By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Monday, arrived in Asaba, Delta, to formally receive Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and other leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on arrival at the Asaba International Airport, Shettima was received by governors of Nasarawa, Imo, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kogi, Gombe, Lagos, Benue, Yobe and other APC controlled states.

Also on ground to receive the Vice-President were Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of APC; Mr Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives; Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, among others.

NAN reports that Oborevwori of Delta, on Wednesday, April 23 formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

Announcing the defection in Asaba, Sen. James Manager, who addressed the press after a meeting of the PDP stakeholders at the Government House said a formal declaration would be made on Monday.

He said the governor’s defection to the ruling party was for the interest and the overall development of Delta. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Adeyemi Adeleye

The Accord Party in Lagos State has announced free nomination forms for female aspirants and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in the July 12 local elections.

The Chairman of Lagos State Accord Caretaker Executive Committee, Mr Dele Oladeji, disclosed this in the party’s Election Guidelines and Timetable, released on Sunday in Lagos.

Oladeji said chairmanship and vice-chairmanship aspirants in this category would, however, pay a N100,000 administrative fee, while councillorship aspirants would pay N50,000.

For male aspirants, the chairman stated that chairmanship and vice-chairmanship seekers would pay N500,000 for nomination forms and N100,000 in administrative fees.

Male councillorship aspirants are required to pay N150,000 for nomination forms, alongside a N50,000 administrative fee, according to the chairman.

Oladeji said: “Accord has made its ticket very affordable, as a considerate response to the severe economic challenges facing the state.

“This is aimed at enhancing accessibility to governance and encouraging participatory democracy among ordinary Lagos residents, not just the wealthy elite.

“In addition to affordable forms, Accord is offering free nomination forms to female aspirants, empowering women and supporting the 35 per cent Affirmative Action goal.”

Highlighting the election timetable, Oladeji said purchase of nomination forms would run from April 19 to May 10 at the party’s state secretariat.

He stated that submission of forms would close on May 10, with screening of aspirants scheduled for May 12 and party primaries on May 14.

He added that the party’s Primary Tribunal Committee will sit on May 15, while any required rerun election would take place on May 17.

Oladeji noted that all payments must be made to the party’s designated bank account, with receipts presented to the Accord State Treasurer for processing.

He emphasised that Accord remains a key opposition party in Lagos State, with a proven record of successes in past LG/LCDA elections.

“Join us to rekindle our winning tradition once more. We shall defend and deliver the people’s mandate,” Oladeji said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

National Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yusuf Dantalle, has urged stakeholders to intensify efforts toward eliminating all gender-related barriers, especially those inhibiting inclusive politics in Nigeria.

Dantalle made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a conference for women political leaders, with the theme “Breaking Barriers and Shaping Positive Attitudes for Inclusive Politics in Nigeria.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day conference was organised by National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), in collaboration with the IPAC Directorate of Women Affairs.

Dantalle said that the awkward barriers, including culture, stereotypes, poverty, lack of education and violence against women, impeding women participation in politics had no place in modern society and must be broken immediately.

He said that in any democratic society, the active participation of women in politics was critical to achieving inclusivity, equality, equity and sustainable development.

“It is obvious that democracy is dependent on active participation and representation of all citizens in democratic institutions and processes.

“When a section of the society is under-represented in policy discussions, they feel marginalised. This is the case with women who constitute about 50 per cent of the nation’s population.

“We cannot advance our democracy if half of the population is excluded from the political sphere. This injustice shall not stand,’’ he said.

Dantalle said that women’s rights, including right to live free from violence and discrimination, right to be educated, to own property and to political participation must be respected.

He said that it was unfair and unjust to deny women these basic rights because of their gender, particularly right to political participation and representation in decision-making processes.

“I charge Nigerian women to rise up and take their rightful place in politics and governance.

“It is time for them to break the glass ceilings, join political parties of their choice, contest various elective positions and prove their ability to lead, bearing in mind that power is not given; it is taken.

“If women do not participate in the electoral process, there is no way they can be elected president or vice-president, governors or deputy governors, senators, House of Representatives members, state legislators and councillors,’’ he said.

Dantalle reiterated IPAC’s call for the passage of the bill on the reservation of special seats for women in parliament pending at the National Assembly.

He said that IPAC would intensify action to ensure that the bill scaled through the House of Representatives and Senate, and assented to by the president.

Dantalle also called on the national assembly to also pass the Electoral Offences Commission Bill.

This, according to him, will ensure the prosecution of electoral offenders and their sponsors, to serve as a deterrence to those inclined to undermine the integrity of the nation’s elections.

“To further safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, IPAC advocates for a single-day general elections.

“A single-day election will reduce costs, minimise disruption of economic and academic activities, maintain voter enthusiasm throughout the process and address logistical challenges.

“This is in line with global practices, as obtainable in Ghana, Sierra Leone, the United States and Venezuela,’’ he said.

The Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, said that in spite of the commendable strides in various sectors, Nigeria continued to grapple with a significantly low level of women’s representation in elective and appointed positions.

Omotayo, represented by the Director of Administration, NIPSS, Suleiman Kabir, said that the deficit was not just a matter of gender equality, but a fundamental challenge to the inclusiveness and effectiveness of Nigeria’s democracy.

“This conference, therefore, comes at a crucial juncture. It serves as a crucial platform for political leaders, women leaders, policymakers and intellectuals to tackle key issues.

“These issues include identifying barriers to women’s participation, shaping positive societal attitudes toward women’s leadership and developing inclusive strategies for political engagement,’’ he said.

In his remarks, the President, Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Amb. Emmanuel Okafor, stressed the need for policy reforms, establishment of a robust legal framework and cultural and social reorientation that would promote gender equality and ensure a level-playing field for all.

Okafor said that achieving these objectives would require deep and sustained collaboration among government agencies, civil society and the private sector.

“As we strive to dismantle barriers and challenge stereotypes, we must also nurture a culture of inclusion, dignity and mutual respect.

“We owe it to ourselves, our daughters and future generations to build a Nigeria where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive,’’ he said.

NAN reports that highlights of the occasion included the unveiling of Action Plan Women Directorate of IPAC. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

By EricJames Ochigbo

Some stakeholders, in collaboration with the House of Representatives Committee on Persons with Disabilities (PWD), have resolved to organise a National Inclusive Sports Festival for PWDs.

The stakeholders, including Afestac Media, Advocates for Global Peace Forum International, the Association of Accessibility Professionals, and Big C Real Estate and Property, unveiled the plan in Abuja.

The sports festival is one of the initiatives under the PWD’s Potentials Unhinged Project (PP-UP), aimed at promoting inclusivity.

In his remarks, the Project Director of PP-UP, Mr Valentine Zhyon, stated that the project was designed to ensure the welfare, empowerment, and well-being of PWDs across Nigeria.

He explained that the project comprised five sections.

“The first is nationwide medical outreach for PWDs, followed by PWD-got-talent, a platform where PWDs can showcase their skills and win prizes.

“The third section is the Unlimited Television Reality Show, where a champion will emerge after a series of evictions.

“Additionally, there is the One Stage Africa section, which gives PWDs the chance to perform alongside global artists. Finally, the project includes the National Inclusive Sports Festival.

“This is a sports festival where PWDs will compete in events like the marathon and other sports for prizes.

“We want to showcase their gifts and talents to the world, helping deepen inclusivity,” he said.

The Chairman of the House Committee on PWDs, Rep. Bashiru Dawodu (APC-Lagos), commended the initiative.

He emphasised that in other countries, PWDs enjoyed extensive social welfare and empowerment, with some even pretending to be PWDs to benefit from the system.

Dawodu stressed the importance of viewing PWDs through the lens of empowerment rather than pity, noting that the committee was focused on this perspective.

He also highlighted that anyone could become a PWD in an instant and emphasised the importance of ensuring that policies support them.

He further explained that the National Assembly had passed a law to ensure easy access to public buildings, employment quotas for PWDs, and the protection of their rights.

He expressed the House’s commitment to enforcing these laws and supporting activities that enhanced the well-being of PWDs.

“After serious assessment, we decided to partner with this organisation, and that’s why we gave our approval.

“It’s important for society to understand that empowering people with disabilities is not charity, it’s about creating a system where everyone, regardless of disability, has the opportunity to thrive,” he said.

The lawmaker commended the stakeholders for their efforts and expressed hope that their strength and commitment would continue to grow, improving life for PWDs across Nigeria. He assured them of the House’s continued support.

Dr Joachim Aforjama, Managing Director of Big C Real Estate and Property, also pledged support for the festival, emphasising his firm’s reputation for backing sports and welfare initiatives.

He expressed excitement about the partnership with the committee and PP-UP to organise the National Inclusive Sports Festival. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru