By Yakubu Uba

The Borno Government has banned street begging and loitering in Maiduguri city and environs.

Thisx is contained in a public notice issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prof. Usman Tar, on Sunday in Maiduguri.

Tar said street begging and aimless loitering were not part of the culture of Borno people.

“In Borno State, street begging and aimless loitering are not in our character. We are dignified people.

“This is to inform members of the public that the Borno State Government has placed a strict ban on all street begging, loitering and gallivanting within and around Maiduguri Metropolis and Jere LGAs,” he said.

The notice said the ban was with immediate effect, warning that violators would be prosecuted. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

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