UN Women Strengthens Partnerships for Inclusive Development in Warri Kingdom

By: Michael Mike

In a significant step toward advancing gender equality and inclusive development, UN Women Nigeria Representative, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, was hosted by the Royal Iwere Foundation under the gracious leadership of Their Majesties, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri Kingdom, and Olori Atuwatse III.
 
The high-level engagement, held in Warri, focused on strengthening partnerships between UN Women and the Warri Kingdom to promote women’s empowerment, economic inclusion, and community development. 

According to a statement on Tuesday, discussions with the traditional leaders explored ongoing initiatives within the Kingdom that empower women and girls, particularly in the areas of education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to deepening collaboration and scaling up interventions that create sustainable opportunities for women and young people.
 
“Traditional institutions are powerful drivers of social transformation,” said Ms. Eyong. “UN Women is committed to working closely with Their Majesties and the Royal Iwere Foundation to amplify the remarkable efforts already underway in Warri Kingdom and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.”
 
Their Majesties reaffirmed their support for partnerships that promote women’s economic empowerment, gender equality, and community resilience, noting that the Kingdom’s development vision aligns with global aspirations under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 
This mission underscores UN Women’s commitment to local partnerships that advance gender equality and inclusive development across Nigeria. By engaging traditional and community leaders, UN Women continues to bridge global frameworks with local realities, ensuring that women’s voices, leadership, and economic participation remain central to achieving sustainable progress.

UN Women Strengthens Partnerships for Inclusive Development in Warri Kingdom

Tinubu, listen to the masses, and release Nnamdi Kanu- FCT Igbo Community

By: Michael Mike

Igbo Community in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to listen to the voices of the masses and release detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The President General, Igbo Community Association FCT, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, in a letter on Tuesday, said: “Mr. President the time has come for you to sit back and take a reflective rethink over the unending cries of the masses of Nigerians, not just the Igbo speaking people.

“The cries for the release of the freedom fighter, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has begun to reach feverish pitch – and may begin to pose a distraction to your administration if you fail to act timely.

“Nnamdi Kanu may become your Achilles heel if this unfolding “free Nnamdi Kanu” protests is not addressed properly in a democratic manner.

“The masses of Nigeria have come to the realization that holding a Nnamdi Kanu for over 4 years for no crime that he has been found guilty of, is injustice. They also remember how he was abducted from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria by agents of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“We call on you to use your executive powers and influence to solve this growing problem before it grows out of control.

“You are a clever and wise politician. No doubt about that. But you must also be a clever and wise President. Continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not wise or clever.

“A true democratic leader listens to his people. The people want Nnamdi Kanu to be freed. He deserves justice.

“We believe it is not illegal for a people to agitate for their rights. Nigeria belongs to all of us.”
End

President Tinubu Remains Committed to Girl-Child Education, Says VP Shettima

… As teenage Joy Ogah takes over VP seat as one-day vice president, makes strong case for girl-child

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured stakeholders and development partners of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promoting girl-child education across Nigeria.

He said among other government interventions in girl-child education, the school feeding programme remains essential.

Speaking during a meeting with a PLAN International delegation led by its Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Mfonobong Idiong on Monday, Senator Shettima invited a teenager, Joy Ogah, to take over the seat of the Vice President for a day and address the nation.

He noted that studies have shown that well-nourished children are well-formed.

“We will continue the engagement with PLAN International and see where the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your solid advice on girl-child education,” the Vice President told the PLAN delegation.

He further told the delegation that “in President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” adding that the administration is passionate and deeply committed to advancing girl-child education.

The Vice President also described First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a symbol of how a properly empowered and supported girl-child can blossom into a great leader.

He recalled that when the First Lady served in the Nigerian Senate, she contributed actively to debates, especially those relating to girl-child education.

“I want to assure you, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that this government is gender-friendly. We believe in inclusivity. We cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation,” he stated.
The Vice President assured PLAN International that the administration’s doors are open for continuous engagement, adding that “the ladies on my team are the best people to engage.”

After his remarks, the Vice President invited Joy Ogah to take over his seat for a day, an opportunity she gladly accepted.

Speaking from the Vice President’s seat, Ogah expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent millions of Nigerian girls.

She noted that across Nigeria, 10.5 million children are out of school, with over 60 percent of them being girls.

Ogah emphasized that Nigerian girls can become leaders if the necessary interventions are implemented by relevant authorities and stakeholders.

She called on the government, policymakers, development partners, and citizens to act strategically in advancing girl-child education.

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said.

Ogah urged relevant authorities to enforce laws that protect the rights of every girl-child and highlighted the need to provide free sanitary products in schools, as well as ensure access to water, sanitation, and nutrition for the Nigerian child.

“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she added.

She continued: “I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets.”

According to her, every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence.

Earlier, Idiong noted that girls around the world face crises, and Nigeria is no exception.

Representing PLAN International, she explained that the organization has provided interventions for over 11 million Nigerian children in areas such as education, entrepreneurship, and youth development.

“We have been working across Nigeria to improve the lives of children,” she said.

She recalled that in 2024, PLAN visited the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, where a girl took over the Speaker’s seat for a day and called for the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on sanitary pads and diapers.

Ogah appreciated the Federal Government, noting that the girl’s request had since been implemented following the passage and signing into law of the Tax Reforms Act.

On behalf of PLAN International, she urged the government to continue ensuring that girls have access to education and that schools remain affordable for all.

President Tinubu Remains Committed to Girl-Child Education, Says VP Shettima