Connect with us

National News

Task Force to Ensure Equitable Gender Representation in Politics Inaugurated

Published

on

Task Force to Ensure Equitable Gender Representation in Politics Inaugurated

By: Michael Mike

Women have taken a big step toward ensuring equatable gender political representation in politics in the country by inaugurating a Task Team for implementation of Charter of Demands by Nigerian Women for political parties.

The Task Force was inaugurated by the UN Women in collaboration with Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

Speaking at the inauguration at the weekend in Abuja, the UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong expressed optimism that the setting up of the Task Team would ensure that women are well represented in the political leadership.

Eyong who was represented at the occasion by the Programme Officer, Peacebuilding and Prevention, Susan Agada, said: “Nigeria faces significant challenges in achieving gender equality in political representation, with women being under-represented in political structures despite the country’s National Gender Policy and commitments to international agreements.”

She added that: “To address this, a high-level dialogue in September 2023 led to the endorsement of the Nigerian Women Demand Charter by all 18 political parties, aimed at increasing women’s political participation.

“The Task Team will monitor the implementation of these commitments, validate its Terms of Reference, and draft an action plan in collaboration with UN Women and key partners, advancing efforts toward gender equality in politics ahead of the 2027 elections.”

Eyong noted that UN Women was committed to ensuring gender equality and women’s empowerment as well as promoting equal representation of women in the political space.

She congratulated key stakeholders who have been working tirelessly and advocating equal representation and participation of women in politics.

In her remarks, Global Affairs Canada, Melissa Camaganacan, underscored the need for equal representation of women in political leadership and decision-making process.

Camaganacan stated that research has shown that a country’s overall progress and perfomance would improve significantly where there is equal representation of women in leadership.

She noted that increased representation of women in political participation and leadership would definitely impact positively on the Gross Domestic Product(GDP) of such country.

On his part, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Kunle Ajayi, said the Task Team would not just be an oversight body but also would play crucial role in ensuring that the commitments reached are translated into action.

Ayayi, represented by Director of Gender Affairs, INEC, affirmed that women possess the power to change the narrative in the political space, adding that nations with equitable representation of women achieve socio-economic and political development faster.

In his address, the Chairman of IPAC, Mr. Yusuf Dantalle,, observed that women and youth constitute majority of voters, adding that they should use their numerical strength to get into positions of leadership at all levels.

Dantalle, who identified cultural barriers, discriminatory laws as some of the impediments confronting women’s yearnings and aspirations in political leadership, however called for inclusivity, gender equality and women’s empowerment to overcome these challenges.

He charged the Task Team to work assiduously to make their impact felt, urging them to take the task as national assignment.

One of the facilitators at the event, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, explained that The Charter reflects the yearnings and aspirations of women in Nigeria, particularly female politicians, to enjoy their human rights and equal representation as members of various political parties in Nigeria.

Ezeilo listed the demand of women as encapsulated in the Charter, which include political will and commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment; improve women’s participation in politics and decision-making as well as demonstration of principled transformational leadership.

Task Force to Ensure Equitable Gender Representation in Politics Inaugurated

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Military

CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

Published

on

CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the forthcoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit is designed to unite African militaries and provide indigenous solutions to the continent’s security challenges.

Musa disclosed this in an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Saturday.

He said the summit would be the first time African defence leaders would sit together, as brothers, to openly discuss Africa’s problems and chart practical ways forward without relying on external prescriptions.

“For too long we have been seeking solutions from outside, and that has prolonged our issues. The reality is that our challenges are within us, and it is only within us that we will create the solutions,” Musa said.

According to him, the success recorded in West Africa through engagements among ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence informed the decision to scale up the initiative across the continent.

He noted that the operationalisation of the African Standby Force, which has faced delays due to challenges of doctrine, strategy and funding, would receive fresh impetus during the summit.

“This meeting gives us the opportunity to look at it holistically and get the buy-in of all Africans,” he added.

The CDS stressed that terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism were common threats across the regions, and only collective action could address them effectively.

He further emphasised the need for a “whole-of-society” approach, noting that insecurity was worsened by unproductive populations and widespread illiteracy that made youths vulnerable to extremist ideologies.

“We must go back to the African culture of brotherliness, of a community raising a child, of not allowing anything to harm your neighbour. That is the kind of solution we must revive,” Musa said.

On the level of participation, the CDS disclosed that about 90 per cent of invited countries had confirmed attendance, describing the response as overwhelmingly positive.

He said the summit would also feature dignitaries from within and outside the continent, including senior UN officials, retired service chiefs and security experts.

“The end state is a better Africa, a more secure Africa, and an Africa where we project and work for our own development. Nobody can love you more than yourself,” he said.

CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

Continue Reading

National News

Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

Published

on

Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

By: Michael Mike

The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) has bridged the cultural gap with Nigeria by hosting the 13th Korean Film Festival in Abuja from August 21st to 23rd, 2025.

The festival aimed to foster mutual understanding and strengthen cultural ties through the universal language of cinema .

This three-day event showcased a selection of remarkable Korean films, offering Nigerian audiences a unique window into Korean society, values, and dreams, beyond just entertainment.

Director of the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria , Mr. Jeon Juho, emphasized the festival’s role in strengthening Nigeria-Korea cultural ties.

He highlighted that the event is not merely about film screenings but about fostering deeper connections between the two nations.

“This festival isn’t just about watching movies. It is about building bridges between Nigeria and Korea, between culture and community, through the powerful medium of films,” Jeon stated.

He further elaborated on the festival’s offerings, noting that: “We will showcase live Korean remarkable films, each offering a unique window into the heart of Korean society, each value, each struggle, each dream.”

These narratives, he explained, transcend linguistic and geographical boundaries, connecting audiences through shared human experiences.

The Permanent Secretary for Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, represented by Samuel Okpevo, highlighted the festival’s role in strengthening Nigeria-Korea cultural relations.

“This event highlights shared cultural ties and affinities and also the dance can foster people-to-people connections,” Okpevo stated.

He encouraged attendees to engage with the festival’s offerings, emphasizing its potential to inspire Nigerian artists and filmmakers. “Ladies and gentlemen are hereby enjoying us to key into this event, the Korean Cultural Festival history and values which can inspire Nigerian artists and filmmakers,” he urged.

Okpevo also expressed appreciation to the organizers for their efforts in promoting cross-cultural understanding.

“As I conclude, I encourage all the guests to enjoy the festival, learn from each other, forge meaningful connections. Together we can promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. I wish to thank the organizers of this great event for building a successful event of this magnitude, solidifying cultural ties between both countries.”

He acknowledged the significance of cultural events like the Korean Film Festival in enhancing bilateral ties.

“Let me also at this junction refer to this event for strengthening cultural ties between both countries, Nigeria and the Korean people,” he remarked.

Chairman of the Nigerian Film Festival Association (NFFA), Uche Agbo,, commended the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) for its efforts in promoting cultural exchange through cinema.

“What is being done today here is very significant and to me worthy of emulation,” Agbo remarked.

“I believe and I hope all the cultural centers that are here present or that are represented can replicate such because it offers us as filmmakers an opportunity to tap into the world of cinema of the country that is being projected.”

He further encouraged other embassies to organize similar events, stating, “I will encourage more of this from various other embassies if I may put it that way.”

Expressing the NFFA’s willingness to collaborate, Agbo added, “The Nigerian Film Festival Association as an umbrella body representing the entire film festivals in the country will want to further engage on how we can promote what we are doing here today and we are more than willing to cooperate in that regard.”

Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

Continue Reading

National News

From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

Published

on

From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

By Augustine Wereuche Praise

As an international student studying in China, I’ve always been fascinated by how technology bridges culture and shapes our shared future. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Unitree Robotics, one of China’s most exciting robotics companies. Accompanied by faculty members and Chinese students, I stepped into a realm where machines are not only smart but also mobile, agile, and surprisingly lifelike.

 
Unitree has gained global attention for its cutting-edge robots, particularly its quadruped models that resemble dogs and humanoid robots capable of walking. During the visit, we were shown these innovations up close.
The humanoid robot was activated first. It began walking across the floor, its movements so fluid that it was easy to forget it wasn’t human. Each step was precise, balanced, and almost graceful. Watching it, I imagined how such robots could one day assist in environments too dangerous for humans.
Next came the quadruped robots—the “dog-like” machines. They captured everyone’s attention as they navigated stairs with remarkable ease. Designed for stability and adaptability, these robots demonstrated the potential for use in rescue missions, exploration, and even household assistance.
 

Most of the presentation was delivered in Chinese, which posed a language barrier for me. However, the power of technology transcended words. The demonstrations spoke for themselves, showing how engineering and design can create machines capable of interacting with the physical world in dynamic ways. With the help of my teacher, I was able to understand a few more about the growth and advancement the company has experienced. It was so amazing getting a firsthand information about the different challenges and adjustment the company has made to keep up with the varying demands of the market.

As I took photos, I couldn’t help but reflect on how these innovations represent more than technical achievement. They reflect humanity’s endless pursuit to build, to solve problems, and to make life better. For me, seeing these robots in action was like stepping into a scene from science fiction to reality
This visit also reminded me of the role education and international collaboration play in advancing technology. Being part of this experience as an international student underscored how innovation is a shared language.

Our visit ended with more demonstrations and a chance to observe the robots up close. I left Unitree feeling inspired, curious, and hopeful about the future. This visit transformed how I see my role as a Nigerian student in China’s tech ecosystem. We’re not just passive observers of innovation, but active participants in a global conversation that will define how these technologies integrate into our societies. The robots at Unitree moved with mechanical precision, but they represented something profoundly human – our endless capacity to imagine, create, and improve the world around us.

Augustine Wereuche Praise
majors in Communication Engineering at School of Artificial Intelligence at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China

From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights