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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
News
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised)/24 Task Force Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the attack occurred at about 2:44 a.m. on June 12 when terrorists launched coordinated assaults on the troops’ location from Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, supported by reinforcements from battalion headquarters, as well as mortar and artillery fire support, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.
Following the encounter, the fleeing terrorists retreating and scampered into the bushes.
At about 5:45 a.m., troops and auxiliary forces conducted a follow-up exploitation along the withdrawal route towards Wurge, during which three RPG-7 high-explosive unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and two torchlights were recovered.
The sources further disclosed that a main battle tank developed technical faults during the aftermath of the engagement, while one soldier sustained injuries from fragments of an RPG blast.
The wounded personnel was evacuated to the 3 Battalion Regimental Aid Post (RAP) for medical treatment.
Military authorities said clearance and follow-up operations were ongoing in the area to consolidate gains and prevent further terrorist regrouping.
They reaffirmed commitment to sustaining aggressive counter-terrorism operations across the North-East theatre.
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
News
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the captivity of bandits.
The government, in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, described the development as tragic and a major loss to the state and the nation.
According to the statement, the retired senior military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
The government said that despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, the situation ended in tragedy.
“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the statement said.
It noted that the late officer’s abduction and subsequent death represented not only a loss to his immediate family and Katsina State but also a monumental loss to the country.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a dark moment and a reminder of the need for intensified efforts against criminal elements threatening peace and security.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.
He also assured residents that the government remained resolute in its determination to eliminate banditry and safeguard lives and property across the state.
The government prayed for the repose of the soul of the late retired Major General and urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
News
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
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