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UNDP Facilitates $10 million lifeline for Women Businesses in Nigeria

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UNDP Facilitates $10 million lifeline for Women Businesses in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has facilitated $10 million in investment from trade lender for business women in the country.

This lift is coming under the recently launched #HerAfCFTA initiative of UNDP which is aimed at helping women entrepreneurs in Nigeria as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The programme offers support in areas such as: capacity building, market access, trade facilitation, business networking, investment, and digitalization.

The AfCFTA is a trade agreement that aims to boost intra-African trade and promote economic development. It presents opportunities for women entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses, access new markets, and grow their businesses.

Women entrepreneurs on the continent have been reported to be facing challenges ranging from gender-based violence, limited market access, and lack of access to business tools.

Speaking at the #HerAfCFTA forum in Abuja with the theme: Empowering Women-led Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises for continental trade opportunities, the UNDP National Programme Specialist, Ms. Clare Henshaw said the UN agency under the #HerAfCFTA has been able to successfully facilitated the $10 million as
seed projects.

At the forum, which is in collaboration with Women Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Henshaw also disclosed that there would be more funding for women and youth in business but they have to be ready.

She said: “As we speak, not only have they successfully facilitated $10 million investment from trade lenders to seed projects, just one business, we’ve also been able to pile up a number of businesses and partners that are coming your way, if only you are ready.”

She revealed that the six months old #HerAfCFTA initiative has a target of raising $30 million to support women in business.

On her part, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, speaking on equipping the women to break the barriers confronting them, said the initiative focuses on equipping them with tools needed to succeed within the AfCFTA ecosystem.

Attafuah who was represented by the Senior Economic Advisor, UNDP, Mr. Tony Muhuuza, stressed that the initiative is unlocking a wealth of information for Nigerian women entrepreneurs, while at the same time widening their network.

The UNDP Nigeria Representative said: “Our #HerAfCFTA initiative focuses on equipping women with tools they need to succeed in the continental trade ecosystem. Under this initiative, we at UNDP have designed three key components to address the unique challenges that women face and to ensure their success in this new trade environment.

“Under #HerAfCFTA, we focus on equipping women entrepreneurs with insights and tools they need to navigate regional and international trade. By providing access to market intelligence, policy support and capacity building, we empower women to make informed decisions that enhance their competitiveness.
“We are unlocking a wealth of information for Nigerian women entrepreneurs. Number two is her network. Collaboration is very, very key to scaling up success.

“And this component creates platforms for enhanced business-to-business connections and digital networking. From virtual matchmaking events to in-person dialogues like the one we are having today, our AfCFTA network is about building bridges, fostering relationships that can lead to transformative trade opportunities. The third is her facility.

“This is about scaling a business require resources and her facility will actually focus on normalizing the financial, technical support needed to make that happen. From trade facilitation to investment in logistics to branding and export processes, our facility component ensures that women entrepreneurs are equipped to scale their operations and compete effectively in both the local and regional markets. Today’s masterclass and sessions are an embodiment of this vision.

“By focusing on market intelligence, branding, compliance, and trade facilitation, we are not only addressing immediate challenges but also equipping our entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to cross borders, shatter glass ceilings, and redefine trade across Africa.”

She said she sees a continent where women are in forefront of development.

She said: “Imagine a Nigeria where women-led businesses thrive, where agro-products are skilled to meet export demands, where garments and handmade goods are displayed proudly in shops across Africa, and where women voices shape trade policies and negotiations. This vision will actually start with you.

“As we move forward, we implore you to make collective commitments.
Policy makers, women partners, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, we need to build a trade ecosystem that is inclusive, innovative, and impactful.

” As I conclude, let us ensure that the AfCFTA becomes a living testament to Africa and to make sure that we invest in the greatest resource that its people have, especially the women that have the potential to turn these possibilities into realities.”

UNDP Facilitates $10 million lifeline for Women Businesses in Nigeria

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Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

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Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

By: Michael Mike

Allegations of institutional cover-up have again put the Nigeria Police under scrutiny following claims by Mrs. Nnenna John-Anozie that senior police authorities are deliberately protecting officers linked to the abduction and disappearance of her husband, Mr. John Chukwuemeka Anozie.

Mrs. John-Anozie, at the weekend in Abuja accused the police of ignoring valid court orders and the outcomes of formal investigations, insisting that the actions of the Nigeria Police point to an internal network operating above the law.

According to her, the continued protection of the officers involved has not only obstructed justice but has also eroded public confidence in the institution constitutionally empowered to protect lives and liberties.

She described the police response to her case as a consistent and deliberate failure rather than an administrative lapse. “This is not just negligence; it is a betrayal of public trust,” she said, adding that the law is being openly disregarded by those sworn to uphold it. She maintained that the police authorities are fully aware of the circumstances surrounding her husband’s disappearance but have chosen not to act.

Mrs. John-Anozie further stated that contrary to public perception, the judiciary has not hindered her quest for justice. She explained that the court had ruled in her favour, but enforcement of the judgment has been frustrated by the police’s refusal to comply with binding orders. She warned that such disobedience undermines the authority of the courts and weakens the rule of law.

Her legal counsel, Mr. Vincent Adodo, has since approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, filing a contempt application against the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun. The application seeks an order compelling the police to produce for prosecution officers allegedly connected to the case — identified as Sunday Okpe, Anthony Obiozor Ikechukwu, Emeana Uzochukwu, John Eze, and an officer known as Oriole (also called Tboy) — as well as to release investigation records relating to the matter.

The contempt proceedings are scheduled to be heard on February 9, a date Mrs. John-Anozie describes as crucial not only for her family but also for accountability within law enforcement. She argues that the absence of effective mechanisms to enforce compliance with court orders has prolonged her ordeal and cast doubt on the integrity of the justice system.

Mrs. John-Anozie lamented that efforts to seek justice through the National Human Rights Commission and the EndSARS Judicial Panel seems to have failed as police officers ignored several summons and orders.

She said despite the lengthy process, she is determined to pursue justice through lawful means, stressing that only strict adherence to the rule of law can guarantee accountability, protect citizens’ rights, and restore confidence in public institutions.

Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

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Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

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Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

By: Michael Mike

A pro-government group, the Legacy Support Group for President Bola Tinubu, has pushed back against criticisms of the Federal Government’s policies, accusing opposition figures and “disgruntled political actors” of spreading misinformation to undermine the administration’s reform agenda.

Speaking at the inauguration of the group in Abuja at the weekend, its National Coordinator, Ezinna Chima Duru, said the attacks on President Tinubu were not based on constructive criticism but on “campaigns of calumny” driven by political frustration and personal interests.

Duru said while democratic governance allows for criticism, such engagements must be grounded in facts and aimed at strengthening the system, not destabilising it. He described recent narratives around fuel subsidy removal, economic hardship and insecurity as “deliberately exaggerated” to mislead the public.

Addressing the removal of fuel subsidy, the group argued that the policy was necessary to end what it described as years of large-scale corruption in the petroleum sector. According to Duru, previous administrations failed to dismantle subsidy-related cartels due to their influence, leaving the economy burdened by debt and fiscal pressure.

He said President Tinubu took a “difficult but courageous” decision to eliminate the subsidy, adding that the administration was conscious of the short-term impact on citizens and therefore introduced measures to cushion the effects. Among these, he highlighted the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation as a strategy to reduce fuel costs and support cleaner energy use.

The group also claimed that increased revenue from subsidy savings has improved allocations to states and local governments, enabling them to fund infrastructure projects, pay salaries and support local councils more effectively.

On security, the Legacy Support Group said the current administration inherited complex challenges linked to cross-border terrorism and insurgency, stressing that recent strategic adjustments within the security architecture were beginning to yield positive results.

Commenting on the economy, the group credited the Tinubu administration with assembling what it described as a competent economic team, asserting that economic indicators were showing signs of recovery. It also cited reductions in food prices and improvements in power generation capacity as evidence of progress under the Renewed Hope agenda.

The group further praised government initiatives in youth empowerment and education, including student loan schemes and programmes aimed at supporting National Youth Service Corps members and young entrepreneurs.

In its resolution, the Legacy Support Group urged Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political lines to support the Tinubu administration, saying continuity beyond 2027 would help consolidate ongoing reforms.

“The achievements recorded so far show a clear commitment to national development,” Duru said. “We call on Nigerians to remain united and support policies that secure a better future for the country.”

The group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope vision for Nigeria’s long-term growth.

Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

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West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

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West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

By: Michael Mike

Leaders from several West African countries have agreed to pursue a new, structured approach to regional cooperation aimed at tackling terrorism, cross-border crime, and deepening insecurity across the sub-region.

The commitment was reached at the end of a two-day High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security held in Accra from January 29 to 30, 2026.

The meeting was chaired by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, with Presidents Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and Joseph Boakai of Liberia leading their respective delegations.

Representatives from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo also participated.

Discussions at the conference focused on the worsening security situation in West Africa, which leaders described as facing an alarming rise in terrorism and violent extremism. Participants noted that the frequency of attacks and loss of civilian lives now pose a serious threat to regional stability, economic activity, and social cohesion, making coordinated action unavoidable.

The conference followed earlier technical sessions involving Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Security, as well as intelligence chiefs from participating states. Development partners, including the African Union Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), alongside civil society organisations, contributed to the deliberations.

Leaders agreed that existing responses to insecurity have been too fragmented and largely reactive. As a result, the conference resolved to work toward a permanent framework for cooperation that would strengthen collective responses, improve information sharing, and address the structural drivers of insecurity across borders.

A key outcome of the meeting was a renewed emphasis on a human security approach, recognising that military measures alone cannot deliver lasting peace.

The leaders pledged to prioritise governance reforms, job creation, access to education and healthcare, and community-based peacebuilding as part of national and regional security strategies.

On counterterrorism, the conference agreed to enhance intelligence and information sharing, harmonise legal frameworks to support cross-border prosecution of terrorism-related crimes, and expand deradicalisation programmes while upholding human rights standards. Measures to combat trafficking in arms, narcotics, and persons were also highlighted.

To strengthen border security, participants committed to exploring joint operational measures, including possible “hot-pursuit” arrangements through bilateral or multilateral agreements. They further agreed to develop a foundational Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and security within six months, with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs tasked with leading the drafting process.

The conference also addressed humanitarian and climate-related challenges, recognising climate change as a factor that intensifies conflict and displacement. Leaders agreed to integrate climate and food security into regional peace planning and to work toward a shared disaster preparedness and humanitarian response framework.

At the close of the meeting, participants agreed to institutionalise the consultative conference as a bi-annual platform and to establish a mechanism for tracking and monitoring the implementation of agreed decisions.

The conference ended with a renewed pledge by regional leaders to translate commitments into concrete actions that safeguard lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen stability across West Africa.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu led the country’s delegation to the meeting.

West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

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