News

16 Days Activism Against Violence: Group Carries out Advocacy Visits, Demands Implementation Of VAPP

Published

3 years ago

November 29, 2022

Group known as Women Aid Collective (WACOL) Edo South 50-50 Action Women, has demanded an effective implementation of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, and all existing Laws criminalizing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

The group also demanded the full implementation by all communities of the state of emergency on VAWG declared by the Nigerian Governor’s Forum in 2020, and that communities should with immediate effect, integrate into the Nigerian Constitution the Supreme Court judgment on the Right of the Girl-Child to Property Inheritance.

The group further implored communities to include women and girls into leadership positions of community governance structures such as cabinet, Town Unions and Youth Wings, through more inclusive processes for elective offices as clearly spelt out in the Constitution.

Prof. Evelyn U. Edosomwan, Chairperson, WACOL, alongside other executives of the group made the demands in Benin during an advocacy visit to head of government ministries/agencies, head of union, etc.

Other issues raised during the advocacy visit included: marginalization, discrimination, spousal neglect and abuse, obnoxious widowhood rites and practices, rape, trafficking in women and girls, defilement and upsurge of paedophiliacs.

The visit, according to her was part of activities to mark the 16 Days Activism Against Violence Against Women which commenced on November 25 globally.

The Chairperson noted that the theme of the 2022 Commemoration is “Unite! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”

At the office of Monday Osaigovo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Edo State, Prof. Edosomwan stated that the rural communities still hosts deviants and social miscreants who lure young girls and even babies into corners and rape or defile them, lamenting that women are still being raped even on farm lands.

She also decried obnoxious widowhood practices which she said still persist in some communities as part of cultural norms, just as she solicited support of the head of Local Government and Community Affairs to be part of the strategic meeting where the Enigie and other community leaders will sit down to advance solutions to end such social anomalies.

Responding, the Commissioner said Edo people cannot continue to obey laws and tradition that are harmful to women and girls in the local communities.

He stated that fifty per cent of offenders or culprits in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence often denied that they were not aware and always traded blames when they were caught in the act.

Also receiving the Advocacy Team in his office, the Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Prince Bamidele Obaitan, expressed zero tolerance for all forms of Gender-Based Violence, Child abuse, sexual harassment, and violence against women in all forms.

“It is sad that lots of parents fail in their responsibility too. Poor parenting is presently an issue in our society. Parents have to wake up to their responsibility to take adequate care of their children and wards.

“Women have been marginalized in many spheres of human endeavour, and this has to stop in our communities. Every woman and girl child need to be empowered to enable us have a better society. Indecent dressing is also an issue. Women and every girl child should learn to dress properly, having the mind that there is time and there is a place for everything. Let’s learn to teach our youth the right values and encourage them to shun all vices.” The Commissioner stated.

Also visiting the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Prof. Edosomwan and members of the Advocacy Team used the opportunity to condole with the Chairman who was recently bereaved of his mother, just as she stated that the vacuum created by the loss of a mother in a family cannot be filled.

She informed the NUJ boss of the objectives of the visit which, according to her, was to partner with the union in creating awareness on the spate of violence against women and girls in the society, and intention to use the various news media to call on duty bearers, traditional rulers and all others to take more effective action to stop violence against women and girls, especially harmful cultural practices.

She said: “It is imperative to sensitize all relevant stakeholders on the strategic import of the 16 Days Activism in the global struggle. We implore you all, members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, to join us in drumming up awareness on SGBV and several other societal ills impeding on the growth, survival and progress of women. All hands must be on deck in putting a stop on the vicious circle of Violence against Women and girls.”

The Chairperson further called on all stakeholders, Human/Women’s Rights Activists, CSOs, Law Enforcement officers and Youths to act now toward eliminating violence against women and girls in the Society.

In his response, Comrade Festus Alenkhe stated that the demands of the group are germane and commended the group for the initiatives.

“The perpetrators of these acts of violence against women are not aliens who fell from space. They are people in our neighborhoods, people often known by their victims. It is high time all stakeholders teamed up to stop these vices. The Law should be sterner and should be enforced. I assure you that the NUJ will collaborate with you in giving voice to these campaigns. Once again, do not rest on your oars.”

Among those who accompanied the Chairperson on the Advocacy Visit were Mrs Eseosa Onebamoi, Programme Officer, Comrade Adesuwa Ehimuan, Chairperson of NAWOJ Edo State Chapter and Vice Chairperson of the group, Comrade Grace I. Umeh, Public Relations Officer and former Chairperson, NAWOJ, Edo State and Comrade Habiba Sam, member.

News

Federal Government Issues Flood Alert In 11 States

Published

5 hours ago

September 14, 2025

Editor

The Federal Ministry of Environment, through the National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEWS CENTRE) has issued a warning in 11 states over possible heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding between 14th and 18th September, 2025.

In a flood prediction notice dated Sunday, September 14, 2025 and signed by the Director, Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department of the ministry, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, the federal government also advised some communities in the flood plain to evacuate.

Bokani identified the states and corresponding communities as Adamawa – Ganye, Natubi; Benue State – Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma and Ukpiam; Nasarawa – Agima, Rukubi and Odogbo; and Taraba – Beli, Serti and Donga.

Others include Delta – Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh and Okpo-Krika; Niger – Rijau; Kebbi – Ribah; Kano – Gwarzo and Karaye; Katsina – Jibia; Sokoto – Makira; and Zamfara – Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka and Bungudu.

“Also, due to the rise in the water level of the River Gongola, River Benue, and Niger, communities on the flood plain of
River Gongola up to Numan, the flood plain of River Benue and River Niger up to Lokoja are advised to evacuate,” the advisory read.

The statement further urged relevant stakeholders to kindly take note as it welcomed feedback from relevant stakeholders and state government representatives on its platform.

News

IPI Raises Alarm Over Rising Media Repression In Nigeria

Published

6 hours ago

September 14, 2025

Editor

The International Press Institute (IPI), a global body committed to protecting press freedom and the free flow of information, has raised the alarm over the recent cases of media repression in Nigeria.

President, IPI Nigeria, Mr Musikilu Mojeed, raised the concern at a dinner organised by the institute, to honour one of its members and a retired Director, Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Hajia Hadiza Hussaina Sani, in Abuja on Saturday.

LEADERSHIP reports that the dinner was organised to honour the media icon for her dedication and service, after clocking mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

It was also gathered that the identical twin sister of the celebrator, Hajia Ameena Hassana Sani, equally retired meritoriously from the services of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as a Director.

Speaking at the event, IPI president Mojeed, who is also the Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, cited the recent “disturbing” instances of banning of live political programme in Kano State and the arrest of a journalist in Ekiti State.

“Akwa Ibom State Government recently evicted Channels TV crew, a journalist and a cameraman, from the press centre inside Government House, Uyo.

“The repressive action was taken, over the publication of a video clip, where the governor, eventually confirmed he is defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“A journalist with FIJ, Sodiq Atanda, was recently arrested by the police in Ekiti State.

“A former “ThisDay” employee, Azuka Ogujiuba, was reportedly arrested and harassed by the Police for doing her job.

“Every single day you wake up, it is one form of harassment or the other against the media,” he said.

Mojeed called for continued advocacy to protect press freedom and promote independent journalism.

He stressed that efforts to protect journalists’ rights and promote independent journalism are crucial in Nigeria’s media landscape.

Mojeed said Sani’s retirement came at a critical time when the media sector in Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, including harassment, arrests, and censorship.

He noted Sani’s significant contributions to IPI Nigeria, including her role in organising its World Congress in Nigeria in 2018, as well as her subsequent active participation in various committees.

Mojeed appealed to the celebrator to continue advocating for press freedom and supporting the work of IPI Nigeria, emphasising that her expertise and experience are invaluable to the organisation.

The Director-General, VON, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, expressed gratitude to IPI Nigeria for recognising Sani’s contributions, stating that the gesture also reflected positively on the entire VON team.

He described Sani as a professional journalist who seamlessly transitioned from traditional journalism to modern digital practices, leading the digital department with innovation.

According to the DG, Sani’s leadership in the digital space kept VON at the forefront of public media institutions and global competitiveness.

He commended her experience, passion, and love for journalism, which he said, enabled her to excel in her role and serve as a role model for younger journalists.

The VON DG emphasised that, “journalism is a marathon, not a sprint”, and Sani’s long-standing career is a testament to her dedication and commitment to the profession.

Malam Garba Shehu, former spokesman to late President Muhammadu Buhari, described the retirement of Sani as a significant loss for the organisation but a potential gain for other sectors of the journalism profession.

Shehu praised her as “a strong and young professional with much to contribute to journalism.”

He highlighted her unique qualities, particularly her social responsibility, selflessness, and commitment to helping others to succeed.

According to him, Sani embodies the principles of servant leadership, a concept often touted by politicians but rarely exemplified.

“Her legacy as a role model for young journalists and a champion of socially responsible journalism will continue to inspire others in the field,” he said.

Abdulwaheed Odusile, former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), commended Sani’s dedication and expertise, which he said, have earned her recognition and respect in the industry..

On her part, Sani expressed gratitude to God and her family for their support throughout her 34 years career in public service.

While reflecting on the challenges and rewards of her time in service, she highlighted the importance of dedication, clear vision, and family support.

Sani emphasised the need for media professionals to adapt to new technologies and appreciate their impact on the industry and the society

She stressed that telling a good story starts with understanding oneself and one’s audience.

Despite retiring from active public service, she assured to remain active in the media space, pursuing research, teaching, writing, and lecturing.

“It has been a very difficult, challenging, interesting and rewarding 34 years in service.

“It’s not easy. You have new and great ideas, but some people don’t understand, so they find it a bit difficult to agree with you.

“But if you are consistent, if you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and you are dedicated and resolute, the sky is not the limit.

“I have pulled out from active public service, but have not retired. My brain is still exceptionally active, and I plan to utilise it.

“I’ll be doing a lot of research work and writing, and I won’t get tired of seeing myself in the media space,” she stated.

News

FG Specifies TRCN, NTI’s Roles In Teaching Profession

Published

6 hours ago

September 14, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government has announced major clarifications on the roles and responsibilities of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI).

The clarifications, according to a statement on Sunday by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade was part of reforms to strengthen the teaching profession, streamline education delivery, and ensure high-quality learning for every Nigerian child.

Under the new framework, the NTI will return to its core mandate of in-service teacher training and continuous professional development at the foundational, basic, and post-basic levels, while the TRCN will focus exclusively on regulating the teaching profession and licensing qualified teachers nationwide.

Announcing the reform, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa said the move reflects the Ministry’s aggressive agenda to restructure its agencies in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope mandate towards providing the highest standard of education across the country.

Also, in line with this reform, the Federal Government has introduced new welfare terms and operational guidelines for both agencies covering teacher licensing and registration, professional development requirements, monitoring and compliance mechanisms, teacher welfare and benefits, as well as curriculum and professional practice standards.

“Going forward, no teacher will be allowed to stand before a Nigerian classroom without proper registration and licensing by TRCN. This ensures that every child is taught by competent, professional teachers who meet the highest standards,” Alausa said.

The Minister explained that both agencies now have new operational guidelines to enhance governance, oversight, and accountability.

Key provisions for TRCN include mandatory teacher registration and licensing, digital integration with the national Education Management Information System, and strict enforcement of ethics and discipline within the profession.

For its part, the NTI will serve as the national implementing body for distance-based teacher training programmes, while ensuring its courses align with approved standards and frameworks.

Alausa described the reform as “a big day for the Nigerian child,” emphasising that the restructuring will sustain ongoing progress in teacher quality and educational outcomes.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to embedding professionalism in teaching, expanding access to continuous professional development, and enforcing compliance across all levels of education.

“This reform is about results and sustainability. It is about building a future where Nigerian children are taught by the best, prepared for the best, and supported by the best. We are consolidating progress to ensure sustainability, capability, and accountability in our teaching workforce. It is Renewed Hope in action,” the statement said.