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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
Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”
By: Michael Mike
The first military-trained lawyer with a PhD in International Law in Nigeria, Col. Bello Fadile (rtd), has mourned the passing of a stalwart, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who passed on at the age of 89.
Fadile, a prominent figure and author, paid a heartfelt tribute yesterday to the late jurist, describing him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”
Fadile recounted the remarkable story of how Justice Uwais, then CJN, intervened on his behalf during his detention in 1995, braving the military regime to ensure his release.
The Nigerian Army’s first lawyer tribute highlighted Justice Uwais’s unwavering commitment to justice, humility, and integrity. He quoted Uwais’s powerful statement: “A corrupt judge is more harmful to society than a man who runs amok with a dagger in a crowded street.”
Part of the statement read: “At the ripe age of 89, he left us in this sinful world as Allah SWT willed. We accept the vadict as appeal lies nowhere. To we the immediate families, we pray to Allah SWT to give us the fortitude to carry on relying on the principles he lived on and left for us which are:- humility, impartiality, humane, love, detribalised, uprightness and fear of Almighty Allah SWT.
“And to the Nigerian judiciary which he dedicated his life to, i urge you all to follow his footsteps, which he captured brilliantly;
‘ A corrupt judge is more harmful to the society than a man who runs amok with a dagger in a crowded street. The latter can be restrained physically. But a corrupt judge deliberately destroys the moral foundation of society and causes incalculable distress to individuals through abusing his office while still being referred to as Honorable “
“ As captured in my book, Lives: The Bello Fadile Memoirs, I shall forever be grateful to MyLord, the Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais GCON for the risk he took when I was arrested for the alleged fathom coup in 1995.”
Fadile who is the founder and chair of the Council for African Security Affairs, recounted how he was “detained near his house and I sent at note to him as the then CJN, without hesitation or fear of the military, his life or his job, he acted on my request and reached out Late Honorable Justice Karibi-Whyte and together they raised my detention with the Head of Military Government. And of course, they became my link to the Head of State, going and coming back with messages. What man with a lion heart.”
“On my release in March 1999. MyLord traveled from Abuja to Kaduna to see me. He came with clothes, bundles of sheda, and thousands of cash. That was my Father in the Judiciary for you. I was able to see him after 10 years in November 2024, and now he is no more.,” he added.
Fadile noted that late Justice Uwais’s legacy serves as a shining example for the Nigerian judiciary.
According to him, Justice Uwais’s remarkable life and contributions to Nigeria’s judiciary will be remembered for generations to come, adding that “his courage, integrity, and dedication to justice have left an indelible mark on the nation’s legal landscape”.
Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”
Alau Dam: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work.
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam to avert a repeat of last year’s devastating flood disaster.
Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas experienced their worst flooding in decades following the collapse of the Alau Dam in 2024. In response, the Federal Government approved N80 billion for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in March 2025 to mark the commencement of the project.
Governor Zulum while responding to a request by the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, on the need to fast tract the project, during the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri. The Governor expressed concern over the slow pace of work, warning that the rainy season has already begun.
“After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected,” Governor Zulum stated.
“The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project, and I assure you that I will not relent. I will continue to follow up, and I have also notified the Vice President as well. In the meantime, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) has constituted a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam.”.
The governor pledged to connect all local government headquarters to the national grid before the end of his tenure. He also promised massive road rehabilitation once the Pulka quarry plant is completed.
“These are two critical issues dear to me, he said. I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah. Regarding road infrastructure, insecurity has been a major challenge, but we remain committed. We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka quarry plant is completed, we will embark on extensive road rehabilitation across the state.”
Governor Zulum thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and cooperation to his administration.
Earlier, the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi said the sallah homage has been part of the tradition during every festive season, acknowledging the unprecedented transformation the Zulum’s administration is executing across the state.
He emphasised the importance of expediting the Alau Dam project, noting that the first phase should have been completed by now. He referenced the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as a warning of what could recur in Borno if swift action is not taken.
“We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat, the Shehu said. The Federal Government must act immediately.”.
The royal father also urged the Governor to follow up with the Federal Government on oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity connectivity for local government areas.
During the event, Governor Zulum also received delegations from the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, and Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, who paid similar homage.
Alau Dam: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work.
Flooding: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work on Alau Dam
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam to avert a repeat of last year’s devastating flood which nearly submerged Maiduguri and environs.
Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas experienced their worst flooding in decades following the collapse of the Alau Dam in 2024. In response, the Federal Government approved N80 billion for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in March 2025 to mark the commencement of the project.
Zulum, while responding to a request by the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, on the need to fast tract the project, during the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri, the governor expressed concern over the slow pace of work, warning that the rainy season has already begun.
He said: “After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected.
“The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project, and I assure you that I will not relent. I will continue to follow up, and I have also notified the Vice President as well. In the meantime, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) has constituted a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam.”.
Meanwhile, the governor has pledged to connect all local government headquarters in the state to the national grid before the end of his tenure. He also promised massive road rehabilitation once the Pulka quarry plant is completed.
He said: “These are two critical issues dear to me, I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah. Regarding road infrastructure, insecurity has been a major challenge, but we remain committed. We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka quarry plant is completed, we will embark on extensive road rehabilitation across the state.”
Zulum thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and cooperation to his administration.
Earlier, the Shehu of Borno said the sallah homage has been part of the tradition during every festive season, acknowledging the unprecedented transformation the Zulum’s administration has extended to all parts of the state.
He reiterated the importance of expediting the Alau Dam project, noting that the first phase should have been completed by now.
He referenced the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as a warning of what could recur in Borno if swift action is not taken.
The paramount ruler said: “We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat.. The Federal Government must act immediately.”.
The royal father also urged the Governor to follow up with the Federal Government on oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity connectivity for local government areas.
During the event, Governor Zulum also received delegations from the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, and Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, who paid similar homage.
Flooding: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work on Alau Dam
Zulum donates N100m to wounded soldiers; families of fallen heroes
Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”
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