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IWD: EU-IIDEA, FG strategize to improve lives of vulnerable citizens
IWD: EU-IIDEA, FG strategize to improve lives of vulnerable citizens
By: Michael Mike
Worried over the low level of women, children and Persons With Disabilities, (PWD), inclusion in the nations affairs, stakeholders have converged to strategize on way forward in advocating for the vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.
The stakeholders at the second annual conference of Commissioners of State Ministries of Women Affairs noted that, achieving gender equality involved transforming social norms and power dynamics that supported the political, social and economic empowerment of the most marginalised and vulnerable, particularly women , children and PWD.
The 2nd Annual Conference of Commissioners of State Ministries of Women Affairs with the theme: Sub-National Policy and Practice for Enhancing Rights, Protection, and Justice for Women, Children, and Persons with Disabilities, is organised by the European Union-Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC-Phase II) Programme of International IDEA in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
Minister Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim represented by her Senior Special Assistance,(SSA) on Women and Community Engagement, Princess Joan Jummai Idonije said the theme for this year, “accelerate action” is apt as there is need for renewed commitment, and bold action to tackle the issues of gender parity.
Suleiman-Ibrahim reiterated the need to critically evaluate the effectiveness of Nigeria’s policies and governance structures to ensure that collective interventions yield tangible and measurable impact, particularly at the sub-national level where the needs are most acute.
“We must ensure that every intervention is tracked, evaluated, and reported. Investing in state-level gender data systems will enable us to measure progress and feed into the national Women’s Empowerment and Protection Dashboard — ensuring accountability and transparency in our collective efforts.
“The success of our policies will not be measured by the frameworks we create but by the lives we transform. We must break down silos and foster collaborative partnerships that amplify impact at every level. This is the time to forge bold, practical, and scalable solutions that accelerate progress for women, children, and persons with disabilities across Nigeria,” she stressed.
She expressed appreciation to RoLAC, and other development partners who continue to champion the cause of women, children, and vulnerable groups. Commending the State Commissioners for Women Affairs for their leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing gender equality at the sub-national level.
Also, Head of Programme Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption RoLAC Programme, Danladi Plang, tasked state Commissioners on the need to pursue the enactment and implementation of relevant laws for women, children and PWD.
Plang called on relevant authorities to make available, resource allocations and investment for the sector to thrive beyond the rhetorics before the next election circle.
He said, “the core objectives of the Rule of Law Programme is to increase access to justice for women, children and persons with disabilities. Since 2017, in support of the European Union, we have been implementing this programme across five states in Phase 1 and currently we are working in seven states and the FCT.
“We have worked with our partners to do a number of things. Critical amongst them is some of the legislation that we have supported the various states to put, child protection law or what we know as the child rights law in some of the states, the VAPP law in some states and then the law that protects or prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities.
“The Ministries, in particular the commissioners, play a very big standard role to serve as catalysts, to change, to also serve as coordinators of implementation of policies in the states, but more importantly to serve as influencers within the cabinet.
Speaking on the sidelines with reporters at the event, Plang disclosed that, the survivors of about 8000 have been assisted by the SARCs. “Last year we commission NCPWD to ensure that building are accessible, especially office buildings.
Ensure advocacy, with the Commissioners as they are in the states and when they do not have the laws, they are able to see the benefits of those that have and discuss with their governors. Through the Nigerian governors forum so that they can plan together and know what their counterparts are doing and learn to move the agenda forward.”
In the same view, Project Manager, Access to Justice RoLAC Programme, Oluwatoyosi Giwa while setting the tone and objectives, said the conference is poised at initiating narratives that will have direct impact and benefit for vulnerable citizens.
“We hope that by the end of these three days, you will have action plans derived from the different presentations that have been made of things that you can go back and implement and that will make a difference in the lives of women, of children and of persons with disabilities in your various locations.
“Let us speak our truth and let us share our experience so that we can learn from each other and so that we can take back something tangible to go and make change in our various spaces.”
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, for his part, noted that, almost all the Nigerian states have enacted the law but yet to implement.
He said, We need to explore these talents that women have. When you leave aside half of the population, you will miss specific talents that. Mixed groups with both women and men are more efficient than groups with only women or only men and this is very true for politics as well.
IWD: EU-IIDEA, FG strategize to improve lives of vulnerable citizens
Troops arrest suspected gun-runner in Taraba, recover weapons and ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at Ibi and the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari have arrested a suspected gun-runner and recovered weapons, ammunition, and other items during an intelligence-led operation in Taraba State.
Security sources disclosed that the troops acted on credible intelligence about a suspicious Peugeot vehicle heading toward the Ibi waterside area. The troops swiftly mobilised to intercept the vehicle and apprehended the suspect.
The suspect, identified as Abubakar Ibrahim, 48, from Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, was arrested during the operation.
Items recovered from him include six locally fabricated weapons bearing various registration numbers, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one Peugeot 504 vehicle, a Q Seven mobile phone, seven bottles of perfume with rubbers, seven charms, one mentholatum rub, two small containers of Vaseline, and the sum of N1,400 in cash.
Military sources said the suspect and the recovered items are currently in custody and will be transferred to the Brigade Headquarters for further investigation.
The sources added that the general security situation within the Area of Responsibility remains calm but highly unpredictable, noting that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain satisfactory.
The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and criminal activities in Taraba and adjoining areas.
Troops arrest suspected gun-runner in Taraba, recover weapons and ammunition
ISWAP kills professor in targeted abduction on Maiduguri-Damboa highway
By: Zagazola Makama
ISWAP terrorists have reportedly killed Professor Abubakar Mohammed el-Jumma of the Nigerian Army University Biu following a targeted abduction along the Maiduguri-Damboa highway on March 25, 2025.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attackers, described as light-skinned foreigners, specifically targeted Professor el-Jumma, suggesting the abduction was premeditated. The perpetrators were reportedly in possession of his photograph before carrying out the attack, confirming that the operation was deliberate and planned.
Authorities have confirmed that no ransom demands were made and attempts to negotiate his release were unsuccessful. ISWAP later informed the family of Professor el-Jumma’s death and that his burial had been carried out within their enclave.
The incident demonstrates ISWAP’s growing capability to exploit local vulnerabilities with the support of spies and sympathizers.
The group’s targeting of high-profile individuals, including academics and community leaders, reflects a shift towards calculated kidnappings designed to spread fear and disrupt governance and education in the North East.
No official statement has yet been issued by Nigerian Army University Biu authorities regarding the incident.
ISWAP kills professor in targeted abduction on Maiduguri-Damboa highway
News
Bayelsa East Leaders, Elders, Women, Youths To Protest Over Marginalization In Sen Douye Diri Administration
Bayelsa East Leaders, Elders, Women, Youths To Protest Over Marginalization In Sen Douye Diri Administration
Leaders, stakeholders, women and youths in Bayelsa East Senatorial District has perfected preparations to stage a peaceful protest against Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri over marginalization and neglect in political appointments in the government since inception.
The people of the east also deserves sensitive offices in the government for their resolute support for the government since inception, but they have been marginalized. The office of the deputy governor from the east will balance the political structure.
Marginalization of the east people in sensitive government appointments is an outright disrespect to the former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Gen. Melford Okilo, and other leaders from the east senatorial district.
Even though the speaker of the state house of assembly is not considered, there are other competent individuals eminently qualified to handle the office of the deputy governor for the remaining years of the government.
The governor should consult former president, and other leaders from the east to chose a deputy governor from either Ogbia, Nembe or Brass.
The eastern region planned peaceful protest is a furtherance expression of dissatisfaction in accordance and solidarity with the group, the Bayelsa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress Grassroot Movement (BSAGM) condemnation of Governor Diri administration over marginalization of appointments.
According to the eastern people, the governor has consciously and deliberately marginalized the east in sensitive political appointments in the government, pointing out that all the top offices in the government are handled by his relatives from Kolokuma-Opokuma and Sagbama.
For instance; all government house appointments are handled by his relatives, the chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, Director of Domestic, Director of Transport, including S.A Political, and other sensitive appointments in the government.
Governor Douye Diri has deliberately neglected and marginalized the east, we will exercise our constitutional right of a peaceful protest to express our dissatisfaction to the world.
Since the creation of Bayelsa State, successive administrations had maintained political conglomeration across the three senatorial district in the state, but Diri administration had neglected the east from inception.
The east is only been marginalized, and neglected in Diri administration. Alamieyeseigha, Jonathan, Sylva, and Dickson carried out fair, equal appointments, infrastructure across the state, in their administrations.
Successive governments since 1999, had fairly and transparently distributed political appointments across the senatorial district, but the contrary is Diri’s administration.
It is absolutely unfortunate that the east had been undermined by Diri, running a one-sided government of Kolokuma-Opokuma, and the whole state is watching the government.
In exercise of constitutional right of a peaceful protest, the east will carry out a peaceful protest to government house next week to publicly express their dissatisfaction to the world over the undemocratic marginalization of appointments in Diri administration.
Signed:
Chief Samuel Azibator – Ogbia
High Chief Nengi Sylvanus -Nembe
Chief Williams Naworio – Brass
Bayelsa East Leaders, Elders, Women, Youths To Protest Over Marginalization In Sen Douye Diri Administration
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