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UN Women, NCCC Call for Gender Inclusion in Climate Policies

Published

6 months ago

October 7, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

UN Women, NCCC Call for Gender Inclusion in Climate Policies

By: Michael Mike

UN Women Nigeria, in partnership with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), has launched the Gender Integration Toolkit and Strategy for Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), calling for the inclusion of gender in climate policies.

The toolkit is designed to include gender considerations into climate planning, financing, implementation, and monitoring across all levels of governance. It provides practical guidance to ensure that climate policies, projects, and investments are not only effective but also gender-responsive.

Delivering the keynote address, Director-General of the NCCC, Bar. Mrs. Tenioye Majekodunmi, underscored the urgency of embedding gender considerations into climate policy.

“Gender equality is not just a social imperative -it is a climate imperative,” she declared.

She added: “When women have equal access to resources, farm yields rise, household resilience improves, and communities become more sustainable.”

The launch comes amid Nigeria’s efforts to implement its updated NDC 3.0, guided by the Climate Change Act of 2021 and the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS).

Majekodunmi noted that the new toolkit aligns with these frameworks and helps institutionalize gender-responsive approaches across key sectors, including energy, agriculture, transport, industry, and waste.

“We are building an institutional architecture that integrates gender considerations across all sectors,” she said.

“The NDC Gender Integration Toolkit we launched today is a cornerstone of that effort.”

The toolkit, developed by UN Women Nigeria, is designed to equip national, state, and local institutions with tools to identify gender gaps, integrate gender-sensitive approaches in project design, and monitor results through MRE-ready (Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation) and sex-disaggregated indicators.

“If you’re not tracking, you’re just wasting time,” Majekodunmi noted.

“That’s what I love the most about this toolkit ,the ability to track these results and make adjustments based on evidence.”

She stressed that gender equality must become a standard of performance, not an afterthought.

“No policy, no investment, and no decision on climate change should be made without considering its gender implications,”

“This is about institutionalising gender-responsive budgeting and ensuring that women are part of the decision-making process — from the local to the national level.” She said.

The DG praised the collaborative effort behind the toolkit’s development, crediting the support of key government ministries and agencies.

“I wish to commend the UN Women Nigeria Country Office, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs,” she said.

“This type of resource is only possible through strong technical partnerships and shared commitment.”

Majekodunmi called on all stakeholders to treat the toolkit not as a final product, but as a dynamic, evolving tool for lasting change.

“Let us use this toolkit not as an end in itself, but as a living guide, a framework for shared accountability, a catalyst for innovation, and a bridge between national ambition and local impact.”

She concluded her remarks with a powerful message that captured the spirit of the event:

“When gender equality drives climate action, sustainability flows naturally.”

Speaking at the launch of Nigeria’s NDC Gender Integration Toolkit and Strategy, Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to ECOWAS, stressed the urgent need to center gender equality in climate policy.

She highlighted the unequal impact of climate change on women, their central role in climate-sensitive sectors, and the importance of turning tools into tangible action.

Eyong revealed the gendered impacts of climate change, noting that women bear the brunt of its consequences, particularly in vulnerable regions.

“According to the UN, 80% of people displaced by climate change are women and children,”

“Climate-related disruptions directly undermine food security, household incomes, and national economies. Nigeria is no exception.” She said

Second, she emphasized the vital but often overlooked contributions of women to climate adaptation, particularly in agriculture, food systems, and local environmental knowledge.

“Women have a unique knowledge of the environment about medicinal plants, animals, and sustainable practices,”

“They have something to bring to the table to make sure that whatever we are doing is inclusive, rich, and equitable.” Eyong explained .

Eyong called on ministries, departments, and agencies to take ownership of the newly launched toolkit, translating it into real-world policy and programmatic change.

“Tools alone are not enough. They depend on strong ownership and active application,”

“Mainstreaming gender in the energy sector, for example, is not only about including women in renewable projects, but ensuring equitable access to training, finance, and technology.” She urged.

National Consultant on Gender Mainstreaming for NDC 3.0 and LT-LED, Ms. Ogochukwu Ukemezia made a compelling case for translating the toolkit into real, system-wide change.

She emphasized the importance of action, the societal value of gender equality, and the power of inclusive development planning.

Ukemezia stressed that the event was not merely symbolic but a practical rallying point for all actors ,from government ministries to development partners ,to apply the toolkit in their daily work.

“Today’s event is more than a launch ,it is a call for action, a call for every government institution, every development partner, and every stakeholder to embrace these tools and apply them meaningfully in their work.”

She reframed gender equality as a driver of national progress, innovation, and sustainable development, not just a moral concern.

“Gender equality is not just a moral advantage it is a societal advantage. When we empower women and girls, we unlock innovation, resilience, and sustainable development for all.”

Drawing on Nigeria’s development planning history, she urged planners to move beyond token gender chapters and fully integrate gender data and needs across all sectors.

“Before now, what we did in the National Development Plan was to have a chapter for gender and we said ‘leave power out of it, leave works out of it.’ Now, we are putting gender in power, gender in agriculture, gender in energy, and gender in employment.” She stated .

Social Development Director at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Grace Obi Ukpabi emphasized the urgent need to move beyond generic national planning and instead use gender-sensitive data to design policies that respond to the diverse realities of Nigerians.

She also reveal the shift from sidelining gender to making it central to development planning.

Ukpabi called for an intentional, data-driven approach to planning that recognizes how different groups especially women and children experience policy differently.

She urged planners to break the habit of treating the population as one homogenous block.

“When we are done, we must begin to decide by gender, by vulnerability, by originality and then intentionally prioritise what each section of it needs to truly resolve issues.”

She reflected on how past national plans relegated gender to a side chapter, but praised the current shift to fully integrate gender concerns into power, infrastructure, energy, and other key sectors.

“Before now, we said ‘leave gender out of this, leave power out of this.’ But now we are putting gender in power, gender in works, gender in employment. It’s making it more real.”

UN Women, NCCC Call for Gender Inclusion in Climate Policies

News

Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex

Published

2 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex

By: Zagazola Makama

A fire outbreak has destroyed ten shops at a shopping complex in Garejin Mai Lena area of Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, causing extensive property losses valued at millions of naira.

The blaze was brought under control through a joint effort by security operatives and local residents who assisted in putting out the fire.

Authorities confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were reported during the incident.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation as efforts continue to assess the full extent of the damage.

Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex

News

Boko Haram: The worse days are over….Zulum

Published

2 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Boko Haram: The worse days are over….Zulum

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Borno state Governor Prof Babagana Zulum has assured citizens of the state that the worse days of insurgency are over.

In a state wide broadcast as soon as he arrived from his visit to Saudi Arabia, the Governor extinguished any iota of fear in the minds of the residents adding that they should not loose hope now that a ray of hope is waiting for them at the end of the tunnel.

He noted that what residents are witnessing now is the results of the rattling of the criminals in the Timbuktu triangle which is why they are unleashing such wickedness on the citizenry.

“However, I want to reassure you that the worst days are over. We have been constantly assessing the situation, and a robust, coordinated response is already in motion.

” These cowardly elements who seek to disturb our peace will obtain no sanctuary in Borno State. We will deal decisively with their recent resurgence.

“Fellow citizens, this fight is not the responsibility of the military alone; it is a collective effort. I must emphasise the importance of cordial, close collaboration with our military.

“They are here to protect us, and they need our eyes and our ears. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of our gallant soldiers, security personnel and our volunteer forces who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. My heart also goes out to every civilian whose life has been disrupted by this situation. Your resilience is the bedrock of our state, and the power of prayer in unison is a weapon no enemy can withstand.

“Furthermore, let me issue a stern warning to any individual or group that aids or collaborates with these criminals. To those who feed them with information, shelter them and their sympathisers, and provide logistical support, your time is up. You are not patriots; you are enemies of the state. You will be hunted down and made to face the full wrath of the law. Your actions betray our collective peace, and we will no longer tolerate them.”
Said Zulum.

Below is the full text of the governor’s broadcast to the state:

STATEWIDE BROADCAST BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF BORNO STATE, PROFESSOR BABAGANA UMARA ZULUM, ON THURSDAY, 19TH MARCH 2026

My dear good people of Borno State,

I address you today at a moment that requires both our solemn reflection and our resolute unity.

Fellow citizens, the recent resurgence of insecurity in parts of our dear state over the past few weeks is deeply concerning. As the Chief Security Officer, let me assure you that the overall security environment, while tested, remains under control, and we are doing everything possible to protect lives and property.

Over the past seven years, we have worked tirelessly to restore peace and prosperity to the great land and rebuild our state. Within the period, we have responded with prompt, positive actions on every occasion. We have not allowed the dark dreams of the wayward ones to take root, and instead, we have fostered hope and resilience among the communities affected by the conflict. Through a combination of consultations and collective planning, with the strong support of our security agencies and the civilian JTF, the Almighty Allah (SWT) has helped us achieve some measure of success and peace.

We do not believe that the decrease in past attacks signals the end of the insurgency. No, it is not. In fact, at the leadership level, we are very conscious of the fact that much more needs to be done to permanently address the root of this madness and the menace of illogical attacks among our peace-loving people.

The recent spike in activity by these criminal elements is a direct consequence of the sustained and aggressive military operations being conducted across the theatre. These operations have dislodged the criminals, forcing them to flee and seek respite by infiltrating our communities.

However, I want to reassure you that the worst days are over. We have been constantly assessing the situation, and a robust, coordinated response is already in motion. These cowardly elements who seek to disturb our peace will obtain no sanctuary in Borno State. We will deal decisively with their recent resurgence.

Fellow citizens, this fight is not the responsibility of the military alone; it is a collective effort. I must emphasise the importance of cordial, close collaboration with our military. They are here to protect us, and they need our eyes and our ears. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of our gallant soldiers, security personnel and our volunteer forces who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. My heart also goes out to every civilian whose life has been disrupted by this situation. Your resilience is the bedrock of our state, and the power of prayer in unison is a weapon no enemy can withstand.

Furthermore, let me issue a stern warning to any individual or group that aids or collaborates with these criminals. To those who feed them with information, shelter them and their sympathisers, and provide logistical support, your time is up. You are not patriots; you are enemies of the state. You will be hunted down and made to face the full wrath of the law. Your actions betray our collective peace, and we will no longer tolerate them.

Let me at this juncture commend the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for releasing the necessary funding to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJT) and several other military operations across different theatres in Nigeria. This support is vital to the sustainability of the ongoing military operations.

I also wish to extend my appreciation to the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who represented the President for the sympathy visit over the recent unfortunate incident.

I also want to extend our profound gratitude to the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), other law enforcement agencies, our dedicated CJTF, hunters, and vigilantees. Your professionalism, bravery, and sacrifices are the only reasons we have a state to return to. The nation owes you a tremendous debt that can never be fully repaid.

To our revered traditional rulers, I appreciate your steadfastness and your role as the custodians of our culture and conscience. I am equally grateful to our religious leaders and the entire people of Borno for their relentless prayers. I want to urge my colleagues in the political class to unite and support our efforts to restore peace. Our people look up to us for leadership, not division.

My dear people, as the political season intensifies, tensions may rise. But we must align our political interests with the stark realities of our security situation, including ongoing threats from insurgent groups and the need for community stability. Let us not allow politics to undermine the hard-earned peace we have built. I therefore call on all aspirants and their supporters to prioritise the greater interests of Borno State above their personal ambitions.

Since assuming office in 2019, I have been fair, just, and inclusive in my dealings with the entire political class. My loyalty to His Excellency, the Vice President, need not be overemphasized.

Furthermore, as a leader, I have embraced all and sundry. I have never betrayed the trust of members of the national and state assemblies, as well as political office holders of Borno extraction, at the state or national level.

Therefore, I want to call on all political actors to be wary of elements seeking to exploit the current situation to create unnecessary political instability.

As we look to the future and choose a new leader for our state, I urge all citizens to pray fervently for a worthy successor. Let me remind us that power belongs to Allah and He grants it to whom He wills.

As we approach the end of Ramadan, I call on all residents, both Christians and Muslims, to use this last hour of fasting and Sallah celebration to intensify prayers for peace, unity, and stability in our state and the country at large.

Consequently, let me use this opportunity to encourage citizens of Borno to be more vigilant. As we gather to break our fast toward the end of 2026 Ramadan, let us pay attention to our environment. Let us identify strangers, report suspicious movements to security agencies, and take the necessary precautions.

Once again, and with all the emphasis I can command, I urge you all to remain calm and observe your Eid prayers within your communities.

In conclusion, I seek your understanding and forgiveness for our wrongdoings and reassure you that Borno shall not fall into the hands of Boko Haram insurgents, insha Allah.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the people of Borno State.

Thank you and God Bless You

Boko Haram: The worse days are over….Zulum

News

Eid-el-Fitr: Senator Araraume Greets Muslims, Commends President Tinubu’s Leadership

Published

2 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Eid-el-Fitr: Senator Araraume Greets Muslims, Commends President Tinubu’s Leadership

By: Michael Mike

Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.

In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.

The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.

As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.

Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.

Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.

Eid-el-Fitr: Senator Araraume Greets Muslims, Commends President Tinubu’s Leadership