By Justina Auta

Ms Toun Sonaiya, Chief Executive Officer, Women Radio 91.7 FM, Lagos, says efforts are underway to reposition women for greater impact on society.

Sonaiya stated this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, to announce its 7th edition of Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2023), scheduled for Oct. 25 in Abuja.

She explained that the conference with the theme, “Repositioning Women for Greater Impact” was designed to change societal norms and institutional frameworks that impede women’s progress.

This, according to her, will allow women to take on more significant roles in governance and leadership.

She disclosed that leaders, policymakers, advocates, and other stakeholders across Africa would converge in Nigeria for the conference.

She said that the conference would provide the needed platform to share knowledge and find innovative solutions to gender imbalance in leadership and governance.

“Although several policies, and advocacies are in place to promote gender balance, huge gaps still exist in economic empowerment and leadership.

“This is why we have invited speakers from Namibia, Kenya, and Liberia and host country Nigeria to share practical steps and strategies on women’s inclusion, economic empowerment, ownership, and effective allocation of financial resources.

“The outcome will be used to develop a strategic policy document to improve women’s inclusion and leadership,” she said.

She added that the conference would also galvanise actions that recognises the immense potential within women and underscores the necessity of their empowerment for the betterment of the nation.

The CEO disclosed that the Vice Presidents of Nigeria, Liberia, as well as other leaders from Namibia, Kenya, state governors and wives of governors were expected to speak at the conference.

According to her, VOW2023 is leveraging the collective wisdom of experts and practitioners from various African countries, including Namibia, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, and host country Nigeria.

“The aim is to have each expert share practical steps taken, both by individually and governments to amplify women’s voices in leadership.

“Women have consistently proven their ability to excel in various fields, from entrepreneurship to corporate leadership.

“However, a staggering number of women continue to face economic disparities that hinder their progress.

“VOW2023 seeks to address these disparities and unveil strategies to unlock the economic potential of women.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that VOW 2023 Conference and Awards is an initiative of Women Radio 91.7, Nigeria’s only radio station for women and their families.

The conference is being organised in partnership with Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation with support from the MacArthur Foundation and the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

Other partners are Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Sterling Bank, Lagos Inland Revenue Service, and Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI). (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

Mr Christopher Maikalangu, the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on Sunday began distribution of palliatives approved by the Federal Government to no fewer than 100 residents of the area council.

Maikalangu said the palliatives were meant to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

The chairman who appreciated President Bola Tinubu for approving the provision of the palliatives, also commended the FCT Minister for ensuring that the palliatives got the people at the grassroot.

He said that the council on its part showed a sense of equality and transparency in the distribution of the palliatives.

“Residents of AMAC were invited, irrespective of their ethnic groups, religion inclination and political affiliation.

“They were all drawn from the 12 political wards of the council, we want to continue the good works and show commitment in order to touch the lives of our people,” he said.

He called for contributions from good-spirited individuals and philanthropists to help meet the needs of the people, as the government could not do it alone.

He however enjoined the recipients to make optimal use of the palliatives.

A beneficiary, Mr John Musa, appreciated the federal government, the Minister and the AMAC Chairman for the palliatives.

“I am so happy today and I want to appreciate them all for these palliatives.

“The people are happy with the food items we have received as these items would go a long way in our lives,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items distributed include; rice, maize, vegetable oil among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Joshua Olomu

Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Lagos and daughter of President Bola Tinubu and other Nigerians drawn from different backgrounds, have received the 2023 Peace Achievers International Awards.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award ceremony of the 12th edition of the prestigious annual event took place on Saturday night at the Abuja Continental Hotel in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Tinubu-Ojo receive an award of Excellence in Peace and Community Developement and was also named the Best Business Person of the Year.

Other recipients of the Excellence in Peace and Community Development award included Eze Boniface Ariekpere Ajuzie of Isiala Ngwa, Abia State, Dr Gideon Osi, and Rt Hon. Ahmed Mohammed and Dr Ubon Udoh.

Other Nigerians who made this year’s Peace Achievers ‘roll-call’ are Dr Jim Chimezie, Hon. Dubem Oguegbu, Fatima Suleman, Asiwe Emeke, Dr Amina Mohammed, PR expert Alex Nwankwo and popular comic comedian Obinna Simon, among others.

Awardees of the Excellence in Peace and Community include Abdurazaq Zubair, Ummusalma Rabiu, Maj-Gen Solomon Bitrus and Stephanie Onusiriuka, who was named the Sports Personality of the Year.

Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director and chairman of the Planning Committee, who congratulated the recipients, said the award recognises individuals who have contributed immensely to nation-building, through peace-driven initiatives, education and youth empowerment.

According to him, the 12th edition of the annual awards, with the theme “Sustainable Peace and Economic Growth in Africa”, is geared towards bringing to the fore the importance of peace in driving economic prosperity.

He, therefore, urged the awardees to see the honour as a ‘higher calling’ towards deeper commitment to peace building in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

“I want to congratulate all the 2023 recipients of the 12th Peace Achievers International Awards and the Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

“The Peace Achievers International Awards is a private initiative of peace Ambassador Agency to recognize individuals and organisations in Africa who have demonstrated strong commitment in serving their communities.

“We are building a movement involving all sectors of the society that promote peace and unity in Africa.

“There is no better time than this to honour outstanding personalities like you, so together we can build a global partnership for peace,” he said

Amafibe explained that although there were a lot of patriotic men and women who have contributed meaningfully in the peace building project in Nigeria, it was imperative to honour the ‘outstanding’ ones.

NAN reports that the American Management University conferred Honorary Doctorate Degree in Leadership and Management on Tinubu-Ojo and other Nigerians at the event.

Dr Samuel Ojong, African Representative of the University, who conducted the conferment rites, urged the recipients of the honour to be good ambassadors of the university.

In her remark, Tinubu-Ojo expressed delight for the recognition and commended the organisers of the Peace Achievers International Awards and the American Management University for the initiative and honour. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent obi