News Agency of Nigeria
U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos set to depart for Morocco
Sports

U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos set to depart for Morocco

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will depart Abuja in the early hours of Wednesday, en route Morocco, as they begin the final preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The team is scheduled to arrive in Morocco’s industrial and economic capital, Casablanca where they will settle into camp before heading to Rabat for the tournament proper.

In a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Head of Communications on Tuesday, the Flamingos will intensify their build-up with two high-profile international friendlies against New Zealand on Friday and Paraguay on Oct. 14.

The team will then move into the official FIFA hotel in Rabat on Oct. 15 where all participating teams will be housed for the competition.

The Flamingos have been drawn in Group D, alongside Canada, France, and Samoa.

Nigeria will kick off their campaign against Canada on Oct. 19, before facing France three days later — both matches scheduled for 8 p.m. Nigerian time.

Their final group stage encounter will be against Samoa on Oct. 25, with kickoff set for 5 p.m.

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side head into the tournament full of confidence, having played 10 tune-up matches, scoring an impressive 44 goals without conceding any.

Their dominant form in camp so far, coupled with a well-balanced squad, underscores their determination to go one step further than their quarter-final finish at the last edition in the Dominican Republic. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Withheld allocation: Supreme Court reserves judgment in Osun govt’s case
Judiciary

Withheld allocation: Supreme Court reserves judgment in Osun govt’s case

By Ebere Agozie

The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved judgment in a case filed by the Osun Government against the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for withholding statutory allocations due to its 30 local government councils.

The apex court reserved the judgment after taking arguments from Mr Musbau Adetunbi, SAN, counsel to the Osun Government and Chief Akin Olujimi, SAN, counsel to the AGF.

Justice Uwani Aba-Aji, who led the seven-man panel of justices that heard the matter, said that the date for the judgment delivery would be communicated to all parties when ready.

The state government had filed the suit against the Attorney-General of the Federation for withholding its statutory allocations due to its 30 local government councils since March 2025.

Adetunbi noted that the state government had 10 reliefs, 11 grounds and an affidavit of 35 paragraphs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the state government had filed an application to withdraw an earlier one filed against the AGF on the subject matter.

In the originating summons, the state is asking the apex court to compel the Federal Government to release all seized funds and to stop what it described as “an unconstitutional and arbitrary seizure” of local government revenues.

He argued that the AGF had ignored subsisting judgments of the Federal High Court, Osogbo delivered November 30, 2022 and the Court of Appeal (June 13, 2025), which affirmed the legitimacy of council chairmen and councillors elected on Feb.  22.

The state said the AGF, in a March 26, 2025 letter had advised that the funds be withheld pending resolution of a local government crisis.

But the state government maintained that the appeal court ruling had already settled the matter, nullifying the October 2022 polls conducted under the previous administration.

Among reliefs being sought by the Osun Government is a declaration that the AGF lacks constitutional power to seize local government funds, that his actions contravene valid court judgments.

It also prayed that all withheld allocations be released directly into the accounts of the duly elected councils. It also wants a perpetual injunction restraining future seizures.

It claimed that the seizure, suspension, withholding and/or refusal to pay the allocations and revenues due to the constituent local government councils of the plaintiff state is unconstitutional, unlawful, wrongful and ultra vires the powers of the defendant.

The state also raised five issues for the Supreme Court’s determination, including whether the AGF is constitutionally bound under Section 287 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to enforce the rulings of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, and whether his March 26, 2025 directive to withhold funds can stand in the face of the appellate judgment.

The state had also simultaneously filed another suit at the Federal High Court, Osogbo, challenging the Chief Judge’s decision to transfer an earlier case on the same funds from Osogbo to Abuja for hearing by a vacation judge.

It warned that proceeding with the Abuja case while the apex court is seized of the matter could result in conflicting judgments.

The state government described the Federal Government’s actions as “an affront to the rule of law,” insisting that only the Supreme Court can conclusively resolve the constitutional issues. He cited precedents such as A.G. Kano State v. A.G. Federation (2007) and RMAFC v. A.G. Rivers State (2023).

The state had equally accused the AGF of “self-induced urgency,” noting that he delayed responding to originating processes for over 80 days before filing an affidavit of urgency on Aug. 13.

It argued that the Chief Judge’s transfer order “casts the lot of the court with the AGF” and risks creating a perception of bias.

The state government argued that the the AGF was wrong in his letter recognising APC Local Government chairmen when the matter was pending before court of records.

It also predicated its case on the grounds that the election that brought in the APC officials as Local Government Chairmen and Councillors had been nullified by a Federal High Court and upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

However, in opposition, the AGF represented by Akin Olujimi SAN argued a preliminary objection where he urged the apex court to dismiss the case of the plaintiff on various grounds.

Among others, Olujimi argued that the plaintiff lacked locus standing (legal power) to bring the case before the Supreme Court to invoke the original jurisdiction because the matter is between two political parties. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Public support, strategic necessity for army’s operational success — COAS
Defence/Security

Public support, strategic necessity for army’s operational success — COAS

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has described public support as a strategic necessity for the success of Nigerian Army operations across the country.

Oluyede stated this at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ combined Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The seminar has as its theme “Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security.”

Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Abdullahi, the COAS said responsible and balanced reportage was key to strengthening public confidence and sustaining operational successes.

He noted that modern warfare was no longer fought on the battlefield alone but also in the information domain, where perceptions, narratives and public confidence determine strategic outcomes.

“Public perception and accurate information dissemination are critical to operational effectiveness. The synergy between the military and the media is therefore not optional but a strategic imperative,” he said.

Oluyede urged participants to take full advantage of the training to improve their skills in conflict-sensitive reporting, defence communication and fact-based storytelling.

He commended the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, for organising the seminar and sustaining professional initiatives that promote trust and collaboration between the Army and the media.

Earlier in her remarks, Lt.-Col. Anele said the seminar was designed to strengthen military–media synergy and promote responsible reportage that supports national security objectives.

She said in today’s dynamic security environment, misinformation, fake news and artificial intelligence–driven disinformation posed as much threat as enemy propaganda.

“No doubt, warfare is not fought solely with weapons but also in the information domain.

“To defeat hybrid threats, we must counter falsehoods with verified facts and ensure the Nigerian public is accurately informed,” she said.

Anele reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to providing timely and credible information to the media while safeguarding national security interests.

She thanked the COAS for his consistent support to the directorate and lauded media partners and spokespersons from sister agencies for their collaboration in strengthening defence–media relations.

In his lecture, a former Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Alli Hakeem, called for closer collaboration between the media and the military to enhance national security.

Hakeem spoke on the topic, “Conflict Reporting and National Security: Striking a Balance Between Transparency and Responsibility in Media Practice”.

He urged the military to be proactive in releasing information to the media to avoid speculation and fake news.

Participants of the seminar were drawn for the Public Relations Directorate of the Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies as well as defence correspondents. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Association advocates housing policies to boost Nigeria’s economy
General News

Association advocates housing policies to boost Nigeria’s economy

By Angela Atabo

The Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN) has called for appropriate policies that will position the nation’s housing sector to remain the “engine room”  for economic development.

Eno Obongha, President and Chairman of Council, AHCN, made the call at the State of the Nation’s Housing Address to mark the 2025 World Habitat Day themed “Urban Crisis Response” in Abuja.

Obongha explained that appropriate policies and mechanism in the sector would develop both the demand and the supply end of the market which would naturally attract investment into the sector.

According to him, Nigeria’s housing sector possesses the potential to serve as the “engine room” of Nigeria’s economic development if given the right policy attention.

“In 2024, Nigeria’s housing and real estate sector was reported to have contributed over N11 trillion to GDP.

“However, after the GDP rebasing (to base year 2019), the real estate sector’s valuation (including housing, property, related services) was adjusted to N41.3 trillion and ranked as the third-largest sector in the economy in 2024.

“In the first quarter of 2025, real estate reportedly contributed 17.4 per cent to GDP while it was forecasted that the sector could grow at 6–8 per cent in 2025, with urbanisation, infrastructure investments, and unmet housing demand.

“We, therefore, want to see deliberate intervention and government responses to housing development especially in our urban centres to change the negative narratives of housing deficit to massive large scale housing provision backed up with deliberate affordability structures.”

According to Obongha, Nigeria needs a nation where appropriate action will be taken by government officials to prevent unnecessary building collapse calamity and unwarranted demolition that is usually accompanied with loss of resources and pain of displacement.

“We want to see a society governed by rules and regulations that work naturally without influence of corruption.

“We desire a new Nigeria where housing will be seen as fundamental human right of the citizenry with elimination of widening gap of social inequality between well served affluent areas and underserved informal settlements.

“A society where informal settlement will be granted equal access to infrastructural services that would make human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable with potential for scaling up.”

Obongha emphasised the importance of harmonising the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda with state governments through their respective State Housing Corporations to achieve sustainable implementation.

According to him, proper coordination will expand employment opportunities, stimulate local economies, and secure a better future for the nation’s youth.

To reposition the housing sector as a driver of economic recovery, the AHCN boss outlined 11 key strategies including: renewed commitment to social housing and promotion of local building materials.

He said others included: slum upgrading and redevelopment, scaling up Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), innovative financing mechanisms, establishment of National Housing Data Centre (NHDC) and reduction of building and land costs.

He also listed reassessment of ministries’ role in direct construction, Agric-Village Scheme, Renewed Hope Medic Cities, and rental housing development.

Obongha identified rental housing as a neglected yet vital segment of the market, calling for structured large-scale rental programmes for low- and middle-income earners.

This, he said, should be through collaborations between State Housing Corporations, Family Homes Fund, and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

He also commended the Ministries of Housing and Health for initiating the Medic Cities project to provide accommodation for medical personnel and curb the exodus of health workers abroad.

He expressed concern that in spite of numerous challenges, the housing sector offered immense potential for economic recovery, job creation, and inclusive national development.

“We can leverage opportunities in the housing sector to generate viable employment avenues for our teeming youth.

“Our dream is to see housing as the driver of Nigeria’s economy — and we can make it happen if harmonisation is well coordinated and executed,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Kwara govt, group train 200 pupils on AI solution to tasks
Science & Tech

Kwara govt, group train 200 pupils on AI solution to tasks

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

Kwara Government, in partnership with Digital Equity Africa, has trained 200 school children from across the state on how to apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create and solve real-world problems.

The participants were drawn from public and private primary and junior secondary schools, following a seamless selection process.

Speaking at the grand finale in Ilorin, the Managing Director, Ilorin Innovation Hub, Mr Temi Kolawole, said the training underscored the government’s commitment to digital inclusion.

Kolawole said he was impressed with the manner the pupils exhibited their creative skills and expressed optimism that their future was bright.

“It is very impressive to see kids under the age of 10 presenting the websites they built, presenting a story book they have written and even music they requested AI to compose.

“If they can do this at this stage we can imagine what they will do in the next five to 10 years.

“Such exposure improves their curiosity, innovation and creativity,” he said.

The CEO of Digital Equity Africa, Mrs Justina Oha, said the session was not just about teaching technology but also about shaping mindset.

She said it also reflected nurturing innovation and helping young people to perceive themselves as creators of the digital future, not just consumers of digital products.

Oha commended the government and the Ilorin Innovation Hub for the partnership and their commitment to digital literacy and inclusion in Kwara.

“Over the past few days, your children have explored the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence, learning how machines think, create, and solve real-world problems.

“They have collaborated, built and imagined boldly, proving that the future truly belongs to those who are curious, courageous and creative.

“We are deeply grateful. This partnership by the government is commendable in ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to the opportunities of tomorrow.

“To you, the parents, thank you for believing in your children and in this vision. The best investment you can make is in their minds.

“What you witnessed today are not just projects, but seeds of transformation,” she said.

