By Lizzy Okoji

The ECOWAS Commission Women Forum has called for gender equality and increased women representation across all levels in the commission.

Mrs Raheemat Momodu, President of the ECOWAS Women Forum, made the call at an event organised by the Women’s Forum in commemoration of the 2021 International Women’s Day.

Momodu who lamented women marginalisation in the commission stressed the need for an urgent conduct of gender audit of the entire ECOWAS community institutions.

She said the policy should contain a Strategy and Implementation Practical Guidelines/ Standard Operational Procedure.

“ECOWAS remains mostly a ‘boys club’ in terms of representation especially in management and decision making spaces.

“A quick peep shows that we have three females out of 16 statutory appointees at the Commission (18.75 per cent) and seven female Directors out of 45 directors in all ECOWAS Institutions (15.5 per cent) including two female Special Representatives who are temporary staff.

“This means that we have two female Special Representatives out of 14 (14.2 per cent). And please let no one tell me that representation is only numbers and do not matter.

“Representation matters and counts, if not lets flip the situation. The ECOWAS commission should lead by example to the member states, so as to be in the position to insist the member states comply with the beautiful ECOWAS Gender Equality we have developed.

“46 years after the birth of ECOWAS and its principal institutions, it do not have a Gender Mainstreaming Strategy and Gender Equality goals/targets for internal purposes.

“It is time that we conduct a gender audit of the entire ECOWAS community institutions to inform a transformative Gender Mainstreaming Policy which will contain a Strategy and Implementation Practical Guidelines/ Standard Operational Procedures,” she said.

Speaking on the forum’s contributions to the society during the COVID-19 pandemic, Momodu said that ECOWAS Women Forum provided relief to less privileged communities in the Federal Capital Territory to ameliorate their sufferings.

She added that the forum empowered women in Kpaduma Community near Asokoro, Abuja, to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Momodu said the forum had lined up other activities for 2021 which included capacity building activities, investment opportunities and multiple streams of income in a COVID-19 world.

By Lizzy Okoji

The ECOWAS Community Court Justice and the ECOWAS Commission have pledged to advocate global women rights and gender equality as the world commemorates International Women’s Day (IWD).

The ECOWAS Institutions made this known in separate felicitation messages made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

The President of ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Edward Asante, said that the Court had been in the vanguard for the protection of the rights of women.

This, he explained, was in the context of its mandate as a human rights Court exemplified by two cases where women were deemed to have been unfairly targeted.

He cited the cases of “Hadijatou Mani Karaou V. The Republic of Niger   and Dorothy Chioma Njemanze & 3 Ors V. Federal Republic of Nigeria,” where the court waded in.

Asante said that in the discharge of its human rights mandate as it relates to women, the court had been guided by at least eight International Legal Instruments specifically on the human rights of women.

He reassured the  women of the commitment of the management of the Court to address issues that militate against the higher representation of women albeit in the medium and long term.

“I also wish to use this opportunity to challenge our women, who suffer disproportionately from harmful traditional and other practices as well as human rights violations and discrimination, to see the court as an ally.

“In the effort to attain an equal future in which they can defy the artificial glass ceiling and realise their dreams based on their capability and hard work and not tokenism,” he said.

Also, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr Jean-Claude Brou, appreciated women across West Africa for their interventions during the COVID-19 crises.

Brou gave special appreciation to the female staff of the commission for their significant contributions to the institution’s work and for the development of the sub-region.

“Regarding women in leadership and positions of authority, inadequate resources and the feminization of poverty hamper women’s involvement in the leadership roles of political parties or in society.

“We will equally help to ensure full participation of women in decision making, public life, positions of authority, and finally, maintain zero tolerance for Gender Based Violence.

“While working towards the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls within the ECOWAS region,” Brou said.

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has expressed appreciation to God and Nigerians as he marked his 64th birthday.

Osinbajo was born on March 8, 1957.

The vice president spoke with State House correspondents shortly after cutting his birthday cake on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“I must say that I am extremely grateful; first, to the Almighty God for preserving my life till day; 64th birthday.

“But also to say how deeply indebted I am to the Nigeria people and to so many who have shown so much love and so much affection and so many across the nation who have wished me a happy birthday.

“ I wish them also not just great birthday but I pray that the Almighty God will celebrate them just as they have celebrated me,’’ he said.

Tijani Umar, Permanent Secretary, State House, was among friends and well-wishers who converged on Osinbajo’s office to celebrate with him.

Umar described the vice president as a compassionate leader who identified with everybody in times of need.

“First and foremost, let me say that I have come here on behalf of management and Staff of the State House to wish the vice president a very happy birthday; he is being a great boss.

“I think the simple conclusion is that we have somebody who is very studious; somebody who absolutely understands and then, we have a boss who cares and he portrays the very clear sign that every staff member matters to him.

“There is this unbelievable empathy when you deal with the vice president and for this, every staff member is happy today that he is celebrating his 64th birthday and they sent me on their behalf to pass the message of happy celebration to him,’’ he said.

By Oluwafunke Ishola

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on all well meaning Nigerians to shun biases and stereotypes enshrined in gender inequality.

Dr Adetunji Adenekan and Dr Ime Okon, the Chairman and Secretary of NMA, Lagos chapter, jointly made the call in a statement on Monday in commemoration of the celebration of the International Women’s Day (IWD).

The NMA leaders also urged Nigerians to do everything within their sphere of influence to foster a more equal and unbiased society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8.

The celebration seeks to help forge a gender equal world, celebrating women’s achievements and increasing visibility, while calling out inequality.

They said that a great society would enable people to thrive and reach their peak, irrespective of their gender and allows people to contribute their quotas without being boxed in a corner.

“Leaders in every sphere of the society must continually use their platforms to smash these stereotypes if we must make progress collectively and achieve a greater Lagos and indeed a better Nigeria,’’ Adenekan and Okon said.

According to them, the IWD sheds light on the gravity of the work that needs to be done to further bridge the inequality gap in the society.

“The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the largest body of medical professionals in the centre of excellence Lagos State, is using all her platforms to speak up against stereotypes against women and girls.

“We implore the general public, leaders in the corporate world and governments, to join the IWD’s community, and also use their various platforms to advocate a more equal and equitable society, irrespective of gender.

“NMA Lagos, with every given opportunity and on all platforms, chooses to challenge stereotypes against women and girls in our society.

“If we continually speak up against these biases, our society will be better,’’ they said.

The NMA leaders said they have utilised various media platforms to celebrate women, particularly those who distinguished themselves in the practice of medicine and dentistry, adding that women were worth celebrating.

“With all of these changes going on around the world, we realise that women have contributed greatly in the achievements that we have recorded, both locally and in the global space,’’ they said.

The NMA decried various biases and stereotyping that tend to deter women from reaching the peak of leadership, career or businesses in the country.

“Many women are still being discouraged from aspiring to reach great heights because they are told that `a woman’s place is in the kitchen’.

“Today, the world is celebrating some of our women imagine, if they were not properly educated, or that they didn’t get requisite support needed because of `age-long’ derogatory stereotypes limiting women from exhibiting their full potential,’’ they said.

The NMA appealed to governments at all levels to ensure that the rights of women were upheld.

“Violence against women must never be tolerated in any way. The girl-child must be encouraged to study to the highest level attainable.

“We must do all it takes to end child marriage and prosecute those who engaged in such abominable acts. Women should be encouraged to get actively involved in politics,’’  Adenekan and Okon said.

They said that the intentional celebration and continual support for women who were exemplary and excelling in their various fields of endeavour should be improved. (NAN

By Ismail Abdulaziz
Niger State Governor and Chairman North Central Governors Forum (NCGF) Abubakar Bello says Nigeria’s socioeconomic and political development is unattainable without the full contribution and participation of women in governance.

The Governor in a statement by his chief press secretary, Mary Noel Berje noted that, as the foundation of human development, women possess the pedigree and wherewithal to be in the forefront to put this country in the right trajectory of growth and development without bias or sentiment.

Bello, who joined the rest of the world to mark the year 2021 International Women’s Day, said women are more resilient, hardworking, less corrupt and truthful in handling issues of public service in the overall interest of everyone.

The Governor admitted that there is the need to give women more opportunities to hold elective and appointed political offices in the country in line with the Women empowerment affirmation protocol and the Geneva Convention of 1977.

He stated that, although they are falsely regarded as the ‘weaker sex’, women are physiologically and mentally stronger than men, stressing that they must be accorded special respect and protected against all forms of societal vices and discrimination.

The Governor disclosed that, since assumption of office in 2015, and for the second term in 2019, his administration has given greater representation to women by appointing them into top public offices and engaged several others in various empowerment programmes that have made most of them self reliant and independent.

“In respect to women participation in governance, we’ll say our administration has scored a lot of firsts. We have four women appointed as Commissioners, the first woman Head of Service and the Chief Press Secretary as well as many Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants respectively”.

He said his administration has shown fairness in the political equation of the state and assured of his resolve to encourage more women as a demonstration of its commitment to good governance and gender sensitivity.

While congratulating the Women on this occasion, Bello urged them not despair but remain resolute and continue to offer their selfless services, individually and collectively, for the overall development of the state.

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as he clocks 64.

The governor’s felicitation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba on Monday.

Okowa lauded Osinbajo for his astute contributions toward good governance in the country.

He said that despite challenges, the vice president had continued to make quality contributions to the stability and growth of Nigeria’s economy.

The governor, particularly recalled Osinbajo’s invaluable role in the enthronement of peace in the Niger Delta, saying that his efforts helped in halting agitations and destruction of oil facilities in the region.

According to Okowa, the vice president deserves some accolades for his leadership role in improving the nation’s economy, especially as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).

“Osinbajo’s selfless service to the nation and his numerous accomplishments in personal and public life, readily came to mind at a time like this.

“As Chairman of the National Economic Council, you have made remarkable contributions to the growth and development of the nation’s economy with the support of governors and other stakeholders.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate His Excellency, the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, as he celebrates his 64th birth anniversary.

“Your Excellency, we are proud of your sterling accomplishments, uncommon patriotism and humility which have remained the hallmark of your leadership since you became the Vice President of our great country.

“These qualities that you epitomise are some of the worthy traits that inspires us in our quest to build a Stronger Delta for our people.

“As people of the Niger Delta, we must thank you for your diplomatic shuttles that led to the resolution of agitations and destruction of oil assets in the region.

“On this occasion of your 64th birth anniversary, it is my prayer and that of all Deltans that God will continue to bless you with good health, wisdom and many more years in His service and country,” he said.

By Ikenna Osuoha

Hajiya Hafsatu Yusuf, Founder, Mothers of the Earth International Foundation (MOEIF), says only accessible and affordable education for women and girls would truly guarantee their empowerment.

Yusuf stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, on the occasion of the 2021 International Women’s Day (IWD).

She said that women had the potential to advance the frontiers of the country.

“Women have all it takes to move this country forward.

“My advice is for parents to train and give equal opportunities to the girl-child so as to have the same opportunity in any chosen career,” She said.

The women’s  rights advocate emphasised the need to promote policies that would give women not just equal opportunity but accomplished personalities in all spheres of human endeavour.

According to her, women should have access to education, health, finance for their business and  land for agricultural businesses.

NAN reports that the United Nations sets aside March 8, to commemorate International Women’s Day, to  celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

Goal five of the Sustainable Development Goals specifically stipulates total freedom for women and girls to achieve equality for global sustainable development. (NAN)

By Martha Agas,

The Northern Governors’ Forum has described Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as as a patriotic Nigerian, who had combined character, professionalism and pragmatism in handling national issues.

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, the Chairman of the forum, Gov. Simon Lalong of said the Vice President has exhibited high level of faith and loyalty to the nation and the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Lalong said that Osinbajo had continued to give his best to the success of the Government and the upliftment of Nigerians.

“As Northern Governors, we have enjoyed tremendous cooperation of the Vice President who give us a listening ear at individual and collective levels and engage us on how to tackle the challenges of our region and the nation.

“Among other things, we cherish his leadership of the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP), which seeks to usher Nigeria into the threshold of modern livestock business, capable of ending the negative consequences of open grazing in the country.

“We assure the Vice President of our continued collaboration as he supports the President to deliver his promises to the people,” he said.

Lalong wished the Vice President well while urging him to continue mentoring and supporting young Nigerians, in the area of law where he has vast experience as a Senior Advocate, Former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as a Professor of Law. (NAN)

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, has described  Vice President Yemi Osinbajo  as ` a man to follow.’

Osinbajo, who was born on March 8, 1957,  turned 64 on Monday.

Akande shared insight into Osinbajo’s leadership qualities in an interaction with newsmen on Sunday night shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari described the vice president as `a reliable and dedicated deputy.”

The spokesman said that the kind of relationship that existed between the president and the vice president inspired many and could energise significant national rebirth and development.

He said that by following the president dutifully and faithfully, Osinbajo had demonstrated that good leaders were first good followers and to use the word of the president, ‘reliable’ team members.

“Because Osinbajo is reliable in the discharge of his duties and cool-headed as the president noted, he becomes an example that many are so willing to follow and emulate in life. I do.

“The reason why many younger people seek after Osinbajo and their quest to have him attend to issues is because many see him as someone who is believable and they can relate with.

“The vice president has effortlessly and managed quite comfortably to connect with the younger people and his messages easily resonate with them.

“Even his peers and in many instances those older than him also find him exemplary, all you need to do is to review what many of these or those ahead of him have said about him publicly.

“ The latest is from the president when he said his deputy `is an incredibly patient politician who demonstrates remarkable intellectual and mental energy in the discharge of his duties’.”

According to Akande, greatness comes in twin pieces– following well, learning and leading well; working hard and understanding the value of reward.

He said that Osinbajo was following well and  working hard.

“So in moments when the seat is hot and the atmosphere is charged, people like Osinbajo, endowed with an incredible manifestation of the Grace of God, can stay in the game and show us as a nation and a people to what is increasingly possible when we follow right and lead well.

“Happy birthday my dear Prof.,’’ he said.