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Speaker Calls on State Houses of Assembly to Ensure Law Against GBV is Passed Across Nigeria
Speaker Calls on State Houses of Assembly to Ensure Law Against GBV is Passed Across Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has promoted the ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria, calling on Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to ensure that the law is passed in all there states.
He made this call on Monday in Abuja at the convergence of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to commemorate the conclusion of the 16 days of activism against Gender-based Violence. An event hosted by UN Women in conjunction with the House of Representatives.
The Speaker while stating that the UN bent was part of activities lined up to commemorate 16 Days of Activism against GBV, noted that the campaign began on November 25th, with the People’s House taking a prominent role in supporting the push to end the crime that should not just be seen as against women but humanity.
Abbas, who also stated that the involvement of the House signified its resolve to combat violence against Nigerian women and to reinforce our collective commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society, said: “As we mark the conclusion of this critical campaign today, we also celebrate International Human Rights Day. These 16 days have served as a rallying point, uniting diverse stakeholders in a shared mission to protect and empower women and girls across Nigeria.
“The National Assembly has long been at the forefront of the fight against GBV and the advocacy for greater women’s representation. Since 1999, we have championed transformative legislative reforms, including the enactment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), the Child Rights Act, and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act. These laws have laid a solid foundation for addressing GBV and advancing gender equity.
“The 10th Assembly has amplified these efforts through its Legislative Agenda, which prioritises constitutional reforms to promote women’s political participation and representation.
This agenda reflects our recognition of the indispensable role women play in governance and the broader societal fabric. Women are the cornerstone of our families and communities, yet their political representation remains unacceptably low. This imbalance must change—not for improved statistics but for the transformative value women bring to governance, leadership, and policymaking.”
He said that the importance of eradicating GBV and promoting women’s representation cannot be overstated, noting that: “A society that protects its women and leverages their potential is one that secures its future. Women are the glue that holds our families and communities together. Despite this, systemic barriers, including cultural norms, economic inequality, and inadequate legal protections, have hindered their full participation in political and public life.”
The Speaker while revealing that the 10th Assembly has taken proactive steps to address the barriers, said: “Recognising past pitfalls, we have commenced the constitutional amendment process early to allow for extensive consultation and consensus-building. The House Committee on Constitution Amendment has embarked on robust sensitisation and advocacy efforts, engaging stakeholders to build support for provisions that will constitutionalise greater women’s representation.
“These efforts go beyond tokenism. Affirmative action for women is not undemocratic; it is a necessary corrective measure to address historical inequities and unlock our nation’s full potential. Many African countries, such as Rwanda and South Africa, have successfully enshrined affirmative action in their constitutions.
“The 2003 Constitution of Rwanda mandates that at least 30% of positions in decision-making organs be reserved for women, a policy that has propelled women to hold 61.3% of parliamentary seats. Similarly, recent reforms to the Indian Constitution allocate 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Nepal’s Constitution requires that women make up at least one-third of the total members of the federal parliament. In Uganda, the Constitution ensures one woman representative for every district in Parliament. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Constitution reserves special seats for women, comprising no less than 30% of parliamentary seats. Zimbabwe’s Constitution also guarantees 60 additional seats for women in the National Assembly during its first two parliaments after enactment. Nigeria must embrace this progressive trend – not only to align with global advancements in gender inclusion but also to set a leading example for others”
The Speaker pointed out that state Houses of Assembly are pivotal to achieving meaningful constitutional reforms and that the active participation and support of State Speakers are crucial in ensuring that gender-focused amendments and legislation are adopted at the subnational level.
He said: “I commend the Speakers here today for their progressive stance and for being the most forward-thinking group of Speakers since 1999. Your support for gender-based bills and proposals currently before the National Assembly is a testament to your commitment to building a more inclusive Nigeria.
“I understand the challenges you face and urge you to engage in constructive dialogue to refine these proposals. Let us work together to integrate your perspectives into the final legislation, ensuring that no valid concerns are left unaddressed.”
The Speaker said that the House of Representatives remains resolute in its commitment to advancing gender equity, adding that the time has come to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions that have long hindered women’s progress.
Earlier, in her welcome speech, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara called for the support of the Speakers of states House of Assembly to ensure that women are given the deserved respect in the country, noting that it is imperative that women are made to feel there was no grand design against them.
Speaker Calls on State Houses of Assembly to Ensure Law Against GBV is Passed Across Nigeria
Yobe: Buni urges journalists to uphold professionalism
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has appealed to media practitioners in the state to continue to uphold professionalism while discharging their responsibilities.
He urges the journalists to abide by the ethics of the profession, remain united, and promote peace and harmony among themselves.
The governor made the appeal today while receiving the newly elected leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents Chapel, led by its elected chairman, Mr. Nabilu Balarabe of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at the Government House, Damaturu.
Ably represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), he commends journalists in the state for their synergy and collaboration with the state government in projecting a positive image of the state.
Governor Buni commended the journalists for their professionalism and constructive engagement, acknowledging the critical role the media plays in democratic governance and national development.
He pledged the state government’s continued support and collaboration with the correspondents’ chapel to ensure the success of the present administration, particularly in promoting government policies, programs, and achievements.
Earlier, the newly elected chairman, Mr. Nabilu Balarabe, said the visit was to pay homage and formally present the new leadership of the chapel to the governor.
He said recently the chapel conducted an election of the leadership of the chapel, in which Nabilu Balarabe of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) emerged as chairman and Mr. Musa Buba Mingi of Channels Television as vice chairman.
Others include Malam Habibu Idris Gimba of Daily Trust, Secretary; Mr. Michael Oshoma of TVC, Treasurer; Sa’adatu Maina of Neptune Prime, Assistant Secretary; and Muhammed Mai Tela of People’s Daily, Auditor.
Yobe: Buni urges journalists to uphold professionalism
NGX woos NPF to list viable businesses
The Group Chairman Nigerian Exchange Group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga has urged the Nigerian Police Force to consider listing other viable business entities of its organisation on the Exchange as it has done with its Microfinance Bank.
Kwairanga made the call on Wednesday in Lagos at the closing gong ceremony in honour of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was at the trading floor of the Nigerian Exchange.
Kwairanga gave the NGX’s assurance that such companies if listed would be given free publicity, easy access to greater ponds of capital, and greater transparency and efficiency in their operations.
He said that the Exchange, its operators and quoted companies would continue to provide environment conducive for NPF businesses, in view of the critical role that the police play in ensuring a stable environment for businesses to thrive.
“Our quoted companies have been key to the success of the Police Trust Fund and stand ready to cooperate with the Nigerian Police in other ways that you require logistical and other support to ensure that we have a secure nation and capital market.
“Apart from its core duties of ensuring Nigeria’s internal security, the Nigerian Police Force has over the years established and grown various thriving businesses for the welfare of its personnel.
“One of them, the Nigerian Police Microfinance Bank is in fact quoted on the main board of the Exchange and doing very well in terms of capital appreciation, dividends and corporate governance,” he said.
The NGX boss advised that the Pension Fund should consider increasing its allocations to eligible equity quoted on the Nigerian Exchange.
While commending Egbetokun for visiting the Exchange, Kwairanga pledged to strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship going forward.
Our Correspondent reports that the visit underscores the continued collaboration between key national institutions in promoting market confidence, investor trust and a transparent, well-functioning capital market.
NGX woos NPF to list viable businesses
Turkish–Nigerian Poets Unite in Abuja to Promote Peace Through Art
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Turkey have reinforced their cultural partnership through a poetry exchange in Abuja designed to foster peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding between the two nations.
The literary gathering, hosted by the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, brought together poets, cultural practitioners, diplomats, and arts administrators from both countries to explore shared human values through poetry and performance.
Speaking at the event, Director-General of the Kaduna International Film Festival, Israel Kashim Audu, described poetry as a powerful medium for cultural diplomacy and peacebuilding. He noted that although Turkish poetry is deeply influenced by Anatolian mysticism, Nigerian poetry often reflects post-colonial experiences, identity, and nationhood.
“Despite their different historical contexts, both poetic traditions meet in their pursuit of justice, harmony, and human dignity,” Audu said.
The Abuja Coordinator of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, Fatih Erkin Mahdum, said the institute has remained committed to promoting Turkish language, arts, and culture in Nigeria since its establishment in 2021. He added that collaborations with Nigerian artists are central to strengthening cultural ties and encouraging creative exchange.
Diplomatic presence at the event underscored its international significance. Mrs Florence Nzako, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside Solveig Andresen of the Norwegian Embassy, welcomed participants and commended the initiative for using art to advance peace and intercultural understanding.
Poets at the gathering presented works exploring themes of peace, love, displacement, and resilience, drawing poetic connections between the Bosphorus and the Niger River as symbols of unity and shared humanity.
Also speaking, Director-General and Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, Kattumu Bulama Gana, said artistic collaborations provide unique opportunities to understand common histories and aspirations. He described the poetry exchange as a valuable contribution to cultural diplomacy between Nigeria and Turkey.
Turkish–Nigerian Poets Unite in Abuja to Promote Peace Through Art
Yobe: Buni urges journalists to uphold professionalism
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NGX woos NPF to list viable businesses
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