News
UN Women Asks for Prioritization of Funding for War Against SGBV
UN Women Asks for Prioritization of Funding for War Against SGBV
By: Michael Mike
United Nations Women has called for prioritization of investment by all stakeholders in financing development plans towards ending violence against women and girls, even as it pleaded for strategic policy development aimed at putting a stop to the scourge.
The call was made at the weekend by the UN Women Deputy Country Represntative to Nigeria. Mr. Lansana Wonneh at a Joint Symposium on Prevention of Violence Against Special Need Groups in Nigeria; with the theme: “Tackling Multi-forms of Vulnerability and Violence through Improved Policies, Programmatic and Funding Mechanisms”.
Wonneh, who was represented by the National Programme Officer UN Women, Mrs. Patience Ekeoba, said that despite many countries passing laws to combat violence against women, weak enforcement and discriminatory social norms remain a significant problems.
He said: “Being able to stop violence from occurring in the first place is critical to achieving the goal of ending violence against women and girls (VAWG) because if violence does not occur all the other GBV responses will not be necessary. VAWG is preventable; we need to continue to invest in transforming social norms, addressing unequal gender power relations, strengthening essential services for survivors, and enabling safer environments. I call for more attention to gender responsive budgeting, ensuring that budget circulars have definite allocations to gender equality and women empowerment including budget for addressing violence against women and girls.”
Wonneh explained that women with special needs and other groups experience violence differently because of their vulnerability and special needs, hence the need for stakeholders engagements to mobilize support and raise awareness to end the menace.
He added that: “The symposium provides opportunity for ASWHAN and the other special need groups to share their experiences of violences, their survivor stories and make demand for increased prevention interventions and response. It will also allow all relevant government agencies, the UN System, development partners, civil society gather here today to listen, discuss and advance prevention strategies and funding mechanism to enhance prevention and mitigation services and actions for the targets groups. So I call on you to participate actively so that at the end of today’s interactions we will all come up with practical strategies towards reducing and eliminating violence that affect this critical groups in our society.”
Also speaking, the Acting Director, Policy Planning and Coordination, Nation Agency for the Control Aids (NACA), Dr. Yinka Anoemuah, noted that the agency will continue to work with partners to achieve the desired goal of ending all forms of violence.
“We have so many vulnerable population that experience vulnerabilities and that is why we will continue to partner with the UN system and partners to find ways to bring an end to all the challenges that people are facing in the communities. We recognize very much the relationships between Gender Based Violence (GBV) and HIV, and that is why to the key area of strategic engagement that we have over the years, because if we want to control the virus, and end the epidemy by 2030, we need to bring to a stop all forms of violence, be it emotional, psychological, physical, then we have to work together to make that happen. Without resources, without people, without investment we will not be able to do it, but with collaborations and partnerships we will achieve a lot”. She noted
On behalf of people with disabilities, the President Women With Disabilities, Lois Auta, called for an increase in budget allocation on disabilities issues.
“Women with disabilities are much more vulnerable to issues of GBV, these violence could be in different forms such as issues of economic empowerment, issues of health, issues of institutional barriers and infrastructural Barriers. We have legal frameworks and these frame works are not implemented. The big issues is lack of funding, with need to come together and collaborate and activate the goal 17 of SDG, by working together. We need to insert a budget plan in all the MDAs for issues of women and girls with disabilities.
She said: “We need to talk to National Assembly to increase the budgets allocation on issues of disability as well as increase awareness on GBV in the rural areas.”
According to the Head Health Desk, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Marian Shuaibu, the ministry takes priority in the wellbeing of all women. Noting that approval to establish a mobile court to deal with the perpetrators of GBV has been gotten, as well as development of a policy on mental health.
This year theme, “UNiTE!; Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls” is apt as it focusses on investment and financing of strategies and programmes that will help prevent violence from happening in the first place against women and girls.
The symposium was put together by UN Women, NACA, UNAIDS, Association of Women with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, (ASWHAN) and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
UN Women Asks for Prioritization of Funding for War Against SGBV
Nigeria’s Support Against US Blockade Vital, Says Cuban Ambassador
By: Michael Mike
The Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, has commended Nigeria and the African Union for their consistent opposition to the decades-long United States economic blockade against Cuba, describing the sanctions regime as an “unjust system of coercion” that has inflicted prolonged hardship on the Cuban people.
Speaking at the Conference of the Solidarity Movement with Cuba in Nigeria, Palmero expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s repeated votes at the United Nations General Assembly in favour of resolutions calling for an end to the US embargo.
“Nigeria is one of the countries which has voted at the United Nations General Assembly in favour of the resolution against the economic, commercial and financial blockade,” she said. “We highly value Nigeria’s support.”
She also acknowledged what she described as the historic stance of the African Union, particularly its recent resolution condemning the US blockade policy and Cuba’s inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
The ambassador characterised the US embargo as more than a bilateral dispute, calling it “a deliberate policy of asphyxiation” designed to force political surrender through economic deprivation.
“For more than six decades, Cuba has faced one of the most prolonged and unjust systems of economic, commercial and financial coercion in contemporary history,” she said.
Palmero criticised a recent executive order signed by US President Donald Trump which, she said, threatens sanctions against countries that supply fuel to Cuba. She described the move as extraterritorial and a violation of international law.
According to her, the measures are intended to worsen shortages in energy, nutrition, healthcare, education and transportation, while exerting pressure on other nations to limit cooperation with Cuba.
“We do not accept threats. We do not accept blackmail. We do not accept interference,” she declared.
Despite economic difficulties, the ambassador maintained that Cuba has consistently extended assistance to other nations, particularly in healthcare and education.
She highlighted Cuba’s long-standing medical diplomacy, noting that Cuban doctors, teachers and technical experts have served in dozens of countries, including Nigeria.
“Cuba represents no threat whatsoever to any country,” Palmero said. “Our foreign policy is one of solidarity, peace, friendship and cooperation, fully committed to international law and the United Nations Charter.”
She described it as “inconceivable” that the world’s largest economic and military power would consider Cuba a threat.
Beyond condemning the blockade, the ambassador used the conference to call for a stronger and more structured Solidarity Movement with Cuba in Nigeria.
She urged trade unions, academic institutions, youth groups, community organisations and media platforms to amplify advocacy efforts in support of Cuba, especially as sanctions intensify.
“This meeting is not only an expression of political and moral support,” she said. “It is a strategic moment to strengthen the structure of the Solidarity Movement with Cuba in Nigeria.”
Palmero encouraged participants to develop a coordinated action plan that would increase mobilisation, communication and public engagement throughout the year.
The ambassador reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to sovereignty and its chosen social model, insisting that the country would not bow to external pressure.
“We know that the Cuban people are not alone,” she said. “Cuba will never renounce its independence.”
She declared that: “Because justice cannot be blockaded. Because dignity cannot be sentenced. Because solidarity is stronger than any coercive measure.”
The conference brought together members of Nigeria’s solidarity movement, trade union representatives, Cuban-trained graduates and supporters of Cuba–Nigeria relations, underscoring the longstanding diplomatic ties between both nations.
Nigeria’s Support Against US Blockade Vital, Says Cuban Ambassador
Two killed, two injured in Offa street clash over football dispute
By: Zagazola Makama
Two people were killed and two others injured in a violent clash between groups of youths from Isale-Ago and Number One Junction areas of Offa, Kwara State, following a football match dispute.
The incident occurred on Feb. 24, when a disagreement during an organized Ramadan football competition escalated into a street fight, causing panic and tension in the community.
Sources said the initial confrontation was contained, but later in the evening, members of the Number One Junction group reportedly regrouped and advanced towards Isale-Ago, firing sporadically into the air. The gunfire resulted in the deaths of Dayo Abdullateef, aged 30, and Abdullahi Oriogbo, aged 28, while two other passersby sustained gunshot injuries.
Authorities visited the scene of the incident and are working to apprehend the perpetrators. Community members have been urged to maintain calm as investigations continue.
Further updates are expected as efforts to restore lasting peace in the affected areas continue.
Two killed, two injured in Offa street clash over football dispute
Suspected bandit arrested in Niger over ammunition and cattle rustling
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected bandit and ammunition runner, Haruna Usman Dan-Mazuru, has been arrested in Gawu-Babangiga, Niger State, over links to cattle rustling and illegal arms dealings.
Sources said the suspect, who hails from Jela village in Birnin-Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara state but resides in Karmo, FCT, Abuja, was apprehended on Feb. 23 at about 4:30 p.m. on reasonable suspicion.
According to the sources , the suspect admitted to acting as a courier for one Musa (Snu) of Dajin-Mailayi in Birnin-Magaji, a known kidnapper and cattle rustler, to deliver live ammunition to Alhaji Hassan, currently at large in Awala area of Lambata, Gurara LGA.
Investigators recovered a protective vest containing 99 charms from the suspect. Efforts are ongoing to locate Alhaji Hassan and recover the ammunition.
The case is under active investigation.
Suspected bandit arrested in Niger over ammunition and cattle rustling
Nigeria’s Support Against US Blockade Vital, Says Cuban Ambassador
Two killed, two injured in Offa street clash over football dispute
Suspected bandit arrested in Niger over ammunition and cattle rustling
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
