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No Excuse for Violence Against Women – Mohamed M. Fall
No Excuse for Violence Against Women – Mohamed M. Fall
By: Michael Mike
No cultural practice, tradition, economic, or social pressure can justify the suffering endured by millions of women and girls. Our role is to challenge these harmful narratives.
Gender inequality and violence against women remain among the greatest challenges to sustainable development, not just in Nigeria but globally. According to UN Women, globally, an estimated 736 million women, almost one in three have been subjected to physical and, or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life, which represents 30 per cent of women aged 15 and older. This figure does not include sexual harassment.
Violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights. It undermines the principles of equality, dignity, and respect. This violence takes many forms—physical, emotional, sexual, and economic; and occurs in every part of the world, including Nigeria. From intimate partner violence to harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, trafficking, exploitation, sexual harassment, and assault, the pervasive nature of gender-based violence reflects deep-rooted societal inequalities.
Reports have also established that women who have experienced violence are more likely to suffer from depression, and anxiety disorders with long-lasting dire consequences. The United Nations further captured the situation of gender-based violence globally: “For at least 51,100 women in 2023, the cycle of gender-based violence ended with one final and brutal act—their murder by partners and family members. That means a woman was killed every 10 minutes.”
In Nigeria, violence and harmful practices against women and girls happen every day, and most of the time they are not reported. The Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey in 2018 found that 9 percent of women aged 15 to 49 had suffered sexual assault at least once in their lifetime and 31% had experienced physical violence. Restrictions and implications from the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the gender-based violence (GBV) in the nation.
One of the global initiatives that consistently puts a spotlight on the issue of gender-based violence is the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence which starts on 25 November, the International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women and ends on 10 December, the Human Rights Day. This period serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness, mobilize action, and demand an end to all forms of violence against women and girls.
During these 16 Days of Activism, let us not only reflect on the stories of pain but also celebrate the strength, resilience, and courage of women and girls in Nigeria and the rest of the world. Let us honor their voices and commit to a future free from violence. It is a time to reflect on our progress and acknowledge the work that still lies ahead.
“No Excuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women” is this year’s theme, and according to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, it means standing with activists around the world who are calling for change and supporting survivors of violence. It is a powerful call to action. It asserts our collective responsibility to ensure that no woman, or girl is subjected to violence in their homes, communities, or workplaces. Violence in any form is never justified, acceptable, or excusable.
It is critical that we unite in our efforts to eliminate violence in all its forms. We must collaborate with governments, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector, to address the root causes of violence. We need to confront the harmful attitudes, stereotypes, and discriminatory norms that perpetuate a culture of violence. It is essential to break the silence and ensure that survivors receive the support and protection they need to rebuild their lives.
There is no excuse for violence against women. No cultural practice, tradition, economic, or social pressure can justify the suffering endured by millions of women and girls. Our role is to challenge these harmful narratives. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every woman and girl can live free from fear of violence and discrimination. We must create safer environments where women and girls can access education, work, health services, and lead fulfilling lives without fear.
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I stand with the global community in declaring an urgent truth: There is no excuse for violence against women and girls. This is not a matter for debate; it is a call to immediate action. The United Nations in Nigeria stands firmly against violence in all its forms. We are resolute in our commitment to supporting the Nigerian government and all stakeholders to end gender-based violence.
Our work in Nigeria focuses on strengthening legal frameworks, improving access to justice, and creating awareness to change mindsets and behaviours.
But we cannot do this alone. We need support from everyone: community leaders, religious institutions, educators, and individuals. It is vital to engage men and boys as partners in this fight, encouraging them to speak out against violence, challenge harmful gender norms, and foster respect and equality in their homes and communities.
We must also ensure that survivors of violence have access to the services and resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. This includes healthcare, legal aid, and counseling services. It is essential to create spaces where survivors can share their stories without fear of retaliation and where their dignity is preserved.
Together, we can unlock the full potential of every Nigerian and build a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
There is no excuse for violence against women. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can create a world free from violence and discrimination. A world where women can live with diginity and respect.
