Gender - News Agency Of Nigeria

Tosin Kolade
Aug, Tue, 2023

Gender

Gender equality: No career path irrelevant for females—NGO

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By Henry Oladele

The Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) an NGO, says no career path is irrelevant for females as it empowers over 400 school girls on leadership programmes.

The JAN Executive Director, Mrs Foluso Gbadamosi, made the disclosure in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

The programme which was just recently concluded across the federation according to her, is in partnership with Union Bank.

“No fewer than 16 schools participated in the three-day Leadership, Empowerment, Achievement and Development(LEAD) camp program, organised for young secondary school girls across the nation,” she said.

She added that the programme was aimed at empowering young girls with relevant entrepreneurial and career skills needed for the future.

“The 16 schools that participated were Seed of Life College, Oyo; Topfield College, Lagos; Redeemer’s International Secondary School, Lagos; Queens School, Enugu; Kano Capital Girls School; Hope High Academy Zawan, Plateau.

“Others were Rosa Mystical High School Agulu, Anambra; Faith Baptist College, Rivers; Bedrock International School, Mararaba; Community Secondary School Asokoro, FCT; Taidob College, Ogun, Baptist Girls College, Ogun; Merit International School, Ondo.

“The remaining schools included Faith Academy, Kaduna; Christian Secondary Commercial School, Akwa-Ibom and Adiahaobong Secondary Commercial School, Akwa-Ibom,” she said.

While saying that the camp proved to be another transformative experience for the over 400 young minds nationwide, Gbadamosi added that JAN firmly believed that leadership had no gender boundaries.

“We are dedicated to breaking the barriers that have held girls back for far too long.

“During the programme, we nurtured the courage of these young girls, instilled essential leadership skills, expanded their networks, and, most importantly, showed them that no career path is gender-specific or irrelevant.

“We are confident that the positive impact of the LEAD camp programme will resonate for years to come, producing change-makers ready to shape the future of Nigeria and the world.

“Our commitment to expanding and strengthening the JAN Nigeria LEAD camp programme across the country remains unwavering as we aim to impact even more young girls,’” she said.

She said the three-day camp featured interactive workshops, panel sessions, and skill-building activities to equip the participants with valuable leadership skills.

“This year’s LEAD camp was tailored toward inspiring and empowering young girls with relevant leadership, entrepreneurial and career development skills they need to be high-achieving leaders.

“Throughout the camp, the girls were coached by experienced mentors who led them through developing their presentations to enhance their leadership skills further.

“A panel of judges evaluated their presentations on the final day, and the winners won different prizes.

“This year’s LEAD camp occurred in Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, and the FCT,” she said.

She expressed deep gratitude to Union bank for its consistent support, which had made the LEAD camp vision a reality.

“Together, we empower the next generation of leaders to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all,” she added.

Miss Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union bank, said the programme marked the ninth year of partnership with JAN on LEAD camp.

“We have impacted thousands of girls in these nine years. Through LEAD camp, Union bank continues to empower young women to be high-achieving leaders well-prepared for the future of work and entrepreneurship.

“Glass ceilings are easier to shatter when we know people are supporting us, and the girls who participate in the LEAD camp programme benefit from exposure to phenomenal Nigerian women.

“This partnership aligns with our commitment to enabling success for women and girls, as is our contribution to supporting Nigeria to achieve SDG 5 – Gender Equality,” she said

One of the school girls, Chiamaka Moses from Topfield secondary school, said her experience was an unforgettable one.

“I learned about emotional intelligence and self-awareness, working with others, managing my temper, and what triggers my emotions.

“ I was also made aware that etiquette is a soft skill rather than a personality trait and that there is a need to improve soft skills.

“These skills are required to position me for employment opportunities successfully. I am grateful to JAN for this opportunity, which I intend to utilise,” she said.

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Chioma Ugboma

Nigeria records 57% violence, harassment at workplaces – Solidarity Centre

Afonne Emmanuel
Aug, Mon, 2023

Gender , General News

Nigeria records 57% violence, harassment at workplaces – Solidarity Centre

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By Joan Nwagwu

Mr Sonny Ogbuehi, Country Programme Director, West Africa Solidarity Centre, has said that about 57 per cent of women have experienced Gender Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) in Nigeria.

Ogbuehi said this on Monday at an Integrated Coalition workshop organised by the Centre and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja.

The theme of the workshop is “Towards strengthening networks among individuals, communities and institutions to address discrimination and Gender Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) in the World of Work”.

He said the figure was obtained from research conducted by the Solidarity Centre and the NLC on the GBVH.

According to him, one of the astonishing things is that 57 per cent of women have been subjected to harassment at work and even rape.

He added that the informal sector had the highest prevalence rate of GBVH of about 61 per cent out of the 57 per cent.

Ogbuehi said the workshop was apt considering the cases of harassment and rape recorded in the world of work in Nigeria and the need to make workplace safe for all.

He also said that the workshop was expected to cause a drastic change in the society for difficult reasons such as culture, religion among others.

He however, said that it would take more than a labour centre to cause that change and achieve the desired result.

He further called on the government, civil society, faith based organisations and traditional rulers to join hands to fight against the scourge of GBVH.

“This is because a concerted effort is needed from all to come up with a plan to address this problem,” he said.

Ogbuehi further urged the Nigeria government to ensure total implementation and enforcement of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190 which protects women in the World of Work.

Also speaking, the former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Employment and Job creation, Mrs Tilda Mmgwa, said the programme was apt because once a woman is violated, it affects the whole family.

Mmgwa added that a woman was central to the development and growth of the family and that there must be a consented effort to protect her.

She said the workshop was organised to build the capacity and power of individual women in a community and in a nation.

“If you elevate the lives of women, it will offer great opportunities for everyone and also build a better society, because women are the producers of lives,” she said.

She added that the only way to curb GBVH was for all to see it as a problem and take it personal because “when a woman is violated, harassed it will inflect on everybody around her”.

Mmgwa therefore called on all to be committed to fight against gender-based violence and harassment by ensuring the protection of women at the workplace.

The traditional ruler of Minini Iriebe Oyinbo in Okirika, Rivers State, Ubon Jones Gogo, described the workshop as enlightening and educative.

On the way to curb GBVH at the workplace, Gogo said that the message must be preached in communities and homes since charity begins at home.

A participant, Mr Aliyu Madi, Deputy Immam, Muslim Community Akpajo, Eleme, River State, said the workshop was timely.

Madi said that Islam literally meant peace, and that anything contrary to that, means going against the ethics and teaching of Islam.

“For us, we have rights that protect women in Islam and it is always advisable for one not to go contrary to that,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Include women in climate action for sustainable future – U.S. Consulate

Tosin Kolade
Aug, Sun, 2023

Environment , Gender , General News

Include women in climate action for sustainable future – U.S. Consulate

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By Busayo Onijala

Kenise Hill, Deputy Political and Economic Chief, U.S. Consulate, says including women in climate action will help create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Hill said this in a statement made available by the consulate to newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.

She said the consulate recently supported the first Nigerian Climate Resilience Salon that brought together women-led organisations, climate-tech entrepreneurs, representatives from the public and private sectors, who were leading efforts to combat climate change in their communities.

Hill said the Nigerian Climate Resilience Salon was organised by Shelley Taylor, a Silicon Valley technology veteran, and Folawemi Umunna, an alumna of the U.S. Department of State funded International Visitors Leadership Programme, with support from the mission in Lagos.

She said the Salon was a coalition of partners who came together in different countries and regions to support women in finding solutions to climate impacts through events and a growing supportive network.

According to Hill, climate change is a threat that sees no borders.

“We’re glad to enable this dialogue that gives voice to the women with livid experience of climate impacts.

“We’re glad to facilitate their collaboration with women who have developed strategies for creating greater resilience to find shared solutions to our global, shared challenge of climate change,” she said.

Hill explained that the shared priority of protecting the environment was another example of the close relationship and cooperation that existed between the people of Nigeria and the U.S.

Also, Shelley Taylor, Convener, Nigerian Climate Resilience Salon, said that climate change exacerbated gender inequalities and developmental gaps.

She noted that women had a unique perspective on environmental issues as they often bore the brunt of climate shocks and stresses.

Taylor said that one of the goals of the Climate Resilience Salons was to help some of the women working in non-profits to transform their work into businesses where they could generate profits from climate solutions, increasing their family wealth and influence in society.

“Existing climate tech founders need help scaling their solutions into other regions and across borders too,” Taylor said. (NAN)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Vincent Obi

Human Trafficking: FIDA Ogun advocates collaboration, framework to dismantle trafficking network

Vivian Ihechu
Jul, Sun, 2023

Defence/Security , Gender

Human Trafficking: FIDA Ogun advocates collaboration, framework to dismantle trafficking network

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ogun State Chapter, on Sunday emphasised the need to combat trafficking in persons by addressing its root causes and tackling the systemic factors that allow it to flourish.

Mrs Taiwo Olusesi, Chairperson, FIDA Ogun Chapter, said this in a statement to commemorate the 2023 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with theme: “Reach Every Victim of Trafficking, Leave no One Behind”.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which holds on July 30 every year was first observed in 2014.

It was enacted to educate people and nations on the scourge of human trafficking, the plight of victims and their relations, the need to protect and preserve the rights of such victims, and ultimately, the urgent interventions required to put an and to incidents of human trafficking.

Olusesi stated that addressing trafficking in person required collaboration, cooperation, and a multi-faceted approach involving governments, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, and individuals.

She noted that the annual event was a solemn occasion that brought to remembrance the grave injustices perpetrated against fellow human beings.

She said the day called for reflection, action, and a united commitment to eradicate this heinous crime from the world.

The FIDA Ogun Chairperson, acknowledging the presence of human trafficking within close communities, said it was our duty to expose it, to confront it head-on, and to bring those responsible to justice.

She said : “We `Leave People Behind’ when we fail to play our part in putting an end to exploitation, refuse to support victim-survivors and their affected families, and leave individuals and groups vulnerable to traffickers and trafficking.

“We must recognise that human trafficking is not an isolated issue.

“It is intertwined with global economic crises, poverty, inequality, gender discrimination, socio-economic inequalities and other social injustices that have left several communities and nations vulnerable to exploitation by traffickers and their sponsors.

“Human trafficking; a modern-day form of slavery, preys upon the vulnerability of individuals, exploiting their hopes, dreams, and aspirations.

“It knows no boundaries, affecting men, women, and children from every corner of the globe and is an affront to our shared humanity and an assault on the principles of justice and equality.

“In line with the theme of the 2023 World Day Against Trafficking in Person, we stand together to raise awareness, to amplify the voices of survivors, and to shine a light on the dark corners where this evil thrives,” she said.

Olusesi said education and awareness were powerful weapons in the battle against human trafficking.

She said that by educating ourselves and others, we empower communities to recognise the signs of human trafficking, to protect the vulnerable, and to report suspicious activities.

“We must also work tirelessly to dismantle the networks that facilitate trafficking, disrupt the illicit trade, and bring traffickers to justice.

“This necessitates strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing international cooperation, and providing comprehensive support to survivors.

“We stand in solidarity with survivors, offering them our unwavering support, compassion, and a pathway to healing and rebuilding their lives.

On this World Day Against Human Trafficking, let us reaffirm our commitment to justice, equality, and the inherent worth of every human being,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Vivian Ihechu
Jul, Sun, 2023

Gender , General News

Group sensitises Enugu traders to dangers of human trafficking, organ harvesting

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By Alex Enebeli

An NGO, Devatop Centre for Africa Development (DCAD), has sensitised traders in Enugu to dangers of human trafficking, organ harvesting and the need to report cases of human trafficking.

Members of the group took the campaign to Kenyatta Market Enugu, carrying placards with inscription, “No more silence on human trafficking, “If you see human trafficking, Talkam”, and others.

The Zonal Coordinator, DCAD, Kingsley Ozo, who led the campaign, decried the frequent issues of trafficking in persons and organ harvesting in the country.

He told the traders that the campaign inside the market was to sensitise members of the public, especially traders, to the dangers of human trafficking and organ harvesting.

Ozo said DCAD and its partners had taken same campaign to some communities in Enugu State such as Nkanu, Obeleagu Umuna and Enugu capital.

According to him, the programme, which is carried out under Palladium, a leading implementer of international development programmes, is being funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented in Nigeria by DCAD.

The zonal coordinator told the traders not to be silent after seeing any case of human trafficking or organ harvesting around, urging them to speak out to end the menace.

“We have a referral centre where victims are counseled; you should report cases of trafficking and organ harvesting to appropriate authority for necessary actions to be taken,” he advised.

He also advised parents and guardians to stop giving out their children to people for child labour or organ harvesting, noting that most times people were trafficked in the name of rendering help to their families.

Responding. Chairman of Kenyatta Market Association, Mr Chinwuba Igwesi, thanked the group for the campaign, stressing that security agents should intensify the fight against kidnapping and trafficking in persons.

The chairman, who decried the rising cases of human trafficking, kidnapping, organ harvesting and banditry in Nigeria, said it was not something one would ignore.

He wondered why some people had taken to kidnapping and trafficking, adding that Nigeria was not known for that in the past.

“I don’t know why when you sent someone to school or somewhere, you would not rest until the person came back,” he said, while praying for God’s intervention.

He advised parents and guardians to keep their children together, always pray for them and keep them busy.

“Going outside, playing anyhow, does not help now and every parent should have open eyes on their children,” he further advised. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

President Tinubu assures youths of better future

Vivian Ihechu
Jul, Thu, 2023

Gender , General News

President Tinubu assures youths of better future

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By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian youths to be patient and understanding with the hardship occasioned by economic initiatives of his administration.

The president said that the hardships of the moment would eventually give way to a more prosperous, equitable and inclusive economy.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja at an audience with the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Leaders from the 36 States and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The president told the youths that his administration would include them in governance and decision making processes, assuring that no decision will be too difficult for my administration to take for the prosperity and unity of the nation.

“I make my pledge to the country that no decision will be difficult for this administration to take for the prosperity and unity of this country. Economic reforms could be slow. Be patient a little more.

“I can assure you that I understand the pains you are going through. It is not easy to get out the monster of over 40 years called fuel subsidy.’’

Tinubu said that his administration would do everything necessary to widen the net in order to accommodate more women and youths.

According to him, this will be done, among others, by ‘liaising with our lending institutions to give micro loans at a very low interest rate’ for economic activities among the citizens.

Earlier, the APC National Youth Leader, Mr Abdullahi Israel, said that the visit was to congratulate the president on the party’s victory at the 2023 polls.

While assuring the president of their continued support, Israel urged him to include them in appointments into the dissolved boards and agencies of government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Vivian Ihechu
Jul, Tue, 2023

Gender

U.S. to support Nigeria on gender equality, says official

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U.S. to support Nigeria on gender equality, says official

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Joseph Kruzich, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General Lagos, has restated the commitment of the American Government toward initiatives that will drive gender equality in Nigeria.

Kruzich made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the graduation ceremony of 50 beneficiaries of the ‘Break the Bias, She Can’ initiative on Tuesday in Lagos.

The event was organised by the Additional Plus Sports and Education Initiative (APSE) in partnership with Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC).

NAN reports that ‘Break the Bias, She Can’ is an initiative of the Management of APSE in partnerships with LSSC, to provide a one-tier sports and political empowerment programme to empower some outstanding girl children.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, Lagos.

The programme was designed as education in sport and political education with major focus on taekwondo, table-tennis and sensitisation.

It also involved mentorship programme on political participation and how vote can count as a tool in combating the disturbing phenomenon.

At the graduation ceremony of the 50 beneficiaries, the U.S. envoy to Nigeria, Kruzich, noted that the drive to gender equality was one of the American dreams.

“Gender equality is one of the core values of the Americans and I believe it is one of the core values of Nigerian government as well.

“As both country now have strong democracies, we are committed to working together with Nigeria to do more in the area of gender equality, economic development and good governance.

“We are not also forgetting the boys as well, because they are also important.

“We need both sides, but in traditional settings, we sometimes forget our women, their voices and needs are neglected.

“We want to focus on these, so that everyone in the society have a role to play in the rebirth of Nigeria, in her development and Africa as well,” he said.

Kruzich also stated that the American government was excited to partner the ‘Break the Barrier’ Initiative, adding that it is the right change that Nigeria needed.

“The U.S. government is excited to be part of this programme, especially because of the ambition of the initiator of this programme, Dr Oluwaseun Nariwoh.

“This is a strong initiative that gives training in sports and educational development, which in turn gives confidence and political training.

“This programme would have afford the participants good outlook on their roles in the society and what they should do to make Nigerian society a better place.

““The initiative is great and the organisation is good, putting smiles on the faces of the children.

“It is now time for the children to show the world what stuff they are now made of, while we appreciate other organisations to come on board,” he said.

Mrs Adetoun Tade, the President of International Visitors Leadership Programme, (IVLP), U.S. Consulate, told NAN that the programme had been able to fulfill its mandate.

According to Tade, this has been shown by the successful completion of the one year intensive programme for the beneficiaries.

“This is a good way of giving back to the society which we are all proud of and we will always like to support.

“This is the way to go in raising the next generation of talents that will positively impact on our society and youths with responsible values.

“I am sure that this programme will be more encouraged to ensure its sustainability,” she said.

Also, Moses Kolawole, the Director of Sports, Lagos State Sports Commission, (LSSC), noted that the commission was proud to be part of the initiative.

“It is because the initiative is part of the core values being upheld by the state government.

“This is a programme that Lagos State is known for. We can’t have it better than this in raising responsible children to adulthood,” he said.

The initiator of APSE, Dr Oluwaseun Nariwoh, said that the programme was designed to identify some gaps in the development of athletes, which included combining sports with education.

““We need to prepare these young ones well ahead of the future challenges, and this is what we have been able to achieve.

“The young participants now know the values of education and not sports alone,” she said.

NAN reports that highlights of the graduation included the distribution of reading books such as “21 girls who made the world a better place,” some exercise books, other writing materials and certificate of participation. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

WPD: Culture advocate canvasses support for girls, women education

Rabi'u Sani Ali
Jul, Tue, 2023

Gender

WPD: Culture advocate canvasses support for girls, women education

732 total views today

Education

By Ikenna Osuoha

Ms May Ikokwu, the Chief Executive Officer, Save Our Heritage Initiative (SOHI), has canvassed support for the education of women and girls for national development.

Ikokwu made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in commemoration of the World Population Day (WPD) in Abuja on Tuesday.

The 2023 World Population Day has the theme “Unleashing the Power of Gender Equality, Uplifting the Voices of Women and Girls to Unlock Our World’s Infinite Possibilities”.

The WPD, established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989, observed on July 11 every year, is to raise awareness of global population issues.

Ikokwu, therefore, said that enrollment of women and girls in school would go a long way in reducing child marriage, stressing that, “education is key to empowering women and girls and making them independent in terms of decisions and choices.

“Educate the woman and you educate the community is an axiom, let all of us support women education for a better Nigeria.”

She quoted the World Bank as indicating that 43 per cent of girls in Nigeria are married before their 18th birthday and 16 per cent are married before they reach 15 years.

She urged parents to enroll their daughters in school to strike gender parity and national development, and called for an end to discrimination against women.

Describing the small number of women in the 10th National Assembly as a demonstration of gender inequality, adding that, “it is highly unfair for women to occupy only three seats in Nigeria’s Senate out of 109 seats, and 14 seats in the House of Representatives out of 360 seats”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Inner Wheel pledges continuous support to humanitarian services

Vivian Ihechu
Jun, Sun, 2023

Gender , General News

Inner Wheel pledges continuous support to humanitarian services

316 total views today

By Oladapo Udom
The Inner Wheel (IW) District 911, an NGO, has pledged continuous support to humanitarian services for which the organisations is founded on.

The district’s Chairperson, Mrs Olufolake Ajayi, made the pledge during their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos on Saturday.

Ajayi said that Inner Wheel Nigeria, a member of the International Inner Wheel (IIW) body operating under six district’s namely: D911, D912, D913, D916, D325 and D9110, was organised to promote true friendship and selfless ideals.

She thanked all members for being part of D911 success story in the 2022/2023 IW ‘Working Wonders’ year, saying that the district was regularly featured in the IIW news bulletin.

“Our year runs from July 1 to June 30 and when I started the year, I flagged off a vocational training and empowerment programme in August to empower 29 young adults.

“The training covered four different vocations in catering and confectionery, fashion designing, makeup artistry and information technology.

She added that the beneficiaries were each empowered with working tools relative to their vocations.

“Laptops, ovens, makeup kits and sewing machines were given out to ensure that the beneficiaries can be empowered to make a living for themselves in the society,” Ajayi said.

The chairman said that 11 widows were each empowered with N50,000 during the International Women’s Day celebration in March while 10 others were handed soft loans of N100,000 each.

“Also, the amount contributed by D911 Work Wonders Inner Wheel members was N300,000 towards the Pakistani Flood relief funds and N530,000 towards Syria, Turkey Earthquake Fund.

“D911 also collaborated with other district chairmen to alleviate the sufferings of some of our members in D916, affected by floods in Nigeria.

“Apparently, all clubs performed effectively well and the district was readily available to support and assist where and when necessary,” she said.

Ajayi, however, said that the district’s main challenge was the economic climate in Nigeria toward raising capitation fees to stay as members of the IIW organisation.

“With the current economic climate and unstable forex exchange forces, raising the money can sometimes be challenging,” she lamented.

The president promised to support the new chairman, who would be kicking-off her tenure in July 1, by guiding her so that the district could keep recording positive philanthropic feats.

Members of IW Nigeria during the Annual General Meeting.

The new district Chairman-elect, Mrs Magdalene Adegoke, said that the organisation sourced money from good citizens and charitable individuals to carry out humanitarian projects while promoting international understanding.

“The IW will be 100 years old in 2024 and I will happen to be the centenarian district chairman.

“I will continue to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged and continue with the trainings and empowerment projects.

“Since it’s a centenary year, anything that I’m going to do will be done in hundred folds, however, subject to the money that we will be able to raise for projects,” she said.

Adegoke said that her administration would also look inwards to cater for elderly members among them in the organisation as well as those in old people’s home.

In the same vein, Mrs Omotolani Martins, President, IW Club, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), said that the organisation was all about service to humanity.

“If you can not give, you can not be in this club because your ability to reach out to the middle, poor and the less privilege is non-negotiable,” she said

Also, Ms Omolola Fakeye, Chartered President, IW club of LUTH said that Martin’s administration had done well in terms of carrying out diverse projects in LUTH especially, for the Accident and Emergency unit.

“Inner wheel club of LUTH appreciates the Lagos University Teaching Hospital management for their support all the time till date,” Fakeye said.

One of the beneficiaries of the training scheme, Ms Onye Ejiofor, said that she was elated to have been trained in baking and benefited ovens after the scheme.

“The ovens are very fantastic and I’ve been putting them to good use,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Vivian Ihechu

FG renames Women Centre after late Maryam Babangida

isaac aregbesola
Jun, Wed, 2023

Gender

FG renames Women Centre after late Maryam Babangida

341 total views today

Late Mrs Maryam Babangida

By Justina Auta

The Federal Government has immortalised late Mrs Maryam Babangida by renaming the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) after her in recognition of the impacts of her projects on women, especially those at the rural areas.

Mrs Monilola Udoh, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing newsmen in Abuja.

Udoh said that the Bill for the change of name was passed by the Senate on March 29, 2023; while the House of Representatives passed same on April -5, 2023.

According to her, the renaming is in line with the amendment of the National Centre for Women Development Act, Cap. N15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to enhance the functions of the centre.

She said: “The Government under the last administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, approved the Bill by assenting to it in May 2023.

“By this information, we want our esteemed partners, the general public and indeed the media personnel to take note of the changes and help publicise it to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria and even beyond.”

Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir, the Director-General of the centre, noted the huge contribution of the late first lady, especially her “Better life for Rural Women” project which impacted on the lives of women nationwide.

“Maryam Babangida is someone that Nigerian women will not forget her, and we are doing this to encourage other women leaders to emulate her virtues, commitment and support to women.

“This will serve as an inspiration to all women in leadership positions to do more for the Nigerian women and will be recorded by history,” she said.

Mrs Moji Makanjuola, the Chairman, Implementing Committee for Infrastructure and Renaming of the centre, said: “Renaming of the centre is significant for women. There is something that should remind us about yesterday to enable us do our today better.

“We need to start putting history into perspective, if we don’t do that we will loose sight of who we are as a people, country, nation and tribe.

“What has been achieved here is that collectively Nigerian women spoke with one voice that we want a change that will give us a focus of what we are doing as women in development.

“I pray that the centre expands beyond where we are today and it will be a citadel of hope for the Nigerian women and indeed black women around the world.”

On her part, Mrs Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs, recalled the achievements of the late Maryam Babangida, whom she said had supported women to excel in every leadership positions they vyied for.

Tallen also expressed appreciation to former President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting to the Bill 48 hours before the end of his administration.

Similarly, Sen. Betty Apiafi, recalled the efforts made in ensuring the passage of the Bill aimed at promoting and protecting women’s rights and development.

“We are here not only to celebrate the renaming of the centre, but also upgrading the bill so that the centre will be able to perform optimally and reach out to more women in rural areas and those in need,” she said.

Also, Hajiya Aliyu, a beneficiary of the late Maryam Babangida’s programe, “Better life for Rural Women”, said the renaming of the centre was apt in recognition of its impacts on the lives of Nigerian women.

“This will remind people and other first ladies that are coming to do better than her and not to come and go after several years without doing anything for the Nigerian women.

“Also, I wish every subjection going to states, some should be given to the first lady from the states and local governments must have their share to take care of the rural women.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola