IWD: EU-IIDEA, FG strategize to improve lives of vulnerable citizens

By: Michael Mike

Worried over the low level of women, children and Persons With Disabilities, (PWD), inclusion in the nations affairs, stakeholders have converged to strategize on way forward in advocating for the vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

The stakeholders at the second annual conference of Commissioners of State Ministries of Women Affairs noted that, achieving gender equality involved transforming social norms and power dynamics that supported the political, social and economic empowerment of the most marginalised and vulnerable, particularly women , children and PWD.

The 2nd Annual Conference of Commissioners of State Ministries of Women Affairs with the theme: Sub-National Policy and Practice for Enhancing Rights, Protection, and Justice for Women, Children, and Persons with Disabilities, is organised by the European Union-Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC-Phase II) Programme of International IDEA in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

Minister Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim represented by her Senior Special Assistance,(SSA) on Women and Community Engagement, Princess Joan Jummai Idonije said the theme for this year, “accelerate action” is apt as there is need for renewed commitment, and bold action to tackle the issues of gender parity.

Suleiman-Ibrahim reiterated the need to critically evaluate the effectiveness of Nigeria’s policies and governance structures to ensure that collective interventions yield tangible and measurable impact, particularly at the sub-national level where the needs are most acute.

“We must ensure that every intervention is tracked, evaluated, and reported. Investing in state-level gender data systems will enable us to measure progress and feed into the national Women’s Empowerment and Protection Dashboard — ensuring accountability and transparency in our collective efforts.

“The success of our policies will not be measured by the frameworks we create but by the lives we transform. We must break down silos and foster collaborative partnerships that amplify impact at every level. This is the time to forge bold, practical, and scalable solutions that accelerate progress for women, children, and persons with disabilities across Nigeria,” she stressed.

She expressed appreciation to RoLAC, and other development partners who continue to champion the cause of women, children, and vulnerable groups. Commending the State Commissioners for Women Affairs for their leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing gender equality at the sub-national level.

Also, Head of Programme Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption RoLAC Programme, Danladi Plang, tasked state Commissioners on the need to pursue the enactment and implementation of relevant laws for women, children and PWD.

Plang called on relevant authorities to make available, resource allocations and investment for the sector to thrive beyond the rhetorics before the next election circle.

He said, “the core objectives of the Rule of Law Programme is to increase access to justice for women, children and persons with disabilities. Since 2017, in support of the European Union, we have been implementing this programme across five states in Phase 1 and currently we are working in seven states and the FCT.

“We have worked with our partners to do a number of things. Critical amongst them is some of the legislation that we have supported the various states to put, child protection law or what we know as the child rights law in some of the states, the VAPP law in some states and then the law that protects or prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities.

“The Ministries, in particular the commissioners, play a very big standard role to serve as catalysts, to change, to also serve as coordinators of implementation of policies in the states, but more importantly to serve as influencers within the cabinet.

Speaking on the sidelines with reporters at the event, Plang disclosed that, the survivors of about 8000 have been assisted by the SARCs. “Last year we commission NCPWD to ensure that building are accessible, especially office buildings.
Ensure advocacy, with the Commissioners as they are in the states and when they do not have the laws, they are able to see the benefits of those that have and discuss with their governors. Through the Nigerian governors forum so that they can plan together and know what their counterparts are doing and learn to move the agenda forward.”

In the same view, Project Manager, Access to Justice RoLAC Programme, Oluwatoyosi Giwa while setting the tone and objectives, said the conference is poised at initiating narratives that will have direct impact and benefit for vulnerable citizens.

“We hope that by the end of these three days, you will have action plans derived from the different presentations that have been made of things that you can go back and implement and that will make a difference in the lives of women, of children and of persons with disabilities in your various locations.

“Let us speak our truth and let us share our experience so that we can learn from each other and so that we can take back something tangible to go and make change in our various spaces.”

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, for his part, noted that, almost all the Nigerian states have enacted the law but yet to implement.

He said, We need to explore these talents that women have. When you leave aside half of the population, you will miss specific talents that. Mixed groups with both women and men are more efficient than groups with only women or only men and this is very true for politics as well.

IWD: EU-IIDEA, FG strategize to improve lives of vulnerable citizens

Tunji-Ojo Makes Case for Better Civil Defence

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has stressed the need for collective action, international cooperation, and community engagement in promoting Civil Defence and disaster risk reduction.

The Minister made the call on Monday as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) commemorates the 2025 International Civil Defence Day Organisation (ICDO), in a keynote address.

He decried that the world has witnessed an increase in the frequency and severity of threats, thus, highlighting the importance of civil defence in protecting human lives, promoting sustainable development and protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

Represented at the national headquarters of the Corps by the Secretary of Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin, the Minister explained that the situation underscores the imperative of Civil Defence.

He said it is imperative that we continue to prioritize civil defence and their efforts, and work together to promote culture of prevention, preparedness and response and support the development of resilient communities that can withstand the current security threats, the minister stated.

Corroborating the Minister’s position while delivering the ICDO 2025 message with the theme: Civil Defence, Guarantee of Security for the Population, Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, emphasized the need for collaboration and synergy among agencies and other critical stakeholders to make the world safer and more secured.

He assured that NSCDC will continue to strive for effective protection of critical national assets and infrastructure (CNAI), and will not relent in strengthening physical security, and sensitisation of the general public in order to guarantee security and well-being of the citizenry.

The CG disclosed that the establishment of the Special Intelligence Squad, Mining Marshall, Agro Rangers and Special Female Squad has led to steady successes and achievements by Corps.

Continuing, he said SIS has arrested over 500 suspects, destroyed more than 350 illegal refineries, Special Female Squad has thwarted over 48 kidnapping attempts on schools, while the newly established mining marshall has closed down over 170 illegal mining sites.

On the welfare of personnel which the NSCDC boss pledged his determination to uphold, he used the opportunity to symbolically present cheques worth more than N188million to over 20 next of kin of deceased personnel as insurance benefits.

Speaking earlier in a welcome address, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, DCG Zakari Ningi, noted that ICDO is marked globally every 1st March to raise awareness about the crucial role of Civil Defence Organization in safeguarding communities against natural and man-made disasters, adding that NSCDC is at the fire front in the protection of CNAI, crisis management, regulation of Private Guard Companies and intelligence gathering amongst other.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the representatives of the Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police and Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service respectively Major General JO Attah, DIG Frank Mbah mni and DCGI Ada James Umanah.

Other highlights of the ICDO celebration in Abuja include parade and simulation exercises by NSCDC personnel depicting the core mandates of the Corps.

This year’s ICDO was marked at the National Headquarters of the Corps on the 3rd March because 1st of March which is set aside and marked globally fell on a weekend.

Tunji-Ojo Makes Case for Better Civil Defence

Ramadan: President Tinubu Urges Prayers For Leaders, Nation’s Stability, Progress

** Enjoins Nigerians on collective compassion, kindness, strengthening of bonds

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for fervent prayers for the country’s leaders and the peace, stability and progress of the nation, in the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan.

This, he said, is critical as “the country stands at a defining moment”, pointing out that the responsibility of nation-building lies in the collective hands of all citizens.

Speaking on Monday at the State House Mosque during the opening Tafseer for the Month of Ramadan, the President, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, urged Nigerians to go beyond fasting and embrace the values of peace, kindness, and justice.

Specifically urging faithfuls to pray for leaders across all levels, President Tinubu said, “Above all, let us lift our voices in prayer for our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. May Almighty Allah continue to guide him, bless him, and grant him wisdom, strength, and foresight to pilot the affairs of our great nation.

“May He protect him from every harm and grant him the success to lead Nigeria toward greater peace, unity, and prosperity. May his leadership be a source of blessings for all Nigerians, and may his efforts be rewarded abundantly in this life and the Hereafter,” he added.

The President appealed to Nigerians to embrace compassion and unity during the period of fasting and prayer, describing it as “a journey of the soul” that could strengthen the country’s social fabric.

“Ramadan is not merely a ritual of abstaining from food and drink; it is a journey of the soul. It is a time for deep reflection, for self-purification, and for embracing the true essence of Islam—peace, patience, sacrifice, and service to humanity.

“This is the month that demands from us not only personal piety but also collective compassion—the kind that softens hearts, mends broken bonds, and strengthens the fabric of our nation,” he said.

President Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to strengthen their bonds and reject forces that seek to divide the nation, just as he reminded them of the importance of national unity and collective responsibility in addressing the country’s challenges.

He said, “Our country stands at a defining moment, and the responsibility of nation-building lies in our collective hands. Let us not only feed the hungry but uplift the weary; not only give charity but extend kindness; not only pray for peace but work for justice.”

The President expressed gratitude for the moral guidance provided by religious leaders, saying they stand as the moral and spiritual compass of the nation.

“I want to take this moment to profoundly appreciate our religious leaders, who stand as the moral and spiritual compass of the nation, nurturing the consciousness of our society. Their role in shaping the ethical foundation of our nation is invaluable, and we remain indebted to their wisdom and leadership,” he said.

On the essence of Ramadan, President Tinubu urged the faithful to “embark on the days of fasting and sacrifice with a heart full of goodwill and brotherhood.

“Let us not only feed the hungry, but uplift the weary; not only give charity, but extend kindness; not only pray for peace, but work for justice,” he further stated.

Ramadan: President Tinubu Urges Prayers For Leaders, Nation’s Stability, Progress