecture of the society.
“We do know that no nation can develop and prosper if women are excluded. Our support is guided by shared value, mutual respect and common vision of the Government and the people of Nigeria.”
House of Representatives Promises to Enhance Gender Equality
News
Christmas: VP Shettima Assures Citizens Of FG’s Commitment To Their Welfare
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
Christmas: VP Shettima Assures Citizens Of FG’s Commitment To Their Welfare
*** Says national security, economic transformation remain President Tinubu’s priorities
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.
In a Christmas message on Wednesday, the Vice President said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.
He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”
Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.
“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.
Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”
He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.
“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.
VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.
“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.
News
Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration
Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration
…Urges Sustained Prayers for Peace, Prosperity, Well-being of Region and Nigeria
By: Our Reporter
The Concerned Citizens of Northeast has felicitated with Christians in the State and across the world as they celebrate this year’s Christmas.
CCNE called on the Christian faithful and all citizens of Northeast States to embrace the core values of Christmas which connote love, peace, reconciliation, and selflessness, while reflecting on its deeper spiritual significance.
“As we mark this joyous occasion, we urge everyone to emulate the virtues of love, sacrifice, and compassion demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Let us use this period to promote unity, understanding, and cooperation among ourselves, which are essential for building a harmonious and progressive society.
They encouraged the people of the region to sustain the bonds of brotherhood and communal support, emphasizing the need for continued peace and stability in the state.
The Concerned Citizens of Northeast further called for prayers for the prosperity and well-being of the nation, especially during these challenging economic times.
“While these times are undeniably tough, we encourage everyone not to lose hope but to stay optimistic and committed to the vision of a better Nigeria. Together, we can overcome our challenges and pave the way for a brighter future.
Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration
News
Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops
Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops
By Zagazola Makama
Residents of Tsafe Local Government Area in Zamfara State are breathing a sigh of relief following the neutralization of a notorious bandit known as “Al’jan,” who had long terrorized the community.
Originally from Niger Republic, “Al’jan,” whose real name remains undisclosed, settled in Tsafe LGA after working as a motorcycle taxi operator. This job connected him with Fulani herders, leading him down a path of criminality.
Over time, he forged alliances with a bandit group led by Hassan Bamamu, becoming deeply entrenched in acts of banditry and terror throughout the region.
Utilizing his extensive knowledge of Tsafe and its surroundings, “Al’jan” acted as a guide for criminal gangs, orchestrating numerous raids and kidnappings.
He was implicated in several high profile killings, including those of Anas Umar Dan Kanti, Alhaji Musa Ille, and an unnamed Navy officer.
The reign of terror that “Al’jan” inflicted on the community came to an end three weeks ago when security forces successfully neutralized him and several of his associates during a joint operation between Mada and Yandoton Daji in Tsafe LGA.
This operation involved a coordinated effort by soldiers and local vigilantes, who ambushed the gang as they traversed the area.
The elimination of “Al’jan” has brought newfound hope to the people of Tsafe, particularly those residing along the Tsafe-Gusau road, which had suffered from frequent attacks. Residents of Bamamu village, his last known hideout, confirmed his death after viewing his remains.
Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops
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