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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.”
Nigeria Condemns Attempted Military Takeover of Government in Benin
By: Michael Mike
Nigerian government has condemned the attempted military takeover of government in neighbouring Benin Republic.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has received with grave concern and unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempted forcible seizure of power in our friendly neighbour and brotherly nation, the Republic of Benin in the early hours of Sunday 7th December, 2025.
“This act of destabilization represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political transitions.
“Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin, and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace.”
“We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President. Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled,” the statement added.
The statement further read: “Nigeria reiterates its strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars for peace, development and regional stability. Unconstitutional changes of government are an unacceptable and retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of our sub-region.
“As a steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region.”
Nigeria Condemns Attempted Military Takeover of Government in Benin
ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Takeover in Benin
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the attempted military takeover of government in Benin Republic
A statement on Sunday by the ECOWAS office in Abuja read: “ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military take-over in the Republic of Benin.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.
“ECOWAS calls for the full respect of the Constitution of Benin and salutes the efforts of the Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.
“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsable for
any loss to life and property occasioned by their action.
“ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary, including
the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin.”
ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Takeover in Benin
NSCDC Arrests Three for Vandalization of Telecommunications Tower in Yobe
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three suspects allegedly involved in the vandalization of a vital telecommunications tower in Yobe State.
A statement on Friday by the spokesman of NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale said the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has achieved a major breakthrough with the arrest of three suspects allegedly involved in the vandalism of a vital telecommunications tower in Yobe State.
He revealed that the operation was executed following a credible intelligence report that indicated unscrupulous elements were conniving with a terrorist group to vandalize a live telecommunications tower located at Savannah, in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.
He noted that the SIS operatives swiftly responded, resulting in the arrest of the suspects at the scene. The arrested suspects, all from Yobe State, are Ibrahim Jibrin, 44, from Damaturu; Dahiru Ibrahim Isa, 38, from Babban Layi, Potiskum; and Usman Ali Isa, 27, from Dabar Mai Chafa, Potiskum.
He said ongoing investigation has revealed that Mr. Ibrahim Jibrin, who specializes in the act, was allegedly hired to decommission the mast for N800,000 and had received an initial payment of N200,000 from an accomplice identified as Alhaji Kabiru from Kano before his arrest. Exhibits recovered from the suspects include vandalized components of the tower and various tools used in the criminal operation.
Babawale said in line with the Corps’ renewed mandate to confront criminality, the SIS also made several other arrests across different locations. Acting on intelligence received on November 15, 2025, concerning criminal elements snatching motorbikes and phones in the Kuje and Tungan Maje axis, SIS operatives arrested two suspects, David Moses and Nuhu Inusa, in the Gui suburb of Abuja. Stolen phones were recovered, and the duo confessed to the crime, revealing their mode of operation and naming an accomplice who paid them with two Bajaj motorbikes (valued at N400,000 and N350,000 respectively) in exchange for stolen items.
He revealed that three additional suspects Akawe Uter, Sunny Obasi, and Ezugwu Godwin were apprehended in connection with an earlier arrest of one George Nyitamen. Their charges relate to unauthorized connection and distribution of power,tampering with electrical installations, and harassment of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) staff.
Babawale said following a distress call, Vincent Haliru Maigari, 27, was arrested for stealing plumbing materials from an apartment he was contracted to fix, which was intended to be converted into a hotel near Didi/Madiba Casa Estate. Maigari confessed to the theft, and some of his accomplices who fraudulently purchased the stolen items have also been arrested.
He noted that the Corps Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi has directed all specialized units to intensify efforts against critical infrastructure vandalism and various forms of economic sabotage.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the SIS, Commandant of Corps Samu Appollos Dandaura,l expressed strong optimism that with the sustained collaboration of the public, the Corps will discharge its mandate maximally, promising that all arrested suspects will be charged to court upon the completion of diligent investigation.
NSCDC Arrests Three for Vandalization of Telecommunications Tower in Yobe
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