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

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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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MD Damuli Investment Company Limited extends assistance to orphans, underprivileged students in Yobe

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MD Damuli Investment Company Limited extends assistance to orphans, underprivileged students in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Damuli Investment Company Limited, Alhaji Liman Mohammad Dabuwa, has extended assistance to the development of education in Yobe, targeting orphans and underprivileged students in the state.

The company expanded to be worth over $90 million as part of its contribution towards the development of education, students, and orphans in the region, which includes the purchase of mattresses and bedding materials for Mai Bukar boarding primary school.

Prior to government approval, Damuli Investment Company fed boarding primary schools in the region for a good 3 months for free. In addition, it purchased teaching and learning materials and foodstuff for teachers and principals, as well as presented gifts during the graduation ceremony and others to Mai Bukar boarding school in August 2025.

The company also made the payment of school registration fees for 15 orphan students at Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Potiskum, and also supported the Yobe State annual Quranic recitation competition held in Machina in 2025.

“In participation in supporting the students of high institutions, Dabuwa Company made the payment of school fee registration for over 150 students at various high institutions. In addition, it supported Yobe State University during a fire outbreak with bending materials.

“Damuli Investment Company also sponsored common entrance exams into Mai Bukar boarding school across the political wards of the Machina local government area in 2024 and 2025, respectively, as well as rendered support to Medical College Damaturu and purchased teaching and learning materials for GSS Machina.

Alhaji Liman Mohammad Dabuwa commended His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, and the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali mni, for turning Yobe State into semi-London.

“Now Yobe State can compete with any developing state in the country in terms of infrastructural development,” Alhaji Liman Mohammad Dabuwa said.

MD Damuli Investment Company Limited extends assistance to orphans, underprivileged students in Yobe

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One dead, four injured in communal clash in ngidoje village in Yobe

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One dead, four injured in communal clash in ngidoje village in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

A 20-year-old man has been killed while four others sustained injuries in a clash involving youths in Ngidoje Village, Yobe State.

Sources said the incident occurred on Wednesday around 10:00 p.m. when some Fulani youths reportedly had a misunderstanding that escalated into a fight involving sticks and cutlasses.

The deceased, identified as Ibrahim Manu Gagare, was beaten and fell unconscious. He was rushed to Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Buni Yadi, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor. His body was later released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.

The remaining four victims sustained various degrees of injuries and are responding to treatment.
End

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NSCDC Chief Hails FCT Command’s Transformation, Showcases Obstacle Training Facility

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NSCDC Chief Hails FCT Command’s Transformation, Showcases Obstacle Training Facility

By: Michael Mike

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi has commended the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Corps for its rapid infrastructural growth and operational innovation, describing the command as a benchmark for excellence within the Corps.

Prof. Audi made the remarks during an inspection visit to the FCT Command as part of his 2026 Operational Tour aimed at assessing readiness, training capacity, and infrastructure development across NSCDC formations nationwide.

At the centre of the visit was the newly initiated Obstacle Course Training Facility, which the NSCDC boss described as a strategic investment in personnel capacity building and operational effectiveness.

He noted that the transformation witnessed at the FCT Command since the assumption of office of the Commandant Olusola Odumosu reflects purposeful leadership, discipline, and dedication to service.

According to the Commandant General, the FCT Command occupies a critical position as the operational nerve centre of the National Headquarters, stressing that the pace of development recorded within a short time underscores the command’s commitment to innovation and professionalism.

He further described officers of the FCT Command as some of the most dedicated personnel in the Corps, working deliberately to reposition the NSCDC in line with contemporary security demands. Prof. Audi noted that the progress recorded by the command is clear evidence of the broader transformation taking place within the Corps.

During his interaction with personnel, the NSCDC boss urged officers to uphold the values and principles of the service, cautioning against indiscipline, complacency, and misconduct.

He emphasized that national service must take precedence over personal interests, encouraging officers to pursue initiatives that can serve as models for other commands.

Audi also acknowledged the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of NSCDC personnel, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for addressing long-standing promotion challenges within the service. He said the recent promotions have boosted morale and reinforced the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Looking ahead, the Commandant General disclosed that the National Headquarters is developing a College of Arms Squad Service in Nasarawa State, adding that the FCT Command’s obstacle course design will be adopted as a reference model for advanced training nationwide. He assured the FCT Command of continued institutional support to ensure timely completion of the project.

The visit culminated in a tactical demonstration by trained personnel at the obstacle course, showcasing the physical fitness, coordination, and operational preparedness of the command.

NSCDC Chief Hails FCT Command’s Transformation, Showcases Obstacle Training Facility

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