National News
IWD: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Urgent Investment in Women, Gender Equality
IWD: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Urgent Investment in Women, Gender Equality
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has called for the urgent investment in women and accelerated progress towards gender equality.
This was the message of the organisation to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day, with the theme, “Investing in Women, Accelerating Progress, is not just a call to action, it is a non-negotiable requirement for sustainable development, justice, and equity.”
AAN, in a statement on Friday, explained that: “Women are the backbone of our economy, democracy, and communities. They lead, innovate, and build. Yet, in Nigeria, we continue to witness systemic efforts to stifle women’s participation, particularly in male-dominated spaces. From governance to corporate leadership and civil society, women who challenge the status quo often face intimidation, harassment, and exclusion.”
It therefore noted that the resignation of Mojisola Meranda in Lagos House of Assembly and the sexual harassment allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan are stark reminders of the challenges women encounter in leadership.
The statement signed by the Country Director, AAN, Andrew Mamedu read: “These incidents raise urgent questions: Where is the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)? What role is the Code of Conduct Bureau playing in ensuring accountability and justice? If we are serious about accelerating progress, institutions must work effectively to protect women in leadership from intimidation and harassment.
“At ActionAid Nigeria, we have seen firsthand the impact of investing in women. Through initiatives such as the Women’s Voice and Leadership Project, we have supported local women’s rights organizations to drive meaningful change. We are tackling harmful social norms through the Multistakeholder Action on the Prevention of Gender Based Violence (MAP-GBV) Project while empowering young girls as researchers and change agents through the Girl-led Research and Action initiative. These investments do more than uplift women, they create stronger families, healthier communities, and a more inclusive society.”
The statement added that: “Prioritising women’s rights and empowerment is not just a moral obligation but an economic and social imperative. All tiers of government; federal, state, and local must take decisive action by implementing policies and programmes that create real and lasting impact for women and girls. Increased investments in gender-responsive public services are essential to ensuring women have equitable access to land ownership, financial inclusion, and decent work opportunities.
“The federal and state governments must strengthen and enforce laws that protect women from gender-based violence, ensure swift and fair judicial processes for survivors, and eliminate barriers that hinder access to justice. Leadership structures must be comprehensively overhauled to enable women’s full and active participation in governance, policymaking, and economic development.”
Mamedu also highlighted the urgent need for institutional reforms to address sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse, adding, “All investigations, especially high-profile cases brought to public attention, must include independent oversight bodies to guarantee fair and transparent investigations. Public observation mechanisms should be incorporated to enhance accountability in cases of national interest, ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served.” Additionally, he stressed, “Workplace and institutional safeguarding policies must be strengthened to create environments where women feel safe, valued, and protected. A zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and discrimination must be effectively implemented across all sectors, with clear mechanisms for reporting and redress to prevent further violations.”
He called on the presidency to show stronger commitment through concrete action, stating, “The body language of the presidency must align with the urgent need for gender equality. This includes publicly condemning acts of gender-based violence, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring women’s rights are prioritised in national policies and governance. “Prioritising women’s rights and empowerment is not just a moral obligation but an economic and social imperative.
“To the women and girls of Nigeria: Your voices matter. Your contributions shape the nation. Let us continue to break barriers, challenge discrimination, and demand a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.”
IWD: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Urgent Investment in Women, Gender Equality
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to strengthen unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Director-General of the institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
He said the occasion, which signifies the end of a period of fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion, provides an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to the values of peace, compassion and national unity.
Ochogwu urged Muslims to sustain the virtues cultivated during Ramadan—such as self-discipline, patience, charity and piety—beyond the festive period, stressing that such values are essential for building harmonious communities and strengthening the nation.
According to him, Nigerians must also rise above religious, ethnic and political differences and embrace mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as vital ingredients for national development.
“At a time when the country is confronted with complex challenges, unity of purpose and collective responsibility are crucial to overcoming divisions and building a more secure and prosperous nation,” he said.
The institute also expressed concern over recent security incidents in parts of the country, including the tragic bomb blast in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed several lives.
Ochogwu extended condolences to families of the victims, praying for the repose of the deceased and speedy recovery for those injured in the attack.
He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to its mandate of promoting peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution across Nigeria, noting that IPCR would continue to work with government institutions, communities and other stakeholders to address the root causes of conflict.
The IPCR boss further urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and actively support peacebuilding initiatives in their communities.
“Peace is a shared responsibility, and every Nigerian has a role to play in safeguarding it,” he added.
Ochogwu also prayed that the Eid-el-Fitr celebration would usher in renewed hope, healing and unity for Nigeria while advancing peace, stability and national progress.
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
National News
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has restated the Federal Government’s resolve to defeat terrorism, declaring that those behind recent attacks in the country will be decisively confronted.
He noted that beyond the presidential directive to security chiefs, the Federal Government was investing more in equipment and other logistics to boost the fight against terrorism across the country.
Senator Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Maiduguri when he visited victims of the bomb blast who are receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Condemning the gory multiple explosions in Maiduguri on Monday in which more than 100 people were affected by the incident, with over 20 confirmed dead, he described the perpetrators as barbaric, stressing that no cause justifies the killing of innocent people.
The Vice President said his visit was to sympathise with the injured and families affected by the tragedy, assuring of government’s support through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission, and the Borno State Government.
The Vice President was accompanied by Borno State Deputy Governor Usman Kadafur; NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar; Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, and other top government officials.
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who congratulated Muslim faithful across the country on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Federal Government, the minister urged Muslims to uphold the core values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which define the Ramadan period. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to reflect on these virtues beyond the fasting season as part of efforts to build a more harmonious society.
Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, to use the festive period to pray for national peace, unity, and sustained progress, noting that collective responsibility remains key to the country’s stability.
He further encouraged Nigerians to celebrate responsibly and extend kindness to the less privileged, in line with the spirit of the season.
The declaration underscores the government’s continued commitment to promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in the country, as millions of Muslims prepare to celebrate one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
Zulum Greets Muslim Ummah on Eid-El-Fitr
NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Inducted into NIPR, Vows Ethical Leadership in Public Communication
Zulum Reassures Borno Residents as Insecurity Resurges, Vows Decisive Action Against Insurgents
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News11 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
