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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
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VP SHETTIMA TO ONDO PEOPLE: The Sun Will Shine Brighter In Sunshine State With Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election
VP SHETTIMA TO ONDO PEOPLE: The Sun Will Shine Brighter In Sunshine State With Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election
*** Says President Tinubu fully behind gov to sustain APC’s commitment to their well-being
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has implored the people of Ondo State to re-elect Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, in Saturday’s governorship election in the state, assuring that the duo will bring hope, prosperity, unity and ensure the sun continues to shine brighter in the Sunshine State.
Specifically, the VP told the electorate in the state to ensure their votes collectively become their voice, conviction and message to those underestimating the strength and will of the state.
Senator Shettima gave the charge on Wednesday while addressing the mammoth crowd that thronged the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure, for the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in the state capital ahead of the gubernatorial election.
His words: “Governor Aiyedatiwa is not merely campaigning to hold onto a position—he is campaigning to bring hope, prosperity, and unity to every corner of Ondo State. I am confident he is the leader who can turn these ambitions into realities.
“This election is more than a choice between two candidates. It is a choice between progress and stagnation, between unity and division. It is a chance to stand with a party that has consistently delivered and with a leader who truly understands the heartbeat of Ondo.
“So, as you go to the polls, remember what we stand for. Remember what you deserve: a governor with the experience, the compassion, and the strength to keep pushing Ondo toward greatness. Let’s secure Ondo’s future together. Let’s vote APC, and let’s re-elect Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”
Extending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill to the people of the state, VP Shettima said the President who is fully in support of Aiyedatiwa is confident that the Governor’s re-election will sustain the commitment of the governing APC to the people’s well-being.
“Today, I bring you the goodwill of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who would have loved to be here today but is currently engaged in securing critical development and investment opportunities for our nation at a summit in Saudi Arabia. Yet, he is with us in spirit, and he has fully endorsed the Aiyedatiwa-Adelami ticket as the torchbearers of prosperity for Ondo State,” he stated.
The Vice President urged the people of Ondo to look beyond what he described as “distractions and the noise from the usual suspects,” even as he told them to “look instead at the integrity and stability the APC has brought to this state.
“Look at the work we’ve done to strengthen our economy, even if the gains may not always be immediately visible. And consider the real, practical solutions the APC offers to make the sun shine brighter in Ondo State,” he added.
Palpably elated by what he termed “the passion” in the faces of the teeming APC supporters in the state, Shettima said he would have asked Governor Aiyedatiwa to return home and wait for them to deliver their mandate to him, adding however that the moment of the campaign grand finale was necessary “to celebrate ahead of election day.
The VP further described Governor Aiyedatiwa and his deputy as men of exceptional courage and leaders who have been tested by challenges that would have deterred many, noting that the Governor “has shown remarkable resilience in building a formidable force for the APC here in Ondo.
“From overcoming politically motivated attacks to uniting our great party, he has proven himself not just a survivor but a leader who stands strong for the good people of the Sunshine State,” he further noted.
Earlier, the Governor of Ondo State and candidate of the APC for the Saturday governorship election, Aiyedatiwa, urged the people to vote for APC.
After asking the mammoth crowd which party they would vote for, and receiving a resounding cheers from the people, he said, “The former Governor of blessed memory, Rotimi Akeredolu, would be happy seeing all of you vote APC to win the election.”
Aiyedatiwa said the late Governor once told him that he would succeed him, and would be glad to see this happen come next Saturday.
Governor Aiyedatiwa observed a minute silence in the late Akeredolu’s honour, telling the crowd that while he was not out to engage in a long statement, the citizens could as well attest to the level of development happening in the state, even as he promised that by the time he returns, he will do his best.
In his remarks, National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, vowed that “by the grace of God come Saturday the 16th of November, Governor Aiyedatiwa will win the gubernatorial election.”
He asked the people of Ondo to come out en masse and vote for Aiyedatiwa, adding that “a vote for the Governor is a vote for unity, a vote for peace and a vote for development.
At the end of his remarks, Ganduje invited Vice President Shettima to hand over the party’s flag to the Governor and candidate of the party.
Earlier, the Vice President had paid homage to the Deji of Akure Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, in his palace where he commended the royal father for preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom for many centuries.
VP Shettima said Akure stands proudly as a testament to the greatness that lies in heritage and unity, adding that the kingdom had long been inspiring the nation.
“This place of gathering and governance, preserved across centuries, serves as a pillar of cultural integrity and continuity. The enduring structure of this palace, a monument over 850 years old, is a reminder that Akure’s strength and grace remain constant through generations,” he stated.
Responding, the traditional ruler commended President Tinubu’s administration for his recent approval for the establishment of a teaching hospital in Akure.
“His Excellency, the Vice President, help me to convey my appreciation to the President; he just approved our teaching hospital. Akure is the only state capital that doesn’t have a teaching hospital. The president has just approved it last week. So, help me convey our gratitude to him sir,” the royal father said.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for approving a five per cent monthly allocation for traditional rulers in the state, imploring the people of Akure to vote massively for the APC in next Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
Also present at the campaign rally were Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Secretary of APC National Campaign Council for Ondo State Governorship Election, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, among many other dignitaries.
VP SHETTIMA TO ONDO PEOPLE: The Sun Will Shine Brighter In Sunshine State With Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election
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DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR COAS SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR INDIGENTS STUDENT 2024 BY COMMANDER 18 BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY
DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR COAS SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR INDIGENTS STUDENT 2024 BY COMMANDER 18 BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY
By: Our Reporter
As part of the Nigerian Army’s (NA) commitment to Civil-Military intervention programs, the Commander 18 Brigade NA, Brigadier General Taiye Ahmed, on 12 November 2024, presented a cheque of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) to Miss Binta Abubakar Yahaya, a beneficiary of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Scholarship Scheme for Indigent Students 2024.
The presentation took place at 18 Brigade, Litani Barracks Bida, Niger State. Brigadier General Ahmed in his remarks, congratulated Miss Binta Abubakar Yahaya on her selection, acknowledging her dedication and potentials. He stated that the COAS Special Scholarship Scheme is a key initiative aimed at offering financial supports to deserving indigent students to help them achieve their academic aspirations ,particularly tertiary education. Brigadier General Ahmed emphasized that the NA is a gender-sensitive institution dedicated to supporting both male and female students who show promises and dedication.
He further highlighted that the scholarship program underscores the NA’s broader commitments to community welfare, contributing to the upliftment of young Nigerians and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder capable minds from realizing their potentials. During the ceremony, a minute silence was observed in honor of the Late COAS Lt Gen TA Lagbaja NAM,underscoring the Army’s enduring respect and remembrance for its fallen leader who was the initiator of the Scholarship Progeamme.
The event was widely attended by a cross section of dignitaries from the local community , including local authorities, traditional rulers, heads of security agencies as well as the media. The Representative of the Etsu Nupe and the Local Government Chairman in their separate remarks, praised the NA for yet another highly impactful gesture for societal development and encouraged Miss Binta to remain dedicated to her studies.
The Beneficiary, Miss Binta Abubakar Yahaya (an orphan) who hails from Bida Local Government Area and a student of the Department of Business Administration, at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger state, expressed her deep gratitude to the NA and pledged to work hard in her studies to honor the trust and privilege granted to her. The high points of the event was the presentation of the cheque to Miss Abubakar Yahaya and souvenirs to the invited guests.
DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR COAS SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR INDIGENTS STUDENT 2024 BY COMMANDER 18 BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY
NLNG donates 970 bags of rice, 3,740 cartons of spahagetti to Borno Flood Committee
By: Our Reporter
Borno state Flood Relief Disbursement Committee has taken delivery 970, 50kg bags of rice and 3,470 cartons of spaghetti from the Nigeria-Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG).
Receiving the items on behalf of Borno State government, chairman of the committee Engineer Ba Bukar Gujbaw thanked NLGN for the support.
He assured that the items donated will be used for the purpose intended.
Managing Director and chief Executive officer Nigeria-Liquified Natural Gas NLNG, Dr Philip Mshelbila said the items was to cushion the impact of the September 10 flood disaster.
Represented by the Head, Government relations, Mr Philip Yakubu, the team handed over the food items and conveyed their message of condolence to the government and people of the state over the huge loss.
Mr Yakubu said they were in the state to assist the government and NGOs in returning the people back to their normal lives.
The NLNG team were at the flood relief distribution centre and also the palace of His royal highness the shehu of Borno Dr Abubakar Garbai El-kanemi to pay homage and receive blessings.
NLNG donates 970 bags of rice, 3,740 cartons of spahagetti to Borno Flood Committee
VP SHETTIMA TO ONDO PEOPLE: The Sun Will Shine Brighter In Sunshine State With Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election
DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR COAS SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR INDIGENTS STUDENT 2024 BY COMMANDER 18 BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY
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