IWD: ‘India has highest number of female pilots worldwide. Says Envoy

By: Michael Mike

The Acting India High Commissioner, Ms Vartika Rawat has said that India’s support for women’s empowerment in Nigeria has opened opportunities for women in the country, saying India now has the highest number of female pilots in the world.

She disclosed this while delivering her welcome speech at an event to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) which took place at the Indian High Commission in Abuja on Saturday.

She said: “India has the largest number of female pilots in the world. Of the total 11,775 pilots, 1,767 are female, accounting for approximately 15% of the workforce in this rigorous industry. This share exceeds the international average of 5 to 6 per cent”, the envoy said.

She also said women constitute around 36 per cent of India’s IT workforce.

Recalling the efforts made by women to defeat COVID-19 in 2020, Rawat said: “More than 6 million female frontline workers led the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

“Indian women scientists have shown their strength and determination in developing a COVID vaccine within the shortest possible time. Indian women scientists, again, have been instrumental for the success of India’s mission to the Mars and the moon.

“There are over 1.45 million or 46 per cent women elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions against mandatory representation of 33 per cent.”

She said Indian push for women empowerment focuses on enhancing women’s social, economic and political status, to ensure equality and dignity in society, adding that the government’s efforts included promoting education, healthcare and economic independence, alongside laws addressing gender-based Violence, workplace discrimination and inequality.

IWD: ‘India has highest number of female pilots worldwide. Says Envoy

Sokoto Community Guards Accused of Cattle Rustling, Residents Demand Urgent Investigation

By Zagazola Makama

Tensions are rising in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Sokoto State following allegations that members of the Sokoto State Community Guard, originally recruited to protect rural communities from bandit attacks, have abandoned their mandate and are now engaged in cattle rustling.

Intelligence Sources, reports from affected communities indicates that the guards, who were expected to safeguard villages from violent criminals, have instead turned their attention to Fulani herders.

Allegations suggest that rather than confronting armed bandits, the guards are forcefully seizing livestock from herders grazing in forested areas. These cattle are then reportedly sold, with the proceeds allegedly deposited into local government accounts.

A source familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “What is happening now is not what we expected when the Sokoto State Government recruited these Community Guards. Instead of fighting bandits, they are going after innocent cattle herders. They claim the cows belong to criminals, but in reality, they are simply confiscating them and selling them off.”

Rising Tensions and Calls for Action

Community leaders warn that these actions could further destabilize the already volatile region. The alleged confiscation of livestock without confrontation or verification is raising concerns that innocent herders may be unfairly targeted. There are fears that such incidents could fuel resentment, worsening insecurity rather than addressing it.

In addition to these concerns, there are growing accusations that high-profile political figures in eastern Sokoto are protecting individuals involved in criminal activities. Residents claim that certain politicians have long been linked to aiding or shielding informants and collaborators of bandit groups. Despite repeated allegations, no formal investigations have been conducted to hold these individuals accountable.

A local elder in Sabon Birni lamented the lack of government intervention, saying: “Even a child in eastern Sokoto knows that some prominent politicians are backing criminals, yet nothing has been done about it. These are the same people who are now allowing the Community Guards to seize livestock without proof that they belong to bandits. If this continues, it will only escalate the crisis.”

Residents and concerned stakeholders are now urging the Sokoto State Government and security agencies to immediately investigate these claims and take appropriate action. They stress that while the fight against banditry is essential, it must be conducted lawfully and fairly to avoid worsening tensions in the region.

There are also demands for an independent probe into how the confiscated livestock is being handled and whether due process is being followed before animals are taken and sold.

A security analyst who has been monitoring developments in the region warned that failure to address these concerns could further erode trust in local security initiatives.

“If community security forces are not properly monitored and held accountable, they could become part of the problem rather than the solution. The Sokoto government must ensure that these guards operate within the law and that any cases of misconduct are thoroughly investigated,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, the Sokoto State Government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations. However, pressure is mounting for authorities to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration of security in Sabon Birni, Isa, and surrounding areas.

Residents insist that only a transparent and immediate investigation will restore confidence in the state’s security efforts and ensure that community protection measures do not turn into tools for exploitation.

Sokoto Community Guards Accused of Cattle Rustling, Residents Demand Urgent Investigation

Nigeria Place Second Behind Senegal at 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria could only muster a second place finishing at the just ended 13th Edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC 2025).

It finished behind the tournament most successful country Senegal which had on few occasions conceded top place finishing to Niger Republic; country that alongside Mali and Burkina Faso withdrew membership from the regional bloc.

The best Nigeria had ever achieved was second position at the regional sport competition, which helps to build Regional Integration, Cultural Heritage, and Gender Inclusion.

In third place was Benin Republic which had a decent showing at the competition which ends on Saturday at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja

Nigeria which started strong in the final, met a superior firepower in stronger and more experienced Senegalese wrestlers. The Senegalese secured victories in the 66kg, 86kg, 100kg, and 120kg weight categories and Nigeria managed a single win in the 76kg division. Nigeria however showed remarkable progress as it improves on its third-place finish in 2023 to claim silver as tournament host.

While Senegal claimed the overall team title, Nigerian wrestlers made their mark in individual categories. Ebipatei Lienbofa secured gold in the 66kg division with a victory over Senegal’s Safietou Goudiaby and it is the same for Ebi Bigos who triumphed over Ivorian Youin Amy in the 76kg final.

Nigeria’s neighbour, Benin Republic, came third after grounding an impressive 5-0 result against their Guinean counterparts. The Beniniose rolled over Guinea across all weight categories in the third-place match displaying in depth strength, grit and determination.

Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, Francis Chuks Njoaguani, commended the high level of competition and the unity promoted by the tournament.

“This was a remarkable improvement for Nigeria. Moving from third to second in just one edition shows growth and determination. Senegal may have won but Nigeria proved they are a rising force in West African wrestling. Beyond the competition, the tournament served as a cultural and sporting milestone.

“Senegal proved they are the best in West African wrestling but this competition is bigger than winning. It’s about celebrating our heritage and the strength of our region. This was a fitting way to mark ECOWAS at 50,” Njoaguani stated.

While Senegal received $10,000 for their efforts, runners-up Nigeria took home $6,000 while third-placed finishers Benin were awarded $3,000.

In the individual events, gold medalists earned $2,000, silver medalists received $1,500 and bronze medalists got $1,000.

The tournament was part of the ECOWAS 50th anniversary celebrations, reinforcing the organisation’s unwavering commitment to regional integration, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.

In a remarkable display of athletic excellence and sportsmanship where Senegal secured 1st place, Nigeria claimed 2nd, and Benin achieved 3rd, the most significant achievement of the edition was the historic inclusion of female wrestlers, a landmark step toward gender equality in traditional sports, appropriately taking place on International Women’s Day.

This tournament has once again demonstrated the unifying power of sport, strengthening diplomatic ties across West Africa and fostering deeper regional solidarity.

As ECOWAS commemorates five decades of progress, TOLAC continues to serve as a catalyst for cross-border cooperation, paving the way for the international recognition of African wrestling and its enduring contribution to cultural identity and regional cohesion.

Nigeria Place Second Behind Senegal at 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament