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We’ve made significant progress in fighting GBV and discrimination with EU-UN Spotlight Initiative– Mrs Sanwo-Olu
We’ve made significant progress in fighting GBV and discrimination with EU-UN Spotlight Initiative– Mrs Sanwo-Olu
By: Michael Mike
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has acknowledged that with the support of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to end violence against women and girls, Lagos State had made significant progress in creating a society where every woman and girl in the state could live free from violence and discrimination.
She said at the close-out and hand-over of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to end violence against women and girls to the Lagos State Government, that: “Through our combined efforts, we have made significant progress in creating a society where every woman and girl can live free from violence and discrimination.”
The ceremony held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja was attended by senior government officials and other critical stakeholders including Civil Society Organisations, Secondary School students, among others.
According to Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Senior Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs, Mrs Motolani Ladipo, Lagos State has witnessed the power of collaboration and transformative potential in ending gender-based violence since the launch of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative in 2019.
She disclosed that: “Lagos State with the support of UN women, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA and UNICEF under the Spotlight project, witnessed interventions in several areas of governance including laws and policies focusing on access to justice for survivors of gender based violence.”
The First Lady expressed her belief in the power of collective action, emphasising the importance of addressing the root causes of violence against women and girls. “With a strong commitment to prevention, protection, and ensuring access to essential services, the partnership with EU-UN Spotlight Initiative is paving the way for a future where no woman or girl is left behind in Lagos State,” she added.
Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Ms Cecelia Bolaji Dada, while highlighting notable achievements and significant milestones of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative in Lagos State, stated that the bolstering of essential services including the establishment of virtual clinics at the height of COVID19 pandemic; Strengthening access to justice for survivors of GBV; Amplifying the voices of women groups, livelihood empowerment support for over 300 GBV survivors; and the creation of the GBV Situation Room which has helped in generating disaggregated data on GBV cases which in turn, reflected on the National Dashboard and in the National Bureau of Statistics reports.
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, emphasised the pivotal role the Judiciary plays in addressing gender-based violence and discrimination in Lagos State.
Speaking through Hon. Justice Abiola Soladoye, he highlighted the importance of breaking the silence surrounding GBV and encouraged survivors to seek justice without fear.
“Gender-Based Violence should not be ignored, and when reported, victims should not hesitate to come forward”. He explained, “The police is also involved with the judiciary in helping to curb the cases of GBV.”
The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, emphasised the commitment of the Assembly to combat all forms of violence against women and girls.
Represented by Hon. Princess Omolara Oyekan, the Speaker emphasised, “The House of Assembly does not take any form of violence against women and girls lightly in any way. The establishment of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency stands out as a pivotal move in the House’s dedication to eradicating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence”.
He added that the legislative efforts of the Lagos State House of Assembly in passing laws for the protection of women and girls had elevated agencies like the Lagos State Sexual and Domestic Violence Agency and the Ministry of Women Affairs to stand tall among their counterparts.
We’ve made significant progress in fighting GBV and discrimination with EU-UN Spotlight Initiative– Mrs Sanwo-Olu
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled simultaneous attacks by ISWAP terrorists on Jihuhi and Harang villages in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, leaving one person dead.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that on Jan. 27 at about 1630 hours, the terrorists invaded the villages, firing indiscriminately and setting several houses ablaze.
The attack fatally injured Adamu Inusa, also known as Daddy, 35, a member of the Hunters Group in Hawul.
He was evacuated to General Hospital Hawul, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His corpse has been deposited at the hospital mortuary and will be released to his family for Islamic burial after clearance operations in the affected communities.
A combined team of troops of Operation HADIN KAI, police tactical units, and local Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters groups responded promptly, engaging the terrorists and successfully repelling the attack.
The area remains under close monitoring as security forces continue clearance and patrol operations.
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep
By: Zagazola Makama
Gombe State Police Command has arrested a suspected cattle rustler and recovered 50 sheep following a distress call in Amada.
The report revealed that on Jan. 28 at about 8:22 p.m., a mob apprehended one Sani Jamilu, 25, of Sabon Kaura LGA, Katsina State, who was reportedly seen with a flock of sheep around Dolli and Shilto communities.
The second suspect, identified only as Lawali, escaped.
The injured suspect was rescued by police and taken to Amada Primary Health Clinic for medical attention.
Sources say Police have launched an investigation into the incident and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep
How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Ambassadors of Germany and France to Nigeria have urged the country to draw lessons from decades of Franco-German cooperation, stressing that reconciliation, friendship, and shared responsibility are critical drivers of growth, stability, and regional integration.
German Ambassador Annett Günther and French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during events marking the 63rd anniversary of German-French Day, which commemorates the signing of the Élysée Treaty on January 22, 1963.
Speaking jointly, the envoys reflected on how France and Germany overcame centuries of rivalry and conflict to become close partners and allies after the Second World War.
They noted that the experience demonstrates that even the most hostile relationships can be transformed through sustained dialogue and political commitment.
“The history of reconciliation and European unification shows that no matter how dark the past may seem, a different future is possible,” the ambassadors said, adding that this message is particularly relevant for Nigeria and its partners. “We are stronger together — and stronger as friends.”
They explained that Franco-German cooperation is anchored in formal treaties that mandate continuous consultation between both countries at all levels, including heads of state, foreign ministers, and senior officials. This coordination, they said, now extends beyond Europe to global and African issues.
Fielding questions from journalists, the ambassadors pointed to Nigeria’s strategic role within West Africa, saying the country could apply similar principles to strengthen the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Fonbaustier said stronger countries within a regional bloc have a responsibility to drive integration while supporting weaker members to ensure collective progress. “A union only succeeds when all its members move forward together,” he said, noting that unity should be based on shared development rather than narrow national interests.
He described Nigeria as the leading power within ECOWAS and encouraged it to continue playing a central role in promoting regional security, economic integration, and people-to-people exchange.
Günther also echoed these views, highlighting what she described as a “Franco-German reflex” of constant consultation and coordination. She said this habit of cooperation enables both countries to respond jointly to emerging challenges and align their diplomatic efforts, including in Africa.
They both stressed that the Franco-German journey from hostility to partnership offers valuable lessons for Nigeria and the African continent, particularly in fostering regional unity, managing diversity, and building long-term peace through cooperation.
How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria
Katsina police arrest gun runners, recover AK-47 magazines and ammunition
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep
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