By Kevin Okunzuwa, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

“I won’t accept this rubbish and I won’t allow it lying low“, Miss Mercy Igiose, fumed as she faced Mr Johnson Giwa, the estate agent.

Giwa is trying to pacify her to accept the refund of her payment for a two-bed room apartment.

The reason for the refund and refusal to rent out the apartment to her, according to Igiose, is because she is an albino and Chief Amos Iyase, her landlord does not want to have an albino as his tenant.

Igiose, lived up to her vow, by filing a case based on breach of trust, unlawful denial and infringement of her fundamental human right against the landlord and his agent at the High Court, which she eventually won.

Igiose’s case is one of the many cases of violence against women and girls, especially Persons with Albinism (PWA) in Nigeria.

Experts say Albinism is a rare genetic disorder where you aren’t born with the usual amount of melanin pigment.

Melanin is a chemical in your body that determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes. Most people with albinism have very pale skin, hair and eyes.

People with this type of health condition are often referred to as `Albinos’ or simply “Persons with Albinism (PWA).

Worried by the situation, the Nigerian Government in 2013 formulated the national policy on PWA.

The then Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, under whose supervision the national policy on albinism was formulated, said it was in response to the numerous challenges encountered by PWAs in their daily lives.

He had said: “In Nigeria, the socio-cultural system with its inherent myths and beliefs has put PWAs at a low stratum in all spheres of life.

“PWAs experience psychological challenges due to stigmatisation, discrimination and segregation.

“Prior to the implementation of the policy, it was common place to see PWA denied the chance to go to school, get a job, have a family and often face discrimination for their entire lives, simply because of their appearance.

The policy seeks not only to protect PWAs from discrimination but also seeks to maximise the talents.

“This policy is intended to improve the status of PWAs by harnessing their full potentials and guaranteeing equal access to education, social, health, economic and political opportunities.

“It is multi-sectorial and provides a holistic approach to improving the standard of life of PWAs. The Policy is aimed at mainstreaming albinism into every sector of development in Nigeria.

“Based on the issues stated above, the rights of persons in this group cannot be disregarded. It is hoped that effective implementation of this policy and its guidelines will guarantee improved conditions of life for PWAs,’’ Adamu said.

Unfortunately, in spite of the policy the likes of Iyase, are rather stuck to their stigma and discrimination against PWAs.

Sadly, these cases are either not reported as the victims simply keep mute as they seek not to aggravate an already bad situation.

The Albino Foundation of Nigeria, an NGO, says only about 12 attacks against people with albinism had been reported in the nation. “Yet, bullying and name-calling are common for children with albinism,’’ it said.

It is against the backdrop that the Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC), an NGO, recently held an enlightenment workshop in Benin, the capital city of Edo.

The convener, Miss Joy Odigie, Executive Director, INAAC, said the workshop was meant to increase awareness about the plight of PWA, especially women, girls, and mothers.

This, Odigie said, would equip them with knowledge and skills on how to deal with the challenges they are faced with, especially those fuelling Gender Based Violence (GBV).

The workshop had as its theme: “Preventing Gender Based Violence against Women and Girls with Albinism and Mothers of Children with albinism in Benin City, Edo State.’’

According to Odigie, women and girls with albinism, especially mothers of children with albinism, face numerous challenges and risk becoming victims of gender-based violence.

“Such women suffer not only from discrimination and stigmatisation, but also face physical and emotional abuse, sometimes leading to loss of life.

“We have also heard about a case of job denial as a result of skin colour and also refusal to give out an apartment for rent because the family has a child with albinism.

“The myth that persons with albinism have supernatural powers and that they can be used for rituals still hold strong in some parts of Edo,’’ she said.

According to her, any form of violence targeted against women and girls with albinism is a human rights violation, and perpetrators should be punished.

“Women and girls with albinism are humans and, as such, deserve fair treatment from members of the society,’’ she said.

“This workshop organised, with support from the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, is to ensure equality and inclusion of women and girls with albinism as well as mothers of children with albinism, to protect their human rights and prevent gender-based violence,” she said.

Some stakeholders blame the plight of albinos on cultural practices and myths.

Mr Olumide Dosumu, Edo Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), says one of the myths claims that having sex would an albino could cure HIV/AIDS.

He, therefore, attributed the cases of rape against albinos to this misconception.

“It is unfortunate that this has led to the infection of many women with albinism, thereby deteriorating their health condition and psychosexual feeling.

“Sexual based violence against them makes the case a double tragedy,” he said.

Persons with albinism, the NHRC boss said, were susceptible to killing for ritual because of the myth that they were potent tool.

He, however, regretted that these vulnerable persons suffered discrimination in the society in spite of the abundant laws and documents that guaranteed their rights in the society.

“Women and girls with albinism have equal rights and opportunities opened to them just like any other citizen.

“There must be assertiveness in demanding for their rights and inclusiveness; there must be well groomed knowledge on issue content of GBV.

“Persons with albinism must see themselves as human beings and citizens because the Nigerian constitution has guaranteed their rights,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs Agatha Isieke, Executive Director, Women, Youths and Children Advancement Programme, identified society’s attitude towards practices of gender discrimination as the root cause of GBV.

She said understanding these contributory factors would help uncover necessary steps to take in addressing the menace.

No wonder, stakeholders hived sigh of relief and described as hearth warming, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye’s recent disclosure of the constitution of a mobile court to try GBV cases.

The minister, at a news conference in Abuja, said the plan was aimed at increasing the visibility of the activities of the ministry in dealing with SGBV issues.

Kennedy-Ohaneye said that among the suspects to be arraigned are those still practicing female genital mutilation (FGM).

Others, she said, suspected offenders against PWA, adding that the aim was to put an end to the offensive and obnoxious old traditional practice nationwide.

The minister said the board of directors of the ministry had given its tacit support to the ministry’s avowed determination of giving women a voice in the society.

“This will be done in line with Mr President’s renewed hope agenda”, saying that they would work to allow the poor to breathe and not to be suffocated,” she said.

According to her the prosecution of suspects will be in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice, Attorney General of the Federation, Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and security agencies.

She said partnering with other organisations was to have an innovative way to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, and other laws to guide against SGBV, GBV PWA, and FGM among others.

For Odigie, “the minister’s statement is refreshing and promising. But it is expected that government will go beyond rhetoric and effectively implement VAPP Act 2015.

It is also incumbent on the media to dispel the misinformation about albinos through factual reportage of whom they are and the challenges they face in the society. (NANFeatures) (nannews.ng)

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

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has inaugurated a Very Important Persons (VIP) unit to provide adequate protection for persons of prominent personality in the country.

The NSCDC Commandant-General (CG), Ahmed Audi, disclosed this at the Passing-Out-Parade of 501 trained personnel at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

Audi represented by Assistant Commandant-General (ACG) in charge of Agro-Rangers, Augustine Obiekwe, said that the trained personnel were to protect persons of higher threats due to status, prominence and influence.

He  urged the officers and men to discharge their duties professionally and serve as good ambassadors of the Corps at all times without compromise.

He explained that the primary objective of a VIP unit was to minimize the risk of harm to the VIPS and maintain their privacy while allowing them to carry out their daily routines and engagements.

The CG said that the essential coordination and communication among team members was essential for the smooth operations of the protection unit, and charged the team to collaborate with intelligent agents of other security agencies.

According to Audi, the personnel were drawn from all NSCDC state commands and formations and had undergone a rigorous proficiency training at the Corps’ headquarters in Abuja.

In his address of welcome, ACG Training and Manpower Development, David Abi,  enjoined the graduands to put into practice all they learnt in the course of training, stressing that the Corps must not fall short of expectations.

According to him, the establishment of the unit was for proper coordination, control and communication amongst guards for better service delivery in line with global best practice.

“They underwent a special intelligence proficiency course which focused on VIP escorts, duties, psychological behaviors, the effect of emotions on temper, attitude, relationship between principals and personnel amongst others.

“This will no doubt equip the selected officers in the discharge of their duties beyond previous expectations and outcomes,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannew.ng)

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Isaac Aregbesola

By Hamza Suleiman
The  United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) on Friday, pledged its support to peacebuilding, security and stability in Borno.

The UNODC Country Representative, Dr Oliver Stolpe, made the pledge in Maiduguri, when he visited the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, in his office .

Stolpe expressed confidence in the  State Government’s efforts in restoring stability under the Borno Model for Managing Mass Defections.

He said that UNODC was  committed toward supporting aspects of the Borno model, especially transitional justice, human capacity building, technology and technical support to strengthen the model.

He also expressed UNODC’s willingness to support the improvement of the screening process for the returnees and addressing drug abuse and urban crime.

Responding, the commissioner    assured Stolpe that the ministry was ready to partner with the agency to improve peace, security and development in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

By Justina Auta

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has collaborated a Chinese company, Lima Machinery Company, on improved mechanised farming to empower women, improve agriculture and boost national revenue.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye,  said this while receiving some members of staff of the company in Abuja on Friday.

Kennedy-Ohanenye said the collaboration would empower women with skills to boost agricultural productivity and generate revenue for the farmers and nation.

“This will not only keep them busy, but away from criminal act, make money because communities will come together to do this work as brothers and sisters.

“They will give us modernised and mechanised farming tools to make it easy for Nigerians to do these work, which will help them to make more proceeds without overworking themselves.

“So, that we will multiply what we used to get before, sell cheaper and Nigerians will get more food.

“This will make a better future impact than what we have been doing with advocacies, meetings, lavishing the whole money, while the major people the money is meant for are suffering,’’ she said.

Kennedy-Ohanenye, stressed that the collaboration would be on rice milling project and provision of mechanized farming tools for sustainable empowerment of women in Nigeria.

The minister said that a portal would be brought up to enable the farmers get access to buyers, distributors, sellers, advertisers, marketers both at the local and international levels.

She explained further that there would be hubs to sell off excess produce that will yield huge profits for the farmers.

“There will be hubs, like a warehouse in each local government, where if you can not sell all, you notify the hub operators.

“So that the villages will have access to these hubs to show what they have and are placed on the portal alerting the buyers, who will make their demands.

“We are also planning for them to have a butchering locations in each of those hubs, so that they can go there butcher with packaging machines and freeze to be distributed across the nation, which will bring down the cost of food and enable the farmers get more money,” she said.

She added that a Fish Grilling Machines locally fabricated to grill 500 fishes every two hours powered with gas,  biogas and charcoal will be distributed as part of its sustainable empowerment programs for women in Nigeria.

Responding, Mr Gatsby Kang, Sales Manager of Lima Machinery Company, China said the collaboration will further strengthen the existing relationship between the two countries.

“We want to use our equipment to help the local people using machines, because technology can bring huge yield in production and make meaningful difference in their lives,’’ he said.

He said that the feeds that would be produced were healthy and contains locally sourced food in right proportions to boost the growth and development of the animals that will be feeding on them.

In another development, the minister announced that the ministry had taken legal action in Enugu court against a mother and stepfather over negligence, sexual molestation and infecting diseases on a nine-year-old girl.

According to her, court procedures has commenced against Mrs Christabel Ewuru and her husband Mr Ifeanyi Ewuru to ensure they are prosecuted and the survivor gets justice.

She said that the owner of Peace Mass Transit, Dr Sam Onyishi,  has promised to take up tuition for the girl’s education from primary to university level.

Similarly, the minister also disclosed that the first court sitting Nov. 21, against some staff on duty and management at the Maitama General Hospital over alleged negligence and refusal to treat Miss Greatness Olorunfemi, victim of “one chance’’ before her death at the hospital.

According to her, taking legal action against those found guilty will serve as deterrent to others and ensure people are held accountable for their action and inaction. (NAN)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Justina Auta

Abuja, Nov. 17, 2023 (NAN) Mercy Corps and partners, on Friday in Abuja, trained women mediators on strategies to strengthen gender inclusion in peace and security in the North West and North Central regions.

The training is under the USAID-funded Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) programme

Sani Suleiman, the Interim Chief of Party, CIPP, highlighted the importance of strengthening local capacities, structures and networks wwhichhe said must be driven by communities and states.

Sulaiman urged participants to reflect on progress made and create linkage with the federal and state ministry of women affairs, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders as CIPP approaches close out in April 2024.

Amina Bello, Deputy Chief of Party-CIPP, Mercy Corps, said the training would facilitate linkages between grassroots women mediators, national network of women mediators in Nigeria and formal alternative dispute resolution bodies.

Bello added that the platform is designed to promote experience sharing and enable the adoption of best practices in addressing gender dynamics that perpetuate conflict and limit women’s meaningful participation in mediation.

Dr Bridget Osakwe, the National Coordinator, West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), decried low participation of women in mediation processes, which she attributed to biases, culture, patriarchal logic and systems.

Osakwe added that women inclusion in mediation processes would improve peace making processes, dispute management and prevention of violent conflict.

She said “we should harness the perspective from both gender. It is a minus for the society when the perspectives of women are neglected.

“In every situation, in a traditional or conflict resolution setting, women must be included in the processes. If included from the beginning, their capacity will be optimised.

“We have women who are trained mediators that are available to contribute to peace making in their communities, why don’t we make use of their services?.

“Women have traditional skills in mediation, we should harness and strengthen those skills to be able to make meaningful contributions.

“When we appreciate the quality that the other person brings, it helps to enrich processes especially mediation, whether in a traditional, political, social or economic setting women must be represented.’’

Mr Lloyd Duru, the Registrar, Mediation Training Institute (MTI), said “women suffer most in conflict areas, as the popular saying goes he who wears the shoes know where it hurts.

“In our clime, patriarchy holds sway and this affects the rate of women in peacebuilding, as men are given the pride of place, yet women are better placed for peacebuilding.’’

Similarly, Ms Grace Awodu, the Head of Gender, Peace and Security, Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), said “we have to be strategic in getting it right. We have to mainstream gender deliberately but cautiously as it cannot be forced on the society.

“We need to partner the gatekeepers  who direct the behaviour of the people; once we can get their bye-in, it will be easier where we have a lot of conflict because at that point where alternatives are stretched, it becomes a welcome relief for even the men.

“In the area of mediation, you have to understand the personality traits of different actors, be able to identify shadow actors, spoilers, observe and have the right timing. You don’t just bring people together, otherwise, the worst might happen.’’

In a communique, Hajiya Lantana Abdullahi, the National Coordinator, Network of Women Mediators, stated that 65 women mediators participated in the exercise.

Abdullahi called for increased advocacy on implementation of the WPS agenda at all levels, sensitisation on available policy frameworks, engaging traditional and religious institutions to harness women’s capacities, especially in mediation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The National Mathematical Centre (NMC) has successfully trained 20 postgraduate students and researchers in “Dynamical Systems” during a two-week foundation postgraduate course in Abuja.

Prof. James Ajie, the Coordinator of the Mathematics Programme at the Centre, highlighted the program’s goal to equip postgraduate students, lecturers, and researchers with essential knowledge and skills for effective research.

“Dynamical systems,” an integral area of mathematics dealing with change, holds significant relevance for mathematicians, making the program a valuable contribution to fostering expertise in crucial mathematical domains.

Prof. Ajie emphasised the program’s utility in addressing the shortage of experts in certain mathematical areas and promoting collaborative research among participants from various tertiary institutions.

While acknowledging the Centre’s potential to produce mathematical experts, Ajie expressed the limitation caused by inadequate funding.

“There are some aspects of mathematics in Nigeria that today in the whole country you may not get up to five persons that major in those areas.

”What will five persons do in a situation where you have over 100 universities and some of these courses are very crucial in the study of mathematics.

“So you see some universities graduating students without them doing some courses that are very important in the field of mathematics,” Ajie explained.

He underscored the importance of consistent funding to ensure continuous training activities, suggesting that enhancing mathematical education is crucial for national development.

The Director/Chief Executive of NMC, Promise Mebine, encouraged participants to apply the gained knowledge in dynamical systems to solve environmental challenges for the betterment of the country.

Mebine emphasised the foundational role of mathematics in sciences and technology, envisioning an improved Nigeria through the effective deployment of mathematics.

Dr Ignatius Ako, speaking on behalf of the participants, expressed gratitude to the NMC for the opportunity and pledged to utilise the acquired skills, knowledge, and experiences in their future research projects.

The participants aim to contribute to the growth and development of mathematics in Nigeria and globally, leveraging their enhanced expertise. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Thursday to join her counterpart, Fatima Jannie-Bio, to mark this year’s UN Day Against Rape and Girl-Child Exploitation.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that she was received on arrival by Mrs Jannie-Bio, with the duo taking a boat ride into Freetown, where they were welcomed by Nigerian and Sierra Leonian cultural troupes.

A programme of the activities showed that the day would be marked on Nov. 18 with activities that would centre on gender-based violence, girl-child exploitation and rape in Africa.

The activities will focus on building a coalition against the challenges across the African continent.

In the course of the activities, Sen. Oluremi and her counterparts from Angola, Ana Dias Lourenco, and Mrs Jannie-Bio, are expected to sign a commitment to lend their voices to the struggle against the vices while seeking succour for the victims.

“The event will mark a new era for Africans, especially women, against challenges confronting them,” she told NAN in Freetown on arrival.

She applauded her Sierra Leonian counterpart for the effort toward a better life for women.

“I am proud of what she has done for women here; the impact is massive.

“One may not really know what she has done now, but posterity will be kind to her. The people would remember her as someone who did much for them,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin