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SGBV, a Global Pandemic Requiring Coordinated Action for Security of Women and Children – EU, UN Women
SGBV, a Global Pandemic Requiring Coordinated Action for Security of Women and Children – EU, UN Women
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations (UN) Women and European Union have described sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) as a global pandemic that requires fundamental and coordinated action that would guarantee the safety and security of vulnerable women and children across the world.
Delivering her goodwill message at the Strategy and Knowledge Sharing Workshop on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) for First-Time First Ladies in Nigeria organized by UN Women, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS,
Samuela Isopi said: “As we all know, sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) is a global pandemic that requires fundamental and coordinated action that would guarantee the safety and security of vulnerable women and children across the world.”
Isopi, who was represented by the Acting Head of Development Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Mr. Ruben Alba Aguilera noted that: “In Nigeria, the European Union continues to highlight the importance of the fight against SGBV through our political engagement with the government, and our development cooperation support in collaboration with like-minded partners and key stakeholders.
Our two flagship SGBV programmes; the Spotlight Initiative and the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) Programme, have been quite instrumental in advancing this agenda. With a global envelope of 500 million Euros, the Spotlight Initiative is a clear demonstration of the EU’s commitment towards addressing SGBV. As the Spotlight Initiative comes to an end next month, a new SGBV programme is now in the pipeline, and we hope implementation can begin in 2024.
She said the European Union has been pleased to see an appraisal of the landmark achievements made, such as the adoption of relevant legal framework at state level, the establishment of more sexual assault referral centres and shelters, the launch of a national sex offender register as well as designation of SGBV courts by the judiciary. These are just some of the critical milestones achieved in the fight against SGBV in Nigeria.
She however said: “Moving forward, we simply cannot afford to rest on our laurels. Lessons have been learned over the years and many more challenges remain. Whether in establishing clear and efficient referral pathways for survivors of SGBV, or securing funding for designated institutions, speedy prosecution of cases, training of front line workers or inter agency collaboration and coordination.
We hope that this meeting serves to further prioritise SGBV intervention as well as raise public awareness on what we consider to be one of the most heinous crimes in our society. We also hope that this meeting will explore ways to continue raising a call to action that asks everyone to take concrete steps to question, call out, and speak up against acts of gender-based violence (GBV).
Isopi noted that the EU has contributed over a billion naira in support of the fight against SGBV across the country and will continue to collaborate with stakeholders in supporting adequate legislative instruments, targeted healthcare and responsive policies aimed at addressing the issue.
She added that: “We urge the government to take ownership by allocating more funding and ensuring that the SGBV designated institutions have all they require to address the needs of the people. Sexual Assault Referral Centres and specialised SGBV courts are best practices, and as the new administration both at states and federal level begin to settle in their various roles, we need to set the SGBV agenda so that they begin to give this the much-needed focus that it deserves.
In her keynote remarks, the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong said the two-day workshop is one of the critical interventions of the joint EU-UN Spotlight Initiative which seeks to eliminate all forms of violence against women and harmful practices through women’s movement building to work together, provide support and resources towards addressing the causes and effects of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
She said: “We are confident about sustainability of the collaboration between the EU and the UN in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 which seeks to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment through addressing violence and all forms of discrimination against women and girls
“1 in 3 women have experienced violence. 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 – 26% of women aged 15 and older have been subjected to intimate partner violence.”
She added that: “Although globally we have decreased maternal mortality, child marriage in the past decade, violence against women and girls, as you can see from these statistics remains pervasive, today almost one in five (19 per cent) in 2022 compared to 1 in 4 ten years ago have experienced child marriage. Irrespective, one girl is too many!
She noted that SGBV is one of the most significant human rights’ violations in today’s world, insisting that: “These violations have public health implications and negatively impact on the social, economic and political development of our society. In 2021, gender-based violence across the European Union was estimated to cost around EUR 366 billion a year. Violence against women specifically makes up 79 per cent of this cost, amounting to EUR 289 billion
“It is for this reason UN Women through the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative has enhanced engagement of the private sector to address violence against women and girls in the workplace and society through a private sector-led GBV Fund and uptake in the UN Global Compact and UN Women’s Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). Excellencies, your offices present an invaluable opportunity to shape private sector’s influence on pervasiveness of violence in society. We call on you to continue challenging private sector entities to adopt policies to address violence.”
The Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Wives Forum and the First Lady of Kwara State, Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq said there is need to continue with frequent sensitization on SGBV in order to have a road map to follow.
SGBV, a Global Pandemic Requiring Coordinated Action for Security of Women and Children – EU, UN Women
NCC, NSCDC Warn Construction Firms Against Fibre Optic Cable Damage
By: Michael Mike
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a strong warning to construction companies, contractors, and other stakeholders over the rising incidents of fibre-optic cable damage during road construction and civil engineering activities across the country.
In a joint statement issued at the weekend, the two agencies described fibre-optic infrastructure as a critical national asset and cautioned that negligence leading to its damage will no longer be tolerated. They stressed that offenders risk prosecution, as such acts now constitute criminal offences under existing laws.
According to the NCC and NSCDC, fibre-optic cables are central to Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting communication networks, emergency services, business operations, and government functions. They warned that frequent and avoidable fibre cuts pose serious threats to national security, economic stability, and public safety.
The agencies noted that under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fibre infrastructure has been classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure. As a result, any damage arising from unauthorized excavation, construction activities, or failure to coordinate with relevant authorities is deemed a criminal act.
They further stated that individuals, construction firms, or government contractors found culpable will face prosecution and applicable sanctions as provided under laws such as the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The NCC and NSCDC warned that future incidents linked to road construction, excavation, or civil works carried out without proper consultation with network operators and regulators would attract strict legal consequences.
The agencies urged federal, state, and local government authorities, road construction companies, utility providers, and private developers to comply fully with established guidelines. These include conducting pre-construction verification of fibre routes, collaborating with the NCC, telecom operators, and NSCDC before and during construction, and adhering to approved excavation and right-of-way procedures.
They also called for the immediate reporting of any accidental fibre damage to enable swift response and minimize service disruptions.
Members of the public were encouraged to report acts of fibre-optic infrastructure sabotage or damage to the nearest NSCDC office or through designated communication channels.
NCC, NSCDC Warn Construction Firms Against Fibre Optic Cable Damage
ECOWAS Reports Resilient Growth and Major Regional Achievements in 2025
By: Michael Mike
The President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr. Omar Touray on Thursday said the Commiswion has recorded notable economic, social, and institutional progress in 2025, despite global uncertainties and regional security challenges.
Speaking at a meeting with development partners, Touray said the regional economy grew by 4.6 percent in 2025, up from 4.3 percent in 2024, with projections of 5.0 percent growth in 2026.
He noted that this performance reflects the implementation of structural reforms, increased fiscal discipline, and measures to strengthen key sectors such as extractive industries and trade.
Touray said the regional inflation also eased from 24.4 percent in 2024 to 16.8 percent in 2025, supported by coordinated monetary and fiscal policies.
He highlighted improvements in budget management, with the regional deficit declining to 3.1 percent of GDP in 2025, adding that the debt-to-GDP ratio fell slightly to 45.7 percent.
He noted that current account balances remained positive, led by export surpluses from Nigeria, Ghana, and Guinea.
On the political and security front, Touray said ECOWAS strengthened peacekeeping and preventive diplomacy efforts across the region. He revealed that missions in The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau assessed operational and financial implications, with recommendations for improved training, monitoring, and exit strategies.
He stated that counter-terrorism initiatives intensified following a rise in fatalities from attacks, with regional intelligence sharing and specialized training programmes expanded, adding that arms control efforts also advanced with the donation of weapons-marking machines to four member states.
On trade and economic integration, Touray said ECOWAS continued to consolidate economic integration, advancing the free trade area, customs union, and common market initiatives.
He said efforts to facilitate cross-border trade included support for women and youth entrepreneurs, the rollout of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card in six countries, and the launch of digital platforms to track trade compliance. The region also participated in major trade fairs and forums, including the Intra-African Trade Fair in Algeria and the first ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum in Lagos.
Touray noted that significant progress was made in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure, adding that clean energy programmes certified solar technicians, while broadband connectivity projects prepared the deployment of a second submarine cable.
He said ECOWAS also advanced regional road standards, aviation safety capacity, and interconnection hubs for internet access.
He said the Commission strengthened agricultural governance, climate-smart practices, and food security programs, reaching millions of beneficiaries with improved farming technologies, school feeding programmes and livestock development projects. Partnerships on climate resilience, carbon markets, and sustainable resource management were expanded.
He added that through the West Africa Health Organization (WAHO), ECOWAS enhanced epidemic preparedness and laboratory capacities, stating that humanitarian support focused on vulnerable populations, including women cured of fistula and youth employability initiatives, including programmes on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and anti-trafficking capacity building were implemented in multiple member states.
Touray said ECOWAS strengthened internal governance, financial management, and staff capacity development, including training in strategic leadership and risk management.
He revealed that the ECOWAS Court of Justice held 79 sessions and increased public outreach to improve citizen access to justice. International partnerships and diplomatic engagements with the UN, EU, World Bank, IMF, and AfDB yielded support for regional development projects across transport, agriculture, energy, and digital transformation.
He said he these achievements position ECOWAS to advance regional integration, economic growth, and stability, despite ongoing challenges such as geopolitical tensions, security threats, and the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Community.
ECOWAS Reports Resilient Growth and Major Regional Achievements in 2025
Kadafur Swears In 27 Newly Elected Local Government Chairmen in Borno
By: Bulama Talba
The Borno State Acting Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Umar Usman Kadafur, on Thursday swore in 27 newly elected Local Government Chairmen, charging them to embrace accountability, prudence, and people-oriented leadership at the grassroots.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Government House, Maiduguri, marked the formal commencement of a new tenure for the Chairmen across the state’s 27 Local Government Areas.
The oath of office and allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Borno State, Hon. Justice Kashim Zanna, who was represented by Justice Haruna Mshelia, in three batches.
Delivering the keynote address, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented at the event, described the occasion as a “solemn transition of democratic duty,” stressing that leadership at the local level is a covenant of trust with the people, not a celebration of power.
He congratulated the Chairmen on their victory at the polls, commending the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC) for conducting a peaceful, free, and fair election.
He however, cautioned that the real task begins with service delivery, noting that local governments are the engine rooms for implementing the state’s 25-Year Development Plan and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.
The Acting Governor charged the Chairmen to manage public resources prudently, avoid vanity projects, and prioritise initiatives that directly improve security, livelihoods, and the dignity of citizens.
He emphasised that prompt payment of salaries and staff welfare is non-negotiable, while discipline and productivity must be restored in local government administration.
On accountability, the Acting Governor stressed that local councils must operate with openness and transparency, encouraging citizen engagement and public scrutiny.
Alhaji Umar Kadafur also directed Chairmen to reside and work within their respective Local Government Areas, warning against absentee leadership.
The Acting Governor further called on the Chairmen to uphold the rule of law, work closely with security agencies and traditional institutions, and remain vigilant against illegal mining and deforestation, which threaten the environment and livelihoods of communities.
Kadafur tasked the Ministry for Local Government and Emirate Affairs with strict supervision of local councils and used the occasion to commend the immediate past Chairmen for their dedication and service.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, highlighted the significance of the state’s decision to grant financial autonomy to Local Governments, describing it as a bold reform that has strengthened grassroots governance.
Hon Sugun Mai Mele cautioned that financial autonomy comes with increased responsibility, noting that all expenditures must strictly follow financial regulations, procurement laws, budgetary provisions, and legislative approvals.
He urged the Chairmen to take the lead in initiating and executing impactful projects, rather than relying solely on state funded interventions.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and ALGON Chairman, Hon. Ali Umar Bolori, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and the Governor for the confidence reposed in the Chairmen.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Hon. Bolori pledged that the Chairmen would serve with honesty, fairness, and dedication, and align fully with the Governor’s development agenda.
He particularly appreciated the extension of Local Government tenure from two to three years, describing it as a strategic decision that would enhance planning and delivery of sustainable development at the grassroots.
The ceremony was attended by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Hon Satomi Ahmad,APC Party Chairman, SSG, HOS, COS ,Special Advisers,STA,SSA,government officials, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, security agencies, and APC Party stakeholders and Supporters among others.
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