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UN Laments Decreasing Numbers of Elected Women to Political Offices in Nigeria
UN Laments Decreasing Numbers of Elected Women to Political Offices in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations has lamented the decline in number of women elected into political offices in Nigeria during the last general elections, insisting that the country which pride herself as a giant on the continent has not lived up to the appellation in terms of women involvement in politics.
The body also condemned violence during the last elections, stating that it was one of the key obstacles to advancing women’s participation in public life.
Speaking at the Post-election conference in Abuja organised by UNWOMEN, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Government of Canada and European Union (EU), the UN Women Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Beatrice Eyong said it was so sad that the numbers of women voted into political offices continue to reduce with subsequent electoral season in Nigeria leaving the ratio of women to men political office holders nothing to be pride about.
She said while many countries in Africa are gradually getting to the universal ratio prescribed for women in politics, Nigeria that has been continuously described as giant of Africa continued to drop and is not dictating the pace.
Eyong, who decried that the situation in the country is not soul lifting for women, credited the downturn to violence targeted at women during elections.
She said: “Violent acts committed towards women are gender-based and they intend to discourage women from being politically active. It is often used to intimidate women from practicing their political rights in the first place.
Eyong while stating that it was an honour to welcome participants to the important event convened to assess where Nigeria stands regarding electoral gender-based violence and to agree on a coordinated national summary report on violence against women in 2023 elections of Nigeria, lamented that: “Women have been killed or have had to quit their positions after receiving death threats. Some women have also often withdrawn from public life citing abuse including online abuse and cyberbullying. Women candidates have faced various forms of targeted, gender-based violence.”
She noted that: “The agreed conclusions of the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (2021), emphasized that the promotion of full and equal participation and leadership of women in public life and the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls are interconnected. CSW 65 also recognized that all forms of violence and discrimination, including in digital contexts, prevent women from exercising their equal right to participate in all spheres of public life and encouraged member states to take measures to create a safe and enabling environment so that women are protected from all forms of violence and discrimination for engaging in public life, including in digital contexts, and take practical steps to prevent and address violence, including by combating impunity and ensuring that those responsible for violations and abuses are promptly brought to justice.
“The Maputo Protocol also guarantees comprehensive rights to women including the right to take part in the political process, to social and political equality with men. It states clearly in article 9 the Right to Participation in the Political and Decision-Making Process.
“Undertaking firm measures to prevent violence including legal reforms is one of the most effective means to ensure women’s protection, participation and representation in public life including eliminating laws, policies and practices that discriminate against women.”
She however lamented that: “The Lack of data on violence against women in politics (VAWP) negatively affects evidence-based advocacy for influencing changes in laws and policies and for establishing comprehensive protection systems for women in politics.”
Eyong said: “I believe, today this interactive conference constitutes the right space for sharing information and experiences on data collection and how can we all together improve our methods and approaches in a more coordinated manner. We are also looking to a joint summary national report on violence against women in 2023 elections that we will use all together as an advocacy tool for action and protection.”
On her part, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mrs Samuela Isopi, said: “The European Union is delighted that UN Women, in collaboration with the Nigerian government, security services, traditional leaders, civil society, INEC IPAC, and the Canadian government is providing a platform to hold serious conversations on deepening the democratic space for women and addressing root causes for low women’s participation in the elections.”
She added that: “It is a well-known fact that women are underrepresented in Nigeria’s political environment, unfortunately, the 2023 elections show a trend in the wrong direction.
“Women candidates and women voters have faced violence and aggression, including in the online sphere.
“This is the moment for serious reflection about how to break cycles of gender-based violence affecting women, in the electoral process.”
Isopi noted that: “Because the active participation of women at all levels of decision-making and politics is not only a human right, but also essential to the achievement of equality, peace and democracy.
“The full and equitable participation of women in public life is essential to building and sustaining strong, vibrant democracies.”
She said: “There is strong evidence that as more women are elected to office, there is an increase in policymaking that emphasises quality of life, and reflects the priorities of families, women, and marginalised groups.
“This is why concerted efforts must be made to break the barriers to meaningful participation of women in leadership positions.”
She assured that: “The European Union remains committed to collaborating on this very important cause.”
The Emir of Fika and Chairman, Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Muhammadu Idrissa who declared the workshop with theme: “Where do we stand regarding Electoral Gender Based Violence?” opened: “On behalf of Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa COTLA and the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria NCTRN, I welcome you very much. On the dangers of GBV alot has been to address it, we hope that with this conference, we will get solutions to improve the course of Women in Nigeria.”
The traditional ruler added that: “Am happy to say that we in Yobe state, in my Local Government Area, Fatima Talba won the Federal House of Representatives for Nangere/ Potiskum constituency and another Woman Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim won the Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani, Tarmuwa constituency . We’re moving forward and we hope for a remarkable change by next elections with the efforts of our partners especially the UN Women, so I wish you a very successful conference, it is my honour and privilege to declare the conference open.”
UN Laments Decreasing Numbers of Elected Women to Political Offices in Nigeria
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
ALL IN HONOUR OF OUR NATION’S FALLEN HEROES
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima today represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day ceremony held at the National Arcade in Abuja.
Also in attendance were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; ministers, service chiefs and other government officials.
The solemn event commemorates the courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
By Shi Fang, People’s Daily
“Mr. Lu Xun, could you recommend one of your classic works?”
“If I were to suggest one, perhaps Call to Arms would be a good starting point…”
This conversation took place at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. Supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, the hall offers visitors a novel approach to immersive reading and knowledge-based social engagement.
As one of three institutions under the Capital Library of China, the Beijing Library has introduced an AI-powered digital human modeled after renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun. Historically, Lu Xun played a role in establishing the predecessor of the Capital Library of China. Today, his digital incarnation symbolizes the library’s digital transformation.
“We developed the digital Lu Xun using AI technologies to provide guided tours, recommend books, and introduce local cuisine and cultural sites,” explained Fei Jun, professor with the School of Design, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and creative director of the Metaverse Experience Hall. His team conducted in-depth research on Lu Xun’s life and works to create a realistic and multidimensional digital persona.
In addition to the digital Lu Xun, Fei’s team created two other digital characters, “Tutu” and “2122,” each with distinct personalities: one childlike and the other futuristic. These avatars, driven by large language models, engage visitors in conversations about literature and everyday life. Since the library opened at the end of 2023, these AI characters have participated in more than 1.7 million voice interactions.
Seven-year-old reader Wang Jiayi eagerly asked “2122” questions such as, “Why did dinosaurs go extinct?” and “Why do maple leaves turn red in autumn?” Her mother commented, “The digital humans are engaging and informative. They genuinely spark children’s interest in learning.”
Entering the library feels akin to stepping into a digital universe.
Visitors can scan a QR code to verify their identity, customize their attire, and quickly generate digital avatars within the Metaverse. These avatars can navigate virtual spaces such as the Children’s Library, Ancient Books Collection, Art Literature Library, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Library, exploring venue information and upcoming events.
Readers also interact with one another via their digital avatars, sharing reading lists, exchanging book reviews, and bridging online and offline reading experiences.
Looking ahead, the library plans to introduce additional immersive features, including personalized virtual study rooms. “Our goal is to offer a multisensory experience — visual, auditory, and even tactile — so users feel as if they’ve entered a parallel world for immersive reading,” Fei said. His team is also developing an online version of the metaverse library, enabling remote access to its digital environment and vast knowledge collections.
“Beyond traditional print books, we want to create a technology-enhanced environment that sparks curiosity and encourages readers to explore knowledge in innovative ways,” said Li Nianzu, deputy director of the Capital Library of China.
Photo shows the Beijing library under the night sky. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
Readers visit the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
A reader interacts with the digital Lu Xun at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo from Beijing Youth Daily)
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
By: Michael Mike
A coalition of national and international human rights, environmental, and social justice organisations has condemned what they describe as the “violent and unlawful” demolition of Makoko, a historic waterfront fishing community along the Lagos Lagoon.
In a joint statement released, the groups alleged that demolition activities began on January 5, 2026, and have continued despite outcry from residents and civil society actors.
According to the organisations, government-backed demolition teams have destroyed homes, schools, health facilities, and religious buildings, leaving hundreds of families without shelter.
Eyewitness accounts cited in the statement claim that security personnel accompanying the demolition teams used tear gas and excessive force against residents, including women, children, and elderly persons. Displaced families are reportedly sleeping in boats, churches, and open spaces along the lagoon as they struggle to find temporary refuge.
The coalition further noted that Makoko is not an isolated case. Over the past year, thousands of residents across several Lagos waterfront and informal communities—including Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, Oworonshoki, and Precious Seeds—have faced similar evictions. In many cases, demolitions were carried out without prior notice, consultation, or resettlement plans.
The groups also referenced past demolitions in Badia East, Otodo-Gbame, Maroko, Monkey Village, Ilaje-Bariga, and Ifelodun, saying the Lagos State Government has repeatedly ignored court orders restraining such actions. They alleged that several deaths have been linked to forced evictions over the years.
“The pattern reflects a systemic disregard for human rights, due process, and the rule of law,” the statement read. “These actions violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations while deepening Lagos’s housing crisis.”
The coalition called on the Lagos State Government to immediately suspend all ongoing demolitions, respect existing court injunctions, investigate allegations of abuse, and provide fair compensation and adequate resettlement for affected residents.
They also urged authorities to adopt more inclusive, rights-based, and environmentally sustainable urban planning that protects livelihoods rather than displacing vulnerable communities.
The statement was signed by 23 organisations, including Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Policy Alert, WoMin African Alliance, and Norway’s Rafto Foundation for Human Rights, among others.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
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