One of the participants, Abdulkareem Khadijat, appreciated the state government and Digital Equity Africa for providing them with the platform to learn digital skills and become AI-compliant. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Ebonyi Govt. commences N10bn gratuity backlog payment to LG retirees
Metro

Ebonyi Govt. commences N10bn gratuity backlog payment to LG retirees

By Chukwuemeka Opara

The Ebonyi government has commenced the payment of gratuity backlog amounting  to N10billion to over 4,000 retired Local Government Area (LGA) employees.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Uchenna Igwe, while inaugurating the payment in Abakaliki, said the move would ameliorate the suffering of the retirees.

Igwe described the gesture as a defining moment of justice and compassion, as contained in Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s people’s charter of needs mantra.

“These entitlements were not paid since the state’s creation and the commencement of its payment has restored hope and dignity for selfless service.

“The governor is a promise keeper who only thinks of ways to enhance the people’s wellbeing,” he said.

The commissioner urged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously especially in supporting their families and communities.

The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Mr Ikeuwa Omebeh, recalled that the governor inaugurated a six-member verification committee for the exercise on Aug.1, 2025.

The committee chaired by the wife of the state’s former deputy governor, Mrs Catherine Ogbu, was tasked with authenticating claims and determining eligibility for retirees.

“This covers the period of 1996 to 2025 as the exercise has been successfully completed and payments will be carried out on LGA basis.

“All verified retirees will be paid through their bank accounts as the gesture will beyond welfare, inject liquidity into rural economies and stimulate small businesses,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the State Local Government Pension Board, Mr Emeka Nwonu, assured that all verified persons would receive their entitlements.

“The Board collaborated with all relevant bodies concerned with the process, in realising set goals,” he said.

The Chairperson of the verification exercise, Mrs Catherine Ogbu, lauded the governor for his vision of prioritising the welfare of retirees.

“This is a dream delayed, but presently a reality, and promise fulfilled,” she said.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ebonyi Council, Mr Donatus Okemini, urged Ebonyi people to pray and support the Nwifuru-led administration as it had the people’s interest at heart.

Mrs Martha Elom, one of the retirees, thanked the governor for the gesture noting that it had ‘added a new lease of life” to her. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Lagos, Enugu, others top housing units delivery in Nigeria – Association
Metro

Lagos, Enugu, others top housing units delivery in Nigeria – Association

By Angela Atabo

Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN) has revealed that Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Niger and Borno States have delivered the highest housing units under the State Housing Corporation in the last one year.

Eno Obongha, President and Chairman of Council, AHCN, said this at the State of the Nation’s Housing Address to mark the 2025 World Habitat Day themed “Urban Crisis Response” in Abuja.

Obongha said the World Habitat Day was set aside by the United Nations to reflect on the state of towns and cities and the basic right of all to adequate shelter.

He added that the day further intended to remind the world that everyone has the power and responsibility to shape the future of towns and cities and AHCN took it upon itself to give a state of the nation address on the housing situation in Nigeria.

He said that an analysis of the activities of State Housing Corporations revealed that 17 states have ongoing or completed projects in the last one year.

“Lagos State has the highest construction of housing units ongoing with 5,360 units, Enugu 3,050 units, Kano 1,500 and Niger has 614 units.

“Others include: Borno 600 units, Sokoto 500, Katsina 500, Oyo 487, Cross River 482, Akwa Ibom 200, Edo 95, Benue 90, Kaduna 81, Kebbi 50, Kwara 26 and Yobe 50 units.”

“18 states: Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kogi, Nasarawa, Ondo, Osun, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba have no housing units under the State Housing Corporation.”

Obongha emphasised the need for states to key into the housing corporations in order to meet the mandate of delivering houses to residents, to address the housing deficit.

“The chief driver of the housing subsector in Nigeria is the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, who is working under the Renewed Hope agenda to revolutionalise housing and reduce the supposed housing deficits.

Obongha said the association was elated with the policy directions, creative solutions and reforms that the Federal Government had embarked upon.

According to him, this has laid a solid foundation for sustainable housing sector.

He added it would touch on all critical value points and problem areas in Nigeria’s housing eco-system.

He, however, lamented that at the State Government level, not much has been recorded in the provision of affordable housing in virtually all the states within the last one year.

He said that most of the State Housing Corporations have not executed any tangible housing projects this year as many of them are still very dormant without definite direction on housing provision.

“Under the Institutional Framework of the 2012 National Housing Policy, the document specifically recognises State Housing Corporations as the Primary government agencies responsible for housing delivery at the State level and Federal Housing Authority at the Federal level.

“It mandates them to initiate, develop, and manage housing projects for various income groups, particularly low and middle income earners.”

Obongha explained that the State Housing Corporations were created by law to drive mass housing delivery in each state, but many are struggling to fulfil the mandate.

He added that their failure was largely due to structural, financial, and policy-related issues.

He said that there was need for state lawmakers to amend the Housing Corporations Laws in their states as the laws were obsolete, suggesting that they should incorporate them into limited liability companies to cope with modern trends.

According to him, a number of housing corporations are still operating with the Model Edict promulgated by the Yakubu Gowon led Supreme Military Council and sent to the Military Governors in 1969.

He added that in some states, civil servants were posted to Housing Corporations on punishment grounds, a narrative, he said needed to change.

“If we must respond to urban crises which is the theme of 2025 World Habitat Day, we must convert our ever rising housing demand to gain with innovative ideas and reforms that will transform the housing sector and increase accessibility to decent, quality and affordable housing for all Nigerians.

“We must wake up from our slumber and empower State Housing Corporations and the Federal Housing Authority to fully engage in their statutory responsibilities of building mass housing for the people.

“Until deliberate attempt is made to address housing challenges of low and medium income groups through mass housing, housing deficit will continue to widen.

“Collaboration by all housing stakeholders is inevitable, if we must make progress and it starts with all of us in the housing sector.

“Let us, therefore, join hands together to confront the myriads of problems confronting the housing sector.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Calabar safe, ready to host NUGA, Otu says
Sports

Calabar safe, ready to host NUGA, Otu says

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has assured that the state is fully prepared and safe to host the 2026 edition of the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA).

He gave the assurance on Tuesday when he led a NUGA delegation and the management team of the University of Calabar on an inspection tour of facilities at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

The governor described Calabar as a youth-friendly, peaceful, conducive, and welcoming city with a serene and green environment that makes it ideal for hosting national and international sporting events.

“The field we are standing on today has produced some of Nigeria’s greatest football icons, including Uwem Ekarika, Etim Essien, and John Okon, among others.

“The first captain of the national football team was a Calabar man, who led the team to England for competitive matches,” Otu said.

Expressing gratitude for the return of NUGA to Calabar after 35 years, Otu said he was confident the event would be a huge success.

He expressed optimism in the capacity of Dorncklaimz Enamhe, Executive Secretary of NUGA 2026 Local Organising Committee (LOC), to deliver memorable games.

The governor  highlighted Calabar’s deep historical connection to sports, noting that it was the first city in Nigeria where football was played.

“Enamhe is known for his dedication and commitment to any responsibility entrusted to him. I have no doubt he will deliver on this national assignment,” he said.

Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, saying that in the past two years, the state government has significantly promoted sporting activities and restored their pride of place in Cross River.

Enamhe said that Calabar has the greenest stadium in Nigeria, the best basketball court, and a world-class Olympic-size swimming pool, among others.

He said that Calabar is home to table tennis, with world-class champions.

“Calabar is home to the biggest carnival in Africa, where youths will properly interact. Unical hosting NUGA after the 35th is huge for the state,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Cerebral Palsy: Parents lament stigmatisation, call for special school
Health

Cerebral Palsy: Parents lament stigmatisation, call for special school

By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

Parents of children living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) have lamented stigmatisation against them by the public and called for a special school to cater to their educational needs.

Some of the parents spoke in Ilorin, at the 2025 World Cerebral Palsy Day organised by Ifeoluwa Cerebral Palsy Initiative in collaboration with the Kwara Government.

Mrs Shukurat Afolabi, a parent, urged the state government to establish a special school for cerebral palsy champions, since they could not attend the Kwara School for Special Needs because they could not do without assistance.

She said though this may not be attainable immediately, the government should provide ‘shadow teachers’ trained to care for cerebral palsy champions in normal schools and pay for their services.

“Most private schools do not admit them because they do not have shadow teachers trained to take care of them.

“This is because normal teachers cannot attend to them and we can’t blame the schools.

“If there are shadow teachers that the government can pay to teach them twice a week, it will go a long way to help us since establishing a school for them may not be easy now.

“We also want the government to make their physiotherapy session free. Some of them still use diaper and there are some drugs they take that are very expensive.

“If government can look into that aspect for us, we will appreciate it,” she said.

Another parent, Mrs Oluwabusayo Olaoye, said the ordeal she was facing with her son, Michael Olaoye was too much because he cannot afford normal school.

“It has not been easy, I was once a banker but had to resign so as to give him attention.

“We need help because most of us left our tangible jobs to be at home to cater to them and it has not been easy.

“We need financial support as their givers and for the school supporting us, if such school can be supported too, it will go a long way in relieving us,” she said.

She urged parents with CP champions to flaunt their children with pride and passion, as keeping them indoors would affect their self esteem.

“Though the stigmatisation when walking on the road or in an event is too much as if it’s a contagious disease, I urge parents with CP warriors to see them as a personal cross which others too have but in other aspects.

“The society should accept us for who we are because there are many parents with CP children but they hide them due to the stigmatisation.

“The way people see and treat us make other parents feel bad,” she said.

The Commissioner for Social Development, Dr Mariam Imam, enjoined all to accord children battling deformities arising from cerebral palsy respect and equal opportunities.

Imam noted that cerebral palsy victims deserve understanding, respect, and equal opportunity.

“This day reminds all not only of the challenges faced by our champions, but also of their strength, resilience, and extraordinary potential.

“Cerebral palsy is not a limitation of the human spirit, it is a call for understanding, inclusion, and shared responsibility.

“We are to look beyond disability and see ability; beyond challenges and recognise possibility,” she said.

She added that the government had ensured that no one was left behind as  every child, regardless of physical or developmental differences, deserve the chance to live with dignity, learn, play, and dream freely.

According to her, the ministry has enrolled some people living with cerebral palsy in the state’s Health Insurance Scheme to ensure they have access to quality healthcare.

“We have also equipped parents and guardians with refined, income-generating skills in tie and dye, resin artistry, and POS enterprise management.

“This is further complemented by financial support designed to help them transform these skills into sustainable, independent and thriving ventures.”

Earlier, Ifeoluwa Anishe, Convener and Chief Executive Officer, Ifeoluwa Cerebral Palsy Initiative, described the day as that of hope and unity.

Anishe called for the inclusion of adults living with cerebral palsy in the political scheme, adding that they deserve inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities.

Similarly, the CEO of To’omore School for Basic, Vocational and Special Needs, Rev. Samuel Ajayi, commended the state government and the convener for putting the event together.

Dr Rasheedat Sholagbade from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), delivered a lecture on the reasons for cerebral palsy, its management and prevention. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

35% affirmative action: Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara stakeholders advocate aggressive sensitisation
Gender , Politics

35% affirmative action: Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara stakeholders advocate aggressive sensitisation

By reporters
Stakeholders in Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States have renewed calls for deliberate policies to promote women’s participation in politics through capacity building, mentorship and reservation of elective and appointive positions.
They made their position known in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) across the three states.
The stakeholders stressed the need for aggressive sensitisation to create awareness not only among the female folk but also including their male counterpart.
Mrs Blessing Michael, Chairperson, League of Women Voters in Kebbi, said gender balance in governance could not be achieved without structured interventions to address social, cultural and institutional barriers that limit women’s involvement in democratic processes.
Michael said the league was established to change the narrative of women’s participation in politics in the state.
“Here in Kebbi, our women are able and capable when given the opportunity, but men have occupied almost all elective and appointive positions, making decisions that affect women and children.
“If a woman is assigned to do something, she will deliver 100 per cent because she knows the society is woman, and woman is the society,” the chairperson said.
Michael identified patriarchy as a major obstacle to women’s participation in politics, describing it as an institution upheld not only by men but also, unfortunately, by women themselves.
“Our society frequently undermines a woman’s capacity to lead,” she said, stressing the need for training and empowerment to increase women’s representation in line with the National Gender Policy (NGP).
“We rally behind every woman who expresses interest in public office. With women constituting about 50 per cent of the voting population and over 60 per cent of the total population, legislative action must back their inclusion,” she advocated.
Michael lamented that Kebbi ranked poorly on women’s inclusion in governance, despite the recognition of women’s political strength by Gov. Nasir Idris.
“Even our governor recently described women as a formidable political force whose steadfastness and numerical strength determine electoral victory. But this strength is not reflected in elective or appointive positions.
“No woman has ever been elected governor, deputy governor or member of the State House of Assembly since the return of democracy in 1999. This is worrisome and must change for equity, fairness and inclusiveness,” she said.
Also, Hajiya Safiya Musa-Ribah, Women Leader, Consolidated APC Grassroots Mobilisation, stressed the need for continuous capacity building to prepare women for active political participation.
“Marginalisation, patriarchy, arising from cultural beliefs, stigmatisation, financial constraints and lack of political exposure are some of the challenges limiting women’s involvement in politics.
“With proper training and support, the narrative will change for the better for women in the state. That is why we insist on training and deliberate mentorship to prepare them for elective offices,” she said.
Similarly, Alhaji Nasiru Karofi, Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kebbi, called for more women to contest legislative seats, especially in local government areas with two constituencies in the state assembly.
“I have directed Hajiya Hasana Yusuf, an Assistant Director in the agency, to champion advocacy for women’s participation in politics, particularly in the state house of assembly.
“We have three LGAs, Bagudo, Danko/Wasagu and Birnin Kebbi, that have two constituencies each. We want to engage the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the state to encourage political parties to reserve one of those seats for women,” he said.
Karofi also urged political parties to create a level playing field for women by reducing nomination fees and ensuring fairness in internal party democracy.
The Director Women in the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Hajia Hauwa’u Umar-Jabo, said different programmes were being piloted to ensure women participants in various sectors.
Umar-Jabo said the current administration had implemented programmes to support women’s economic and personal growth, including providing grants and equipment to women farmers and training adolescent girls in skill acquisition.
She said: “There is no woman in Sokoto State House of Assembly, no woman ever occupied the positions of Governor or Deputy Governor, there are only two Commissioners out of 27,  five Permanent Secretaries out of 47 in the state civil service and 195 as Directors out of 870 among others.”
According to her, the percentage indicated that women can excel in any position, describing aspiring for political position as more easier in recognition of the roles women play in the society.
In another interview, the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi, observed that cultural and religious beliefs constituted integral part of peoples lives in northern Nigeria, emphasising the need for more awareness for women participating in all spheres of life.
The Spokesperson to Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Mr Suleiman Idris, said the state had 14 Councillors representing different political wards in the local government areas of Zamfara.
Idris pointed out that State Chief Judge, Justice, Kulu Aliyu, is a woman, with Dr Nafisat Maradun and Dr A’isha Anka as Commissioners for Health and Women Affairs respectively.
He added that many women were occupying important public offices in healthcare, education, finance and entrepreneurship across the state, saying that it was an indication that women have the capability to compete in any political office.
A Social Advocate, Hajia Halisa Nurudden, said traditional, patriarchal attitudes in society and within political parties have been limiting women’s roles and leadership opportunities.

Nurudden added that high expenditure in politicking or money politics was undermining the process and disproportionately affects women, who generally have fewer financial resources than their male competitors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal
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