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UN in Nigeria Convenes Dialogue with Media on Women’s Representation in Parliament
UN in Nigeria Convenes Dialogue with Media on Women’s Representation in Parliament
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations in Nigeria, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has convened editors and senior leaders of media houses at the UN House in Abuja to advance dialogue on women’s political participation and leadership.
The engagement is part of the UN’s broader push under the Africa Facility for Women in Political Leadership – a bold initiative designed to build an enabling ecosystem that supports and sustains women in politics and governance across Africa.
The conversation comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria. As the nation joined the world to mark the Beijing+30 anniversary and undertakes a comprehensive constitutional reform, including the Reserved Seats for Women’s Bill, the UN emphasized that increasing women’s representation is not just about fairness – it is about securing Nigeria’s competitive advantage as Africa’s largest democracy.
UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria Ms. Elsie Attafuah noted that: “Evidence is clear: countries with at least 30% women in parliament consistently perform better on governance, economic growth, and social cohesion. Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind.”
Attafuah highlighted that women’s political inclusion is tied to Nigeria’s positioning in a rapidly changing global order: “This is not simply about numbers or representation. It is about positioning Nigeria to thrive in a world where leadership diversity is increasingly linked to progress. With Nigeria’s population projected to reach 400 million by 2050, excluding women from political decision-making is a risk the country cannot afford.”
The engagement also underscored the critical role of the media in shaping narratives and influencing public perception. Drawing comparisons with international best practices, Ms. Attafuah emphasized that the stories told about women in politics, governance, and leadership can either reinforce barriers or open doors.
Participants reflected on examples from countries like Rwanda and Uganda, where strategic media framing not only elevated women’s leadership but also created broader economic and social gains through positive national storytelling. The UNDP Resident Representative further called on media leaders to partner with the UN family beyond the immediate legislative reforms and the 2027 elections, to foster a long-term pathway for women’s political leadership in Nigeria.
“Today is the beginning of a co-creation journey. Together, we can institutionalize platforms for sustained dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy. The media has the power not only to report but to shape the discourse and catalyze change,” said Ms. Attafuah.
The UN in Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment—to continue supporting inclusive governance reforms, advancing the Reserved Seats Bill, and positioning Nigeria to meet its global commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Beijing Platform for Action.
The editors welcomed the call for collaboration and expressed interest in working with the UN to amplify women’s voices in politics and governance. The meeting concluded with an invitation to institutionalize engagements between the UN and media leaders to jointly track progress, share stories, and shape national discourse on inclusive leadership.
UN in Nigeria Convenes Dialogue with Media on Women’s Representation in Parliament
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during a raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 12:15 a.m. on June 30 by troops of the 20 Model Battalion deployed in Gassol, in collaboration with a team from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The sources said the joint team conducted the intelligence-led raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout at Kwatan Nanido Village following credible information on illegal arms activities in the area.
Although no suspect was arrested during the operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition abandoned at the location.
The recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend members of the suspected gunrunning syndicate as operations continue to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and enhance security across the state.
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
By: Zagazola Makama
The Benue State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Fulani community leader, Alhaji Risku Muhammad, in Ohimini Local Government Area, urging residents to remain calm as investigations into his killing continue.
The condolence visit took place on Tuesday and was led by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, who represented Gov. Hyacinth Alia.
The delegation included the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Makurdi, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), other security agencies and relatives of the deceased from different parts of the country.
During the visit, the delegation sympathised with the bereaved family and appealed to them and members of the Fulani community not to resort to self-help or reprisals.
They urged them to allow security agencies to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The delegation assured the family that the government and security agencies were committed to ensuring that those responsible for the homicide are identified and brought to justice.
Police authorities said the case was under active investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), adding that efforts were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Benue State Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state and called on all residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid the investigation.
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
Three cattle herders were reportedly killed and one other injured in an ambush by unidentified gunmen while grazing livestock in Gero-Rafin Bauna area of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident and condemned the attack.
Babayo called on security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
According to him, the bodies of the three victims were discovered in a forest after an extensive search by members of the community.
He alleged that the victims were brutally killed during the attack.
The MACBAN chairman further claimed that the latest incident came barely two weeks after four other herders were reportedly killed in the same general area, adding that their bodies had yet to be recovered.
Babayo urged the authorities to take urgent steps to improve security in vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
He also appealed to members of the affected communities to remain calm and allow security agencies to investigate the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of the perpetrators remain unclear.
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
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