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Neem Foundation: Women Discrimination and Disempowerment, Clog in the Wheel of A Nation

Neem Foundation: Women Discrimination and Disempowerment, Clog in the Wheel of A Nation
By Michael Mike
The discrimination and disempowerment of women and girls is a clog in the wheel of progress of a nation, the Executive Director, Neem Foundation, Dr Fatima Akilu has said.
Speaking at a Stakeholder Forum in Abuja organized by Neem and Ford foundations
to Review Access and Response to Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Northwest Nigeria, Akilu said: “The discrimination and disempowerment of women and girls threatens democracy, peace and security and is an obstacle to sustainable development. It weakens social cohesion, harmony, and justice and put a heavy burden on national economies.”
She however said that “despite the various challenges and gaps, progress has been seen in recent years which is attributed to the leadership of many stakeholders at the Abuja meeting.
Akilu told the gathering from stakeholders in Sokoto, Kaduna and Kano, that: “From being hidden in a culture of silence and impunity, eliminating violence against women has become a national priority, supported by a solid national and international framework.

She explained that “the VAPP and Child Protection Laws in the states obligate them to take responsibility for responding to violence against women and girls. Implementing and adopting these Laws is a strong foundation for women and girls’ rights to equality and freedom from violence. However, these documents remain inoperative and unenforceable if not properly implemented in the states that have adopted them.”
She however lamented: “That we are sitting here today discussing these issues means we still have a long way to go. We are here today to recognise that enhanced coordination and strategic partnerships can bridge the difference between despair and hope in a person who has experienced violence due to their sex or gender.”
She added that: “Although there have been setbacks, we have seen many good practices in recent years. It is essential to look at the evidence, at ‘what works’ to address violence against women. Such experiences can inspire and motivate others and serve as the engine for replication and scaling up. Most importantly, they must underpin the expanding global framework and consensus on ending violence against women and girls.
“Today’s engagement will be an opportunity to share evidence from the ground and to demonstrate that when Governments make adequate political and financial commitments, it is possible to see progress in eliminating violence against women. We hope to see new and improved laws and national action plans that provide for protection and provision of multi-sectoral services that include free hotline services, police and justice responses, shelters, legal aid, medical and health care services, including sexual and reproductive health services, and psycho-social counselling and support to women survivors of violence and their children. It is also essential that these services work together most efficiently and effectively to reduce the burden and impact on women and girls in reporting, response and recovery. These processes can be empowering for women.”
Akilu said: “We count on sensitisation/education programmes that teach human rights, equality and mutual respect. We need increasing numbers of women in politics, law enforcement, and peacebuilding architectures. We need adequate social protection, equal economic opportunities and decent jobs for women,” calling on all stakeholders present not to stop at words, insisting that: “We all must affirm a culture of zero tolerance for violence against women. At the centre of our discussions must be only one consideration – progress for women and girls everywhere.”
On her part, the Sokoto State Honorable Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Kulu Abdullahi Sifawa commended the Neem and Ford foundations for a job well done in the execution of the 18 month-funded project “Prevent and Protect; Strengthening access and response to GBV in Sokoto, Kaduna, and Kano State”.
She attested to the change in the narrative in prevention and response to GBV and related issues that have impacted the lives of women and children in Sokoto state.
She disclosed that the Sokoto State has experienced 1,1 92 cases of gender-based violence since the Nanan Khadija Sexual Assault Referral Centre opened its doors in May 2020 with a total of 779 females and 413 males out of which 618 are females aged below 18 years while 388 are males that are minors.
She added that: “In the year 2022 alone, we have witnessed 476 cases of gender-based violence of which 85% are against women and girls.”
She said: “The Sokoto State Government has made giant efforts to both Prevent and respond to GBV through the passage of relevant laws, and policies, the establishment of structures, and the strengthening of systems that both prevents and responds to GBV and other related issues in the state. The fight has also been sustained to ensure justice for the survivors and their families.”
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Trans-Border Security: Zulum travels to Niger Republic Community

Trans-Border Security: Zulum travels to Niger Republic Community
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Wednesday, undertook a working visit to Diffa Region of Niger Republic on Wednesday.
The visit, which included a high-level security and economic delegation, focused on strengthening the existing collaboration between Nigerian and Nigerien forces in the ongoing fight against insurgency, particularly around the shores of Lake Chad.

Diffa is a community 17 km from Damasak town in northern Borno where thousands of Nigerians displaced by Boko Haram insurgency are currently taking refuge.
Zulum was received by the Governor of Diffa, Brigadier General Mahamaduo Ibrahim Bagadoma, and other senior officials. The leaders held closed-door meetings centered on joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and sustaining the recent gains that have pushed insurgents out of many of their former strongholds.

Zulum outlined plan to leverage the improved security situation to facilitate the return of thousands of displaced farmers to the vast and fertile agricultural lands around Dutchi town within the Lake Chad basin.
Part of the Governor’s entourage are Engr Bukar Talba, a member of the House of Representatives, Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, and otheir senior government officials.
Trans-Border Security: Zulum travels to Niger Republic Community
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Army Troops neutralised bandit as stray bullet mistakenly hits students during gunfight in Benue

Army Troops neutralised bandit as stray bullet mistakenly hits students during gunfight in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected bandit was neutralised by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke during a gun battle in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, on Tuesday, but stray bullets mistakenly hit three students, killing one.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at about 3:20 p.m. while soldiers were returning from a routine patrol in the area.
The source said trouble started when the patrol team sighted some suspected bandits on a motorcycle carrying firearms.
“On sighting the troops, the hoodlums opened fire. The soldiers immediately engaged them in a gun duel. In the exchange of fire, one of the hoodlums was shot dead, while others escaped, abandoning their motorcycle.
“Unfortunately, three students of Government Science Secondary School, Jato-Aka, who were closing from school at the time, were hit by stray bullets. One female student was later confirmed dead by a doctor at NKST Hospital, Jato-Aka, while the other two were admitted and are responding to treatment,” the source explained.
The corpse of the neutralised bandit was also deposited at the NKST Hospital Mortuary.
Military sources confirmed the incident, stressing that the troops only acted in self-defence after being fired upon by the armed hoodlums.
He described the death of the student as an unfortunate accident, assuring that efforts would be made to prevent a repeat of such incidents.
Zagazola reports that news of the incident triggered a violent protest in Jato-Aka town, as angry youths took to the streets and set ablaze the office of the traditional ruler, Mue Ter.
The Police o confirmed the incident, saying personnel and operatives of the Police Mobile Force were deployed to the area to restore calm.
“The situation has been brought under control and normalcy has returned, but monitoring and patrols are ongoing to forestall further breakdown of law and order,”said the sources.
Meanwhile, authorities have appealed to residents of Jato-Aka to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations into the incident continue.
Army Troops neutralised bandit as stray bullet mistakenly hits students during gunfight in Benue
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Federal Commissioner PCC visits CP Borno on strategic synergy for better engagement

Federal Commissioner PCC visits CP Borno on strategic synergy for better engagement
By: Our Reporter
The Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Borno State, Hon. Yusuf Adamu, has paid a courtesy visit to the Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP N. ABDULMAJID, to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions in addressing public complaints and enhancing community policing.
Hon. Adamu congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and thanked him for the immediate attention given to complaints. He said:
“The synergy between the Commission and the Police is vital. We urge the Command to continue to be proactive in handling cases, especially those related to drugs, which are fueling vices such as TikTok and other cybercrime in schools.”
He also urged the Police Command to work closely with community leaders, parents, schools, and religious institutions to address drug abuse among children and young adults. He further linked the PCC’s forthcoming 50th Anniversary to the importance of psychosocial support and thanked the Police Commissioner for assigning an officer to liaise with the PCC in the enforcement unit.

In his response, the Commissioner of Police commended the PCC for consistently referring prosecutable cases to the Police. He assured:
“The same cooperation I experienced with the Commission in my former command will be replicated in Borno. We shall continue to work hand in hand with stakeholders to ensure that complaints are addressed and cases within the PCC’s powers referred for effective investigation.”
He added that community policing had come to stay and would involve community leaders, market women, imams, and parents. He also called for regulation of social media misuse, while urging the PCC to intensify enlightenment of citizens.
The visit featured the signing of the visitors’ book, presentation of the PCC’s Act and mandate, and a group photograph.
End
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