Connect with us

Uncategorized

International Day of Zero Tolerance on Female Genital Mutilation: CHRICED Calls for a Concerted Efforts to Fight Against FGM

Published

on

International Day of Zero Tolerance on Female Genital Mutilation: CHRICED Calls for a Concerted Efforts to Fight Against FGM

By: Michael Mike

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the eradication of the harmful practice of female genital mutilation which is still prevalence across Nigeria and the broader African continent.

The commitment was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM),

According to the statement, FGM is not merely a cultural issue; it is a profound violation of human rights that inflicts severe physical and psychological harm on countless women and girls. The repercussions of FGM extend far beyond the immediate physical injuries, leading to long-term health complications, emotional trauma, and social stigmatization that can hinder the affected individuals’ ability to lead fulfilling lives.

The statement read that: “In Nigeria, the fight against FGM is bolstered by the nation’s commitment to international standards, particularly the United Nations Resolution aimed at the elimination of this practice. The Nigerian government has taken significant steps to address this issue through the enactment of progressive legislation.

“One notable piece of legislation is the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act of 2015, which explicitly criminalizes all forms of violence, including the practice of FGM on minors. This law represents a critical step forward in protecting the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations.

“Additionally, the National Gender Policy serves as a framework for promoting gender equality and safeguarding the rights of women and girls. It explicitly prohibits FGM and other harmful traditional practices that target women and girls, reflecting a broader commitment to fostering an environment where all individuals can thrive free from violence and discrimination.”

The statement added that: “However, recent reports from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey reveals that about 20% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced FGM. According to UNICEF, Nigeria accounts for the third highest number of women and girls who have undergone FGM worldwide. In certain regions, the practice remains deeply entrenched in community traditions, leaving many young girls vulnerable.

“Across Africa, the scale of the problem is even larger, with over 200 million women and girls affected by FGM and nearly 3 million girls at risk each year. These figures remind us that behind every statistic lies a story of pain and lost potential.

“CHRICED is deeply concerned about the health consequences of FGM as outlined in several policy documentations which are not limited to immediate complications such as severe bleeding, pain, shock, tetanus and other infections and complications during childbirth (affecting both the mother and the child). In the long-term, sexual and reproductive health may be adversely affected including gynaecological problems such Introduction as fistula, increased need for subsequent surgeries, emotional suffering, and lack of sexual enjoyment.

“Sexual and reproductive health challenges also include “complications during childbirth, anaemia, the formation of cysts and abscesses, keloid scar formation, damage to the urethra resulting in urinary incontinence, dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse), sexual dysfunction, hypersensitivity of the genital area and increased risk of HIV transmission.

“CHRICED recognizes that the eradication of FGM requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, community engagement, and the empowerment of women and girls. It is essential to raise awareness about the dangers of FGM and to challenge the cultural norms that perpetuate this practice. By working collaboratively with communities, stakeholders, and policymakers, we can create a future where women and girls are protected from harm and can enjoy their rights fully.”

The statement disclosed that: “At CHRICED, our mission is to empower communities and safeguard the rights, health, and dignity of every woman and girl. By collaborating with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local influencers, we are steadily building a future where FGM is no longer tolerated. The progress we have witnessed, from communities rejecting the practice to traditional leaders embracing alternative rites of passage, demonstrates that change is indeed possible when we work together.”

It added that: “As we observe this important day, CHRICED calls on all stakeholders, policymakers, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and every concerned citizen, to join us in the fight against FGM. This should form priority in every conversation, every community meeting, and every act of advocacy, until our efforts bring us closer to a Nigeria and Africa where every girl can grow up free from the threat of FGM, confident in her right to a healthy, dignified life.

“We call on both the National and State Houses of Assembly to promote the implementation/ enforcement of existing laws and the adoption of legal frameworks in states where such do not currently exist, towards the elimination of FGM, this is in line with the National Action Plan Against Female Genital Mutilation 2021-2025.

“We remain determined to work with other CSOs and health medical practitioners to expand our outreach, deepen our community engagement, and strengthen our support systems for survivors. Together, we can create a future where every woman and girl have the opportunity to thrive without the shadow of FGM looming over her life. Let us stand united on this International Day of Zero Tolerance on FGM as we work towards a world where every woman and girl is safe, respected, and empowered.”

International Day of Zero Tolerance on Female Genital Mutilation: CHRICED Calls for a Concerted Efforts to Fight Against FGM

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Uncategorized

Embrace peace-building via education – CDS tells youth 

Published

on

Embrace peace-building via education – CDS tells youth 

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerian youths to embrace peace-building through education and social media.


He, however, ddescribed Nigerian youth as the country’s most potent force against violent extremism, terrorism, and insurgency.
Musa made the call while addressing a students, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and security officials at a Multi-sector conference on countering extremism ideology and insurgency on Saturday in Maiduguri.

The event was organised by the Kaltu Foundation for Peace, Network of Civil Society Organisation.
The event which  focused on “Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism Through Youth Engagement and Civic Dialogue,” featured the unveiling of a new book.


The book is titled Stand Against Violence, Terrorism, and Extremism: An Admonition to Nigerian Youths, co-authored by Gen. Musa and other senior defence stakeholders.
In his keynote address, the Defence Chief emphasised that the burden of national security and peace cannot rest solely on the military, stressing that “the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youth.


“If we want to defeat insurgency, it is the youth that will do it. If we want to prevent violent extremism and reclaim our schools, our homes and our dignity, it is the youth that must lead the charge,” Musa declared.
Drawing from his personal military experience in the region, Gen. Musa reflected on his service in the North-East as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai and Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, stressing the resilience of the people and the importance of civic support to military success.


He thanked the people of Borno for their sustained cooperation with the armed forces, adding that  the current military leadership under Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar as “capable and committed.


“Nation building is a continuous, painstaking, and tireless effort, especially for patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians like you,” he said. “We must not relent.


“Things are improving. With your support, we will achieve total peace,” he said.
Speaking on the power of information in the digital age, Musa warned against the misuse of social media platforms by extremist elements, calling on the youth to use technology to promote peace, unity, and truth.


“Social media today does not merely shape opinions, it influences behaviour, identity, and belief systems.
“We must repurpose it as a tool for civic education, truth-telling, countering disinformation, and supporting our security forces,” the CDS said.


He urged students and youth to become “ambassadors of peace,” leveraging peer influence and community engagement to challenge radical ideologies and reclaim their spaces from those who sow division and hatred.


“Let us start a new movement. A movement of young Nigerians committed to rebuilding their communities through values that reflect our collective national identity – peace, unity, truth, and purpose,” Musa said. 


The CDS, however, expressed optimism that the publication would become a key resource in educational and security institutions, saying he welcomed reviews and constructive criticism.


“There are no perfect solutions to the complex issues we face but through multilateral collaboration and thoughtful dialogue, we can sharpen our strategies and outpace the ever-evolving tactics of non-state actors,” he added.


Musa also paid tribute to the Borno government, traditional rulers, scholars and members of the academic and civil society for what he described as their “unwavering commitment to peace.”


The event was attended by top officials from the military, Borno Government, Network of Civil Society Organisations, youth groups, and students from tertiary institutions across the North-East.

Embrace peace-building via education – CDS tells youth 

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Two arrested over beating death of teenager over missing phone in Yobe

Published

on

Two arrested over beating death of teenager over missing phone in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

Two young men have been arrested in Ngalda town, Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State, for allegedly beating an 18-year-old boy, Abbas Zakari, to death over a missing phone and power bank.

Zagazola gathered from sources that the incident occurred on Friday, June 27, at about 5:00 p.m., when the suspects, identified as Musa Sale, 25, and Muntari Suleiman, 23, accused the deceased of stealing two mobile phones (an Android and a keypad model) and a power bank.

According to a relative, Hussaini Zakari, who reported the matter to the police, the suspects apprehended Abbas in Potiskum, where he had reportedly gone to sell the items, and recovered the handsets from him.

Instead of handing him over to the police upon returning to Ngalda, the suspects allegedly took matters into their own hands and severely beat the teenager with sticks.

The victim was rushed to the General Hospital in Fika by police officers, but was confirmed dead on arrival by a medical doctor. His remains were released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The suspects have since been arrested and have reportedly confessed to the assault during preliminary interrogation.

Police say the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.

Two arrested over beating death of teenager over missing phone in Yobe

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Tinubu Commissions Locally Made Electric Vehicles in Nasarawa

Published

on

Tinubu Commissions Locally Made Electric Vehicles in Nasarawa

By: Michael Mike

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially commissioned indigenous electric vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles in Nasarawa State,

This marks an important milestone in Nigeria’s transition to sustainable transportation.

The event, which also featured the launch of several legacy infrastructure projects, showcased the commitment of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration to innovation and environmental sustainability.

The commissioning ceremony signifies the formal establishment and operation of electric vehicle technology in the state—an initiative aligned with President Tinubu’s national policy on sustainable transportation.

Governor Sule revealed plans to empower residents across Nasarawa with electric vehicles, a move aimed at easing transportation challenges and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), Prince Mustapha Audu, expressed gratitude to both President Tinubu and Governor Sule for supporting local innovation and embracing the future of transportation.

Audu described EMVC as one of Nigeria’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, with branches in other states. He commended Governor Sule for pioneering the future of mobility in Nasarawa, noting the global shift towards electric vehicles, especially as many countries move to phase out compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles by 2030.

He said: “We have SUVs that can travel 1,200 km per charge, and sedan models suitable for ride-hailing services with a 400 km range. We also have locally made tricycles and motorcycles—popularly known as Igwe—that are affordable and built for Nigerian roads.”

Highlighting innovation in infrastructure, Audu explained that the vehicles will be supported by solar-powered charging stations. “Our charging stations can power three vehicles simultaneously without relying on the national grid or generators. We plan to increase them to five stations shortly,” he stated.

He explained that with just ₦5,000, vehicle owners can fully charge their cars depending on battery capacity.

He said the electric vehicles are powered by lithium batteries designed to reduce carbon emissions and enhance clean energy usage. To support long-term adoption, EMVC is also setting up battery assembly lines, EV repair centers, and training hubs across the state.

He further said: “Each electric vehicle comes with a minimum two-year warranty,” noting that: “Unlike traditional vehicles with over 25,000 components, electric vehicles have fewer than 300 parts—most of which are cosmetic. This greatly reduces maintenance costs and complexity.”

He emphasized that common issues will mostly be electrical, and the company already has trained technicians on the ground, with plans to train more as demand grows.

Audu acknowledged challenges such as poor road conditions and climate, but assured that the vehicles were designed with Nigerian realities in mind.

He expressed confidence in the durability of the locally manufactured electric vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles, urging Nigerians to embrace the cleaner, cheaper alternative to transportation.

Tinubu Commissions Locally Made Electric Vehicles in Nasarawa

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights