CSO Condemns Alleged Sexual Violence Against Women at Ozoro Festival, Demands Justice

By:Michael Mike

A civil society organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy (SOJA), has strongly condemned the alleged sexual violence against women and girls during a cultural festival in Ozoro, describing the reported incident as a grave violation of human rights and Nigerian law.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the organisation said it was deeply disturbed by reports that women and young girls were stripped, publicly humiliated and sexually assaulted during the festival, which allegedly took place on March 19.

SOJA said that although authorities have reportedly made arrests in connection with the incident, the seriousness of the allegations requires urgent, transparent and decisive action to ensure justice for the victims.

The organisation noted that if confirmed, the acts would amount to criminal offences under Nigerian law and also represent a breach of the country’s international human rights obligations to protect the dignity and safety of women and girls.

“No cultural practice, festival or traditional expression can justify sexual violence, degradation or the violation of bodily autonomy,” the statement said.

SOJA cited several international human rights instruments that protect women from violence and degrading treatment, including the United Nations-backed Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

It also referenced the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Maputo Protocol, which affirm the rights of women to dignity, safety and protection from all forms of violence.

According to the organisation, Nigeria’s domestic legal framework equally prohibits such acts, citing provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which criminalise sexual assault, degrading treatment and psychological abuse.

SOJA stressed that the alleged actions, if proven, represent sexual violence and gender-based abuse, cruel and degrading treatment, and a failure of protective state mechanisms.

The organisation warned against attempts to justify violence against women under cultural or traditional practices, stressing that culture must operate within the limits of law and human dignity.

“Any cultural practice that strips women of dignity is unlawful, unconstitutional and unacceptable,” the statement added.

The group called on the Federal Government, the Delta State Government and law enforcement agencies to ensure the thorough and speedy prosecution of all suspects already arrested, while also identifying and prosecuting other perpetrators and accomplices.

It further demanded immediate medical, psychological and legal support for victims, as well as an independent inquiry into the incident and the systemic failures that allowed it to occur.

SOJA also urged authorities to strengthen enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act across the country and to work with traditional institutions to eliminate harmful cultural practices.

The organisation recommended the establishment of preventive monitoring mechanisms for public festivals and gatherings to prevent similar incidents in the future.

SOJA’s Executive Director, Hameed Jimoh, in the signed the statement, said the events in Ozoro should serve as a turning point for stronger accountability and national reflection on the protection of women’s rights.

He stressed that the dignity, safety and bodily integrity of every woman and girl must remain non-negotiable.

“Justice must prevail,” he said.

CSO Condemns Alleged Sexual Violence Against Women at Ozoro Festival, Demands Justice

ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration

By: Michael Mike

Students in Monrovia, Liberia, have been honoured for their contributions to a regional essay competition organised to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The awards ceremony, organised by the Office of the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, celebrated outstanding undergraduate essays examining the role of young people in driving development and strengthening regional cooperation across West Africa.

Launched as part of the ECOWAS@50 anniversary activities, the competition invited university and college students to reflect on the theme, “Youth Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for National Development and Regional Integration.” Organisers said the initiative was designed to stimulate intellectual engagement among young people and encourage them to think critically about their role in shaping the future of the region.

In total, 40 essays were submitted by students from tertiary institutions across Liberia, offering diverse perspectives on how youth-led enterprise could contribute to economic growth, job creation and deeper integration among West African nations.

At the ceremony, Samuel R. Watkins of the University of Liberia emerged as the overall winner, receiving a $1,000 prize for his submission. The second-place award went to Daniel Isaac-Sie Jr. of African Methodist Episcopal University, who received $700. Organisers announced that the two winning essays will also be published in national newspapers with online platforms to broaden public engagement with the ideas presented.

The event attracted a distinguished audience that included ambassadors of ECOWAS member states accredited to Liberia, university presidents, and representatives from the Ministry of Education of Liberia, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Liberia, and the National Commission on Higher Education of Liberia.

Speaking at the ceremony, Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, commended the students for the depth of thought reflected in their essays and encouraged them to continue using writing as a platform for civic engagement and policy influence.

She emphasised that empowering young people to participate actively in national and regional development remains a key priority for ECOWAS, noting that youth voices are essential in shaping policies that drive economic transformation and social progress.

Nkrumah also urged participants who did not win to remain committed to intellectual pursuits, describing the competition as a learning experience that should inspire greater academic and creative efforts in the future.

The competition forms part of broader activities marking 50 years since the establishment of ECOWAS in 1975, as the regional bloc continues to promote economic cooperation, integration and shared prosperity among its member states. Organisers say initiatives that engage young people are critical to sustaining the vision of a more integrated and economically vibrant West Africa.

ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration

Russia Hosts Classical Music Concert in Abuja to Revive Cultural Ties with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria has hosted a special classical music concert in Abuja, describing the event as a significant step toward strengthening cultural dialogue and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Russia.

The event, which drew diplomats, cultural enthusiasts, academics and members of the public, featured performances by three talented young Russian musicians from the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory, one of Russia’s most prestigious music institutions.

Speaking at the event, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev noted that the concert was organized with the support of the Russkiy Mir Foundation and the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

According to him, the concert represents the first cultural event of its kind organized by the Russian Embassy in Nigeria in several years and marks an important effort to revive cultural engagement between the two nations.

“This evening is not simply a concert,” the envoy said. “It is an important step toward strengthening cultural dialogue between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Russian Federation. We hope it will mark the beginning of a new tradition that brings our peoples closer through the universal language of music.”

He expressed appreciation to several Nigerian institutions for supporting the initiative, including the National Universities Commission for providing the venue, as well as the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Nigeria Immigration Service for their cooperation.

Special recognition was also given to Abba Music School for its role in coordinating the event and facilitating the participation of the visiting musicians.

The envoy said Russia also hopes to deepen cultural exchange by creating opportunities for Nigerian artists and creative groups to perform in Russia in the future, allowing Russian audiences to experience Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

“We look forward to the day when Nigerian creative groups will visit Russia, enabling our audiences to appreciate the depth, diversity and richness of Nigeria’s culture,” he said.

Guests at the concert were treated to a carefully curated repertoire of classical masterpieces drawn from Russian and global musical traditions, showcasing the technical brilliance and artistry of the visiting performers.

The evening also provided an opportunity for cultural interaction among diplomats, academics, students and music lovers, reinforcing the role of arts and culture in fostering international understanding.

The Russian envoy concluded his remarks by congratulating Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and thanking guests for attending the event.

Observers noted that the concert reflects a renewed effort by Russia to use cultural diplomacy to deepen engagement with Nigeria, particularly in the areas of education, arts and cultural exchange.

Russia Hosts Classical Music Concert in Abuja to Revive Cultural Ties with Nigeria