From Left:Benue Gov-Elect Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia and (middle)BoT Chairman Mr Peter Ashiekaa and Board Member Mr Jimmy Ajim

By Bridget Ikyado

A group, the Alia Alliance, has urged Benue governor-elect, Rev. Hyacinth Alia to strive to meet the huge expectations of the people who voted him to bring about changes in the state.

The group gave the advice when its officials led by the Board Chairman of the Alliance, Mr Peter Ashiekaa, paid a congratulatory visit to the governor-elect on Sunday in Makurdi.

The Chairman said that the victory was a resounding testimony to the people’s resolve to change and redirect the path and course of their history.

“It is also a resounding statement of the people’s confidence in your ability to lead them out of the woods to a Benue of growth and prosperity.

“We pray God to guide and direct you, and give you the knowledge, wisdom and strength needed for your journey.

“As a group, we at the Alia Alliance are proud to be associated with this process and the outcome, and we pledge and commit to supporting your administration in all ways possible to ensure your success,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr Jimmy Ajim, a member of the board, commended the governor-elect for his doggedness “that calmed all the storms before, during and after the general elections”.

Ajim who is also the President of Ior Gboko Foundation, said they would partner with Alia to transform, empower, reform and uplift Benue indigenes, to build a better state.

In his response, the governor-elect thanked the group for its support and pledged to work hard with divine directions to meet the people’s expectations.

“God rewards hard work, especially when you don’t count the cost, it pays more.

“I am not coming for money, I have learnt to work and make money, I am not coming to seek fame, I have worked to make a name.

“We need to work together to develop the state, it is ours and nobody will do this for us, and we are not doing this for anyone but for ourselves.

“God has chosen me not because I am the most qualified. He doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies who He calls. I know with your prayers and assistance, we will prevail,” he added.

Alia tasked the group to help mentor the youth on good conduct, and to play active role in the renewal and development of Benue.

“It is paramount to start correcting wrong deeds, especially as it concerns leadership and mentorship.

“The idea of having or acting as stooge, having manipulative leaders and followers should be corrected,” he said.

He pledged not to disappoint the ordinary people who voted him to provide good leadership and better direction to the state.(NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Participants at a community-based assembly of rural women in Abuja.

By Justina Auta

Oxfam Nigeria, an International NGO, says empowering women financially and economically will make them independent.

The organisation said it would also make them self-reliant which was critical to their life, as it would end Sexual, Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.

Ms Helen Akinyemi, Oxfam’s Programme Manager on Gender Justice, said this during a community-based assembly of rural women in Abuja, in partnership with Nigeria Women Economic Development (NigWED) project to address SGBV.

Akinyemi said that poor economic status and financial dependence of women had further exposed them to violence and rendered them more vulnerable to abuse.

“Most of the issues discussed, you will realise that most of the contributory factors of GBV lie in the economic development of women.

“We want them to know what to engage in that will generate income and help them to participate actively in the productive sector.

“All these will help to resolve gender issues, because when you solve one, you are solving the other. They are interconnected,’’ she said.

According to her, Oxfam has carried out several sensitisation and advocacy exercise to end all forms of violence against women, children, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups.

“ The feedback has been so encouraging that is why we are here again and we were asked to bring it down to the women in rural community level.

“ Because these are the people that are most affected and they don’t have the necessary information, sensitisation and their consciousness are not being raised.

“It is something that they too can go back to their communities, as most of the attendees here are women leaders, and have group of women that they work with.

“So, they will take it back to these groups as well as the communities and households to sensitise them and achieve the change that we are looking for in ending GBV,’’ she said.

According to her, the attendees were also educated on where, when and how to seek help when faced with violence or witness any.

She said: “There are safe houses in Nigeria, but most of these women don’t know. So this is part of the reasons we are here to pass the information across.’’

Mr Lugard Okonobo, Director-General, NigWED project, said the meeting was to sensistise women on how to be financially independent, sustain their businesses and how to make it thrive amidst economic violence.

“Our organisation focuses to addressing economic violence.”

He, however, expressed sadness with issues like double taxation for women.

“For some of them, their goods are seized at the markets place.

“Some don’t know how to check their taxes, some are married and their husbands are capitalizing on their ingenuity and education level to suppress them by taking over their economy.

“For those who are subjected to SGBV, we try to provide some economic empowerment programmes to sustain them,’’ he said.

He said NigWED, with the support of other partners, had empowered over 500 women with technical support, capacity building, infrastructure, amongst others, to support their business.

Responding to issues raised by some of the SGBV survivors, the DG urged the women to utilise the opportunity to be financially independent and generate sustainable business for themselves.

“Some are facing abuse, we have to sit down to look critically and find out the causes because for every effect and reaction, there is a cause.

“These things are subject to communication, discussion, dialogue. And with understanding, there will be a solution,’’ he said.

Mrs Blessing Airujuwan, a survivor, said the meeting with other persons and sharing her experience had helped in addressing depression caused by violence and neglect in her marriage.

Airujuwan, therefore, encouraged other women facing any form of abuse and violence to immediately seek help to enable them survive and regain their sanity.

Similarly, a widow and mother of two, Mrs Rebecca Amana, stressed the need for women to be financially independent to reduce some of the factors that exposes them to GBV.

Amana commended the organisers for their support and for providing a platform for the women to share their stories, seek help and get supports to reduce the burden they carry. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
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Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Isaac Aregbesola

By Fabian Ekeruche

Puresouls Learning Foundation, in partnership with Terra Kulture, Lagos, on Sunday commenced a week-long art exhibition to commemorate World Autism Day 2023.

A statement issued on Sunday by Dotun Akande, Founder of the Puresouls Learning Foundation and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, said that the exhibition scheduled to hold between April 2 and April 8 has as its theme “Embracing Art Through the Lens of the Differently Abled”.

According to him, the exhibition, which is the third of the foundation’s annual Autism Day, is to demonstrate that children on the autism spectrum have unique abilities that should be celebrated.

Akande said the exhibition would feature works by children living on the autism spectrum and those with other related developmental disorders.

“Some of the young artists whose works would be featured include Zizah Okeugo, Christine Mike-Nnaji, Daniel Ayomikun Okolie, Oluwadamiloju Yomi-Adeyemi, Preye Azazi, Funom Oti Wenyang and Chijindu Chukwunomnso Ijomah, ” Akande said.

He said that the theme of this year’s event emphasises the importance of creative activities in supporting the mental development of children living with autism spectrum disorders.

He also noted that it would showcase talented young artists who have overcome societal barriers and stigmatisation to express their creativity through their art.

“At Puresouls, we have grown to appreciate the challenges, authenticity and individuality of children living with autism spectrum disorders and their ties to creativity.

“Having found that art therapy can help stabilise emergency care, develop skills, and keep an optimistic psyche, we are focused on using this to aid the development of their self-esteem, self-awareness, and mental control.

“The exhibition will feature an array of inspiring artworks, ranging from paintings to drawings, showcasing the unique perspectives of these young artists.

“The exhibition is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend and show their support for these young artists.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase some of the artworks on display, and the proceeds will support children on the autism spectrum,” Akande said.

He noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) expected everyone, including those with autism, to have the best physical and emotional wellness they could achieve.

Akande regretted that those on the autism spectrum were frequently subjected to stigma and discrimination, including unfair denial of health care, education, and chances to interact and contribute to their communities.

The statement quoted Mrs Esther Okeugo, a parent of one of the participating artists, as saying that “every child, regardless of their abilities or limitations, had a unique talent that can be nurtured and celebrated”.

“The exhibition provides a platform for children living with autism to showcase their artistic talents and remind us that developmental challenges do not define them.

“As a parent of one of the featured artists, I am proud to be a part of this event that celebrates the creativity and resilience of our children and encourages society to embrace inclusivity and diversity,” Okeugo said (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne/Vivian Ihechu

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Leaders of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and democratic actors in Africa have called on leaders on the continent to develop policy frameworks that would ensure better relations between Africa and other western countries.

They advised that the framework should focus on clear, coordinated and established objectives, methods of work, strategies and priorities for Africa and its citizenry.

The CSO leaders made the call in a communiqué issued after a two-day Summit for democracy made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday by Wealth Ominabo, Communications Officer, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

The summit tagged: “Strengthening African Partnerships and Amplifying Africa’s Global Voice,” held in Lusaka, Zambia, was jointly organised by Open Society Foundation -Africa (OSF-Africa) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).

The communiqué stated that the leaders deliberated on Africa’s place in the world and focused on the navigation of partnerships within a dynamic and shifting global multilateral system.

“We call upon all African stakeholders and partners including the African Union Commission, AU member states, civil society organisations and all other relevant stakeholders to further develop a robust communication policy at country-levels.

“This will help the continent to set its agenda and put more focus on Afro-centric goals and establish an office of global communications, which should include a continental press agency and television.

“Engage in peer-to-peer technical exchange with similar organisations in projecting Africa’s image, and interests,” the leaders said in the communiqué.

They also called on Africa leaders to develop an independent mechanism to monitor and evaluate its partnerships.

The CSOs and democratic actors also called on Africa leaders to establish and maintain strategic intelligence units at the continental and regional levels to support its economic diplomacy.

They also called on Africa leaders to enlist the support of African universities and research institutions to assist the continent in shaping its international relations through research and other knowledge products.

“We also call upon all African stakeholders and partners to encourage African Civil Society and the African Diaspora to play a role in shaping and coordinating a common African position.

”They should identify and strengthen African soft and smart powers in international relations,” the communiqué added.

The summit applauded the AU position to bid for an additional African seat in the G-20 as well as the efforts made to streamline the AU’s multiple partnerships. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne/Ismail Abdulaziz

Late Joseph Wayas

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

A political support group, Tinubu Vanguard, has urged the Federal Government and the government of Cross River to take over burial arrangements of late Senate President, Joseph Wayas.

The Director-General of Tinubu Vanguard, Dr Johnny Benjamin, said this in a statement on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wayas, a former Nigerian Senate President in the Second Republic, died in a London hospital on Dec. 1, 2021, after a protracted illness.

He was 80 years old.

According to Benjamin, the National Leadership of Tinubu Vanguard, calls on both the Federal and Cross River  governments to take over the burial arrangements of Wayas and give him a national burial were in order.

“We deeply regret to identify many undisclosed factors that contributed to the death of this great man who spent a better part of his life serving his fatherland.

“Wayas lived a worthy life devoid of abuse of power while serving this great nation in different capacities, especially as President of the Senate,” he said.

Benjamin described the late politician as a shining star, who set a strong and positive model for the admiration and
emulation of the younger generation.

He said the neglect of his remains in a foreign hospital was a national embarrassment.

“He lived a moderate life, such that he never saw the opportunity to serve
as an avenue to enrich himself, rather, he diligently rendered the desired service to the nation.

“We, therefore, call on the government of Cross River and leadership of the National Assembly, to as a matter of utmost importance, ensure immediate settlement of all outstanding issues with the foreign hospital and return his body to be given a national burial.

“We also call on the National Assembly to pass a resolution to name a national monument, preferably a library,
after the former Senate President,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

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By Deborah Coker

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Uhogua, near Benin, have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a Polling unit in their camp.

The IDPs in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that this would protect them against thugs and allow them exercise their franchise.

They claimed they were attacked by suspected political thugs at Oronsanye Primary School polling unit where they had gone to vote during the March 18, House of Assembly election in the state.

The IDPs are mainly from Borno and Adamawa States, running from insecurity in the country’s north east region.

Some of them came from Chibok, Biu, Askira Uba and Gwoza.

Suleman Ayuba, one of the IDPs told NAN that, with what happened on March 18, they were already feeling insecure.

“It was obvious that we were the target, because there were two polling units in the primary school, but the attack was carried out in ours.

“Our people were injured, we lost our phones and other valuables, yet till now, nobody in the state have come to sympathise with us after the attack unleashed on us.

“Majority of our people are still receiving treatment in health facilities outside the camp, even money to pay their hospital bills, we don’t have and we are still looking for.”

Similarly, Philemon Emmanuel, another IDPs, called for another election to be conducted for the IDPs who were de-enfranchised during the attack.

According to him, it is not good that many of us were de-enfranchised by political thugs in spite of having our PVCs and candidates we wanted to vote for.

“We are Nigerians, though IDPs for no fault of ours. So politically, we have a right to join other Nigerians in deciding who we want to lead us.

“Government have been carrying out rerun in other places, so they should also consider this camp, in view of what happened at the polling unit during the state assembly election, so that our vote can count.”

Pastor Evelyn Omigie, Assistant Coordinator of the camp said that there was the urgent need for the federal government and INEC to create a polling unit in the camp.

According to her, we need a polling unit in line with the federal government directive, that polling units must be situated in all IDP camps across the country.

“I don’t know why this people should not be allowed to have their own polling unit. If we have one here I think we wouldn’t have experienced what we did during the election.

“Also in spite of what happened, and what we have expended on hospital bills, nobody has come to sympathise with either the victims or management of the camp.”

She called on the federal government to investigate the incident and unravel the perpetrators of the attack on the IDPs’ polling unit.

“We want them arrested, tried in court and jailed for their crime against the IDPs.

“Imagine, all the trauma they went through before. The sound of guns that God delivered them from, resurfaced again that day.

“So the government should try as much as possible to bring the perpetrators to book,” she said.

Omigie also called on the government to support the camp financially so as to be able to treat the IDPs who sustained various degree of injuries and make them healthy again.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Executive members of the Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents Association (ATACA) during a courtesy visit to Mr Akin Olateru, Director-General, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in Abuja

By Gabriel Agbeja

Mr Akin Olateru, Director-General, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has urged journalists to promote transportation safety network and development through proper reportage of occurrences across the country.

A statement from Mr Tunji Oketunbi, NSIM General Manager of Public Affairs on Friday in Abuja stated that Olateru gave the advice when new executive members of the Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents Association (ATACA) paid him a courtesy visit.

According to him, such move will help to properly educate the society to quickly understand occurrences in the transportation sector.

Olateru commended the critical role journalists played in the dissemination of accurate information derived from investigations and final reports of occurrence.

The NSIB boss stated that journalists’ reportage had greatly improved the image and the general well-being of the Bureau and the country as a whole.

He further commended the media for the critical role played in the actualisation of the establishment of the NSIB.

Olateru called for the continuous support of the media and other stakeholders in the fulfilment of the Bureau’s new mandate of investigating accident and serious incident that occurred in the air, rail, marine and other modes of transportation in Nigeria.

“Nigeria as a country should move in line with the world by separating the regulatory body from the investigating body, so as to avoid conflict of interest, and ensure objectivity in what we do.”

According to him, this is unlike in the past when there was no investigation into the cause of transportation mishaps and the authorities were more focused on punishing the offenders.

“ The new NSIB will carry out independent investigations of transportation occurrences, determine the causal factor and proffer safety recommendations to prevent reoccurrence.

“The bureau is at the critical level of the bills implementation and this is the time we need your assistance, cooperation commitment, understanding and professionalism, in pursuing the noble objective,” he said.

Speaking, the new Chairman of the ATACA, Mr Oru Leonard, expressed appreciation for the support and assistance the Bureau had shown toward ATACA members, especially in the area of training on accident investigation reportage.

The chairman said the recent training really informed the members about the processes and procedures of accident investigations.

He further said the training impacted on how to better inform the public about accidents and incident occurrences in a more professional and concise manner that would not instil fear or cause havoc.

Oru, however, called for more of such gesture and support of ATACA’s activities by the bureau.

He said a deeper collaboration and partnership between the two organisations would be mutually beneficial to both parties.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bureau, in collaboration with Southern California Safety Institute (SCSI) organised a week-long training titled: “Investigation Management- Media Relations” for the Abuja correspondents.

NAN further reports that a similar training has been previously organised by the bureau for aviation correspondents in Lagos. (NAN)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma

By Oluwafunke Ishola

Mrs Tokunbo Chiedu, the Chief Executive Officer, Compass Global, says women entrepreneurs need to maximise their profitability and competitiveness to unlock the $22 billion opportunity in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Chiedu said this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

She said that a central consideration for empowering women entrepreneurs was to leverage the AfCFTA to improve regional integration frameworks from a gender perspective.

Chiedu noted that the United Nations emphasised the importance of identifying opportunities for women entrepreneurs within the context of the AfCFTA.

“Finding ways of integrating gender concerns into value chain development projects and programmes could yield positive outcomes and also help to position women in international trade.

“African governments need to establish infrastructural connectivity as a priority.

“Addressing existing logistical challenges, as well as working toward a common currency that will ease trading across regions is essential,” she said.

Chiedu said that Compass Global recently held a West Meets East Trade Mission and Business Development Tour, as part of the Global Female Leaders, and Entrepreneurs Conference (FLEC), in Kenya.

FLEC is a convergence that initiates conversations with female leaders, around gender development and the pivotal role gender balance, and diversity has to play in Africa’s transformation agenda.

She said that the programme was held with the support of the ECOWAS Commission and AfreximBank.

“The goal of the West Meets East meeting is to instigate a coalition for regional business linkage, and partnerships toward improving intra Africa trade, and against the backdrop of the AfCFTA.

“This endeavour, therefore, connected Counterparts from West to players across East Africa via a series of private sector led engagements.

“It also created a platform to explore and develop opportunities and foster partnerships between players across the regions toward unlocking the $22 billion Intra- Africa Trade opportunity,” she said.

Chiedu commended the support from all strategic partners; especially with regards to the mobilisation of key associations, women business networks and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across both West and East Africa to be part of the engagements.

She said that 40 West Africa delegates were mobilised to include Presidents of Women Business Networks and Associations and SMEs from across key sectors of agribusiness, manufacturing and services.

Chiedu said the delegates were from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Benin Republic, Liberia, Cape Verde and Cameroun.

She added that 50 exhibitors made up of businesses or SMEs of West and East Africa showcased at the exhibition.

Some of the participants from Nigeria’s Organised Private Sector in attendance were: Deputy National Coordinator- Association of Nigeria Women Business Network, Otunba Gbemisola Oduntan, President Commonwealth Women’s Business Council Africa, Mrs Ngozi Oyewole, and President Akoko Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines & Agriculture, Dr Funmilola Williams Daudu. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma