News Agency of Nigeria
Nigeria, UAE to resolve visa challenges for Nigerians
Foreign

Nigeria, UAE to resolve visa challenges for Nigerians

By Fortune Abang

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the Federal Government and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will resolve issues related to visa procurement for Nigerians seeking to travel to the UAE.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said this following the visit of Amb. Salem Alshamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria.

She acknowledged that Nigerians had faced difficulties in obtaining UAE visas, especially tourism visas.

This challenge, according to her, persisted in spite of the warm diplomatic relations and strategic partnerships between the two countries.

“Nigeria has remained committed to the relationship. The city of Dubai in the UAE has become a popular destination for many Nigerians.

“Officially, about 12,000 Nigerians live in the UAE, ranging from unskilled workers to professionals and students across various institutions,” she said.

She noted that in 2015, nearly a million Nigerians visited the UAE, particularly Dubai, spending between 100 million dollars to 150 million dollars on visas alone, and more than 1 billion dollars on shopping, school fees, tourism, and other activities.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the need for a more balanced economic relationship between both countries.

The minister further mentioned concerns regarding the current visa status for the UAE, noting that even some top Nigerian government officials had raised their concerns.

She also pointed out that a joint commission between the two countries was due after the one hosted by the UAE in 2022.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed appreciation to the UAE government for their recent donation of relief materials to flood victims in Nigeria, as well as vaccines for chickenpox patients to support Nigeria’s health institutions.

“There is a need to communicate the new visa policy, if any, to Nigerians.

“We want to reciprocate by hosting the joint commission in Nigeria, where we will address various bilateral issues, including power, renewable energy, and more,” she said.

Alshamsi congratulated Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment and lauded the progress made in the 50-year Nigeria-UAE relationship.

He acknowledged that visas for both government officials and private individuals had been issued over the past year and a half, with the process handled by an appointed agent.

He assured that the UAE was committed to resolving the visa challenges faced by Nigerians and emphasised that both countries would work together to foster stronger economic partnerships.

“We have issued more than 700 tourism visas since July 2024, and I have had zero visa rejections since I assumed office,” Alshamsi stated.

He also promised to continue signing agreements to further strengthen bilateral ties, with a major agreement expected to be signed ahead of the Nigerian president’s visit to the UAE in the second quarter of 2025. (NAN) (www.nannews.com)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam and Abiemwense Moru

Sanwo-Olu unveils Africa’s first AI feature film
Entertainment

Sanwo-Olu unveils Africa’s first AI feature film

By Aderonke Ojediran

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has unveiled Africa’s first feature film on Artificial Intelligence, titled Makemation.

Speaking at the unveiling in Marina, Sanwo-Olu said the AI film, produced by human development expert, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, will make its cinematic debut in Lagos on Friday, April 18.

He praised the producer and cast, assuring creatives of his willingness to collaborate on transformative ideas that project and develop the state’s creative industry.

Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in essential infrastructure that will enable the creative sector to thrive.

“This production highlights the power of collaboration. We need more partnerships like this. Our role is to enable and create platforms for you to excel.

“This is the most innovative industry. See this government as a partner in shaping the future we all desire,” he said.

Producer Akerele-Ogunsiji said the film explores themes such as STEM education, digital skills, financial literacy, and gender equality.

She noted that Makemation, starring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu, examines the intersection of real life and AI.

The film also explores AI’s transformative power and its impact on the fourth industrial revolution, she explained.

“Viewers will see young people designing bras that detect breast cancer. We must move beyond consuming innovation and start building our own.

“Nigerian films should showcase our indigenous innovations. This film is for the future. Success isn’t reserved for a select few,” she said.

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, highlighted the government’s efforts to empower creatives over the past six years.

She said the ministry has trained nearly 20,000 young Nigerians in filmmaking, content creation, and other creative fields through strategic partnerships.

Institutions such as EbonyLife Academy, Gidi Creatives, AMA Creative Academy, and Delyork Academy have collaborated on these initiatives, she added.

She stressed that technology is key to the industry’s future, with Lagos positioning itself as a leader in digital innovation.

“Our visit to San Francisco to engage with tech entrepreneur Ghazi Shami was a strategic step toward fostering strong digital partnerships.

“We aim to build a globally competitive workforce ready to dominate the creative economy,” she added.

She noted that the government has provided grants to filmmakers to support high-quality productions capable of competing internationally.

“By investing in local storytelling, we ensure our narratives reach global audiences while creating jobs within the industry,” she said.

Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, commended Sanwo-Olu’s support for filmmakers.

“As part of the cast, I am excited about this project. The governor’s support is commendable.

“We now need the media’s backing to create buzz around this innovation,” he said.

Microsoft’s Country Manager, Olatomiwa Williams, stressed the need to equip young Nigerians with responsible AI skills.

She advocated for collaborations between tech hubs, government, schools, and private organisations to expand AI education.

“This initiative is inspiring. With government support, we must focus on educating Nigerians on responsible AI use,” she said.

Livespot360 Co-Founder, Oluwadamilare Art Alade, highlighted AI’s role in preserving cultural heritage.

Makemation features Nollywood stars, tech experts, public officials, and social media talents in an unconventional mix.

The four-quadrant family drama blends pop culture, research, and AI into an engaging, high-tension, and comedic masterpiece. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Kamal Tayo Oropo

Thrilling moments await chess lovers as Nigeria hosts West Africa championships
Sports

Thrilling moments await chess lovers as Nigeria hosts West Africa championships

By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

Chess players and lovers have been promised thrilling moments as Nigeria hosts the Zone 4.2 West Africa Chess Championships from March 31 to April 9.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Saturday, Mr Babatunde Ogunsiku, the championships’ Media Director, Local Organising Committee (LOC), said plans were in top gear for a memorable competition.

Ogunsiku said the championships would be the 3rd edition for West Africa, being Zone 4.2 area.

“The LOC is working around the clock to ensure that everything works out perfectly to leave a lasting image in the minds of both participants and leaders of the various federations that will be in Nigeria.

“Before, West Africa used to be Zone 4.4 with more countries. However , in 2023, the system changed, and instead of having four zones in Africa, we now have five.

“Zone 4.1 is Northern Africa, Zone 4.2 is Western Africa, Zone 4.3 is Central Africa, Zone 4.4 is Eastern Africa, and Zone 4.5 is Southern Africa.

He added that letters had been sent to the 11 West African countries making up the zone.

“They have till March 15 to send in their registration. After which, late registration will only be accepted on the LOC’s prerogative,” he said.

Ogunsiku added that this would, however, be the first time Nigeria would be hosting Zone 4.2.

“We’ve hosted the whole of Africa twice – once in Abuja in 2003 and in Lagos in 2022.

“Hosting this event provides Nigerian chess players with the opportunity to spend less in participating in a chess event, considering that it is held in different countries yearly.

“It is a huge opportunity that presents itself once a year and one that thousands of people will most likely be following all around Africa and beyond,” he said.

“The competition will be a 9-round Classical Chess Tournament with a time control of 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move for the first 40 moves and 30 minutes + 30 seconds to finish each game (per player).

“Right now, there is a standard prize pool of 3,000 dollars. However, the team is working on reeling in sponsors to ensure an increment in the prizes.

“There are hopes that this will happen before the end of registration,” he said.

NAN reports the championships will be held at CitiHeights Hotel, Lagos, from March 31 to April 9. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Moses Solanke

2025 IWD: LASG reiterates commitment to fostering inclusive environment for women
General News

2025 IWD: LASG reiterates commitment to fostering inclusive environment for women

By Kemi Akintokun and Aderonke Ojediran

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where women will be adequately empowered to thrive in their respective fields.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known at an event organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IWD is marked every March 8 globally to celebrate women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality, and the 2025 Edition has the theme: “Accelerate Action.”

Sanwo-Olu said that the state’s policies are dedicated to protecting women from gender-based violence, while also creating opportunities for them to assume leadership roles in governance, decision-making and entrepreneurial support.

According to him, these policies will enable female entrepreneurs to grow and sustain their businesses.

He said: “This globally significant event is not merely a date but a powerful reminder of the essential role women play in shaping our societies and driving progress.

“This year’s theme serves as a clarion call to move beyond rhetoric and take bold, decisive steps towards achieving gender equality and empowering women.

“In Lagos, we are not just echoing this theme; we are embodying it through deliberate policies and initiatives that empower women across all sectors.

“We have made significant investments in initiatives designed to empower and uplift women, and to foster self-sufficiency, leadership, and economic participation through the 19 tuition-free skills acquisition centres and the Women Development Centre.”

He highlighted that these efforts aligned with global priorities, and recognise women as powerful catalysts for economic growth, innovation and societal transformation.

Sanwo-Olu commended WAPA for engaging women in the state actively through its numerous programmes and interventions over the years.

Also, Mrs Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, said that the ministry would continue to empower women and girls through its training initiatives.

Dada noted that women, who are the backbone of families and communities, would continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes and contribute immensely to national development.

She noted that in spite of these achievements, women still face persistent challenges such as gender inequality, economic disparity, gender-based violence, limited access to quality education, healthcare and leadership opportunities.

The commissioner called for urgent action and commitment to advance the rights and opportunities of women in Lagos and the country at large.

“As a ministry, we have been unwavering in our commitment to support women through empowerment programmes, training initiatives and advocacy.

“We have created platforms that equip women with the skills and resources they need to be financially independent and self-sufficient.

“The challenges women face whether at home, workplace, or in the society can take a significant toll on their mental and emotional well-being.

“We must move beyond promises to practical solutions that will empower women and uplift the vulnerable,” Dada stressed.

NAN reports that women from all the state’s local governments and local council development areas converged at the Onikan Stadium, venue of the programme to celebrate the IWD.

The Wife of the state governor, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Wife of the deputy governor, Oluremi Hamzat; and wives of other top government officials in the state were present at the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

IGR: Plateau hits N31.14bn, aims for N52bn through reforms
Economy/Business

IGR: Plateau hits N31.14bn, aims for N52bn through reforms

By Zainab Oyekan

Dr Pam Wayas, Chairman, Plateau Internal Revenue Service, says the service generated N32.14 billion in 2024 and now has a target of N52 billion for 2025.

Wayas, who disclosed this during a news conference in Jos, said that it was the first time the N30billion benchmark was crossed in the state.

He attributed the achievement to sector reforms and innovative tax strategies.

“Going forward, this targeted sector reforms and tax strategies would ensure efficient collection, reduced evasion, and promote fairness in the tax system,” he said.

The chairman added that with all hands on deck, the efforts would enable the board to meet its N52 billion target.

He, however, said that it was important for everyone to understand that tax payments in the state would directly contribute to development by funding infrastructure, creating jobs, improving public services, and fostering economic growth.

Wayas urged every taxable resident to contribute to the reform’s success, emphasising it would lead to a more prosperous and self-reliant Plateau. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

IWD: NCWS advocates action to achieve gender equality, women empowerment
Gender

IWD: NCWS advocates action to achieve gender equality, women empowerment

By Justina Auta

Mrs Edna Azura, National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), has called for intensified efforts toward achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls across the country.

Azura made the call at a symposium to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) in Abuja.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8, and the 2025 celebration has the theme, “Accelerate Action”.

While urging stakeholders to dismantle systemic barriers preventing women’s advancement, Azura said that this year’s theme was a call for all stakeholders to redouble efforts in bridging gender gaps and ensuring equal opportunities for women in all spheres of life.

“Today, we acknowledge the progress recorded in gender equality, yet we must recognise the gaps that persist between policy commitments and actual implementation.

“Nigeria has adopted various legal frameworks, national policies, and international obligations, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union Agenda 2063, and the Maputo Protocol on Women’s Rights.

“However, challenges such as limited access to education, economic exclusion, the burden of caregiving, gender-based violence, and underrepresentation in leadership positions continue to hinder women’s empowerment,” she said.

The NCWS president, therefore, emphasised the need for a collaborative approach involving government, civil society, the private sector, and individuals to drive gender equality initiatives forward.

Speaking on the symposium’s sub-theme, “The Future is Now: Empowering Women and Youths to Thrive”, Azura stressed the importance of investing in education, skills development, and economic empowerment for women and youths.

She added that the council would provide financial support to selected women entrepreneurs to help scale up their small businesses.

Mrs Chizoba Ogbeche, National Vice-President, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Zone D, said the association initiated the “Her Seat in Parliament” campaign to increase women’s political representation in leadership and governance positions.

“We are hoping that this time, with more sensitisation and awareness creation, the legislators will know that their people are more aware and will ask them when they come for re-election why they did not support the seat.

“So, we are campaigning to make people understand that women are not trying to take over from the men.

“We are just saying, give us a place on the table. Let’s have more seats so that we can influence policies that affect us and other vulnerable groups.

“Even the 74 seats we are asking for is not enough, but it is a good starting point and we are hoping that with the support and responses we have been getting, it will translate to action when the voting processes start, that this time, it will scale through,” she said.

She noted that the over 1,000 per cent increase in women’s budget would address challenges affecting women and children, adding that the CSW69 was an opportunity for Nigeria to tell its stories and strive toward impactful gains.

Dr Nafisa Shehu-Muhammed, President of the Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA), reiterated their support toward women empowerment and collaboration for sustained advocacy in achieving gender equality.

The high point of the event was the empowerment of selected petty traders across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of activities to mark International Women’s Day 2025. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Celebrating female tech enthusiasts
Features

Celebrating female tech enthusiasts

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi, News Agency of Nigeria

On March 8, annually, the International Women’s Day is celebrated to recognise women’s achievements across various fields.

The commemoration, with the theme “Accelerate Action’’, is designated by the UN to advocate for gender equality and highlight challenges faced by women.

In Nigeria, women play a vital and indispensable role in nation-building; their contributions are multi-faceted.

From technology, economic empowerment, education, healthcare, social cohesion, leadership and decision-making, peace building and conflict resolution as well as cultural preservation–women’s contributions are invaluable.

By demographics, women make up approximately 49 per cent of Nigerian population.

Constituting nearly half of the country’s population, it is imperative that women’s contributions are recognised, valued and appreciated.

In the light of the aforementioned, Huawei Technology recently identified with the 2025 International Women’s Day and honoured female tech enthusiasts.

Huawei organised an event to celebrate outstanding female students who excelled in the Huawei ICT Academy and the Women in Tech training programme.

The programme had the title “Cultivating Talent Through ICT Training for a Prosperous Nigeria.’’

It emphasised the importance of expediting progress toward achieving gender equality and promoting inclusive growth.

The ceremony paid tribute to women who have achieved outstanding success in their ICT training, affording them an opportunity to share their accomplishments and serve as role models, motivating and empowering the next generation of women in technology.

Mr Eric Chen, Huawei Nigeria Strategy Director, said the company provided capacity building and ICT training to more than 70,000 Nigerians since 2018.

Chen said that the breakdown revealed that the beneficiaries comprised more than 30,000 students, 35,000 ICT engineers, 240 female entrepreneurs and more than 3,000 civil servants, showcasing a diverse range of individuals impacted.

He emphasised Huawei’s significant role in supporting the present administration’s Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, primarily through its ICT Academy.

Chen reaffirmed the company’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s digital transformation in agreement with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which aims at fostering economic growth and development.

The director said the company’s academy provided students with an international platform for healthy competition and exchange of ideas, with special focus on women at the time.

He said that the Women in Tech Training in partnership with the First Lady of Nigeria empowered women entrepreneurs with tech and digital skills for economic growth and development.

“We celebrate the achievements of female participants in our ICT Academy and Women in Tech initiative, in collaboration with the First Lady’s office.

“We remain committed to empowering women in ICT and leveraging their potential to boost Nigeria’s digital growth,” he said.

Mrs Comfort Kabirwa, Director of Policy, Research and Strategy, Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, harped on the crucial need for gender equality in technology.

She urged women to take an active role in ICT to propel Nigeria’s digital economy forward, recognising the immense potential for growth and development that women’s participation in ICT could bring.

According to her, by embracing ICT, women can leverage technology to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic progress, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous and digitally inclusive Nigeria.

Kabirwa pointed out that globally, women make up a mere 26 per cent of the tech workforce, a statistic that highlights the pressing need for greater diversity and inclusion in the industry.

She said there was need for stakeholders to remove obstacles that prevented women from fully participating in the field.

Kabriwa said that by addressing the barriers, stakeholders could create a more inclusive and equitable environment that foster women’s growth and success.

“As we celebrate the achievements of these remarkable women, we must also recognise the challenges that persist.

“Women make up only 26 per cent of the global tech workforce, which means there is still a long way to go in bridging the gender gap.

“The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is committed to supporting programmes that expose women to digital technologies, such as the National ICT Girls Empowerment Competition Programme and our partnership with Huawei Technologies.

“As leaders, educators and advocates, we must continue to dismantle barriers that hinder women from thriving in technology.

“The future of Nigeria’s digital economy depends on the inclusivity of its workforce,” Kabirwa said.

Dr Oyin Abiola, Huawei’s Senior Public Relations Manager, underscored the company’s multi-faceted approach to empowering individuals in the field of ICT.

Abiola said that beyond providing training, Huawei also offered tangible opportunities for outstanding students to apply their skills in real-world settings through employment and internship programmes at the company.

The manager said that the company’s comprehensive effort in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation, closely aligned with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

Abiola said that by celebrating women who excelled in ICT, Huawei aimed to inspire others to explore opportunities in the field and remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse digital society.

“We have more than 30,000 students in our ICT Academy across 190 universities and have trained no fewer than 240 women in our Women in Tech programme.

“These young women here today were selected for their exceptional performance and their success stories reaffirm our commitment to nurturing ICT talent in Nigeria,” she said.

The public relations manager said that the initiative sought to position Nigeria as an export hub for talent outsourcing in Africa, thereby towing the path of India, Bangladesh, Mexico and The Philippines.

Sharing their experiences, some of the beneficiaries said the training was worthwhile.

Mrs Elizabeth Achimugu, Founder, Protect the Child Foundation, said her participation in the training empowered her with the knowledge to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) in scaling her organisation’s impact, particularly in advocating for children’s welfare.

Achimugu encouraged women to wholeheartedly adopt technology and harness its potential to their advantage.

She said that technology was not a hindrance, but a tool designed to facilitate and augment human capabilities, particularly for women.

“With technology, you will achieve much more than you will do with manual labour,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Olubukola Taiwo, revealed that the programme enabled her to grasp the fundamentals of AI and effectively integrated it into her business operations.

She said she leveraged AI tools to create engaging visual content such as videos, banners, cards and flyers.

On her part, Imafidon Victoria, a 300-Level Cybersecurity undergraduate at Igbinedion University, credited Huawei’s ICT Academy with having a valuable impact on her academic and professional pursuits.

She said the academy’s provision of valuable certifications at no cost had been particularly instrumental in enhancing her career prospects.

Ogomudia Darlene, another 300-level Software Engineering student at the same institution, described her experience with the programme as an engaging and enriching journey.

She said that the training had significantly broadened her technical skills and knowledge.

The event also showcased Huawei’s ongoing commitment to promoting digital inclusivity, closely aligning with Nigeria’s comprehensive national strategy for technological growth and advancement.

Tech analysts say Huawei’s various initiatives, including the development of local cloud infrastructure, support for key government programmes like the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) initiative, the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), among others are commendable.

They say the initiatives are geared towards collaborating with the government to build a digitally inclined nation. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

LAMATA plans biogas introduction in Lagos transport system
Metro

LAMATA plans biogas introduction in Lagos transport system

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) says it is carrying out a study on the feasibility and viability of introducing biogas into the Lagos State transportation system.

The Technical Adviser, Planning, LAMATA, Mr Osa Konyeha, said that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was interested in the project and had inaugurated a steering committee to drive it.

According to him, the project is making headway and the authority is looking at the necessary regulatory and legal framework to support it.

Konyeha said that the project would attract private sector participation in the value chain for the development of biogas.

“With regard to what we are doing with biogas, we recognise of late that there are a lot of issues with availability of fuel. This has led to price increase in petrol and has impacted the availability of buses and services that we run.

“As a result, LAMATA has made conscious decisions to be a multifold agency.

“We are looking at not just electric buses, compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, but other forms of cleaner energy, and this led us to biogas.

“Specially, we have conducted a study that looks at the viability of the use of biogas in Lagos.

“The study showed that with the amount of waste we have in Lagos, it is indeed feasible and viable to have biogas as a means of fuelling our public transport or regulated service,” Konyeha said.

He said that the authority was looking at the challenges that would be faced in harnessing the biogas industry, one of it being the legal and regulatory framework.

The technical adviser said that LAMATA was working with consultants to review its policies and the necessary instrument that would engender interest from the private sector to participate.

“We are looking at capacity building for stakeholders within the sector, because this is very new to us.

“We want to make sure that all stakeholders from the energy, procurement sector, legal side of things, everyone has got the necessary capacity to ensure we have a sustainable biogas production system, that will help public transportation operations,” he said.

Konyeha said that another challenge was how to make the buses compliant, adding that LAMATA had introduced the use of CNG and had made provision for 2,000 CNG buses.

“Another challenge has to do with technology, to ensure that the retrofitted buses are compatible with the technology that the biogas will need,” he said.

The technical adviser said that the authority was gathering data from other countries that had implemented such, like Côte d’Ivoire, partnering with them to understand the challenges they faced.

He said that on the economic viability, it would ensure that the value chain was financially feasible and viable, and that all stakeholders are comfortable with the chain.

“We will ensure that there is public acceptance, the Lagos residents will accept and adopt the biogas buses operation in the state.

“We are running campaigns, raising awareness on the benefits of biogas,” Konyeha said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Christiana Fadare

IWD: FOIA use will eliminate obstacles and biases against women – Stakeholders
Judiciary

IWD: FOIA use will eliminate obstacles and biases against women – Stakeholders

By Naomi Sharang

Stakeholders in Abuja say the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) can help address obstacles and biases faced by women across various spheres.

They spoke at a town hall meeting on the application of FOIA, organised by the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice and the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).

The event, which had as its theme, “Leveraging FOIA to Promote Women’s Rights and Inclusion in the Fight Against Corruption”, brought together representatives of the Minister of Justice, Minister of Women Affairs, and the Minister of Youth.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, noted that increasing the use of FOIA by Nigerian women would help eliminate systemic obstacles in both personal and professional spheres.

Fagbemi was represented by Mr Garuba Godwin, Head of the FOI Unit at the Ministry of Justice.

“Women should leverage on the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 to accelerate their inclusion in the activities of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“The president is very ready to improve women’s involvement in the governance of this great country,” he said.

He further said that the fight to accelerate action should not be left for the women alone.

“The other gender must ensure that women are not discriminated against as both genders have equal right before the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“According to this year’s slogan, ‘Let’s Accelerate Action for Gender Equality’, all hands must be on deck to ensure gender inclusivity in human endeavour”.

In her remarks, Executive Director of CTA, Faith Nwadishi, said that the event was designed specifically to coincide with the commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day.

“We need not be reminded that corruption undermines the rule of law, perpetuates inequality, and disproportionately affects women and marginalised communities.

“Nevertheless, our gathering today is not to lament and see women as victims of corruption but as amazons and powerful change agents.

“All women need is information, access to resources, and opportunities to be able to demonstrate the transformative role that promotes accountability, transparency and good governance.”

According to Nwadishi, FOIA enables citizens, including women, to hold governments and institutions accountable for their actions.

“It allows them to track budgets, monitor programmes, and expose corruption where and when they occur”.

Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasised that women’s rights, gender equality, and inclusion were causes deeply important to her.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by EmemMaria Offiong, noted that as Nigeria joined the world in marking International Women’s Day (IWD), it was crucial to highlight the ministry’s commitment to collaboration and creating an enabling environment for these ideals to thrive.

“To achieve this, we need to create more awareness about the Freedom of Information Act, reshape public perception of the Act, and explore various ways to apply it effectively,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

2025 IWD: First Lady celebrates women’s resilience, achievements
General News

2025 IWD: First Lady celebrates women’s resilience, achievements

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, in celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), has honoured women globally for their resilience, hard work, and achievements.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for 2025 IWD is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

In her message commemorating the day, Mrs Tinubu encouraged women to cherish and support one another.

“Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of all women and girls across Nigeria and the world.

“The theme for this year serves as a powerful reminder of the need to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination and limitations.

“I believe it is time for women to make this happen. Let us all endeavour to lift each other up, one woman at a time,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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