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Oluremi Tinubu, Governors Wives Sign Agreement to Stop Harmful Practices Against Women
Oluremi Tinubu, Governors Wives Sign Agreement to Stop Harmful Practices Against Women
The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and the wives of state governors on Tuesday signed an agreement to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful social practices against women in Nigeria.
The agreement was signed in Abuja at the maiden edition of Gender and Social Norms Summit 2024 organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Renewed Hope initiative in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady.
In her keynote address, the First Lady said that the prevalence of harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, which in some cases leads to Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), and other forms of violence against girls and women remain unacceptably high.
She said, in spite of various efforts, the incidence of these practices continues to grow, decrying that the spate of rape cases and GBV had reached an alarming rate, not sparing babies too.
She said: “Do we allow this trend to continue, or do we look the other way? That is why I am calling on the law enforcement agencies, the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General of the Federation and the National Assembly.
“To appropriate and enforce stiffer laws and punishments for perpetrators of rape, sexual violence, and other forms of GBV.
No guilty party should be allowed to go free and start running the streets looking for the next victim.”
Tinubu admitted that collective action was needed to put an end to the practices, while advocating for the development of state-specific action plans to promote the allocation of adequate resources in government budgets to support gender equality initiatives and GBV prevention programmes.
She noted that: “This summit provides us with a common platform to create awareness, exchange lessons learned, and promote effective strategies for preventing and responding to GBV and harmful practices.”
The UNFPA Officer-In-Charge of the Nigerian office, Mr Koessan Kuawu, on his part, said that family planning was not only a crucial health intervention but a cornerstone of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
He however lamented that in many communities across Nigeria, social norms drive misconceptions and cultural barriers, hindering the uptake of family planning.
He noted that Nigeria occupies a unique position globally in the pursuit of the Social Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 due to its vast population.
He, however, commended the government for its steadfast dedication to creating an enabling environment, through the passage and enforcement of critical legislation, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, and also the implementation of the National FGM Policy, National Child Marriage Policy, and state-specific action plans to eliminate FGM and child marriage.
He said: “These milestones have been achieved through persistent advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening the adoption and implementation of these laws.”
Kuawu noted that though eliminating GBV and harmful social practices was an immense task, it was not insurmountable, insisting that: “With the right resources, political will, and community support across the states, we can change the narrative for women and girls in Nigeria.”
On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Uju Ohanneye, advocated for stricter penalties for perpetrators of violence against women.
She noted that: “Overseas, where they are afraid to commit crimes or social norms or things that can harm another, it’s because when you do it, you face the consequences, legally and otherwise.
“However, here in Nigeria, when you have connection, before you know it, it dies a natural death and we forget so easily.
“So on this note, to support this program, we in the Ministry of Women Affairs will move forward to make sure there will be consequences if you commit a crime.”
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), defined social norms are the unspoken rules or expected behaviour that set social standards of appropriate and inappropriate behaviour in a specific culture or social group.
Fagbemi, who was represented by the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs Beatrice Agba, said GBV encompasses various forms of violence directed at individuals based on their gender, often rooted in unequal power dynamics and societal norms.
Fagbemi noted that the practices “may unfortunately be attributed to the patriarchal and male dominance theoretical framework in place in our society.”
He said that the Federal Ministry of Justice was fully aware of the crucial role that the justice system plays in addressing gender and social norms issues through the provision of a framework for accountability, protection, and empowerment.
The Attorney General added that by upholding the rule of law, promoting gender equality, and advancing justice for all, the justice system could contribute significantly to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and just society for the present and future generations.
He said in addition to ongoing legislative reforms, the ministry was working with critical stakeholders to engage community actors such as traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, and informal community justice systems to address the notions and institutions that perpetrate violence against women and girls within the criminal justice system.
“We are initiating a pilot phase with the Area Councils in collaboration with area council chairmen in order to support ongoing dialogue and initiatives on this subject.”
Oluremi Tinubu, Governors Wives Sign Agreement to Stop Harmful Practices Against Women
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
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