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UN calls for united effort to end GBV
UN calls for united effort to end GBV
By: Michael Mike, Abuja
The United Nations has reiterated the need to join forces to create awareness and education in eliminating and ending the scourge of Gender Based Violence from every nook and crannies of Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at 7th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in Nigeria with the theme: “The Imperative for Special SGBV Curts” organised by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme in collaboration with Ministry of Justice, FCT Judiciary and the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), UN- Women Country Representative, Comfort Lamptey noted that there is urgent need for all stakeholders to join hands together to put an end to the scourge of Gender Based Violence in the country.
Lamptey noted that this year marks 30years since the start of the 16 days activism campaign, reiterating that globally one in three women have been abused sexualy and in Nigeria 28% of women have been abused before the age 49 in one form of violence.
She also noted that 16% of women and girls have experienced this from spouses and home as in times of crisis the number rises.
She revealed that: “During the first month of the lockdown directive a-five fold increase was recorded of GBV, one in four women feel unsafe at home, since the onset of COVID-19, outside the home women also feel increasingly unsafe.
“This is a wake up call for solving the problem at its root, while this problem remains pervasive, it is not preventable.
Preventive methods are critical to end GBV; it requires a commitment from all of us to work against the harmful practices that sustain gender inequality.”
She said: “More men need to step-up to form forces with some right advocates, through the UNWomen joint spotlight initiative to engage stakeholders in community, traditional rulers to address some of the patriarchal norms that encourage gender inequality.
“Provide a comprehensive support system that will help survivor centered services which include police, justice, and social sectors As well as sufficient financing for women are essential ingredients to the fight against GBV.”
Lamptey noted that: “The past two years in Nigeria have experienced progress on the domestication of the VAPP act to law since it was passed in 2015, with a total of 30 states out of 36 in Nigeria, this commendable feat was achieved by the declaration of a state of emergency on GBV by the Nigerian Governor Forum in 2020.
“We need to ensure that federal and state governments ensure that GBV survivors have full access to justice, with reliable prosecution of perpetrators.”
She asked that: “Put women at the center of responses Including the policy situation solutions, strengthen services including justice for women who experience violence and invest in prevention efforts to end Violence Against Women and Girls.”
On her part, the minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen, quoting statistic disclosed that, the National Situation Room and Dashboard set up in the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs under the UN/EU Spotlight initiative targeting six states supported by UNDP as at 24th November 2021, totaled number of cases reported to be 5,204 of which 3,125 survivors are demanding justice and only 33 perpetrators have so far been convicted, representing 0.51 percent.
She lamented that the fatal cases are 160, closed cases 231, while open cases (cases pending in court) are 972.
The minister noted that the trend is unacceptable, and efforts will be intensified with the Federal Ministry of Justice to ensure justice for victims and survivors.
She said: “The present administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, has demonstrated high commitment not only to eliminate harmful practices against women and girls; but also, to curb the rampaging impact of COVID-19 pandemic and other SGBV.
” In light of this, a significant amount in our 2022 budget has been dedicated to fight Gender Based-Violence nationwide. Mr. President in his 2022 Budget Statement to the National Assembly has gone a step further to direct that Ministries, Departments and Agencies must devote some amount in their budgets to address gender-related issues”
She however implored all relevant ministries to engage, amplify advocacy to the states and rural communities for further enlightenment in this regard.
Also speaking in the same vein, the Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi identified impunity as fuel for GBV.
She said: “This type of violence remains largely unreported due to the stigma and shame surrounding it, and the lack of confidence in authorities. As a result, many perpetrators remain free and unpunished. Impunity contributes to fuel GBV.
“Impunity contribute to fuel SGBV, if we do not stop impunity, we may not be able to stop GBV, government has a critical role in maintaining and sustaining of the separate court for it to succeed, the government needs to take ownership of this court by allocating resources to address the need of the people,”she said.
Also Read: EU and its Partners Mobilise against SGBV
The Chief Justice of the Federation, Honourable Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, said in creating special court we need to have trained judges and this is alot of work. This is an issue that takes more than talking, things must be in place, when we have everything set then we can start talking of special courts.
Represented by Justice Amina Audi Muhammad, the Chief Justice is of the view that “before we go advocating for special courts we need to put in place all other structures that will make this succeed.
He said. “Rural areas need to have a gender desk of institutions with specialised personnel to attend to vulnerable victims, the first contact for victims need to be able to bring them out of despair.”
Danladi Plang, National Programme Manager, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme emphasised on the need for critical actors to collaborate, in the fight as well as provide platform for experts to identify policy option, legal innovation, best practices, process for the establishment, and modalities for operation.
According to her: “For many years,there have been calls for the prosecution of cases of SGBV, in separate courts, it is for this reason RoLAC is campaigning this year for separate judicial process.
She said: “The main objective of this conference is to identify policy options, recommendations and action for efficient disposal of rights of victims and mobilise relevant actors.
She said from last year a lot has happened as most states have domesticated the VAPP law, and now have more SARC, adding,about 32 have been created with the latest being in Kebbi state.
She said: “Of course more victims and survivors are being supported by the Centers, as at June this year we have about 21,000 survivors that are supported, in the last eight years out of this 21,000 about 6,900 are being cared for by the SARC, which represents about 30% of survivors.
“There is a serious consensus that the prosecution of offenders is key even as the cases reported are very few, there is a disproportionate higher number of victims to the perpetrators, and of course they deserve justice, as different as they may be.”
UN calls for united effort to end GBV
UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide
By: Michael Mike
In a decisive step to reverse land degradation, 39 land restoration projects led by grassroots organisations have been awarded USD 395,000 through the inaugural Small Grants Programme of the G20 Global Land Initiative (GLI), a flagship initiative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Drawn from 22 countries, the winning projects were selected for their innovation, impact and sustainability. Over 650 organisations from more than 100 countries applied for the award. The winners were selected following three rounds of review by separate UNCCD staff teams, with varied expertise in land management and restoration.
Awardees will receive between US$5,000 and US$15,000 to fund grassroots efforts that boost local economies, improve food and water security and strengthen ecosystem resilience.
The announcement was livestreamed at an event showcasing the grant winners.
The Small Grants Programme is an important tool for achieving the G20 GLI’s mission of reducing degraded land by 50 percent by 2040.
Speaking during the award ceremony, Director of the G20 Global Land Initiative,Dr. Muralee Thummarukudy, said: “We are aware that these big numbers, cannot be achieved by small initiatives alone. Yet, we feel, it is important that tens of thousands of small actors, engaged in land restoration around the world, be supported, promoted and recognized,”
Special priority was given to organisations accredited to UNCCD and to projects empowering Indigenous Peoples, youth, women and the elderly.
The programme was set up in 2024 to support community-level non-profit organisations worldwide. According to a statement, by directly supporting civil society and grassroot actors, these grants will generate measurable progress across global aided restoration priorities, such as soil fertility enhancement, forest regeneration, sustainable agriculture, agroecology and ecosystem-based adaptation.
The statement added that beyond reclaiming land, the projects are enhancing livelihoods, strengthening community climate resilience, and fostering social enterprise and eco-preneurship.
“When we do these small grants program, it is not just about the grant. It’s about the network which we create and the visibility it provides — both for those within it and those outside who can benefit from their knowledge and experience,” Thummarukudy added.
Three of the highest-scoring projects were showcased at the UNCCD Conference of the Parties held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2024, to highlight their potential for scaling and replication across regions.
The statement also revealed that winners will also be showcased at select high-level events in the future, stating that the G20 GLI is committed to inclusive and continuous engagement, and is exploring future
collaboration opportunities for the applicants not selected in this round.
Stressing that “this is just the beginning, this will be an annual process, the next cohort is about to start,” Dr Thummarukudy invited community organisations doing land restoration to apply to join the network because both “big and small” [efforts] are important.
He noted that the second call for applications will open in 2025 with increased funding and expanded
support for grassroots restoration efforts worldwide.
Innovative community-led restoration initiatives are essential for creating green jobs, especially for youth and women..The awards provide support that can transform restoration into a catalyst for economic opportunity and sustainable environmental management.
Examples of selected 2024 grantees include: Legacy of War Foundation (Rwanda), which will restore six hectares of degraded soil while empowering 90 women as landowners of fully organic cooperative farms. By integrating climate-smart and artisanal farming methods, the project aims to improve soil fertility and agricultural resilience in post-conflict rural communities.
Up2Green Foundation (India) is restoring mangroves and riverbanks in Tamil Nadu, India. The project is reforesting 60 hectares and planting 15,000 fruit trees, enhancing biodiversity, strengthening coastal resilience for flood prevention, and training local communities in sustainable agroforestry practices.
Sustainability and Environmental Studies Endeavor (Nepal) is working to restore
ecological balance along the mythological Nagaraj Trail. By revitalizing degraded farms, wetlands and forests using nature-based solutions, the project promotes nature-inclusive agriculture and convivial conservation approaches.
The G20 Global Land Initiative was launched in 2020 under the Saudi G20 Presidency. Hosted by the UNCCD, its ambition is to reduce degraded land by 50 percent by 2040. By showcasing
land restoration, empowering civil society, engaging the private sector and building capacity, G20 GLI is driving restoration to scale and energizing a restoration economy. The Small Grants Programme is a key component of this vision, empowering civil society to restore degraded lands and promote sustainable land management at scale.
UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide
National News
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
By: Michael Mike
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep grief over the passing of prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, saying the nation has lost an irreplaceable institution.
The late Dantata, an uncle of Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, passed away at the age of 94 in Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Saturday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, his Personal Private Secretary (PPS), who confirmed the death.
In a condolence message, Vice President Shettima praised the late businessman for his lifetime of service, describing him as “a living bridge that connected us to our past.
“We have not just lost a leader; we have lost an irreplaceable institution,” Senator Shettima said, describing Dantata as “one of the greatest titans in Nigeria’s philosophical history” whose departure marks the end of a vital chapter in the country’s economic and democratic evolution.
“In African tradition, when such an elderly person transitions, a vital chapter of our history departs with them. He was indeed among the great titans, a living bridge that connected us to our past,” VP Shettima added.
The Vice President extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, expressing hopes that they would “find the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” even as he prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased Jannatul Firdaus.
Born into the legendary Dantata family of Kano, Alhaji Aminu built on his father’s commercial legacy to become one of Nigeria’s most influential business figures. His empire spans construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and the oil and gas sectors.
Beyond business, Dantata was renowned for his extensive philanthropic work, funding schools, mosques, health centres, and supporting widows and the underprivileged across Nigeria.
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
National News
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
By: Michael Mike
The Senior Officials Meeting between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July 2025 in Abuja to prepare for the upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting and to explore areas of cooperation.
A statement on Saturday by the Press Officer, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Modestus Chukwulaka, read: “The Delegation of European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS wishes to inform that the Senior Officials Meeting between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July 2025 in Abuja.
“The agenda of the very important meeting is to prepare for the upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting and to explore areas of cooperation.”
According to the statement, the Senior Officials Meeting will be co-chaired by the Regions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director, and the Deputy Managing Director for Africa Department, European External Action Service, European Union, Mr Mathieu Briens.
The statement revealed that the agenda of the meeting is expected to entail wide-ranging discussions that would focus on various aspects of the Nigeria – EU partnership, such as: Cooperation on multilateral and regional issues; Peace, Security and Governance; Humanitarian situation; Trade and Investment; Human Development: Health, Education, Social Protection; Science, technology, innovation and digital transition; Migration; Energy, climate change and green economy transition among others.
Nigeria and the European Union share a deep, long-standing partnership inspired by mutual values and interests as well as support for multilateralism and rule-based international order, the statement said.
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide
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