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UN Women: Security Challenge has Exacerbated GBV in Nigeria
UN Women: Security Challenge has Exacerbated GBV in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ms. Beatrice Eyong has decried that security challenges arising from armed conflict, insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings across the country has exacerbated the prevalence of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
Eyong, in her welcome address in Abuja on Thursday at the Convening of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Assessing EVAW and GEWE Landscape in Nigeria, said “we are confronted with the harsh reality that gender-based violence continues to be a pervasive and deeply rooted problem in our society. It affects women and girls of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, depriving them of their fundamental rights and freedoms. It is a violation of human rights, a barrier to development, and a threat to peace and security.”
She noted that: “As practitioners, we are all very familiar with the statistics but we must never become numb to the fact that each number represents a life. A life with ambitions, potential and one that has value.
“Globally, an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life. 33 percent Nigerian women have experienced physical violence by the age of 15. Similarly, data from the Mirabel Centre in Lagos show that 81 percent of reported cases of sexual assault between 2013 and 2019 were perpetrated against children – 67 percent of the perpetrators were known.
“In Nigeria, these staggering statistics have worsened because of the security challenges arising from armed conflict, insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings across the country. Additionally, the economic downturns arising from the recent devaluation of the local currency, high inflation, and the slow recovery from global economic shocks from COVID-19 have also exacerbated the prevalence of GBV. Furthermore, women’s voices continue to be marginalized with Nigeria holding the lowest figure for women’s representation in politics. Unfortunately, this situation impacts negatively on the gender profile of Nigeria.”
Eyong insisted that: “Today’s convening provides us with an opportunity to take stock of our achievements in the last five (5) years, identify gaps and challenges, and explore new strategies and partnerships to accelerate progress towards ending violence against women and promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. This is especially off the back of the large investment made by the EU-UN joint Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls. What are the lessons learned and how do we sustain the gains made?”
She explained that: “UN Women with support from the Ford Foundation is implementing the Traditional and Cultural Leaders for Ending GBV by Advancing Advocacy, Policy and Social Norms Change in Nigeria and West Africa (LEAP). This intervention places emphasis on prevention, transformation of norms and practices and engagement of influential cultural leaders to end GBV. This is critical because at its base root of GBV are systems of unequal power and social structures.”
She however told the participants that: “Your insights, expertise, and experiences are invaluable as we work together to create a more just, equal, and violence-free society for all.
“I encourage you to actively participate in the discussions, share your knowledge and best practices, and engage in constructive dialogue with your peers and partners. Let us use this platform to renew our commitment to the cause, to learn from each other, and to strengthen our collective efforts to achieve our common goals.”
UN Women: Security Challenge has Exacerbated GBV in Nigeria
News
Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative
Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has flagged off the distribution of palliatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative to vulnerable residents across the state ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebration.
The governor launched the exercise at the Conference Hall of Prime Lodge in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting widows, orphans, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable groups through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Borno State, I sincerely appreciate Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, for this compassionate intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians and restoring hope to families facing economic hardship,” Zulum said.
The governor also praised the resilience and patience of the people of Borno despite years of insurgency and insecurity, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of citizens through people-oriented policies and programmes.
“Despite the challenges our state has faced over the years, our people have continued to demonstrate resilience, patience, and courage. As a government, we remain committed to implementing programmes and policies that directly improve the lives of our citizens,” he stated.

Zulum noted that the distribution exercise forms part of the federal and state governments broader social support programme aimed at cushioning economic hardship and strengthening community resilience.
“The distribution exercise we are flagging off today is therefore part of our broader social support programme designed to cushion economic difficulties and strengthen community resilience. I commend members of the Distribution Committee for their efforts and urge them to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability throughout the exercise so that the support will reach the rightful beneficiaries,” he added.
The governor urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items distributed while also appreciating security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and development partners for their continued support towards peacebuilding and humanitarian interventions in the state.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Dr Abba Bashir Dankellori, expressed gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the timely intervention, describing it as a relief that would enable many Muslim families to celebrate the forthcoming Sallah with ease.
“I wish to, on behalf of the committee, thank the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the kind gesture. We also appreciate Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for the selfless leadership, commitment and service to the people of the state,” Dankellori stated.
According to him, beneficiaries of the intervention include Qur’anic and Sangaya school teachers, as well as religious organisations that contribute to the moral upbringing of society.
Governor Zulum was accompanied to the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Engr Baba Bukar Gujbawu; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Barr. Mustapha Busuguma, among other top government officials.
Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative
News
Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services
Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint Security forced in Plateau State on Sunday conducted a joint show of force across major flashpoints within Jos metropolis and the Bukuru general area to ensure peaceful church services and strengthen public confidence.
The operation involved troops of Operation Enduring Peace, personnel of the Nigerian Air Force 551 Station, Operation Keystone, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies.
Security sources said the exercise commenced at about 7:30 a.m. and was aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action while providing adequate security coverage during church services.
The coordinated patrols and visibility operations covered identified vulnerable areas and strategic locations within Jos and Bukuru.
According to the sources, the operation was conducted without any security breach or incident, while religious activities across the affected areas remained peaceful.
The security agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining collaborative operations aimed at maintaining law and order as well as protecting lives and property in Plateau State.
Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services
News
Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot
Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot
Nigeria recorded a major triumph at the 24th CAA Senior Athletics Championship in Accra, Ghana, as teenage athletes Rosemary and Miracle delivered a stunning performance to win gold for the country in the women’s 4x100m relay event.
The young stars, both students of NTIC Secondary School, helped Team Nigeria clinch the gold medal with an impressive time of 42.94 seconds, further underlining the country’s growing strength in athletics.
Their victory also secured Nigeria a ticket to the World Championships in Gaborone, while guaranteeing qualification for the 2027 World Championship in China.
The feat was particularly remarkable for Rosemary, who was making her senior debut for Nigeria at the continental championship.
Sports enthusiasts have since praised the duo for proving that age is no barrier to excellence, with many describing their performance as a glimpse into the bright future of Nigerian athletics.
Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot
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