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Edo: Gender Issues Ministry, UN Movement Advocate End To Female Genital Mutilation

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In an effort to eradicate gender-based violence and female genital mutilation, Edo State’s Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, on Thursday launched an advocacy and awareness campaign in partnership with Edo State chapter of United Nations Women Solidarity Movement for Gender Equality (#HeForShe).

The awareness programme which held in Igoubazuwa, Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state, was part of activities to mark this year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, which held February 6, every year.

The theme for year’s celebration is “Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End Female Genital Mutilation”.

Speaking at the advocacy and sensitisation programme, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Ifueko Alufohai, said the programme is a ministry initiative that calls on stakeholders including religious and traditional leaders, health workers, law enforcement officers and others to partner with men and boys so as to foster their engagement to “accelerate the elimination of this harmful practice and uplift the voices of women and girls. “

The Permanent Secretary who was represented by Mrs. Joy Irenonsen Ihensekhien, Director, Gender Issues of the ministry, added: “To promote the elimination of female genital mutilation, coordinated and systematic efforts are needed, and we must engage whole communities and focus on human rights, gender equality, sexual education and attention to the needs of women and girls who suffer from its consequences.”

On his part, Comrade Ehis Agugu, Focal Person, United Nations Women Solidarity Movement for Gender Equality #HeForShe, Edo State chapter warned that if female genital mutilation is not eliminated, the practice will kill the female gender.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Details Of Council Of State Meeting Emerge

“If we do not eliminate this practice, this practice could eliminate our women and girls. Therefore, we, the HeForShe Champions call on men and boys worldwide to join us in speaking out and stepping forward to end female genital mutilation, for the benefit of all,” he added.

Resource person at the event, Hdiza Okunrobo of the Faculty of Law, University of Benin, enlightened the people present at the event what the law says about female genital mutilation and the punishment for offenders.

According to her, “it is not rape alone or beating the woman that is regarded as violence. Anything that causes pain to the woman is regarded as violence.”

Odionwere, market women, religious leaders present at the event were thereafter urged to go to their respective areas and enlighten their people on Gender-based violence and dangers associated with female genital mutilation.

 

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‘Back To Sender’ – Nicki Minaj Throws Object Back To Fan On Stage [VIDEO]

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Nicki Minaj’s latest show has gone viral due to an unexpected incident that occured mid-show.

The rapper has been busy of late, making her way across North America on her eagerly anticipated Pink Friday 2 world tour.

READ ALSO: Nicki Minaj Drops ‘Pink Friday 2’ Album

So far, her performances have been nothing short of impressive, with the femcee delivering hit after hit. She’s also been joined by several celebrity guests like 50 Cent, Tyga, JT, and many more.

During a recent show, someone threw an object at her while she was performing “Starships.”

In a clip from the shocking moment, the object nearly hits her in the head. Luckily, it just missed her, though it did leave her visibly irritated.

Looking outraged, Nicki picked the item up off the ground and threw it back into the crowd.

READ ALSO: Nicki Minaj Sued For Allegedly Damaging Borrowed Jewellery

It’s unclear what exactly the object was. It has also not been confirmed whether or not anybody was hit after the rapper threw it.

However, most fans agree that she was justified to throw the object back.

Watch video below.

https://x.com/WORLDSTAR/status/1782167433916145710?s=08

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Edo Guber: Labour Party Faults INEC Final List

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The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has faulted the final list as published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC, in the final list released today, April 22, named Oluyinka Faith Alufohai as running mate to Olumide Akpata rather than Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri, (SAN).

Recall that on the 19th of April, 2024, INFO DAILY reported that Labour Party governorship candidate in the September 21st gubernatorial election, Olumide Akpata dropped Oluyinka Faith Alufohai and picked Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri, SAN as his running mate.

READ ALSO: IGP, Jonathan Disagree Over State Police

A press statement signed by Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, the state chairman of the party, and made available to newsmen in Benin City, assured party members and supporters that “this is simply a technical error”.

Comrade Ogbaloi, said, “Our team followed all necessary procedures and submitted Alhaji Kadiri’s name and credentials as the deputy governorship candidate, well within INEC’s stipulated window.

“Unfortunately, a technical glitch occurred at the end of the National Headquarters of our party during the submission process, resulting in the incorrect name appearing on the final list.

READ ALSO: Edo Guber: INEC Releases Final List Of Candidates

“We are currently actively engaged with INEC officials to rectify this issue immediately and our team has provided all requisite documentation demonstrating Alhaji Kadiri’s valid nomination. We have been following-up with INEC diligently, to ensure it updates its candidate list with the accurate information.

“We recognise the anxiety this error may cause, but urge our supporters to remain calm and steadfast in their commitment to our party’s vision.

“Your unwavering support and activism have been invaluable thus far, and we need you to continue spreading awareness of our platform and championing the positive change we represent.

He further said: “The Labour Party is determined to contest the forthcoming September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship elections fairly and transparently.

“We should not allow this minor administrative hurdle to dampen our confidence or impede our momentum.

“Together, we shall overcome any obstacle, minor or major, as we continue our march towards restoring Edo State to its pride of place nationally.”

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IGP Faults Creation Of State Police

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The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has faulted the state Police bill, stating that Nigeria is not mature for state police.

Egbetokun spoke on Monday at a national dialogue on state police organised by the Nigerian’s House of Representatives in Intercontinental Hotel, former Sheraton Hotel in Abuja

The theme of the dialogue is ‘Pathways to Peace: Re-imagining Policing in Nigeria’.

The IGP who was Represented by Ben Okolo, an assistant Inspector-General of Police, said Nigeria is not ready for a decentralised police force.

“It is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria police force that Nigeria is yet to mature for the establishment of state-controlled police,” he said.

According to him, “There have been renewed calls for the establishment of state police following an uptick in kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks across the country.

He said, “On February 15, the federal government set up a committee to explore the creation of state police, amid the spate of insecurity in the country.

“On February 20, a bill to establish state police passed second reading at the house of representatives.

The IGP said rather than create state police, the challenges mitigating against effective policing in Nigeria should be addressed.

He went further, listed some of the challenges as inadequate manpower, inadequate operational equipment such as vehicles, arms and ammunition, communication equipment, drones, aerial surveillance cameras, security surveillance helicopters, armoured vehicles, and inadequate training of personnel.

State Police must be well funded if we must have them – Abdulsalam
He continued, “These challenges have impacted negatively on the performance of police personnel. He also said state police is open to abuse from powerful state governors.

The IGP also noted that, there is the potential for abuse of power by the state political leadership. State governors could use the police force under their control for political or personal gain and compromise human rights and security,” he said.

“There would also be a conflict of jurisdiction.”

The IGP therefore proposed that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) should be merged to become a department in the police.

“In view of this, the police leadership recommended the above instead of creating state police,” he said.

He said the recruitment of police personnel into the force should be increased by at least 30,000 annually to meet the minimum policing standard of the United Nations.

Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of Police Affairs

Egbetokun’s stance contrasted with that of Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of Police Affairs, who backed the establishment of state police.

In his speech, the Minister of Police affairs, Sen. Gaidam, who spoke at the event, said a more decentralised police force will help tackle rising insecurity in the country.

“It is clearly imperative to come together to discuss this critical issues and work towards finding sustainable solutions that will ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

“As we gather here today our objective is clear, to explore ways and means of addressing these issues including the possibility of establishing the state police force to combat the crises. Am here to highlight the merits and challenges of implementing state police in Nigeria. I will emphasize that state police can enhance local exclusiveness.

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