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IWD: ActionAid Alleges Tinubu’s Economic Policies Has Created Deeper Gender Inequality, Made More Women Vulnerable

IWD: ActionAid Alleges Tinubu’s Economic Policies Has Created Deeper Gender Inequality, Made More Women Vulnerable
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies has further deepened the dimensions of gender inequality in the country and placed more women at a vulnerable state.
ActionAid Country Director, Andrew Mamedu made the allegation at a press conference on Friday in Abuja to mark the International Women’s Day.
Mamedu who was represented at the conference by the Deputy Director, Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo said: “The current economic landscape, characterised by persistent inflation, exchange rate deterioration, and insecurity, demands urgent attention from all stakeholders, especially the government.
Mamedu said: “Over the past few months, the country has experienced a rapid increase in poverty, hardship and Insecurity which has led to a slowdown of the economic growth, with the national inflation rate hitting 29% in the first quarter of 2024. Projections by KPMG in December 2023 highlighted the adverse effects of policy reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market.
“These measures, though intended to spur economic growth have posed significant barriers to economic stability and have particularly impacted the lives of women and children across the nation.
President Tinubu’s reforms, while aiming for economic restructuring, have inadvertently hampered GDP growth, deviating from the World Bank’s initial forecast of 2.8% growth.
“This has further deepened the dimensions of gender inequality and placed more women at a vulnerable state.
Although the gains made by development partners in empowering women across Nigeria, the economic downturn has led to setbacks, with many women-owned businesses shutting down due to financial difficulties. This exacerbates existing gender disparities and injustices, as women are forced to bear the burden of providing for their families amidst dwindling purchasing power. The impact of these economic challenges extends beyond financial strain, affecting every aspect of life in our communities. From increased instances of domestic abuse to rising rates of malnutrition and preventable illnesses, the ripple effects are profound and far-reaching. It is at a moment like this that we seek collaboration in investing in more women and their businesses to increase the economic downturn.”
He said a survey carried out by ActionAid Nigeria in some communities to ascertain the weight of the current situation on women and children, showed that most respondents said that the current hardship has impacted 80% of their livelihood with 13% relating it to the high cost of living and 8% lamenting on the high cost of transportation. “These experiences have further deepened their fear for safety as 38% of respondent fear for their lives and that of their families as the rate of crime (Killing, stealing, and kidnapping) has increased. To remedy these situations most of the respondents has had to sleep hungry so their children can feed, some have taken extra job at night to augment what they do during the day, while other women have stopped their children from going to school and reduce other expense just to support feeding.
“Many churches have increased members as 38% of women said they have turn to God for hope and help.
“Moreover, Nigeria is grappling with an alarming unemployment rate of 35%, exacerbated by the soaring exchange rate and fuel prices. The economy is further challenged by opportunists exploiting the rise in commodity prices for personal gain.”
He noted that: “These economic hardships disproportionately affect women and children, who bear the brunt of the crisis.
“Today, we gather with heavy hearts, burdened by the weight of a society crumbling under the strain of hardship. Each passing day, we witness the harrowing consequences of our collective struggle. We have witnessed families torn apart by economic strife, homes shattered by violence, futures darkened by insecurity and lives lost by mental stress.
“But amidst this darkness, we find glimmers of resilience. Let the told, and untold stories from these women be a call to action, a reminder that we cannot afford to look away. We must stand together, united in our determination to build a brighter tomorrow.”
He said considering the grave economic challenges outlined and the devastating impact on the lives of Nigerian women and children, “ActionAid Nigeria urges the government to take immediate and decisive action. We call upon the government to: Implement Gender-Sensitive Policies: Integrate gender perspectives into policy formulation to address the unique challenges faced by women, men, and children, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
“Revise Economic Reforms: Reassess recent policy reforms to mitigate their adverse effects on GDP growth, inflation rates, and the livelihoods of vulnerable populations, particularly women.
“Prioritize Social Protection: Allocate resources to provide social safety nets for women and children affected by poverty, insecurity, and unemployment, ensuring their access to essential services and support.
“Combat Inflation and Price Instability: Take concrete measures to stabilize prices of essential commodities, including food and transportation, to alleviate the burden on struggling families.
“Strengthen Security Measures: Enhance security operations to curb rising crime rates and insecurity, safeguarding the lives and well-being of all citizens, especially women and children.
“Support Women-Owned Enterprises: Provide targeted financial and technical assistance to women-owned businesses, enabling them to withstand economic shocks and contribute to national development.
“Foster Dialogue and Collaboration: Engage in inclusive dialogue with civil society organizations, development partners, and affected communities to co-create sustainable solutions and ensure accountability in addressing economic challenges.”
IWD: ActionAid Alleges Tinubu’s Economic Policies Has Created Deeper Gender Inequality, Made More Women Vulnerable
News
Clash erupts between police, horse riders near Bayero University Kano

Clash erupts between police, horse riders near Bayero University Kano
By: Zagazola Makama
A violent clash broke out on Saturday between a group of horse riders and personnel of the Nigerian Police Force in the Rimin Gata area, opposite Bayero University Kano (New Site).
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident, which occurred at about 4:50 p.m., on Sunday involved a surveillance team from the Rijiyar Zaki Division of the Kano State Police Command.
It was gathered that the confrontation followed a tip-off received by the police, alerting them to an unauthorised horse race taking place in the area.
The informant had reportedly warned that the race could degenerate into criminal activity, including phone snatching and possible fatalities.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the surveillance team moved to the location to disperse the riders, which led to resistance and a physical altercation.
Eyewitnesses said the scene became tense as officers attempted to arrest some of the horse riders, who in turn protested what they described as heavy-handedness by the police.
Sources said normalcy was later restored, and no fatalities were recorded. However, it remains unclear if any arrests were made.
The Kano State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Clash erupts between police, horse riders near Bayero University Kano
News
Whistleblower recounts ordeal after exposing drug trafficker in Kano

Whistleblower recounts ordeal after exposing drug trafficker in Kano
By: Zagazola Makama
A young whistleblower has come forward with a detailed account of alleged harassment, detention, and intimidation he faced after exposing a suspected drug trafficker, Sulaiman Dan Wawu, in Kano State.
The incident, which began in December 2022, involved multiple arrests, prolonged court appearances, and alleged violations of his fundamental rights, despite his role in alerting the public to the arrest of Dan Wawu with 500 cartons of Tramadol.
The whistleblower, who spoke under anonymity due to safety concerns, said the situation began after he posted news of Dan Wawu’s arrest on TikTok – a post that gained over 41,000 views. The viral post, which followed a similar disclosure by Police Spokesman SP Abdullahi Kiyawa on Facebook, allegedly provoked backlash from the suspect and his associates.
“Though I had no personal connection to Dan Wawu, the day after I posted the video, a man named Abba Abdullahi came to my area in Kwankwaso, claiming to be from the CID. He accused me of buying a stolen phone and insisted I follow him to Farm Center,” the whistleblower said.
“Instead of Farm Center, I was taken to the Rapid Response Team (RRT) cell, where I spent three days. Each day, Dan Wawu, his wife, and another associate, Abdullahi Amdaz, came to see me. I was tortured in their presence. They claimed I had defamed them on TikTok.”
After being taken before a magistrate at the PRP Court under Judge Nura Yusuf Ahmad, the complainant was returned to the CID on remand. He later appeared in court where the formal charge was read: defamation and public misinformation for stating that “Dan Wawu was a drug trafficker” on social media.
The prosecution alleged that over 41,000 people had viewed the TikTok video and that radio stations had also aired the case. The suspect’s wife reportedly gave a media interview accusing the whistleblower of damaging her husband’s reputation.
The judge remanded the whistleblower to prison for five days before he was granted bail under six strict conditions, including the provision of two civil servants of Grade Level 12 or above, endorsement by a ward head, and an undertaking to refrain from using social media or any media platform.
Later, the whistleblower alleged further intimidation. “Abba Abdullahi, who earlier arrested me, called me and my elder brother outside court. He video-called Dan Wawu, who was then in Qatar, and forced me to delete two TikTok accounts with 87,000 and 19,000 followers,” he said.
He claimed three of his SIM cards were seized – the ones linked to his TikTok and email accounts – and was warned against SIM swapping or returning to social media.
Despite this, the trial dragged on for 11 to 13 months. “Even though the court was aware that Dan Wawu had been arrested with drugs, he and his wife never showed up in court,” he said.
One day, he was re-arrested by Abba Abdullahi on the claim that he had violated bail conditions. He was detained at CID for two days before being transferred to prison, where he spent 38 days during Ramadan in 2023, eventually regaining his freedom on the 29th day of fasting.
At the peak of the trial, he was reportedly pressured by the prosecutor, Aliyu Abideen, to swear an oath in court to prove his innocence. He rejected the condition, citing Islamic jurisprudence, which limits such oaths to civil or financial disputes – not criminal cases involving narcotics.
“In Maliki jurisprudence, oaths are only valid in financial matters, not cases involving someone caught with illegal drugs,” he said, quoting a Maliki legal verse.
Eventually, after the prosecution failed to present evidence or secure testimony from Dan Wawu, the case lost momentum. Meanwhile, Dan Wawu, who was arrested and arraigned at the Federal High Court on drug trafficking charges, reportedly fled with his wife and has since been at large.
“Now the entire world, not just 41,000 people, knows he was caught with drugs. His disgrace is from God. He spent nearly 50 days in prison before escaping,” the whistleblower said.
Whistleblower recounts ordeal after exposing drug trafficker in Kano
News
Army, DSS-backed hybrid forces kill 45 bandits in Niger gun battle

Army, DSS-backed hybrid forces kill 45 bandits in Niger gun battle
By: Zagazola Makama
The troops of the Nigerian Army and hybrid forces, with critical intelligence support from the Department of State Services (DSS), have neutralised no fewer than 45 bandits during a fierce gunfight in Iburu village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, in what appears to be a major success in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts,
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the joint operation was launched on Friday evening following intelligence that a large number of terrorists riding on motorcycles were advancing to launch coordinated attacks on Iburu and neighbouring communities.
According to the sources, the DSS intercepted early signals of the planned movement and quickly passed the alert to troops who had been on standby in the general area.
“The terrorists were said to have split into smaller columns, attempting to encircle the village under the cover of dusk, but were ambushed by the troops who engaged them in a sustained firefight that lasted several hours,” one source said.
The troops who returned to the scene after the exchange of gunfire confirmed counting at least 40 dead bodies of the bandits, while dozens of motorcycles used by the attackers were reportedly destroyed.
Two members of the hybrid forces fighting alongside the troops paid the supreme price, while four others were evacuated with serious gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment at a public hospital in Minna, the state capital.
Friday’s clash is the latest in a series of counter-offensives launched by security forces to decimate terrorists and secure communities across Niger State, especially in the volatile Shiroro-Munya axis which has become a stronghold for various criminal groups.
In April, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Bashir Adeniyi, raised the alarm over escalating terrorist activity around the Babanna border area of Niger State.
Adeniyi had revealed that Customs officers narrowly escaped an ambush by terrorists after intercepting 500 jerrycans of petrol allegedly being smuggled to insurgents operating within the state and across the border.
Friday’s success point to the importance of synergy between intelligence services and ground forces in disrupting terrorist logistics and operational movements across the North Central region.
The proactive engagement by DSS, coupled with swift tactical response by the military, is beginning to shift the operational advantage in favour of state forces.
Army, DSS-backed hybrid forces kill 45 bandits in Niger gun battle
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