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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

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

15 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

15 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

15 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.