News
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
Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara

Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Two persons have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a bandit attack on vigilante operatives in Edogi, Lafiagi axis of Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred during a clash between the vigilantes and suspected bandits, also left four persons with gunshot wounds. Among the injured are Mohammed Ndagi,Saidu Jiya,and Philips John,all members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). A civilian passerby, Babangida Daniel was also caught in the crossfire.
They were rushed to the General Hospital in Lafiagi for emergency treatment. However, the VGN Commander, Mohammed Yatsu (50), and Babangida Daniel were confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The remaining injured victims have been referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) for further medical care.
Meanwhile, ASP Sado Sunday, who was reportedly involved in the operation, remains missing as search efforts continue.
Security sources say efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators and restore calm in the area.
Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara
Crime
Security forces repel attack, reclaim villages in Bokkos LGA, Plateau

Security forces repel attack, reclaim villages in Bokkos LGA, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A joint security operation has reclaimed several deserted villages in the Horop District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, following persistent attacks and occupation by suspected Fulani militias.
Zagazola Makama was reliably informed that the clearance operation was launched after residents of Hokk and neighboring villages fled their homes, reporting that the attackers had taken over their communities and erected temporary shelters.
In response, a combined troops of the Nigerian Army, team of Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel were deployed to the area to restore order and secure the villages.
The troops, encountered strong resistance from the armed attackers. A fierce gun battle ensued, but the attackers were eventually overpowered and forced to retreat into nearby bushes.
During the operation, several makeshift huts erected by the militias were destroyed, and two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing assailants were recovered.
Authorities say patrols and security presence in the area have been intensified to prevent further incursions and allow displaced villagers to safely return to their homes.
Security forces repel attack, reclaim villages in Bokkos LGA, Plateau
News
Troops arrest 25 suspected bandits, kidnappers in Katsina-Ala, Benue

Troops arrest 25 suspected bandits, kidnappers in Katsina-Ala, Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint security operatives have arrested 25 suspected bandits and kidnappers during a coordinated operation along the Katsina-Ala–Takum Federal Highway in Benue State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the patrol, which was conducted on Monday, was initiated following intelligence reports of planned attacks on Tor-Donga town by suspected armed herdsmen and bandits, the Benue State Police Command said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, credible intelligence led the patrol team to Gbisetown, a known flashpoint along the highway, where four suspects were initially apprehended after attempting to flee upon sighting the security convoy.
“While returning to Tor-Donga, the operatives again sighted suspicious movement around the same Gbisetown area. A general raid of the surroundings was carried out, leading to the arrest of 21 more suspects believed to be linked to recent kidnappings and banditry in the area,” said the sources.
Security has been heightened in Katsina-Ala and its environs in response to growing concerns over armed herdsmen attacks and kidnapping incidents.
Troops arrest 25 suspected bandits, kidnappers in Katsina-Ala, Benue
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