Mohammed M. Fall, is the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria. He writes from Abuja.
No Excuse for Violence Against Women – Mohamed M. Fall
Fake report of unrest at unijos debunked, military assures campus security
By: Zagazola Makama
The Management of the University of Jos and the Nigerian military have dismissed as false and misleading a viral report alleging unrest, chaos, and destruction within the institution, describing it as a deliberate attempt to cause panic and misinformation.
The fake report, which circulated on social media alongside an image claimed to depict violence on campus, suggested that “student grievances had escalated into chaos” with alleged destruction and insecurity within the university environment.
However, checks by Zagazola and confirmation from university authorities indicate that the situation at the University of Jos remains calm, peaceful, and under control, with normal activities ongoing.
It was further gathered that the image accompanying the false report was generated using Artificial Intelligence and does not reflect any real incident within or around the university.
A senior security source told Zagazola Makama that the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General E.F. Oyinlola, personally led troops to the University of Jos following the circulation of the fake report.
During the visit, the GOC met with the Vice Chancellor of the institution and assured management of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the university community, students, and staff against any form of threat or security breach.
The military described the viral publication as “fake news deliberately designed to cause confusion, panic, and distrust,” urging members of the public to disregard it in its entirety.
Authorities further cautioned against the circulation of unverified content, especially digitally manipulated images, warning that such misinformation could incite unnecessary fear and disrupt public peace.
The University of Jos management also reaffirmed that there was no unrest or security breach on campus, stressing that academic activities were proceeding without disruption.
Security agencies assured continued surveillance and protection of the institution as part of ongoing efforts under Operation ENDURING PEACE to maintain stability across Plateau State.
The public has been urged to rely only on verified information from official sources and avoid sharing content capable of undermining peace and order in the state.
Fake report of unrest at unijos debunked, military assures campus security
Athena Observatory Warns of Deepening Structural Risks in Nigeria’s Democracy
By: Michael Mike
A new policy report has raised fresh concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s democratic system, warning that growing political fragmentation and institutional strain could undermine the credibility of elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.
The report, released on Tuesday by the Athena Election Observatory (AEO), marks the debut of its Political Landscape Monitor—a policy series designed to track and analyse the country’s evolving electoral environment. Titled “Nigeria’s Democracy and the Imperative of Competitive Politics,” the inaugural note paints a sobering picture of a political system struggling to keep pace with its own internal dynamics.
According to the Observatory, a pattern is emerging across Nigeria’s major political parties in which leadership disputes, fragile alliances, and factional battles are becoming increasingly common. While these crises may appear isolated, the report argues they are symptoms of a deeper structural imbalance.
At the heart of the problem, it said, is a widening gap between political activity and institutional capacity. Political actors, driven by the urgency of coalition-building and power consolidation, are moving faster than the rules and structures meant to regulate them.
“This is not just about party disagreements,” the report noted. “It is about the weakening of the systems that are supposed to organise competition, manage conflict, and ultimately guarantee meaningful choice for voters.”
The analysis drew from recent developments within prominent parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party, where internal tensions and contested leadership claims have repeatedly spilled into the public domain.
Observers say the trend reflects a broader shift in how political disputes are resolved in Nigeria. Rather than being settled through internal party mechanisms, disagreements are increasingly pushed toward external institutions—particularly the courts and electoral regulators.
The report highlighted the pivotal role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in this process. Its decisions on which party factions to recognise can effectively determine leadership outcomes, making it a central actor in intra-party struggles.
While acknowledging INEC’s constitutional mandate, the Observatory cautioned that inconsistent or opaque decision-making could erode public confidence. It called for clearer procedures and stricter adherence to impartiality to prevent the Commission from being perceived as a political arbiter.
Equally significant is the growing reliance on the judiciary to settle political disputes. The report warned that while the courts remain essential for upholding the rule of law, their increasing involvement in intra-party conflicts risks displacing internal governance systems.
Legal interventions, it argued, should serve as a last resort—not a default mechanism.
“When courts become the primary arena for resolving political disagreements, parties gradually lose the capacity to govern themselves,” the report states. “Over time, this weakens the entire democratic ecosystem.”
Beyond institutional concerns, the Observatory drew attention to the implications for ordinary voters. A fragmented political landscape, it said, reduces the clarity and credibility of electoral choices, leaving citizens with options that may lack cohesion or long-term viability.
In such conditions, elections risk becoming procedural exercises rather than meaningful expressions of democratic will.
The report ultimately framed the issue as a national, rather than partisan, challenge. Strengthening the institutional foundations of political competition, it argued, is critical not only for credible elections but also for political stability and governance.
As Nigeria edges closer to another election cycle, the findings serve as a stark reminder that the health of a democracy depends not just on the conduct of elections, but on the strength of the systems that shape them long before ballots are cast.
The Athena Election Observatory said it will continue to publish periodic assessments under its Political Landscape Monitor, offering data-driven insights into the trends shaping Nigeria’s political future.
Athena Observatory Warns of Deepening Structural Risks in Nigeria’s Democracy
Agriculture partnership: Gov Yahaya to get Sasakawa’s Special Award
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State will be honoured with a Special Recognition Award by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Nigeria, in acknowledgement of the state’s sustained partnership and strategic commitment to agricultural development.
The award will be presented at the 2026 SAA Nigeria Annual Stakeholders Workshop on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Abuja, where top federal officials, development partners, diplomats, and state governments are expected to gather to discuss pathways for strengthening Nigeria’s food systems.
The workshop, holding at Rockview Royale Hotel, Wuse II, is themed “SAA @ 40: Deepening Impact and Expanding Reach at Scale.”
The recognition of Governor Inuwa Yahaya reflects the depth of Gombe State’s collaboration with SAA over the years, which has supported agricultural extension, smallholder productivity, and rural livelihoods.
Since its creation in 1996, Gombe State has maintained a working relationship with SAA, funded by The Nippon Foundation, to implement initiatives that improve food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and inclusive agricultural services, with particular attention to women, youth, and resource-poor farmers.
Speaking ahead of the workshop, Dr. Godwin Atser, Country Director of SAA Nigeria, said:
“This recognition celebrates a partnership backed by action. Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership reflects the kind of subnational commitment essential for transforming agriculture in Nigeria.
Gombe State’s sustained support for farmer-focused interventions demonstrates what can be achieved when political will, institutional alignment, and practical investment converge.”
SAA Nigeria’s collaboration with Gombe State encompasses a wide range of interventions, including Farmer Learning Platforms (FLP), Community Savings and Investment in Agriculture (CSIA), Private Extension Service Provision (PESP), and Community-Based Seed Multiplication (CBSM), among others. Together, these initiatives strengthen the agricultural ecosystem from production to post harvest, improve access to technology, knowledge, and markets, and enhance the capacities of farmers and rural actors.
The partnership also encourages pluralistic extension systems, involving the private sector, farmer organizations, research institutions, and civil society in scaling agricultural services across the state. This multi-dimensional cooperation underscores why Gombe State’s collaboration is deserving of recognition.
As SAA marks 40 years of operations in Africa and 33 years in Nigeria, the organization notes that sustainable agricultural transformation requires long-term commitment, collaboration, and strategic investment, qualities exemplified by Gombe State and Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
The recognition will be part of a broader conversation at the 2026 Annual Stakeholders Workshop, which will review SAA’s 2021–2025 achievements, share lessons, and explore future partnerships to strengthen agriculture in Nigeria and across Africa.
About Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA)
Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) was established in 1986 by Japanese philanthropist Ryoichi Sasakawa, Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug, and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
Dedicated to improving the productivity, profitability, and resilience of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, SAA operates through agricultural extension, capacity building, and systems strengthening. Active in Nigeria since 1993, SAA collaborates with governments, research institutions, universities, private sector actors, and development partners to advance farmer-centered agricultural transformation.
Agriculture partnership: Gov Yahaya to get Sasakawa’s Special Award
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