National News
UN Systems calls on Stakeholders to Renew Commitment Towards Freeing Nigeria from Gender-Based Violences

UN Systems calls on Stakeholders to Renew Commitment Towards Freeing Nigeria from Gender-Based Violences
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Systems in Nigeria has reiterated the need to eliminate violence against women and girls and dismantle harmful cultural norms, calling for renewed commitment from stakeholders.
This appeal was made during the Joint UN Accountability Forum and the Orange Lighting Ceremony held at the UN House in Abuja, with the theme: Towards Beijing+30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls”.

Speaking at the event, the UN Women Deputy Representative to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the Gender Thematic Group, Dr. Nesreen El-Molla, lamented the socio-economic toll of gender-based violence (GBV) on Nigeria’s development.
She noted that behind every statistic is a woman or girl whose potential has been stifled and rights violated.
She said: “Today’s event is a call to action for all of us to advocate for a Nigeria free from violence against women and girls. It is also a platform to address harmful norms by engaging with allies such as traditional and faith leaders, the private sector, and communities to reshape the narrative around gender equality. We all have a role to play in upholding universal human rights, calling out abuses, and holding systems accountable to their commitments.”
El-Molla said UN Women remains dedicated to strengthening programming efforts and scaling up investments in policy and legislative reforms that protect women’s rights.

She added that: “Through our mandate, UN Women will continue to champion basic women’s rights, including political participation, economic empowerment, and freedom from violence. We are also committed to providing holistic support for GBV survivors by expanding services, setting up shelters, improving policies, and working with community leaders to tackle harmful practices.”
The UNESCO Head of Office in Nigeria, Abdourahamane Diallo, also highlighted UNESCO’s role in addressing GBV through education and skills training for women, particularly in marginalized communities.
He said: “UNESCO aligns with the Beijing Platform for Action by promoting gender equality through education and eradicating GBV. We aim to integrate GBV prevention into policies and collaborate with civil society to challenge harmful cultural norms through grassroots interventions.”
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, on her part, called for strategic action to overcome barriers in combating GBV. She emphasized the importance of gender-disaggregated data in designing evidence-based interventions and effective resource allocation in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
She noted that: “For Nigeria, closing gender gaps could add $15 trillion to our GDP annually by 2050. Women constitute 49% of our population and own 41% of small and medium enterprises. Data remains a vital tool in our fight for gender equality. Equally important is the effective allocation of resources to programmes that make the greatest impact, particularly in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, the Beijing+30 Report offers an opportunity to reflect on progress made and areas requiring further attention.”
Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Dr. Vanessa Phala-Moyo, commended Nigeria’s efforts to address workplace violence.
She said: “Nigeria is the first country in the subcontinent to ratify the ILO Convention Against Violence and Harassment. This demonstrates leadership-level commitment, and we will continue to support the private and public sectors in implementing measures to address violence and harassment.
Other highlights of the Event are:
Orange Lighting Ceremony: A symbol of hope, unity, and the vision for a world where women and girls live free from violence and fear.
Beijing+30 Report Launch: Celebrated progress, renewed commitments, and outlined future priorities for achieving gender equality in Nigeria.
The event reaffirmed the collective resolve of the UN, government, and stakeholders to create a safer, more equitable Nigeria for women and girls
Ends
National News
Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery

Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery
By: Michael Mike
In a significant move to bolster public service efficiency, Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has formalized performance contracts with heads of agencies under the Ministry of Interior. This initiative aims to strengthen institutional legacy and ensure measurable improvements in service delivery.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday at the conclusion of the 2025 retreat of the Ministry of Interior, the minister highlighted the event, which also featured the signing of performance contracts by all board members.
He said: “This initiative is about the effect on Nigerians and on Nigeria as a whole.”
Tunji-Ojo during the signing ceremony, said: “Our Ministry signed a performance contract with Mr. President last year, and after executing that for a year, it is time to extend this level of accountability to each agency.”
The performance contracts, which include measurable timelines for delivery, are designed to improve services to Nigerians and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he noted.
The Minister also emphasized that this exercise is not merely symbolic but is intended to have a meaningful impact on Nigeria’s security landscape.
Challenging common stereotypes, Tunji-Ojo commended the ministry’s staff for their commitment and hard work. He said: “Some people often say civil servants are ‘evil servants.’ Personally, I do not share that view. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best people God has created here in the Ministry of Interior.”
The Minister paid tribute to M.T. Umar, who retired after 35 years of service, describing him as central to Nigeria’s passport reforms. “The story of our passport revolution cannot be told without his name,”
He further stated that retirement does not depriving your nation of your knowledge, your character, or your service.
He urged staff to emulate Umar’s loyalty and integrity, stressing that “talent and brilliance are important, but it is loyalty and integrity that sustain a career.”
Addressing the agencies under the ministry the Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, NCoS, FFS, and NIMC the minister commended their achievements but called for greater efforts in immigration reforms, protection of critical assets, correctional transformation, emergency response, and data security.
He said: “Our task is to ensure Nigerians feel our impact in their daily lives through safer communities, efficient services, and systems that inspire trust,” while further reminding the agencies that their collective output contributes directly to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Meanwhile, heads of key agencies pledged to scale up performance following the retreat.
Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, said the exercise offered a chance to review past achievements and correct lapses. “From the contracts we signed last year, we have fared very well. But of course, there are areas for correction, and that is the essence of this retreat,” he said.
Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, described the retreat as timely. “Sometimes when you are busy trying to improve performance, you need to take time to measure yourself. By the first part of next year, we should be able to appraise our progress,” he said.
For his part, Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Samuel Olumode, said the exercise was an “eye-opener” for his agency. “By the next retreat, there will be positive impact, and Nigerians will know there is a new fire service in place,” he assured.
Olumode stressed that the performance contracts were a pledge of accountability. “It’s all about signing a bond to let the Nigerian public know it’s not business as usual. We must strengthen mechanisms that make us perform and give real value to our jobs.”
Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery
National News
Kaduna police rescue kidnapped woman, arrest two suspects

Kaduna police rescue kidnapped woman, arrest two suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped woman and arrested two suspects in connection with the crime in Kachia Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said the incident followed a report by one Williams Ayuba of Azara village, who disclosed that his wife, Theresa Williams, was abducted while working on their farm at Bishini village on Aug. 27.
Zagazola learnt that the operatives from Katari Division, in collaboration with sister security agencies, launched a search operation in the surrounding forests.
Sources added that on Aug. 29, acting on credible information, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Jere mobilised a rescue team which successfully rescued the victim unhurt.
The sources saod two suspects, Ibrahim Abdullahi, of Nasarawa Toto, and Kabiru Abdullahi, of Mallam Tanko village, were arrested.
“The suspects have confessed to the crime and provided useful information to the police. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang,” it added.
The victim, the sources said, was taken to Abaku Hospital for medical attention and has since been reunited with her family.
Kaduna police rescue kidnapped woman, arrest two suspects
National News
Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau

Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Four Nigerian soldiers have sustained injuries in a vehicle accident on the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State.
The accident occurred on Thursday while the troops were moving across the mountainous terrain of the area, Zagazola reports.
The Emir of Mambilla, Dr. Shehu Audu Baju, was said to have personally joined in the rescue operation to ensure that the soldiers received prompt assistance.

Following the rescue, the injured personnel were evacuated to the 20 Battalion Barracks in Serti for urgent medical care.
Community members and traditional leaders in the area have expressed sympathy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the soldiers, while also calling for the safety of other security operatives on duty.
Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau
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