News
IWD: EU Asks Political Parties to Adopt Robust Measures to Increase Women’s Participation in Politics

IWD: EU Asks Political Parties to Adopt Robust Measures to Increase Women’s Participation in Politics
By: Michael Mike
The European Union (EU) has urged political parties to adopt robust measures and strategies to increase women’s participation and representation.
It noted that the active participation of women at all levels of decision-making and politics is essential to the achievement of equality, sustainable development, peace, and democracy.
The EU also said that there is an urgent need for political parties to review and reform all founding and policy documents, namely political parties’ constitutions, manifestos, party rules, and procedures and strategy documents to incorporate national and international norms and obligations on gender equality.
European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi made the call during the Women in Parliament Summit in Abuja, in commemoration of the International Women’s week, organised by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), with the theme: inspiring inclusion: policy mechanisms for gender parity in politics.
She said: @The ongoing constitution reform process presents an opportunity to adopt an inclusive legal framework that promotes equal participation of all Nigerians regardless of gender, ethnicity, age and disability status.
“In Nigeria, the advocacy for women’s political participation has been long drawn, and in spite of the very dynamic interventions by women’s groups and other key stakeholders, their representation remains in steady decline. For example, women’s representation in the 10th National Assembly is 7.4 percent out of 469 combined seats in the Senate and House of Representatives.
“There has been no woman elected Governor in Nigeria’s 25 years of democracy and the percentage of women appointed to political positions still falls significantly short compared to men. I am not quoting these figures to make it seem impossible, but to show that it is indeed possible.
“It is recognized that political parties are the ‘real gatekeepers’ on women’s political empowerment. If the political parties institutionalise gender equality measures and transform from within, it will have a direct impact on women’s equal participation and representation in Nigeria.”
Isopi urged political parties to set women’s representation in their decision-making bodies such as the National Executive Councils and directorates for elections at not less than 30 percent, which is regarded as the critical figure for women to have any influence.
She said: “The political culture in Nigeria is underpinned by patriarchy and the ‘unwritten’ rules on male privilege within political parties. Oftentimes, only women whose husband support them or have a legacy of family political activism make it to the top.
“On our own part, gender equality and Women’s Rights are a top priority of the European Union. This is true internally and regarding the EU’s approach to international cooperation. To achieve this, the EU launched its third Gender Action Plan on 25 November 2020.
“The Gender Action Plan aims to help establish a gender-equal world, where women and girls enjoy their human rights in full, and fairer societies, in which everyone has the space to thrive with no one left behind.
“The EU has provided support to women’s political participation since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. Technical support has been provided within the framework of our electoral cycle support programmes, which is now in the value of over 180 million Euros.
“We have developed a variety of approaches to support women’s political participation. Efforts focus on women in politics, women as candidates, and women as voters, as well as in electoral observation,” she said.
In her remarks, Chair, House Committee on TETFUND, Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha, said: “We could move away from conventional advocacies and campaign points to non-conventional advocacies such as appeals to our traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, wherein these advocacies will stem from our cultural heads. They should pick a female candidate and sponsor such a person.
“Even if we have a little bit of the numbers, if we are not on the core decision-making table, decisions that border on which of these bills comes as priorities becomes overlooked or may be watered-down because we are not there when these critical decisions are taken.”
House of Representative member representing Nembe-Brass Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Marie Ebikake, in her part, said: “I have been in this game of politics for 44 years. I am a grassroots woman. I believe that, first, women must have the passion for this game we call politics. When people say women are not included, I say – no, you must come out to show your interest from the grassroots.
“Women, beyond conferences and addresses, must face the practicality of this game. Don’t be afraid of any man. When we face the practicality of this game called politics, I tell you, you will enjoy it and be able to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people. Be upright; integrity is very important.”
In her remarks, Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, said: “In 1960, Nigeria had its first female Senator, Wuraola Esan. However, 64 years later, we just have 3 Senators that are women, out of the 109 Senators in the National Assembly. That is not progress!
“This is a call for governmental action to ensure the amendment of the constitution to increase women representation. We need intentional efforts that can be taken to ensure legislative reforms, specifically, constitutional amendments that can increase women representation.”
“The statistics paint a stark picture: while women constitute approximately 49.4 percent of Nigeria’s population, their representation in the parliament falls far below this mark.
“In parliamentary representation globally, Nigeria ranks at 181 of 193 countries, 54 out of 54 in African parliament, and currently have 4.43 percent women representation nationally. This is below the global average of 22.5 percent, the Africa Regional Average of 23.4 percent, and the West African Sub Regional Average of 15 percent.
“The underrepresentation of women in political leadership often means that issues regarding women’s rights are often overlooked in setting the agenda for policy making. Hence, there is a need to accelerate efforts towards ensuring adequate representation of women in political leadership,” according to Eyitemi Adebowale, Head of Communications and Special Projects, ElectHER.
Programme Lead, Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), Vanessa Udegbe Gregory, added, “Together, we can overcome the barriers that hinder women’s political participation and create a more inclusive political environment in Nigeria.
“Together, we can build a future where every woman has the opportunity to contribute her talents and perspectives to the political landscape of our nation.”
IWD: EU Asks Political Parties to Adopt Robust Measures to Increase Women’s Participation in Politics
News
DSS-led joint operation crushes ESN strongholds, kills top kingpins in Imo

DSS-led joint operation crushes ESN strongholds, kills top kingpins in Imo
By: Zagazola Makama
A wave of coordinated security offensives in Imo State has barbecued the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), with the killing of key kingpins and the dislodgement of notorious terrorist camps in forested parts of Njaba and Isu Local Government Areas.
Zagazola Makama understand that The offensive, which began on June 29, was spearheaded by the Department of State Services (DSS) in close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, special forces, and local tactical units.
It was launched after the arrest and detailed confessions of two ESN commanders Uchenna Opara, popularly known as Ntanta Miri, and Ozioma Ihedoro, a.k.a OZ, both natives of Umuaka community in Njaba LGA.
Acting on actionable intelligence, the joint team raided and obliterated several terrorist enclaves, including Umuele Umuaka, Ezioha, and Ugbele Umuaka, known safe havens of the separatist group.
A fierce gun battle ensued as operatives stormed the camps. Three ESN fighters were neutralised during the confrontation, while others reportedly escaped with bullet wounds. Their bodies were later recovered along the Ugbele Umuaka axis.
What followed was a methodical clearance operation targeting the B44 camp cluster, long considered one of ESN’s strategic base networks. The camps, codenamed B44 Tangle 2, 4, 5, 7, and 9, were all successfully dislodged by the joint force.
A caterpillar operator working with the team was tragically killed in the line of duty when the group came under sudden fire while approaching the B44 main camp. He was rushed to the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, but later confirmed dead by a medical officer on duty.
Items recovered from the operation included:
One AK-47 rifle, 15 rounds of live ammunition, pump-action shotgun, two locally made IEDs, one human skull and a Biafran flag
In addition, two suspected ESN members were arrested during the combing of nearby bush paths. The duo Emeka Ogene Sabinus of Ezi Isu in Isu LGA and Nnabuike Emmanuel of Ohofia Oduma in Aninri LGA, Enugu State were said to bear tribal incisions associated with the proscribed militia.
The collapse of the B44 cluster was significant in the counterinsurgency drive in the South-East, where pockets of armed resistance have posed growing threats to residents, security personnel, and national assets.
“The terrain is difficult, but our operatives are relentless,” a senior official close to the operation said. “We are targeting leadership figures, supply chains, and safe havens.”
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing fighters, with mop-up operations continuing in adjoining forest belts across Orlu, Njaba, and Isu corridors.
The Imo offensive adds to a growing list of successes by joint intelligence-led operations aimed at stabilising regions grappling with armed separatist violence, kidnappings, and the weaponisation of local grievances.
DSS-led joint operation crushes ESN strongholds, kills top kingpins in Imo
News
FCT police arrest three wanted kidnappers linked to killings, mass abductions

FCT police arrest three wanted kidnappers linked to killings, mass abductions
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three most-wanted bandits and kidnappers operating across Abuja and neighbouring parts of Kaduna State.
According to a police sources, the arrests were carried out on June 29 between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., by operatives of the Scorpion Squad led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey, following actionable and digital reconstructive intelligence.
The sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were identified as: Abdulkadir Abubakar, a native of Mpape, FCT, Mohammed Tasiu Sani, of Rigina, Kaduna State, Suleiman Jibrin, 27, of Sabon-Gayan, Kaduna State.
The three suspects, all Fulani by tribe, have been on the command’s most-wanted list for
their roles in multiple kidnapping and banditry operations, particularly in Jere, Kajuru, the FCT and its environs.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to abducting victims and moving them to detention camps in Kachia and Rigina forests in Kaduna State. Some victims, they admitted, were held for months, while others were killed at will.
The sources revealed that one of the suspects, Abdulkadir Abubakar, provided disturbing details of internal executions within the gang, in which some members were killed by their own leaders over mistrust and betrayal.
An operational motorcycle, popularly referred to by locals as the “Boko Haram Motorcycle,” was recovered during the raid. The suspects are currently assisting operatives in ongoing efforts to recover arms and ammunition, and to track down other gang members still at large.
FCT police arrest three wanted kidnappers linked to killings, mass abductions
News
Young farm labourer shot dead while fleeing Amotekun in Osun

Young farm labourer shot dead while fleeing Amotekun in Osun
By: Zagazola Makama
A 20-year-old farm labourer identified as Solomon (surname yet unknown) has been found dead with gunshot wounds after he was allegedly shot by a member of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, along the Ilesa/Iperindo Road in Osun State.
The incident, which occurred on June 29, followed the reported confrontation between a local security operative and a group of five farm labourers on their way to a farmland.
According to Temidayo Olowookere, the employer of the deceased, the labourers were accosted around 11:00 a.m. by an Amotekun operative, one Ajayi Ibukun, who accused them of extorting money from passersby. Two members of the group were apprehended, while the remaining three fled into the bush.
Olowookere said the detained workers were later released to him in the afternoon. However, later in the evening, when two of the three fleeing labourers returned, Solomon remained missing.
A search party was immediately organised. His body was discovered in the bush with gunshot wounds on his back, raising suspicions that he may have been shot during the initial confrontation.
His remains were evacuated to Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, where he was confirmed dead and deposited at the morgue for autopsy.
Police say efforts are currently underway to trace and apprehend the security operative allegedly involved in the shooting, while the community continues to call for justice.
Young farm labourer shot dead while fleeing Amotekun in Osun
-
News1 year ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics3 weeks ago
2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift