By Ebere Agozie

Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice has called for urgent measures to combat School-Related Gender Based Violence (SRGBV) in Nigeria.

Jeddy-Agba made the call at the inauguration of the Committee on Legal Pathway for the Prosecution of Perpetrators of School Related Gender-Based Violence on Monday in Abuja.

She said the discourse about SRGBV has been on the front burner in different fora as an emerging menace that can no longer be ignored and one which must be combatted decisively and squarely.

“SRGBV as the name implies, school related gender-based violence occurs in schools, around school or as a result of school
relationship.

“It is perpetrated based on gender norms or stereotypes and enforced by unequal power dynamics in the school environs.

“It occurs in multifarious dimensions and includes physical violence, sexual violence and psychological violence, teacher-perpetrated abuse, excessive punishment, sexual harassment or sexual coercion, bullying by peers, rape, physical assault, sexual assault and et al.

“SRGBV is pervasive in many schools globally and constitutes both a crime and a violation of the human rights of children and therefore, should be stopped at all costs,” she said.

Jeddy-Agba the committee was established to develop a Standard Operating Procedure as a standard working tool and guideline to guide key stakeholders in Basic Education Institution across Nigeria to respond to cases of SRGBV when they occur.

“The committee will, therefore, work together with the SGBV Response Unit to facilitate and develop this document to provide a routine procedure to respond to these cases in schools.

“This opportunity is critical, it is the result of the vision, the will, the commitment to create a safe space for our children and Nigeria”.

“I therefore, charge you to give these the focus and seriousness it deserves because we owe it to our children, and our Nation to resolve this task”.

Also speaking, Mr Stephen Onyekwelu, the representative of UNESCO said that gender-based violence cannot be eradicated without education.

“Education is key in trying to change one’s negative norms, attitudes and behaviour and we are doing several things to see how our educational system can address the issue of gender-based violence globally.

“We have worked with various secondary schools in the FCT establishing school gender classes, we supported in the revising the National Basic Education curriculum to improve some components of gender-based violence issues.

“We are working directly with the Federal Ministry of Education, currently revising the National healthcare policy for secondary schools which will be presented at the upcoming National Council of Education”.

He said that the event is the height of the effort in curbing gender based violence.

“Sometimes, when you go out, what you see is cases with no legal backing to pursue it, the police will tell you there are no supporting documents to back up their actions.

“But what we are doing today is certainly going to address most of these challenges that will enable us to effectively bring perpetrators to book, especially at the school levels.

Mrs Yewande Gbola-Awopetu, Head, SGBV, ministry of justice thanked the participants and pledged government resolve is addressing gender based violence issues.

“Rest assured that the legal partway will bring sanity in our school domain and create safe space for the children.

“It is our utmost desire that our efforts against this heinous crime will transcend to positive actions in the successful drafting of the standard operating procedure. (NAN)
EPA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Ruth Oketunde/Angela Atabo

An NGO, the Global Initiative for Civil Stabilisation (GICS), has called on the federal and state governments to design skills acquisition programmes for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Mr Muhammad Al-Mansur, made the call at a one-day media capacity building workshop for journalists on Monday in Abuja.

He said it was important to introduce skills acquisition programmes for PWDs to enable them to be independent and live dignified lives.

“In Nigeria, we tend to relegate issues of disabilities to the background; we prefer giving persons with disabilities little tokens and we think that solves their problems.

“We are expected to look at a holistic way we can fully integrate these people into the society.

“A lot of these people beg for alms not because they want to be beggars, but because of the economic realities confronting them,’’ Al-Mansur said.

He noted that if educational programmes were designed for PWDs, they would be led to career paths and employment would be provided for them.

Also speaking at the workshop, Mr Odoh Diego, a development communication expert and facilitator, called for an end to the use of PWDs for alms begging.

“The law criminalises the use of PWDs to solicit for alms, but because of our cultural or religious norms, we think we are duty-bound to show them empathy.

“People need to be aware of the law. Since 2019, when former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the law, it became a crime to use PWDs for alms-begging,’’ he stressed.

In her remarks, Miss Mary Musa, a PWD, appealed for the implementation of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act.

“To pass a law is one thing; to implement it is another thing; so the bulk of the work lies on everybody to make it work,’’ she said.

The workshop has “Reporting for Deepening the Implementation of the 2018 Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act’’ as its theme.

The workshop, organised by the Differently Abled Civil Empowerment Programme of the NGO, was supported by the embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

By Joan Nwagwu

Amb. Abiodun Adejola, Chairman, Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), on Sunday pledged to showcase African continent to whole world during his tenure.

Adejola, who is the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, said this while speaking with journalists in Geneva, Switzerland.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria was elected as the ILO Governing Body Chair at the just concluded 111th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) of the ILO.

The conference was held from June 5 to June 16.

Adejola, who is Chairperson of the ILO Governing Body would chair the 2023-2024 session of the ILC.

He said that during his tenure, African countries would be brought together and be showcased to the world.

He also said he would support the vision of President Bola Tinubu-led administration for country.

According to him, I do believe that we are here to assist the enormous work going on in Nigeria and you will recall that in the last 15 days, a number of things have been done in Nigeria, particularly with the massive efforts of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu.

“So we are here to actually ensure that we support his vision. We support his drive and then taking the world to Africa and indeed from Nigeria.

“You know, the ILO is a very unique body, that sits on the tripod, the constituents, so we can’t neglect anyone so we have to find a way to bring together the government, the workers and their employers in moving Nigeria forward.

“We need to ensure that we involve all constituents specifically,” he said.

He, however, said that as the Chairman of board of the ILO, he would ensure not to neglect workers and their welfare.

He said he would continue to build on the enormous work done by Dr Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Employment.

According to him, Nigeria is a potential awaiting to happen.

“It is a massive country. I do believe that President Tinubu will make it a workstation where all hands will be on deck and no dull moment.

“It is also to ensure that we move our country to the next level,” he said.

Adejola, while chairing his maiden meeting, commended the Delegates for nominating and confirming Nigeria to preside over the affairs of the decision making and agenda setting body of the ILO.

“As Nigeria accepts the responsibility of continuing from where Chile handed the baton, we are confident that our two Vice Chairs will extend their warm cooperation and support to us to sustain the accelerated progress of our predecessor.

“We will count on the goodwill and support of all government members of the Governing Body to move the stake of our organisation higher.

“As we are no doubt aware, the demand for greater supervision, provision of technical assistance and share of quality research findings from the ILO as the leading authority in the world of work is greater now than ever,” he said.

He added that the soaring level of unemployment, disruptive impact of technology, the devastating effect of climate change and regional demographics are the stark realities staring us in the face.

He said that the agenda in future meetings should take on board the challenges, to confront and shape global discourse as a matter of urgency.

Our policy outcomes and decisions should inspire hope for a better quality of life and new opportunities.

“We are ready to deliver on the mandate entrusted to us, prepared to serve, listen and to align with our common goal of leaving no one behind.

“Together, we will harness our potentials and draw strength from our unique tripartite governance structure to consolidate on our post-centenary and pandemic gains. Our mutual and healthy respect, tolerance and maturity for contrary opinions will be helpful.

“Our diversity in economic development and vast tapestry of perspectives should enrich and balance our conclusions,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has commended the Nigerian airlines engaged by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for 2023 Hajj, for their patriotism and cooperation toward the success of the ongoing exercise.

National Coordinator of the organisation, Malam Ibrahim Muhammed, made the commendation in a statement on Saturday in Makkah.

Mohammed disclosed that based on the agreement reached with the airlines, NAHCON was expected to pay at least 50 per cent of the total fare before the commencement of the journey to the Holy land, but failed to do so due to some exigencies.

he, however, explained that the airlines provided full services without NAHCON meeting the terms of agreement.

“We are aware that after receiving all deposits from across the states, the Federal Capital Territopry (FCT) and the armed forces, NAHCON had gone ahead to deposit these monies into its accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

“The normal practice is for the apex bank to provide the dollar equivalent of monies deposited based on the approved official rates for disbursement by NAHCON to meet its obligations.

“But it is gratifying to note that after receiving assurances of payment whenever the dollars is made available, the airlines have gone ahead to not just offer full services, but they are so far doing a wonderful job.

” Over 50,000 pilgrims have so far been transported to Saudi Arabia by the airlines. We commend them for being patriotic,”he said

The coordinator urged NAHCON officials to ensure that proper arrangements were done toward the smooth take off of the second batch of pilgrims that would be airlifted after the hajj rites were performed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NAHCON had engaged seven airlines including; Max Air, Azman, Air Peace, Aero Contractors, Ari Air, Value Jet and Saudi based Flynas, to convey Nigerians pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 Hajj.(NAN)

Edited by Polycarp Auta

Mr James Lalu Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and other executive of NAB at the pening of a three-day National Convention of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, in Abuja

Mr James Asein, Director-General, Nigerian Copy Right Commission, has called on States to domesticate the Marrakesh Treaty to provide access to learning and written materials for the blind in the country.

Asein made the call on Friday in Abuja at the opening of a three-day National Convention of the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB).

The director-general said that Nigeria began the domestication of the Marrakesh Treaty with the signing into law of the Copyright Act on March 17, 2023, and urged the 36 states and FCT to follow suit.

“It is expected that with domestication of the copyright law by the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the interest of the blind and vulnerable in the society will be adequately protected.

“It is to provide the blind and visually impaired persons with access to learning and written materials.

“It is an attempt by the international community to end book farming because it is understood that less than 10% of the books and reading materials available in any library are accessible to the blind.

“So it means that for every school you go to where you have 100 books in the library, maybe only one book will be accessible and in some cases no book is available for the blind to read”, he said.

The D-G said that the new Copyright Act has allowed cross border exchange of materials, such that books that were accessible in other countries could be easily brought to Nigeria at reduced cost.

Asein said the commission had agreed with the blind community to set a day annually as the National Accessibility Day.

“In this case we have agreed to have October 4, as the day to throw more light on the challenges facing the blind community and how we can do better in making more materials available for blind students in various institutions,” he added.

In his remarks, the National President of NAB, Mr Ishaqu Gombe explained that the convention was to take stock of the activities and programmes of the various state chapters, including the FCT.

“We check on achievements recorded so far and if need be address crucial matters as it affects members,” the president said.

According to him, with a new government in place, it is important for members of the association to brainstorm and present its agenda to states and Federal Government for implementation.

“We believe it will help to give blind persons access to learning aids to improve their learning skills,” Gombe added.

He also said that the association will elect new national officers during the convention.

Mr James Lalu, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, urged government to remember the disability community when considering people for palliative, and appointments to various offices.

He expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu will carry the blind community in Nigeria along in all activities of government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Ruth Oketunde

The immediate Past Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami has been conferred with an ‘Award of Excellence’ by the Qausain TV.

The award was presented to him by the National President of the television station, Malam Albanin Agege, in Abuja.

Agege said that the former minister deserved the award for his numerous contribution to the development of the communications and digital economy sector.

He added that in recognition of the laudable policies developed under his supervision of the ministry, he repositioned Nigeria’s digital economy sector on the path of sustainable development.

While receiving the award, Pantami appreciated the management of the station for recognising his achievements in the sector.

He also commended its efforts Qausain TV in providing quality contents and for providing good services to humanity in Nigeria and beyond.

The event was graced by the former minister’s family and friends as well as a delegation of the media outfit. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani