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Numbers of Women in Politics, One Major Factor Holding Nigeria Back- Outgoing British High Commissioner
Numbers of Women in Politics, One Major Factor Holding Nigeria Back- Outgoing British High Commissioner
By: Michael Mike
The outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing has condemned the chances the last rounds of elections gave to women to participate in politics in Nigeria.
She insisted that the numbers of women in politics in the country was one of the factors the country is held back.
Laing, speaking at a ceremony in Abuja to celebrate the newest Chevening alumni, said: “I have the highs and the lows in Nigeria. There is no place like Nigeria, it is always in my heart. One of my lows is the outcome of this election in terms of women participation, it was not good enough.
“Nigerian women are doing so good in all works of life but not just in politics, men are virtually everywhere in politics and not the women, this is holding the country back and this just has to change. I hope the incoming administration can do something about it.”
She noted that one of her highs in Nigeria is her experience with Nigerian art and culture, noting Nigerians are everywhere in the arts.
She explained that: “The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s prestigious International Scholarship scheme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. Established in 1983, this programme runs in over 160 countries, as an important element of Britain’s public diplomacy effort. Young professionals with outstanding academic and leadership talents are given the opportunity to study for a one-year Master’s degree at any UK University of their choice, after which they are required to return to Nigeria to assist in further development of the country.
“Chevening Scholarships are therefore structured to create lasting positive relationships with Nigeria. For the most recent applications, 141 candidates are being interviewed across Nigeria out of 9800 plus applications received between August and November last year following a rigorous selection process in London. Over a 1,100 more applications from the previous year!
“There is no doubt that this group of Nigerians represent some of the brightest minds who will be empowered to lead change for present and future generations. A Chevening award costs £36,000 on average and partners are encouraged to contribute either half or quarter of this sum.”
She noted that: “This year, the British High Commission is keen to work with key Nigerian Individuals that are willing to work with the FCDO with the aim to increase the number of Chevening slots available to Nigeria. Organisations are able to enhance the value and brand of their programmes through association with the UK government’s flagship international scholarship scheme – leveraging the strong reputation and operational vehicle of Chevening with an aim to contribute to work force development through excellent education for national growth.”
Numbers of Women in Politics, One Major Factor Holding Nigeria Back- Outgoing British High Commissioner
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than nine persons were injured on Monday following a clash between farmers and herders in Loko community, Nasarawa State.
Zagazola report that the incident occurred at about noon on Dec. 15 in Bakono village, Loko area, after a dispute over alleged damage to farmland.
The source said the farmland involved belonged to one Bako Usman.
According to the source, the clash resulted in injuries to five farmers and four herders.
Security forces stormed the scene to restore order, while the injured persons were rushed to the General Hospital, Loko, where they were admitted and are responding to treatment.
Sources said that a stakeholders’ meeting had been convened in the community to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
According to the sources, confidence-building patrols are ongoing, the situation is being closely monitored and the area remains relatively calm.
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
A soldier has been killed, while two others are missing following an attack on troops escorting farmers in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Monday during a security operation in a bush area of Takum, which has been prone to clashes involving militia elements.
The source said soldiers from a special forces unit along with police, NSCDC were deployed to provide security for Tiv farmers harvesting their farm produce when they were attacked by hoodlums suspected to be local militia in Taraba state.
According to the source, one soldiers was killed during the attack.
The source further disclosed that following the incident, soldiers cordoned off the venue of the Miyetti Allah executives’ election at the FGR Samsokwa Hall, in Takum, and arrested male executives of the association present at the venue. Though it was yet to establish if they were involved in the attack.
Another sources pointed accusing finger at the Taraba state special adviser on security allegedly to be behind the Militia. Though, Zagazola cannot independently verify the claim.
Meanwhile, security forces have arrested a group of suspected armed bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The suspects were caught with AK-47 rifles during an operation carried out on Friday.
After their arrest, the suspects were taken into custody. In a video that later surfaced online, the men were seen lying face down with their hands tied while security operatives questioned them about where they got the weapons.
One of the suspects alleged that some officials of the Kwara State government gave them both the vehicle and the rifles. He claimed they had been operating in the area under the cover of patrol duties.
According to him, the weapons did not belong to them personally. He said their leader collected the rifles and that they often went on patrol together with some individuals he mentioned by name. He insisted that the guns belonged to those officials.
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted five workers at a construction site along the Sabaja/Owa-Onire Road in Kwara State.
Zagazola report that the incident was reported at about 4:30 p.m. on Monday by Alhaji Suleiman Abdullah Olanrewaju, manager of Fix Contracting Engineering Company.
The source said Olanrewaju reported that the abduction occurred earlier in the day at about 11:40 a.m. while the workers were on site when the gunmen attacked and whisked them away.
Those abducted were identified as Engr. Ademola Afolabi, Engr. Umar Lade, Fatai and Akin, both labourers, as well as a driver identified as Yusuf.
According to the source, the complainant said he had earlier reported the incident to the military before notifying the police.
Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Oreke mobilised a team of police operatives who linked up with the military and local vigilantes to comb the surrounding bushes in a bid to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing, while security agencies said further developments would be communicated.
End
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
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