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Women CEOs form Coalition to Advance Women’s Economic Empowerment in Nigeria

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Women CEOs form Coalition to Advance Women’s Economic Empowerment in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

Women CEOs and relevant stakeholders have met in Lagos to form a coalition to address the gender disparity in access to economic opportunities in Nigeria and to advance women’s economic empowerment.

The coalition, according to a statement by United Nations Women on Tuesday, has one goal, make life better for women and girls by pushing for improved implementation of economic policies that will enhance women’s access to public and private procurement as well as income generating opportunities.

Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of female entrepreneurs in the world, yet women-owned businesses do not secure procurement contracts, suggesting systematic gender disparities in the procurement systems of both government and private sector organisations.

The statement added that the consensus on the positive correlation between gender equality and the socio-economic environment of a country calls for incentives to ensure equal opportunities for women entrepreneurs and their male counterparts, for instance in the form of preferential treatment for marginalized groups when it comes to procurement of goods and services.

According to the statement, the UN Women is doing this under auspices of the project: Women’s Economic Empowerment through Affirmative Procurement Reform in West and Central Africa, with funding from African Development Bank and Women’s Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WeFi), aimed at improving women’s economic empowerment through enhanced opportunities of women-led businesses to access public procurement and corporate supply chains.

The statement explained that the project was designed as a catalyst to support enabling environment for women to work and be financially independent as well as enhance capacities of government officials to formulate and implement gender responsive policies, noting that gender-responsive policies are crucial to achieving sustainable development, as they enable women and girls to participate fully in and benefit equally from socioeconomic opportunities, address the underlying causes of vulnerability including gender inequality.

The statement said in line with UN Women’s coordination mandate, and as part of project exit strategy, the coalition will work with existing state institutions to push for approval of the state policies, monitor government interventions and promote the economic rights of women entrepreneurs in the state. Also the coalition would be expected to push for the domestication of available legal frameworks that support women’s economic empowerment in the state. The coalition will in turn serve as key connectors to government and businesses and help to create a strong enabling environment for civil society organizations, democracy, and the rights of citizen action and participation.

UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Beatrice Eyong,, who was represented by Women’s Economic Empowerment Specialist for UN Women,
Chukwuemeka Onyimadu,, stated that, “According to the National Policy on Women’s Economic Empowerment, 30% of all public procurement opportunities should be reserved for women-owned and women-led businesses”. However, this has not been realized due to socio-economic challenges.

Leading women CEOs and representatives of women associations including WISCAR, WIMBIZ, ANWBN, AWE, AWP, WACCIMA, JONAPED and others participated in the strategic meeting, including the Director General of Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Fatai Onafowote.

Mr. Onafowote reiterated that Lagos State is committed to improving women’s access to pubic procurement.

Women CEOs form Coalition to Advance Women’s Economic Empowerment in Nigeria

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Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio

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Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio

… Commissions 3 projects executed by Gubio LGA

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, officially opened a newly constructed 48-classroom High Islamic College in Gubio Local Government Area of northern Borno.

The state-of-the-art institution is designed to offer a hybrid curriculum that integrates western education with traditional sangaya (Qur’anic) educational system.

Zulum had introduced an integrated policy framework which aims to provide students with a holistic education, grounding them in both religious principles and contemporary academic knowledge.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Zulum emphasised that the college is structured to ensure its graduates are not only deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship but are also fully equipped and qualified to pursue higher education in conventional institutions.

“Our focus has been on revitalising the system by preserving its rich tradition of Islamic scholarship while introducing modern subjects and vocational skills. We recognise the historic role of sangaya education in shaping moral values, discipline, and learning within our communities, while also equipping learners with essential skills in literacy, numeracy, science, technology, foundational English, and vocational training to enable them to function effectively and competitively in today’s society.”

“Through institutions operating under the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) approved curriculum, sangaya learners are now receiving a balanced education that integrates Islamic Studies with modern knowledge. These reforms have created clear pathways for graduates to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and, where they so desire, progress to higher institutions of learning to further develop their potential.”

The facility, in addition to the 48 classrooms, also features administrative blocks and a library. It is expected to serve hundreds of students from Gubio and surrounding communities, reducing the need for children to travel far from home for quality integrated education.

Zulum also commissioned the Gubio II Junior Day Secondary School, executed by Borno State Government. During a tour of the facilities, the Commissioner for Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, explained that classrooms are intended to provide safe and inclusive learning spaces, with a particular focus on improving access for adolescent girls.

… Commissions 3 projects executed by Gubio LGA

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has commissioned three projects executed by the Chairman of Gubio Local Government Area, Mali Bulama Mali Gubio.

The projects include Gubio Oil Mills, Zulum Ultramodern Clinic, and Mustapha Gubio Shopping Complex.

The occasions were attended by the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi; Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; and Members of the House of Representatives, Usman Zanah and Engr Bukar Talba.

Other dignitaries include the Speaker Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, commissioners, special advisers and other senior government officials.

Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio

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Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari

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Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe State has charged the newly appointed chairman of the Yusufari local government area to consider security of lives and property as the priority of the administration.

Buni gave the warning today while swearing in Alhaji Adamu Jibrin as the chairman of the council following the death of Alhaji Bah Abba Aji some few days ago.

According to Buni, the death of the chairman has created a vacuum that must be filled for continuity in governance, and this justifies the appointment of Alhaji Adamu Jibrin as the new chairman of the Yusufari local government council.

He urged him to be a good team player for a result-oriented administration that would give members of the council and people of the local government area a sense of belonging.

Governor Buni also urged the new chairman to conduct government business transparently to promote accountability and probity as well as to channel government resources into areas of need that have a direct impact on the lives of the people.

He appealed to the people of the local government area to support the new chairman for a smooth and successful administration that would meet the needs of the people.

Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari

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Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase

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Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has approved a substantial increase in rural allowances for health workers as part of efforts to address the shortage of medical personnel in remote communities across the state.

The governor announced the decision after inspecting several government projects in the northern axis of Borno. The inspection covered Government Secondary School, Gubio; two general hospitals; and ongoing housing developments in Gubio and Magumeri Local Government Areas.

Under the new arrangement, medical doctors posted to rural areas under the State Hospital Management Board will receive a rural allowance equivalent to their full basic salary, representing a 100 per cent increase. Nurses and midwives serving in similar locations will receive a 40 per cent increase in their rural allowances. The policy takes effect from January 1.

Governor Zulum said the move was informed by persistent manpower gaps in public health facilities, particularly in rural communities.

“We are facing serious challenges with human resources for health. Many of our hospitals do not have enough doctors and nurses,” he said. “Our findings show that a good number of medical professionals prefer working with international organisations because the pay is better. We must respond to this reality.”

According to the governor, the improved welfare package is expected to make rural postings more attractive and encourage more qualified personnel to work in general hospitals at the local government level.

He expressed optimism that the incentive would significantly improve healthcare delivery in villages and underserved areas, adding that health workers willing to take up rural postings should report to the State Hospital Management Board.

During his visit to Government Secondary School, Gubio, the governor also directed the immediate provision of essential facilities for the school’s laboratories and library to improve teaching and learning.

The inspection tour was attended by the Senator representing Borno North, Mohammed Tahir Monguno; members of the House of Representatives, Usman Zannah and Engr. Bukar Talba; and several commissioners and senior government officials, including those in charge of information, works and housing, local government affairs, and water resources.

The allowance increase forms part of the Zulum administration’s broader strategy to strengthen public service delivery and improve living conditions in rural communities across Borno State.

Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase

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