By Philip Yatai, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The global community considered equality as not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

Based on this, the global community through Sustainable Development Goal, SDGs-5, seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030.

According to the United Nations, women and girls represent half of the world’s population and half of its potential, adding that gender inequality persists everywhere and continues to stagnate social progress.

Similarly, gender advocates have argued that despite the contribution of women in development, they have been marginalised in many developing countries and their economic, social, political, and environmental potential under utilised.

In Nigeria, women participation and representation in governance and decision-making processes had remained very dismal, despite the long and consistent advocacy for women inclusion.

For instance, women’s representation in the 10th National Assembly is merely 7.4 per cent out of the 469 seats in the Senate and House of Representatives.

The situation is even more disturbing in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), which placed women issues on the least of its priorities prior to President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

The FCTA had eight secretariats, namely Legal Services, Health and Environment. Education, Transport, Area Councils, Social Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation,

However, none of the secretariat was specifically designated to address the concerns of women and ensure their inclusion in governance and other spheres of life.

The issues of women and vulnerable groups were buried in the Gender Development Department under the Social Development Secretariat.

This is in contrast with developments at the Federal and state levels, where ministry of women affairs exist, and the government made budgetary provisions and designed programmes for women inclusion and empowerment.

Stakeholders pointed out that the absence of a women affair’s secretariat in the FCTA, did not only deny the women a voice, but also schemed them out of decision-making processes on matters that affect them.

To turn the tide, Mr Nyesom Wike, barely two months in office as the Minister of the FCT, noticed the gap and took steps to address it.

On Oct. 13, 2023, the minister announced President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of the Women Affairs Secretariat, 47 years after the establishment of the FCT.

According to him, women are critical to the development process of the country, stressing the need for a conscious step towards addressing their plight.

The minister said: “In the world that we are in today, how can you talk about good governance and development without including women?

Three days later, Wike announced President Tinubu’s approved for the appointment of Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi as the pioneer Mandate Secretary for the new secretariat.

“With your resumption, we can see that you are full of talent and experience, and that’s what we want you to bring to bear to help FCT, to have a place where women will also be part of the governance structure.

“We want to believe that women will appreciate this opportunity to also contribute to the renewed hope agenda,” Wike said.

For the pioneer mandate secretary, the task was huge, she, however said that the task was surmountable, with Tinubu, Wike, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, and the First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu on her side.

Barely 100 days of steering the affairs of the secretariat, the mandate secretary reeled out impactful exploits that signalled a new dawn in the efforts to empower women and vulnerable groups in the FCT.

For example, to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the mandate secretary initiated a data reporting programme that resulted in a threefold increase in reported cases of GBV in just 100 days of existence.

The mandate secretary also secured approval for a dedicated day for adolescent girls, under the Adolescent Girl Child Empowerment programme.

The pilot project, according to the mandate secretary, benefitted more than 310 girls between the ages of 12 and 20.

Benjamins-Laniyi equally said that the Elderly Support Initiative also provided support to more than 250 individuals from ages 65 and above, with medical check-ups and cash interventions, including palliative support during festive seasons.

She also said that 20 women farmers were empowered with N500,000 each, under the first lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative’s Women Agricultural Empowerment programme.

She also announced the FCT Administration’s plans to revamp orphanages in the territory to international standards, to provide specialised care and support for children in vulnerable situations, particularly those with disabilities.

She said that the orphanages would be overhauled under a comprehensive initiative designed to redefine and upscale the services provided by orphanages across the FCT.

“Key components of the initiative include a thorough review of existing orphanages by a committee, focusing on recertification and adoption processes within the city.

“The secretariat is creating a future where every woman would realise her full potential, because no one was left behind.

“We have equally initiated an initiative tagged, Abuja Accelerator programme, to serve as a platform for proffering solutions to global challenges, borne out of a unique perspective and gender experiences.

“The Abuja Accelerator is our offering for collaboration. Invest your pilot project in Abuja, whatever it is, we are ready,” the mandate secretary said.

The FCT Minister of State, Mahmoud, explained that the Abuja Accelerator programme would serve as a beacon of ‘renewed hope’, offering a platform for women to come together, share their experiences and amplify their voices for meaningful change.

She added that the programme embodied the spirit of empowerment and progress for FCT women from all walks of life.

“It will provide a space where women from various backgrounds can converge, exchange ideas, and strategize on how to address pressing issues facing women globally.

“The strength of the Abuja accelerator lies in its ability to foster collaboration among women, by bringing together individuals with different perspectives and expertise,” she said.

The creation of the secretariat attracted applause from stakeholders, who described the initiative as critical to the inclusive development of the territory and leaving no one behind.

The Canada High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr James Chrisoff, commended Wike for taking the bold step to address challenges affecting women.

Chrisoff particularly described the establishment of the Women Affairs Secretariat in the FCT Administration as a “critical step” towards women empowerment and development.

Similarly, the UN Women has expressed optimism that the FCT Administration, under Nyesom Wike, would be a model for gender equality and women empowerment.

Its Representative to Nigeria, Beatrice Eyong, described the FCTA’s efforts toward unifying women from all walks of life as a laudable initiative.

Eyong, during the celebration of the UN Commission on the Status of Women @68, commended the minister of state and the mandate secretary for building partnerships and bringing women together to uplift their lives.

Also, its National Programme Officer, Patience Ekioba, during the pre-inauguration of Abuja Accelerator programme with the theme, “Unifying Women for Global Impact”, commended Tinubu for giving women a voice in his government.

In spite of the laudable achievements so far, stakeholders insisted that any development effort that does not give due consideration to the role of women would not achieve its full potential and run the risk of failure.

Mr Sameula Isopi, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said it more aptly: “The active participation of women in decision-making and politics remains important if Nigeria is to achieve equality, sustainable development, peace, and democracy”.

Gender advocates insisted on the need for legal equality, economic empowerment, educational opportunities, and participation in decision making for women to play a significant role in the development of their communities. (NANFeatures)

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

By Ibironke Ariyo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Drug and substance abuse, trafficking, and related criminal activities remain serious problems that affect the lives of a sizable number of Nigerians and are the most pervasive problems facing the nation currently.

The United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) supported Drug Use Survey in Nigeria has revealed a drug use prevalence of 14.4 per cent in Nigerians aged between 15 and 64 years, almost three times the global drug use prevalence of 5.5 per cent.

Drug use is most common among those between the ages of 25 and 39 years, and the survey also found that a total of almost 3 million persons suffered from drug use disorder.

These statistics have since earned Nigeria a bad image globally with Nigerian travellers subjected to untoward treatments during international travels.

Worried by this negative reputation, President Bola Tinubu in concert with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, designed a scheme that combined prevention, treatment, and enforcement to break the cycle of substance abuse and crime.

During the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Tinubu said his administration would work closely with the NDLEA and its international partners to fight the menace of drug abuse.

He urged stakeholders to take a people-centred approach in addressing drug addiction, saying addicts were also humans who deserved understanding and support to recover from the downward path of drugs.

“I want to assure everyone including our local and international partners of this administration’s unwavering support for the sustenance of drug control efforts,” he had said.

The president also said interventions to address drug use and its associated consequences must recognise the individual and address the social stigma that comes with the menace.

He said persons struggling with drug abuse often faced barriers in accessing health care and social services within the society in addressing their drug use problems.

Therefore, he said interventions to address drug use and its associated consequences must be mindful of such individuals.

According to him, stigma, both social and structural, which is one of the most common barriers to access support and services must be removed.

He urged stakeholders to educate themselves and others on the dangers of drug abuse and the need to stop the stigmatisation and discrimination.

“We must empower our youths with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their lives and the resources they need to avoid falling prey to drugs,” Tinubu said.

The NDLEA has since launched nationwide enforcement activities to seize drugs and arrest drug abusers.

The agency has also increased its sensitisation programme, rehabilitation, and border patrol to checkmate trafficking of illicit drugs to and from Nigeria.

The NDLEA has executed a relentless campaign against drug trafficking networks, resulting in unprecedented successes.

The agency’s recent report reveals the arrest of 52, 901 drug peddlers/traffickers including 48 barons, and the conviction of 9,034.

The report included seizures of more than 7,561,000kg of illicit drugs, N958 billion worth of cash and drugs seized across the 36 states and FCT.

The NDLEA FCT commander, Kabir Tsakuwa, said in 2023 alone, the agency arrested more than 500 suspects with more than 7,000 kilograms of assorted drug seizure as well as the conviction of more than 200 offenders.

Tsakuwa said in the first quarter of 2024, the agency arrested about 80 suspects, with more than 3, 000 kilograms of assorted drugs.

He said more than 50 individuals were prosecuted as 12 suspects were successfully convicted and sentenced to different jail terms.

The NDLEA’s efforts extend beyond mere enforcement, as demonstrated by their proactive approach to combating drug cultivation through initiatives such as the search-and-destroy campaign against cannabis plantations.

This approach had seen the destruction of more than 1,057.33348 hectares of cannabis farms.

The agency has also counselled and rehabilitated more than 32,404 drug users, with 948 houses, vehicles and other assets forfeited to the federal government.

Meanwhile, the Chairman /CEO of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, lauded the president for his continuous support for the on-going efforts to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

Marwa noted that the present administration had shown nothing but support to the agency in the fight against illicit drugs and substance abuse, peddling/trafficking.

Marwa noted that the agency was looking forward to some positive developments that would lend impetus to the attainment of its set objectives under the leadership of President Tinubu.

“One of such developments is the amendment of the NDLEA Act, which will significantly enhance the organisational capability of our agency in drug supply reduction.

“The hearing of the amended bill is making progress in the National Assembly, and we look forward to it scaling the final hurdle,” he said.

Tsakuwa also commended the Tinubu administration, saying his support to the agency assisted the command in recording a high level of success in the effort to rid the FCT of drug menace.

Similarly, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has celebrated the achievements of the NDLEA proclaiming it as a source of pride for President Tinubu’s administration.

HURIWA commended the accomplishments of NDLEA, recognising them as the most significant in its history and a testament to effective leadership and strategic partnerships.

“NDLEA under Marwa’s leadership is a beacon of excellence and a source of pride for President Tinubu’s administration,” the group said.

The association noted that the agency’s achievements under Marwa reflected concerted efforts toward realising the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.

NDLEA’s proactive measures, including the open destruction of seized illicit drugs in compliance with court orders, demonstrate transparency and accountability in its operations,” HURIWA said. (NANFeatures)

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

By Taiye Agbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

On May 29 when his administration was inaugurated, president Bola Tinubu promised that his administration would carry out reforms that will have far-reaching implications for Nigerians.

Reforms in the economic sector such as fuel subsidy removal, the floating of naira and harmonisation of exchange rate have dominated the headlines.

However, Tinubu has, within this past one year, taken actions that have largely gone unnoticed but which experts say hold the prospect of repositioning the judiciary to meet the yearnings of Nigerians.

The reason for this is not unconnected to the saying that the judiciary is the bedrock of democracy and last hope of the common man.

For instance in December Tinubu recommended 11 Justices for appointment as Justices of the Supreme Court.

Following their confirmation by the National Assembly, Tinubu administration made history by becoming the first to ensure that the apex court has full complements of 21 Justices as required by law.

Section 230 (2) (b) of the 1999 constitution (As amended) provides that, “The Supreme Court of Nigeria shall consist of such number of Justices not exceeding 21 as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.”

There is no doubt that this will speed up the process of dispensing justice in a court where some cases could last for years.

It would also ensure that all parts of the country are fairly represented at the zenith of the nation’s litigation hierarchy.

Another major step taken by the Tinubu administration is the move to improve the welfare of judicial officers. It is a fact that in some cases there is coloration between poverty.

This becomes more challenging when one occupies an office when officers are tempted with financial inducement daily.

Perhaps it was against this background that on March 19, Tinubu sent a bill to the National Assembly proposing a new structure of salaries and allowances for judicial officers.

In the letter communicating the bill to the lawmakers, the president said the bill seeks to end the “prolonged stagnation” of the remuneration of judicial officers, adding that it will improve their welfare.

The letter was entitled “Transmission of judicial office holders’ salaries and allowances bill, 2024.

The transmission was in accordance with the provisions of section 58, sub-section two of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended,”

“I forward herein, the judicial office holders, salaries and allowances bill, 2024, for the kind consideration of the senate.

“The judicial office holders salaries and allowances bill seeks to prescribe salaries and allowances and fringe benefits for judicial officials to end the prolonged stagnation in their remuneration and to reflect contemporary socio-economic realities.

“While I hope that the judicial office holders salaries and allowances bill 2024 will be carefully, yet expeditiously considered and passed by the senate”, Tinubu said in the letter read by Godswil Akpabio, the Senate President.

Bill which has been passed by the House of Representatives, seeks a 300 per cent increase in the salaries and allowances of judicial office holders.

Similarly, in June 2023, Tinubu signed another Constitution alteration bill which provides a unified retirement age for all judicial officers of superior courts of record.

The alteration provides that all pensions, allowances and other retirement benefits of judicial officers shall be charged to the Consolidated Revenue fund of the Federation and paid directly by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Judicial experts say this will address a situation where payment of retirement benefits of state judges is left to the state governments to handle, and in many cases, these benefits are owed or delayed.

Tinubu’s actions have attracted applause from lawyers and other stakeholders in the judiciary.

A Lagos-based lawyer, Josephine Ijekhuemen, described the appointment of the 11 justices as “a positive development for easy and quicker dispensation of justice.”

She said before now, the apex court was left with 10 justices after the death of Justice Centus Nweze, and the retirements of Justices Amina Augie and Dattijo Muhammad.

“I welcome the president’s decision to Increase the number of justices of the Supreme Court as required by law,” Ijekhuemen said.

On the proposed increase in salaries and emoluments for judges, the human rights lawyer said the judiciary, being the third arm of government, also deserves to be well remunerated for services rendered.

“The approval for an increase in the allowance and remuneration of judges is equally a welcome development,” she added.

Another lawyer, Mr George Itodo, said Tinubu, so far, had done tremendously well by increasing the number of Supreme Court justices to 21.

He said “the appointment will ensure quick dispensation of cases as there will be more panels to hear cases.

“There will be early hearing and determination of cases. A situation where you have a matter at the Supreme Court and it will be going for 10 years will be a thing of the past.

“Because there will be more panels now, it makes things easier. Cases will be quickly dispensed with thereby promoting the course of justice.”

A legal expert, Mr Suleiman Lawal, urged judges to reciprocate the adjustment in their salaries and allowances through impartial and quick dispensation of justice.

However, some stakeholders say more still needs to be done to make the judiciary perform optimally.

Mr Paul Daudu, the Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bwari Branch in Abuja, listed the challenges to include prolonged pre-trial detention, delayed trials, lack of access to legal representation and poor case management.

He said the problem also includes conflicting and perverse judgments for superior courts of record, unethical practices by some legal practitioners and law enforcement agents, amongst others.

According to him, there is indeed the perception by ordinary citizens that what presently operates in Nigeria is the ‘administration of law’ and not ‘’administration of justice.’

“The former being a system riddled by hybrid technicalities, legal jargon, cumbersome adjudicatory procedure and rhetoric,” he said.

He called on the legal practitioners, as guardians of the law, to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all.

Other stakeholders say no reform in the judicial sector is complete without guaranteeing true independence of this third arm of government.

“The preservation of and non-interference with, the independence of the judiciary and the jurisdiction of the court are so important, if not indispensable’’, argues legal luminary, Afe Babalola, in a piece entitled “Role of a strong and Independent Judiciary in a Nation”. (NANFeatures)

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

One year after: the Legacy Man and his strides

By Bayo Onanuga
One year after being in the saddle, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be the first person to admit that the ride has been bumpy.

He is also the first to say he is unfazed by the turbulence as he remains focused on the marathon of the next three years. The past year has been months of baby steps, months of laying the foundations for the next three years of canter.

As Nigeria’s 16th President, Tinubu, during his campaign for the office, said he would make difficult decisions and that running the country would not be business as usual.

From day one, he sought to fulfill his promises, beginning from his earthshaking ‘subsidy is gone’ announcement at the Eagle Square, on the day he was sworn in.

The announcement reverberated around the country and beyond. He was not just actualising a promise he made. He was also affecting the consensus of all the major candidates in the 2023 election that the several decades old, wasteful subsidy must end.

His administration followed this up with the decision to harmonise the foreign exchange rates. The multiple exchange rates executed under his predecessor had given room to various abuses, among which was arbitrage, where people close to the power loop made humongous money, getting forex at the official rate and offloading it at the so-called parallel market for almost 100 percent profit.

Both the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank advised the Nigerian government to end the policy, to no avail, as forex obligations piled up, FDI’s dried up, and investors shunned Nigeria. Tinubu knew that to reset the economy and build renewed confidence locally and internationally, there must be a policy change.

He took the measure, just as he promised during the campaign, with the government announcing that it wanted to harmonise the rates in ‘weeks’. The financial world took notice that Nigeria is at the cusp of great change.

Although it has taken months to achieve the harmony, with the Naira in the interregnum, taking a massive bashing from the dollar. The heavily hurt currency at a stage fell to about N1,900 to the dollar, with the naysayers and the opposition predicting a total destruction of the currency.

Their wish did not come to pass, as the currency rebounded to earn global acclaim as the world’s best performing currency. After weeks of amassing muscle against the US dollar, the Nigerian currency weakened again.

Now, the monetary authorities are working hard to ensure the currency did not fall into the abyss like it did in February, before the rebound.

Together with the abrogation of the subsidy regime, the forex harmonisation policy triggered an inflationary rage, with food inflation hitting unprecedented levels. Cost of living rose countrywide.

Some analysts, however, blamed the inflation on other factors such as insecurity that prevented farmers from going to farm and the poor state of roads, that escalated transportation costs, pushing up the costs of virtually everything.

The administration responded on many fronts with a raft of ameliorative policies. Last December, it offered subsidised bus transport and free train service to Nigerians going home for Christmas and New Year.

The subsidy was also offered for the return journeys. Over 200,000 Nigerians benefited from the bus service.

In agriculture, the government declared a food emergency, launched a massive dry season farming in important crops such as wheat and maize, along with assisting farmers with N100 billion worth of fertilisers.

The government released 43,000 metric tonnes of grains in the reserves and bought another 60,000 metric tonnes of rice from local millers for distribution to the people. States, rich individuals, National Assembly members joined in distributing food and cash to the vulnerable millions in the country. For months, food inflation resisted all the measures, hitting 33 percent in April.

Government also rejected the panicky measure of importing food, reposing confidence in the Nigerian farmers, that from their yields, Nigeria will overcome its food crisis. In recent weeks, the news from the markets has been that some food prices are going down.

As part of the ameliorative measures, the Tinubu administration announced wage awards of N35,000 to Federal workers to enable them cope with food inflation and transport costs, as it works out a new national minimum wage.

It announced in July last year the Presidential CNG Initiative. Under the programme, that will herald a new industry and new jobs, hundreds of buses and tricycles, which will be powered by Compressed Natural Gas(CNG), will be locally assembled for countrywide rollout. Some of the vehicles will be electric for use in some Nigerian states, where CNG is not readily available.

A panel to drive the vision was inaugurated in October 2023. However, bureaucratic delays slowed its procurement work. A large number of the buses and tricycles will be available as part of the ceremonies to mark the first anniversary of the Tinubu administration.

Businesses were not left out of government’s mitigation measures. The Bank of Industry, in conjunction with Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, is implementing Presidential Conditional Grant Programme for nano businesses.

Disbursement of N50,000 each to the applicants that registered began in April. Beneficiaries included retail marketers, corner shop owners, petty traders, market men and women, food and vegetable vendors, vulcanisers and and shoemakers. Over 1,000,000 nano businesses are targeted.

To help big businesses, Government announced an aid package of N1billion each to 75 of them.

The Tinubu government also approved $617 million for up-skilling Nigerian youths, providing startup funding, catalytic infrastructure, and policy advocacy. Youths with digital skills are now registering to benefit from the fund, being administered by the Bank of Industry.

In a country with 200 million people and tax to GDP ratio of less than 10 per cent, President Tinubu knew from day one, that it will be difficult to make any great, historic impact, if he fails to tinker with the tax structure and bring more money into the national purse.

He, therefore, announced his plan by setting up the Oyedele Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform, which is winding up its work and has recommended far-reaching reforms in the tax regime.

President Tinubu also changed the leadership of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to plug revenue holes and introduce creative ways to increase revenue without necessarily overburdening the people. The result has been astonishing.

Government now takes 50 per cent of the revenue of the MDAs, with record N840 billion recorded in the first quarter.

The NNPC was ordered to remit its dollar earnings into CBN. Revenue inflow generally is increasing. FIRS is working towards increasing the percentage of tax to GDP to about 20 per cent.

The inflow of money is making the Tinubu administration dream big and plan big.

With Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund due for launch, the government is already embarking on legacy projects, such as the 700 kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, which began in March.

Government also plans to reactivate the Sokoto Illela-Badagry Superhighway, which was abandoned in 1976. Many roads and bridges in state of disrepair are to be refurbished. There are plans for rail.

Funding for the Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna rail is being arranged. Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail will be resuscitated while the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, started by the Buhari administration will be completed with $2billion dollar loan already secured.

Government has not been short about rolling out several policy initiatives, from the issuance of travelling passports, which has been made quicker, to the planned implementation of some aspects of the Oronsaye report, to cut the costs of governance.

Notably, President Tinubu issued an executive order to enhance investment in the oil and gas sector. The quick fruits of the policy was the opening of three big gas plants in the Niger Delta by the President in recent weeks. Mega investments running into over $15 billion are expected in weeks.

The Tinubu administration has also fulfilled some of the campaign promises with the students loans and Credit Corp ready for take off.

To President Tinubu, no Nigerian child should be denied education because the parents could not afford it. He also hopes that the Credit Corp will enhance the purchasing power of workers and boost national commerce.

President Tinubu at various occasions has acknowledged the pains that some of his reforms are causing the generality of our people. But he says they are pains we must bear to make progress as a nation.

An ever caring leader, he is always evolving measures to help reduce the pains. Best of all, he listens to the voice of the people and make necessary adjustments.

In one of the most profound analysis of our situation and an endorsement of the reforms being executed by the Tinubu administration, Planning and Budget Minister, Atiku Bagudu said in a recent interview: “We want to be like Asian countries, we want to grow like Brazil but Brazil and those Asian countries that we want, (that) we are competing with, have taken measures that we needed to have taken decades ago.

“The president is even bold to acknowledge that. Let’s do it now. Some of these measures have consequences which we acknowledge. And that’s why again, a number of measures are introduced in order to ameliorate the situation.

“These measures are helpful to Nigeria, irrespective of North or South because they are to restore macroeconomic stability, to restore security in the country and make it better so that investors will feel confident.”

-Onanuga is Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu.

By Philomina Attah, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

When President Bola Tinubu decided to run for president on a Muslim-Muslim ticket alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, it ignited a firestorm of controversy.

In a nation like Nigeria, where both Muslims and Christians hold significant demographic and cultural weight, this decision raised alarms about the potential exacerbation of religious tensions.

Critics had earlier argued that the exclusion of a Christian vice-presidential candidate might lead to feelings of marginalisation and discord.

Upon assuming office, the President made it a priority to balance his cabinet with diverse religious representations to prove his critics wrong.

Observers are of the view that over the past year, Tinubu’s administration has taken notable bold steps towards promoting religious harmony through balanced appointments, supportive policies, and interfaith dialogue.

According to them, he has ensured that the appointment of Christians and Muslims, among others, to key positions, are done in a relatively equitable and fair manner to allay any initial fears of religious marginalisation.

They say that this deliberate commitment to inclusivity is designed to carry everyone along to alleviate their fears and to further demonstrate that his administration represents all Nigerians, regardless of their faith.

Many posit that over the past 12 months, for instance, President Tinubu’s administration has highlighted policies promoting religious tolerance as a cornerstone of its governance strategy.

For many observers, the President’s initiatives of supporting interfaith dialogue and peace-building efforts have been central to these policies.

By fostering understanding and cooperation between different religious communities, they argue, the administration has sought to create a more harmonious national atmosphere.

For instance, in his public statements, President Tinubu has consistently emphasised the importance of national unity, while downplayed religious differences and focusing on the commonalities that bind Nigerians together.

His administration has actively engaged religious leaders from both Muslim and Christian communities, encouraging cooperation and mutual respect to reduce tensions.

Corroborating this viewpoint, Rev. Fr Kenneth Agwu, the Editor-in-Chief of the Good Shepherd Newspaper, a publication of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, said that the Tinubu government has promoted religious harmony in Nigeria in spite of the initial controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Agwu noted that the president had appointed individuals from various religious backgrounds to key positions in the government to assuage any pre-election frayed nerves.

“This, to some extent, has ensured fair representation across different sectors. For instance, the appointment of ex-Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, as FCT Minister is innovative.

“Tinubu’s administration’s symbolic acts such as his active participation in major religious events and the holidays of various faiths to show respect and solidarity have gone a long way to bring about religious harmony.

“Earlier this year, for instance, he appealed to religious leaders to refrain from vilifying or denigrating the nation in their sermons, thereby publicly condemning acts of religious intolerance and violence,” Agwu recalled.

Speaking in the same vein, Mohammed Eze, Deputy National Legal Adviser, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, said that Tinubu’s policies have promoted religious harmony, notwithstanding the initial misgivings that trailed his riding to power on the back of a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Eze, an Abuja-based lawyer and Igbo Muslim from Enugu State, lauded Tinubu’s strong support for interreligious interventions like the Nigerian Inter Religious Council, NIREC, a government-supported platform for the two most dominant religions in Nigeria.

“It is a place where they brainstorm on the way forward and how to ease understanding and make extinct the extremism that is seen in certain quarters, whether among Muslims or Christians,” Eze stressed.

Rev. Fr Lawrence Emehel, Secretary of Inter-Religious Dialogue at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), said that Tinubu’s government has strengthened religious tolerance in the country.

He, however, urged the government to be more deliberate in supporting the youths, especially the NIREC Youth Forum, adding that there was no harm in the government being part of NIREC, except taking over or controlling the body.

“The government should rather support it directly or indirectly since most programmes involve youths. The youth wing of NIREC is filled with vibrant youths who raise a lot of awareness and arouse the nation’s consciousness to the importance of tolerance.

“These youths are Christians and Muslims working actively together to promote religious tolerance, peace, and dialogue.

“When an article is posted on the internet, go to the comment section. You will agree with me that youths have more engagement,” Emehel said.

A recent development, when Vice President Kashim Shettima, a Muslim, inaugurated the board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has been described as novel and commendable in advancing religious harmony.

Inaugurating the Board at the Presidential Villa, Shettima reinforced the administration’s resolve to uphold religious freedom and interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity of faiths.

He recalled President Tinubu’s promise when he assumed office that his government would have no place for discrimination.

The vice president vowed that there will be no discrimination under the Tinubu-led government, saying “Nigeria is what it is because it is a nation of God, stressing that spirituality was of prevailing interest”.

Shettima urged the new NCPC board members to be unifying figures dedicated to promoting interfaith harmony through compassion, justice, and mutual respect.

The vice president assured that the Tinubu’s administration was fervently committed to ensuring that interfaith harmony remained the ultimate priority.

“Regardless of anyone’s position, the place of faith in the nation is not only critical but provides a framework for comfort among citizens and for the stability of the nation at large.

“Our duty is to provide a safe haven for members of each faith and uphold the rights and freedoms in our constitution.

“We can only emerge stronger and be more resilient as a nation through dialogue, empathy, and reconciliation,” Shettima said.

Mrs Asabe Musa, a trader in Lafia, Nasarawa State, expressed support for Tinubu’s inclusive appointments, as well as his engagements in interfaith dialogue.

She, however, noted that notwithstanding Tinubu’s encouraging, courageous, and genuine efforts towards ensuring religious harmony during his first year in office, this has not been without its challenges.

According to her, religious violence and tensions have continued to plague parts of the country, and these challenges underscore the difficulty of achieving lasting religious harmony in a nation as diverse as Nigeria.

“Scepticism remains among some Christians, particularly those concerned about the initial Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“They continue to fear marginalisation, and so this calls for more tangible actions to address religious violence and discrimination,” she said.

Mr Bala Dogo, a lawyer, agrees that Tinubu’s first year in office, has been marked by a concerted effort to foster religious harmony, in spite of the initial controversy which trailed his choice of a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

He said that through his inclusive appointments, policies promoting tolerance, and active interfaith dialogue, Tinubu has made significant strides in addressing religious tensions.

“While challenges persist, the administration’s commitment to unity and its engagement with both religious leaders and youth groups underscore a proactive approach to achieving lasting peace and understanding in Nigeria’s diverse religious landscape,” Dogo said.

Observers are, therefore, of the view that President Tinubu has in his first year in office, succeeded to a large extent, in ensuring religious harmony in Nigeria.

They noted, however, that the quest for a lasting religious harmony in the country continues to be a complex and critical endeavour, which he should address differently for best results as he enters his second year in office. (NANFeatures).

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

By Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
A popular Yoruba proverb says, “Tita, riro la a kola, boba jina tan, a doge”; meaning, tribal marks are incised with serious pains, when it heals, it becomes fashionable.

Tribal marks in those days were meant for identification and mostly for fashion. However, the process of incision was very painful and bloody, but when the wound healed, it became a symbol of beauty and pride to the carrier.

The proverb is used to instruct that nothing good and beautiful comes easy; anything that will elevate comes with some degree of pains and hardship.

Upon assumption of office on May 29, 2023, the President took some difficult steps at reforming the nation’s economy, which he said, they were to avert a looming fiscal crisis.

Tinubu announced the discontinuation of the decade-long subsidy on petrol, which he said, had become unsustainable.

He, equally announced the unification of exchange rate, which he described as”the removal of the chokehold of few people on our foreign exchange system that benefitted  only the rich and the most powerful among us”.

He assured Nigerians that the harsh economic realities would not last long, as his reforms would yield the desired results.

“In order to turn things around, you have been selected to perform your utmost best.

“Our policy implementation will reform the economy, ensure inclusive growth, and strengthen security for peace and prosperity. Without security, there can be no investment,” he said.

The President noted that, economy, which is the core of all aspect of life, investment opportunities and incentives for Micro, Small and Medium-scale enterprises was the starting point of the administration.

The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment was made the focal point in handling the various aspects, including Investment Strategy and Infrastructure Development and launching of the Presidential Council on Industrial Revitalization.

Through the ministry, the federal government  took key initiatives at accelerating economic growth, job creation, and access to capital.

It inaugurated the Nigerian Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) to enhance efficiency in trade facilitation, collaborating with various MDAs like Nigerian Customs and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The Tinubu’s administration  developed a Resurgence Plan for the Nigerian Cotton, Textile, and Apparel Industry and is actively promoting local production through the Backward Integration Programme.”

It inaugurated the Nigeria Diaspora Fund to attract investments and support the economic goals of the administration was set in motion by the ministry.

The government implemented reforms to ensure food security through the Nigeria Commodities Exchange (NCX), benefiting farmers and the agricultural value chain.

For job Creation and Skills Development, it created a National Job Portal to match industry vacancies with the talent pool.

It initiated the National Talent Export Program (NATEP) to create one million jobs through talent exchange and outsourcing.

The government also facilitated the disbursement of N200 billion in grants and loans to MSMEs and manufacturers under a Presidential Palliative Programme and streamlined business registration processes to be completed within 24 hours at the Corporate Affairs Commission.

On the relationship with the international engagement and partnership, it concluded significant agreements at the G20 summit in India, securing $14 billion in FDI.

The administration also engaged with various countries to open up avenues for investment and partnership opportunities, including agreements with Qatar and the United Kingdom.

Notably, the investments included, Indorama Petrochemical’s 8 billion dollar expansion and Jindal Steel’s 3 billion dollar commitment in the steel sector.

The Tinubu’s administration supported these economic initiatives with the bulwark of a holistic framework that seeks to comprehensively address various aspects of insecurity.

Tinubu pledged to prioritise national defence and internal security, local job creation, macro-economic stability, investment environment optimisation, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social security in his first budget of Renewed Hope.

This agenda includes provisions for bolstering security forces, implementing community-based security initiatives, promoting socio-economic development, and fostering inter-communal dialogue to address grievances and foster reconciliation.

Also, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, the government is tackling the underlying causes of insecurity by addressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, social marginalisation, and ethnic tensions.

In line with emplacing a secured society,, government also premised its strategies on the reform of the Nigerian Police Force, enhancement of local policing capabilities, implementation of peace building programmes, and promotion of dialogue and reconciliation fora.

From the foregoing, the Tinubu’s administration’s economic and security strategies, have shown faith in its pledge to ensure a better Nigeria of our dream.

Notwithstanding the pains, as likened to the tribal marks incision, the first year of the Tinubu administration can be said to have shown good faith in its quest to bequeath a legacy of hope.

Little wonder, Vice President Kashim Shettima recently, at a fora, said Nigerians would be grateful to Tinubu for the resilience and foresight displayed in navigating the nation towards economic prosperity.

In conclusion, all hands must, therefore, be on deck,in supporting the administration, going forward, as it navigates the troubled waters to bequeath a renewed hope and future for the country (NAN Features)

**If used, credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Towards enhanced  access to clean water through private sector interventions

By Abiemwense Moru, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Access to safe water is the most basic human need for health and well-being, according to the United Nations (UN).

It says billions of people will lack access to this basic service in 2030 unless progress quadruples.

The World Bank estimates that 70 million Nigerians lack access to safe drinking water.

It also says that no fewer than 70, 000 deaths are recorded annually in the country among children under the age of five from diarrhea-related diseases.

Demand for water is rising owing to rapid population growth; urbanisation and increasing water needs from agriculture, industry and energy sectors.

The demand for water has outpaced population growth and half of the world’s population is already experiencing severe water scarcity at least one month a year.

Water scarcity, according to UN, is projected to increase with the rise of global temperatures as a result of climate change

According to WaterAid, an international NGO, the private sector is increasingly acknowledged as an important development partner in the water and sanitation sector.

It says although there were some reservations about the ability of the private sector to meet the needs of the poorest citizens.

WaterAid says it is contributing its quota towards meeting the clean water needs of rural community dwellers.

Recently 10, 000 residents from four communities in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, had access to clean water through the NGO and its partner’s water intervention projects.

Mr Williams Kolo, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Coordinator, Bwari Area Council, said this during a WaterAid Project Closed- Out meeting for a 14 months intervention project.

The meeting, tagged: Strengthening Water and Sanitation Delivery Project in Bwari Area Council, was organised by WaterAid Nigeria in collaboration with the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

Other partners in the project included Bwari Area Council and was funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Kolo, while presenting an overview of achieved outcomes of the project, said 10, 000 residents now have access to clean water, WASH management skills and sanitation promotion messages.

“10, 000 people gained access to clean water, 647 people gained access to safely manage sanitation facilities, 3,500 people, including women and children, were reached with sanitation promotion messages.

“The organisation constructed and rehabilitated 10, 000 litres and 20, 000 litres capacity solar/electric powered water boreholes in four communities and one school, including water kiosks.

“Also, 115 members, comprising 67 males and 48 females of WASH management structures and hygiene promoters were trained across the four beneficiary communities.

“It is also notable that these water points have been certified to have zero coliform level in the five water facilities procured in the four communities and school”, Kolo said.

The beneficiary communities, he listed, were Baran-goni, Zuma II, Sabon-Gari, Dakwa and LEA primary school, Tudun-fulani.

Kolo further said that in order to sustain and replicate the intervention, an investment plan had been mapped out by the partners, to help the council construct more of the infrastructure in other communities.

This, he also said, was to ensure other communities in the council gain access to clean water, while assuring that the WASH unit would help ensure funds for such projects were included in the council’s subsequent budget.

Speaking on the progress of the project, Mr Nanpet Chuktu, Head of Programmes, WaterAid Nigeria, said the 14 month project was aimed to strengthen WASH delivery in selected communities in the council.

This, he further said, was designed to complement the efforts of the government in addressing access to WASH services, while improving hygiene behaviours and outcomes among the target population.

The project, he added, focused on increasing access to WASH services by constructing and rehabilitating water facilities in the selected communities and providing gender-inclusive public sanitation facilities and participation.

He said: ” Today’s meeting with partners and WASH committee representatives is to close out a one year mini project we currently have in the council.

“It is to show accountability and say we started this last year, this is what we promised and this is what we delivered.

“Bwari Area Council is still a work in progress, the council and RUWASSA are the key institutions we are supporting, and therefore, we are still on ground with similar projects.

“This is to first demonstrate a model they can use to improve the status of WASH in the communities and at the same time charge the government to use the models to grow.

“We would like to see that by the next budget cycle, the council has dedicated funding for similar projects in other communities and not just rely on donor organisations.”

He also appraised the council’s inclusion of 40 per cent women to the WASH committee, while adding that their active participation was impressive.

One of the committee members, Mrs Safiya Rafiu from the Baran-goni community, appreciated the effort by the partners while praying for God’s blessings on all who strived to put smiles on the faces of the people.

She said that the initiative had not only improved sanitation in her community but had helped the WASH committee sell water at subsidised rate to residents in an effort to maintain and sustain the facility.

Mr Peter Saidu, a resident of Zuma II and a WASH committee member in the area, appreciated the initiative, while saying that it was a dream come through for his community.

According to him, the Zuma II community had always had challenges with accessing clean water but the intervention has made it possible to have 24 hours water supply.

He thanked all partners and donors for the knowledge impact on sanitation and hygiene, while promising to keep the flag flying in the community.

WaterAid Nigeria, alongside its partners, also formed and trained WASH committee members from each of the communities, to promote and enhance sanitation and hygiene practices in the areas.

Deepening the public-private partnership in the water sector is key to achieving the SDG No.6, according to The Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), a global coordinating body for private sector engagement in SDG 6.

This informed its partnership with the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (AWEN) and other stakeholders to create sustainable interventions across the six geopolitical zones of the country, says OPS-WASH National Coordinator, Dr Nicolas Igwe.

While the private sector is contributing its quota, the Federal Government said it will ensure that the water gap in the country was addressed.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, gave reassurance when the National Water Sanitation and Hygiene Network paid her an advocacy visit in Abuja.

“The major problem in the IDP camps is the issue of WASH, but we have some groups and agencies under the ministry working towards addressing these issues.

“We also build a friendly environment where the issue of wash is taken to the highest level in the country”, the minister said.

For the private sector to contribute more effectively to addressing the nation’s clean water challenges, governments at all levels should provide them with the enabling environment,  regulations and logistics support.  (NANFeatures)

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

By Tosin Kolade, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

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Get a flexible salary loan repayable in 18 months without stress. Apply now by dialing *5858# and get credited within minutes.

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Exciting offer: Apply for a loan facility from Alliance Trust Microfinance Bank (Pseudo name), for more details, call Uriviri Endurance at 08164934333 or WhatsApp 08071895576.

These are just some examples of the unsolicited text messages inundating Nigerians mobile phone spaces daily.

Many Nigerians continue to voice the excruciating pain and frustration associated with repayment plans for loans obtained from microfinance banks (MFBs) or institutes (MFIs) and sometimes, from faceless groups now popularly known as loan sharks.

Loans sharks because of the aggressive manner they execute their debt recovery processes.

Such loan subscribers, mainly petty traders, civil servants and local artisans, the primary borrowers, often endure significant stress as they struggle to meet their weekly installment payments.

The fear of defaulting leads to palpitations and anxiety among borrowers, who face harsh consequences if they fail to make payments on time.

Defaulters are frequently subjected to humiliating punishments, such as being confined in toilets or publicly paraded to beg for alms, further exacerbating their plight.

But why this surge lately?

Industry experts say several factors contribute to the rise in unsolicited loan offers via text messages.

First, the accessibility of mobile technology has facilitated direct outlet by financial institutions and lenders to potential borrowers.

Additionally, they say that the growing demand for quick cash and credit, especially during economic uncertainty and hardship, provides fertile ground for such offers.

Another factor is the cumbersome nature of processing loans in conventional banks coupled with their astronomically high interest rates, which sometimes hovers between 23 to 27 percent inclusive of ‘hidden charges’.

Moreover, the lack of robust regulatory frameworks in some regions may embolden lenders to employ aggressive marketing tactics.

Financial experts say though mouthwatering, unsolicited loan offers require thorough consideration before entering into debt agreements.

They advise Nigerians to approach debt clickbaits critically and verify information before making financial decisions.

Nigeria, like many countries, has a diverse range of perspectives on debt, influenced by culture, economic, and individual factors.

According to the World Bank, financial inclusion refers to ensuring that individuals and businesses have access to affordable financial products and services tailored to their needs.

These includes transactions, payments, savings, credit, and insurance, in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Financial inclusion is recognised as a catalyst for achieving seven of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The G20, a group of 19 countries and EU as well as African Union, has pledged to promote financial inclusion globally and has reiterated its dedication to implementing the G20 High-Level Principles for Digital Financial Inclusion.

The World Bank Group views financial inclusion as a critical driver in reducing extreme poverty and fostering shared prosperity.

The proliferation of fintech startups across Africa has expanded access to financial services, but has also exacerbated the issue of predatory lending, trapping borrowers in cycles of debt.

Some fintech companies lure potential borrowers through unsolicited text messages and calls, offering loans with steep interest rates.

In spite of the modest loan amounts, borrowers can swiftly accumulate substantial debt through mobile loans, often facing late fees, harassment from lenders, and escalating interest rates.

When borrowers struggle to repay, creditors often resort to intrusive measures, such as contacting the borrower’s family and friends to coerce repayment.

Exposure to loan sharks also exposes the beneficiary to financial security hazards such as identity theft such as BVN.

In recent times, Nigeria is abuzz with conversations surrounding the alarming increase in fraudsters exploiting the Bank Verification Number (BVN) for loan frauds.

Initially introduced to identify individuals in the banking sector, the BVN has now become available across various financial and non-financial institutions, serving as a crucial tool for identity verification.

However, alongside its utility, the BVN has also become a target for cybercriminals seeking to perpetrate fraudulent activities.

In response to this growing threat, a recent webinar titled “Fighting BVN and Loan Fraud” gathered industry experts to discuss strategies for protecting individuals’ financial security and combating the pandemic of BVN-related fraud.

Leading the discussions were Ayomide Oso, co-founder of Dojah, Gbenga Omolokun, Managing Director of VFD Microfinance Bank, and Razaq Ahmed, CEO of Cowrywise.

Omolokun shed light on the various methods fraudsters employ to obtain BVNs through registration agents creating “ghost BVNs,” devoid of any biometric data, making them untraceable.

According to him, this can be done by exploitation of less privileged individuals in villages and IDP camps, where fraudsters input their own phone numbers during BVN registration for those unaware of the significance of safeguarding their BVNs.

He said it could even be done through the utilisation of stolen or lost SIM cards to dial the 5650# USSD code and retrieve BVNs attached to those phone numbers.

“Once in possession of legitimate BVNs, bad actors exploit them for various fraudulent schemes, with loan fraud being particularly prevalent.

“In this type of fraud, perpetrators use victims’ identities to secure loans and default on payments, leaving victims to bear the financial burden”.

Mr Razaq Ahmed, CEO of Cowrywise, recommends several strategies that fintech providers can adopt to prevent BVN fraud by ensuring data privacy and security to safeguard customers’ data.

From a user perspective, Ahmed offered practical fraud prevention strategies to include the need to exercise caution when sharing BVN and personal details with applications.

He said there was the need to conduct thorough research to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate businesses.

He added that contacting financial institutions directly to confirm the authenticity of any strange or urgent requests is crucial.

It is worth mentioning that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has announced plans to block loan apps that harass customers.

Acting Chairman of FCCPC, Adamu Abdullahi, stated in a recent interview that these loan platforms, often known as loan sharks, will soon be history in the country.

According to Abdullahi, these loan apps provide quick money to Nigerians for urgent needs but resort to sending unpleasant messages and pictures to all contacts of those who fail to repay on time.

This harassment has caused significant issues in Nigeria, including job losses due to embarrassment and disgrace.

While the FCCPC does not directly handle these harassment issues, they do not condone such practices.

To tackle the problem, the FCCPC has involved the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Human Rights Commission to form a committee.

“Given that these loan companies operate online without physical offices or managing directors, the FCCPC has approached Google and Apple to remove their apps from their stores.

“Additionally, the FCCPC has coordinated with the CBN to block all accounts associated with these loan companies”.

Experts say the surge in BVN exploitation underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and individuals to combat fraud effectively.

They say by implementing robust security measures and fostering greater awareness among users, Nigeria can mitigate the risks associated with BVN-related fraud and safeguard the integrity of its financial ecosystem. (NANFeatures)

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

Standing in the gap: Journalists as advocates for women, girls’ safety

By Justina Auta, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Favour, a 12-year-old primary five student, solemnly observed as mourners streamed into their home to offer condolences to her father for the loss of her 28-year-old mother, Rebeccah.

Amidst the sorrow, Favour’s thoughts drifted to the haunting memories of violence and abuse in the hands of her father that ultimately claimed her mother’s life, leaving behind a void too deep to fathom.

Rebeccah’s story is tragically familiar, reflecting the harsh reality faced by many women whose lives were cut short by domestic violence and abuse.

The UN defines GBV as any act that results in physical, sexual, or mental harm, violence against women remains a pervasive global issue.

According to WHO statistics, nearly one-third of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner.

In Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs reveals alarming figures, with over 27,000 recorded cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) recorded between 2020 and 2023 in select states and the FCT alone.

Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders, including the media.

Recognising their pivotal role, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) , a women-oriented pressure group among Nigerian journalists, has taken proactive steps to empower journalists as advocates for ending GBV.

Through capacity-building workshops like the Women Voice and Leadership (WVL) Project, funded by Action Aid Nigeria, NAWOJ aims to equip journalists with the tools and knowledge to effectively report on gender issues.

Mrs Chizoba Ogbeche, Vice-President, Zone D, NAWOJ, emphasised the importance of gender-sensitive reporting, urging journalists to highlight not only the challenges but also the resilience and achievements of women.

She said amplifying women’s issues in the media space would promote empowerment, crucial as Nigeria aims to address social, economic, and political challenges while striving for sustainable development.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Osaretim Osasebamwen, FCT Council Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), emphasised the need to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women to society.

He stressed the importance of inclusive reporting that amplifies women’s voices and experiences.

In a call to action, Mr Chris Isiguzo, NUJ president, urged journalists to move beyond mere lamentations and embrace solutions-based journalism.

He emphasised the importance of highlighting not just the problems but also the pathways to change.

As journalists engage in critical dialogue and introspection, they have the power to challenge unconscious biases and shape a more inclusive media landscape“, he said.

Mrs. Bassey Ita-Ikpang, FCT Chairperson, NAWOJ, said women’s voices have often been marginalised or overlooked in mainstream media coverage.

“To address this imbalance and foster more inclusive and representative reporting, journalists must work actively to amplify women’s voices in their reporting”, she said.

On his part, Malam Ali Muhammad-Ali, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), is of the opinion that the media space should focus more on reporting the consequences of perpetrating GBV.

Ali, like so many other gender right advocates, believes that punishing perpetrators of violence or harmful traditional practices would serve as a deterrent to others who might have the tendency to do the same.

“The media should stop celebrating or promoting GBV, if they must, they should report it from the perspective of punishment and justice not celebrating GBV.

“If the media keep objectifying women from advertising to marketing, that will encourage GBV.

“We should begin to highlight in the media space the consequences of perpetrating GBV, it will serve as a deterrent to others from committing such acts’’, he said.

Mrs Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs during a sensitisation and capacity building for journalist as part of the 16 days of activism to end GBV advocated the speedy prosecution of GBV cases.

“I call on our law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to be more responsive in their prosecutions, ruling and passing judgement on perpetrators of GBV.

“We need stiffer penalties against sexual offenders, indeed at our last Council on Women Affairs meeting, members agreed on castration or death penalty without option of fine for perpetrators of rape.

“I urge the media to report issues affecting women, children, the vulnerable and persons living with disabilities’’, she said.

Similarly, in a bid to end GBV, the then governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El’rufai signed into law the amended penal code 2020, which prescribes surgical castration for a rapist upon conviction.

Dr Adaora Jack, the Executive Director, Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI) a Non-Governmental Organisation, urged media organisations to prioritise women empowerment to promote gender inclusivity.

She said the need to ensure gender accountability prompted the Gender for Agenda project with support from MacArthur Foundation and Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism.

“Nigeria, like many other countries, has been grappling with gender disparities, limiting the full potential and contributions of its female population.

“By empowering women, the country stands to benefit from a more diverse and inclusive workforce, increased economic growth, improved societal well-being, and enhanced political representation,” she said.

Stakeholders, contend that media, as vanguard for societal change have also and are still playing their parts in more awareness about gender based violence.

It is important that media professionals should go beyond reporting, but rather seek solutions to challenges affecting women and girls.

Gender activists say by advocating gender rights, safety and ensuring that all important issues are highlighted in the media towards bringing about the desired change, media professionals would be going beyond mere news reporting to the realm of concrete solution providers. (NANFeatures)

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