News

IWD: NAOWA Establishes Adult Education Centre For Women In Benin Barracks

Published

6 months ago

March 9, 2025

The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has established an adult education centre for women within the military barracks in Benin as part of efforts to promote literacy, security awareness, and discipline.

At an International Women’s Day event in Benin, Mrs Akon Oduyebo, Zonal Coordinator, NAOWA 4 Brigade chapter, stressed the importance of literacy for soldiers’ wives to understand military rules, security protocols, and personal development.

“That is why I have opened an adult education centre here. At least, all of us should be able to read and recognise signs.

“Most times, military instructions are clearly written ‘Restricted Area, Keep Off’, but if you can’t read, how will you know?” she said.

She highlighted the structured environment within military barracks, noting that access to the premises was restricted and subject to strict protocols.

She urged military wives to uphold discipline, maintain security consciousness, and support their husbands’ professional obligations.

“As military dependents, we must respect the personnel and facilities of the military.

“You must respect them, whether they are officers or private soldiers, because that is the rule.

“Before you introduce yourself as an officer’s wife, you must first be a disciplined civilian,” she said.

The coordinator also condemned social vices within the barracks, such as drug abuse, theft, and rumour-mongering, warning that perpetrators would face strict military discipline.

Speaking on the theme of the 2025 International Women’s Day, “Accelerate the Actions”, Mrs Oduyebo reiterated the need for urgent and concrete steps to advance gender equality.

According to her, while women have made significant progress in leadership, education, and business, persistent challenges such as gender-based violence, unequal pay, and limited access to opportunities continue to hinder progress.

“Change is happening, but we must push for faster, bolder, and more impactful action,” she urged.

She called on policymakers, educators, and community leaders to champion policies that empower women and foster an inclusive society where opportunities are defined by talent and potential, not gender.

“Each of us has a role to play. Let this celebration be a catalyst for action. The time for change is now,” she said.

Also speaking, Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, Commander of the 4 Brigade, called for accelerated efforts to close gender gaps and promote women’s empowerment.

The commander stated that progress towards gender equality remained too slow and called for bold policies and collective action to dismantle barriers holding women back.

“This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, is a call to move beyond discussions and take concrete steps toward gender equality.

“While progress has been made, we must acknowledge that too many barriers still hinder women’s full participation in leadership, economic empowerment, education, and social justice.

“Let us not just celebrate today; let us commit to action, action that accelerates progress, transforms lives, and ensures every woman and girl has the opportunity to achieve her full potential,” he said.

The event featured a walk, a drama performance, and lectures on gender-based violence and women’s health awareness, among other activities

News

Federal Government Issues Flood Alert In 11 States

Published

8 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

8 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

8 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.