News Agency of Nigeria
NBA Conference: Female Lawyers, NGO empower widows, decry discrimination
Judiciary

NBA Conference: Female Lawyers, NGO empower widows, decry discrimination

By Alex Enebeli

The Africa Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, has empowered widows in Enugu, decrying discrimination, stigmatisation and harmful traditional practices against them.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was titled 2025 Widows’ Outreach with the theme, “Restoring Dignity, Rekindling Hope”

It was organised by AWLA, Nigeria in partnership with Healing Hearts Window’s Support Foundation (HHWSF), an international non-governmental charity organisation, on Tuesday in Enugu.

Speaking at the event, the President of AWLA, Nigeria, Mrs Caroline Ibharuneafe, said the essence of the outreach was to empower widows and to encourage them, restore their hope and dignity.

She stated that in many parts of Igboland, widows and their girl children found themselves pushed to the periphery – denied property, voice and belongings.

According to her, what begins as mourning becomes a struggle for their survival and recognition.

“So the theme of this programme encapsulates the urgent moral, legal and societal imperative to confront the traditions and institutions that continue to oppress these women.

“It calls for the reclamation of the widow’s place in her matrimonial home and the affirmation of the girl child as a rightful heir -not an outsider”.

The president listed some of the injustice meted against widows to include eviction from their homes by their in-laws, disinheritance, social exclusion and forcing of widows to undergo rituals to prove their innocence in husbands’ death.

She disclosed that section 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) guarantees the right to dignity of the human person, yet, many widows were stripped of their property, voice and even bodily autonomy.

Ibharuneafe said that AWLA provided the widows with bags of rice, garri, cartons of spaghetti and ingredients.

She said that beneficiaries were selected across different states.

Also speaking, the South-East Coordinator of AWLA and Founder of HHWSF, Mrs Gozie Udemezue, said that female lawyers formed the organisation to promote the rights and welfare of women and children.

She added that the organisation provided pro bono and medical services in collaboration with her foundation, HHWSF, for the indigent widows.

“Basically at HHWSF, we are forming a community of widows called Blessed Widows Nigeria where widows come together to build and raise one another.

“We are raising widows who

pay school fees for the children of their fellow widows and feed and support other widows.

“It is a circle that when we help you, you help another,” she explained.

She explained that the foundation was funded through support from organisations in the U.S. and the U.K, families, individuals, and donors on social media, as well as its own members.

On her part, the Enugu State AWLA Coordinator, Mrs Ifeoma Nwagbara, described the outreach as an annual event done during the Nigerian Bar Association Annual Conference to assist widows and educate them on their rights.

A beneficiary, Mrs Catherine Obodoekwe, said that both organisations had been impactful to widows in Nigeria as they educated them to be resilient in life.

According to her, being a widow does not mean we were withered. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Niger govt. spends N250m on women empowerment
General News

Niger govt. spends N250m on women empowerment

By Rita Iliya

Niger government on Monday empowered no fewer than 2,500 women in Kontagora Local Government Area with N250 million as part of Gov. Umaru Bago’s women empowerment grant to boost their business.

 

Hajiya Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser to the governor on Social Investment Programme and Focal Person, National Social Investment Programmes, disbursed the grant to the beneficiaries on behalf of the governor.

 

Bako said that each of the beneficiaries received the N100,000 to improve their businesses.

 

She said that the aim was to support nano-businesses ran by women and promote community-driven development and inclusivity.

 

“The initiative prioritised women from diverse backgrounds, including Fulani women, women with disabilities, widows and low-income households.

 

“The approach ensures that the initiative reached a wide cross-section of women in Kontagora and environs,” she said.

 

Bako disclosed that the selection process involved traditional community, women and religious leaders to help identify deserving beneficiaries.

 

Some of the beneficiaries, Hadiza Bala and Larak Isah from Kawo Village, thanked the Niger government for the gesture.

 

The duo promised to use the money to invest in their existing businesses, saying the money would go a long way in improving their income and livelihoods.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Isaac Ukpoju

Tinubu prioritises youth empowerment – Minister
General News

Tinubu prioritises youth empowerment – Minister

Youth

By Angela Atabo

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has declared that youth empowerment is a central pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said this on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Orientation Course at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja.

Mahmoud said the current administration prioritised youth, recognising them as the driving force of Nigeria’s future.

“Through skills development, entrepreneurship support, digital innovation, and job creation initiatives, the government aims to equip Nigerian youths to thrive in a competitive global economy.

“The goal is to empower young people as job creators rather than just job seekers, thereby reducing unemployment, fostering innovation, and strengthening socio-economic development,” she stated.

The minister also assured that the FCT Administration, under the leadership of Nyesom Wike, remained fully committed to supporting the NYSC’s objectives and providing an enabling environment for corps members to thrive.

She commended the NYSC management for their dedication in delivering a successful orientation course and emphasised that the scheme’s commitment to youth development and national integration remained vital to strengthening national unity.

Mahmoud urged corps members to uphold the values of discipline, unity, patriotism, and service, and to reflect those ideals throughout their service year.

She encouraged them to make positive contributions to their host communities, reminding them that the NYSC was not just a call to duty but also an opportunity to promote peace, development, and national unity.

The minister further advised corps members to remain security-conscious, respect the cultures and traditions of their host communities, and conduct themselves in ways that would bring honour to both the NYSC and Nigeria.

Also speaking, the FCT NYSC Coordinator, Mr Samson Ateli, described the NYSC as a valuable national asset.

According to Ateli, the scheme plays a vital role in promoting peaceful coexistence and national development through the mobilisation and deployment of corps members across various sectors.

He urged corps members to accept their postings in good faith and warned against seeking or inducing rejections.

“I also encourage you to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and register for the post-camp SAED training,” he added (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Versity Capital empowers UNILAG students for global impact
General News

Versity Capital empowers UNILAG students for global impact

By Aderogba George

The University of Lagos came alive as Versity Capital engaged students during the Femi Gbajabiamila Hall Week to prepare them for leadership and innovation.

Versity Capital, founded by talent strategist and investor, Mr Seun Johnson, works to bridge “the often-ignored gap between academic learning and real-world earning” for African undergraduates.

In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, Johnson said the programme was designed to raise students’ value systems, improve financial literacy, and inspire self-reliance before graduation.

“We’re here to raise the value system, sharpen financial literacy, and inspire self-reliance before graduation.

“With funding, mentorship, and access to networks, Versity Capital is equipping undergraduates to compete globally while solving problems locally, ” he said.

The week’s flagship Career Day provided undergraduates with high-value interactions with industry leaders, including Aramide Balogun of Microsoft and Bukola Reis of Molaran & Reis Consultancy.

Another highlight was Pitch Your Hustle, where six student entrepreneurs presented their business ideas before a live audience.

Darah Pizza & Edibles emerged winner, securing N350,000 in seed funding and three months of free internet access.

Beyond career development, Versity Capital also celebrated culture and talent by sponsoring the Hall’s House of Assembly pageant.

The crowned President and First Lady each received N150,000 as part of the awards.

Johnson said the initiative was not an act of charity but a deliberate strategy to empower young Africans to create sustainable solutions within their communities while positioning themselves for global opportunities.

“Our mission is clear, plant the seeds for an economic renaissance, one student, one idea, one opportunity at a time”.

He encouraged undergraduates nationwide to join Versity Capital’s growing digital community via @VersityCapital on social media and its upcoming website, www.versitycapital.com. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

CHEDI empowers over 150 women on breastfeeding in FCT
General News

CHEDI empowers over 150 women on breastfeeding in FCT

By Akpan Glory

The Citizens’ Health Education and Development Initiative (CHEDI) has empowered over 150 women in the FCT with life-saving knowledge on breastfeeding practices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative was part of activities to mark the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week.

The one-day sensitisation and advocacy programme, held at the Kuchiko Primary Healthcare Centre in Bwari Area Council on Wednesday, brought together pregnant women and nursing mothers for a community-based engagement.

The theme of the event was, “Building Healthcare Systems that Truly Support Breastfeeding: New Tools for Sustainable Change”.

The Executive Director of CHEDI, Mrs Selina Enyioha, said the programme was aimed at promoting breastfeeding as a crucial intervention for child survival, maternal well-being, and the development of resilient health systems.

“Breastfeeding is not just a personal act; it is a public health priority and a building block for lifelong health.

“It has the power to reduce child mortality, improve maternal outcomes, and ease the pressure on fragile healthcare systems,” Enyioha said.

She reiterated CHEDI’s commitment to grassroots health initiatives that prioritise women’s health, nutrition, and child welfare through education and community engagement.

Enyioha called on government agencies, donors, and health sector stakeholders to strengthen support for breastfeeding through policy reforms and improved maternity protection in workplaces.

She also urged increased investment in mother-friendly health facilities and the training of frontline health workers, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Also speaking, Mrs Ngozika Ibhadode, a trained health professional and Chairperson of the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CSS+UNN), Abuja chapter, emphasised the importance of hygiene during breastfeeding.

She noted that many women work long hours on farms and in markets and advised them to always wash their hands before breastfeeding to prevent infections.

Health education sessions were facilitated by community health nurses and peer educators using locally adapted Information, Education and Communication materials, live demonstrations, and personal testimonials.

Participants were taught the benefits and importance of breastfeeding, especially within the first 1,000 days of life, and the need for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months.

Practical techniques, proper positioning, and ways to counter breastfeeding myths and misconceptions were also discussed.

In addition, participants received personalised counselling, and their questions and concerns were addressed by healthcare professionals.

A major highlight of the event was an interactive storytelling session where mothers shared their experiences on the challenges and triumphs of breastfeeding in low-resource settings.

This was followed by a collective advocacy pledge led by the Executive Director through a theme song in local languages.

The women pledged to prioritise exclusive breastfeeding and adopt hygienic practices at home and in the workplace.

The Officer in Charge of the Kuchiko health centre, Mrs Cecilia Bawa, also delivered advocacy messages in local dialects to reinforce community ownership and commitment to breastfeeding support.

Participants expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained.

One of them, Mrs Esther Oluyemi, a young mother of two, said the event transformed her understanding of breastfeeding.

“Today changed how I see breastfeeding. I now understand it’s not just a choice; it’s a powerful tool to protect my baby’s life and health,” she said.

She also reaffirmed CHEDI’s commitment to building health systems that truly support breastfeeding through policy, practice, and community-driven action.

NAN reports that CHEDI is a non-governmental organisation committed to promoting equitable access to healthcare and community health education.

It also focuses on gender-responsive development, especially for women, children, and vulnerable populations. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Lagos restates women, youths empowerment commitment
General News

Lagos restates women, youths empowerment commitment

By Kemi Akintokun

The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), has reaffirmed commitment to financially empower women via various programmes.

Mrs Bolaji Dada, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, made this known at the Life Skill Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP) closing ceremony in Agbowa/Ikosi.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that no fewer than 250 women and youths were empowered with startup tools after completing WAPA’s four-week LEEP training in the area.

Participants acquired skills in paint making, tie and dye, make-up and gele, hairdressing, catering, stoning, pomade, insecticides, and other household product production.

Dada described the programme as WAPA’s flagship initiative, designed to empower grassroots women across various local communities in Lagos State.

She said: “Today’s ceremony celebrates all who completed the impactful four-week training. You are now empowered to begin your journey to economic independence.

“We are proud to graduate beneficiaries from Ikosi Ejirin Centre, Owu-Ikosi, Ajeregun, Imofa, Ado, Otta-Ikosi, Odo-Ayandelu and other communities.

“Our focus remains to equip our people, especially women, with income-generating skills that can lift their households out of poverty.

“This batch also included persons with disabilities, reinforcing WAPA’s inclusive empowerment vision where no one is left behind.”

The commissioner praised Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for promoting inclusive growth, gender equity and grassroots empowerment across the state.

She urged beneficiaries to make use of the tools received to improve their livelihood and support societal development.

The traditional ruler of Owu-Ikosi, Oba Abayomi Ogunlari, appreciated the state government and WAPA for the empowerment programme.

Ogunlari encouraged WAPA to continue reaching out to the vulnerable and underprivileged within the society.

Also speaking, WAPA’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Rainat Ajibike-Onigbanjo, encouraged beneficiaries to apply their new skills within their communities.

Ajibike-Onigbanjo, represented by Mrs Funke Shyllon, said the ceremony marked renewed focus and partnerships for a more inclusive Lagos.

A beneficiary, Jelili Ayobola, said he mastered paint production during the training and gained valuable marketing and sourcing skills.

“Within these four weeks, we were taught to make different paints, source materials and market our products.

“I am deeply grateful to WAPA for this opportunity and I will build on the skills I have gained,” he said.

Another participant, Mrs Ranti Oshinlaja, praised WAPA for the valuable training she received in the craft of tie and dye.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Impact Hub encourages youths to use AI for empowerment
General News

Impact Hub encourages youths to use AI for empowerment

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

A Network, Impact Hub Abuja has urged youths across the country to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to unlock new opportunities and gain empowerment.

The Founder, Mr Olalekan Oshunkoya, who made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, said that harnessing AI would enable them drive innovation and growth in various fields.

Impact Hub is a network focused on building entrepreneurial communities for impact at scale.

Oshunkoya said that the Impact Hub Abuja brought together about 35 diverse youth leaders, advocates, policymakers and many others to discuss the opportunity in AI at the 2025 World Youth Skills Day.

“Our goal was to bring the best of our youths to the table to share ideas, insights and collectively explore how we can increase our understanding of AI’s impact in young people’s future.

“Also, how to use policy entrepreneurship to accelerate the power of AI to reduce youth unemployment and foster innovation.

“We want to identify threats to be mitigated, opportunities to be harnessed and actions that public, private, and youth actors can collaboratively take to support young people to thrive in an AI-powered world.

“We are locally rooted and globally connected and thus committed to using the incredible power of entrepreneurship, leadership, technology and collaboration for social good and contribution for a better world.

“That is why via our roundtable, we explored and gathered policy actions and ideas on how youth empowerment can be accelerated through Al and digital skills,” he said.

According to him, the Hub will continue the inclusive conversation on the potential of Al to help accelerate youth opportunity and empowerment through enhancement of digital skills, creativity, entrepreneurship and employability.

Oshunkoya recalled that during the roundtable, topics discussed included ‘AI and our World Today’, ‘Al and the Youth Opportunity’ and ‘Unlocking the Potential of Al’ to benefit young people in areas like education, employment, innovation, and inclusion.

“All these were explored to empower the youths on the advantages of AI and for them to use it to better themselves and the country at large, hence the call for them to do that,” the founder said. (NAN)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Christiana Fadare

FCTA, UN Women train rural women on cassava processing, branding
Gender

FCTA, UN Women train rural women on cassava processing, branding

By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the UN Women have begun the empowerment of more than 150 women on cassava processing and branding for the international market.

Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

Benjamins-Laniyi explained that the empowerment was under the FCT’s “Ba Yunwa: Ba Fushi” economic empowerment project with support from UN Women.

Ba yunwa: Ba fushi is a hausa expression which means “no hunger: no anger”.

She said that the beneficiaries were drawn from Sheda community in Kwali Area Council of the territory, to improve agricultural businesses in rural communities.

She said that the empowerment programme, which began on July 9, was to harness Sheda women’s entrepreneurial skills in processing and branding of “akpu”, a local delicacy for the international market.

Akpu, also known as fufu, is a popular Nigerian food, particularly among the Igbo people and other groups in the South-South region.

It is made from fermented cassava and often enjoyed with various Nigerian soups.

She said that 50 women were already trained as part of FCTA’s commitment to strengthening women’s resilience, improving food security, and enhancing overall well-being of residents.

She explained that the project was designed to empower women, girls, and children in the FCT, particularly the Akpu Women’s Group in Kwali Area Council.

She added that the goal of the project was to strengthen women’s resilience, improve food security, and enhance the overall well-being of residents in the FCT.

“It was also designed to provide access to a reliable source of water for the Akpu Women’s Group through the provision of a borehole for the Akpu Agro-processing Zone.

“This will enable the women to have access to a reliable source of water, which is essential for their agricultural activities.

“It was equally meant to equip the women with the skills and knowledge they need to start and manage their own businesses through business entrepreneurship and empowerment training.

“The overall goal is to improve the economic well-being of the women and their families,” she said.

Benjamins-Laniyi said that the project aligned with the administration’s commitment to gender inclusivity and sustainable development, a key part of the two-year celebration of renewed hope in the FCT.

She reiterated FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s commitment to empower women across the six area councils of the territory, in line with President Bola Tinubu ‘s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

According to her, the women were being trained extensively to improve their cassava processing and branding skills.

“This will enable them to tap the potential of the international market.

“We are poised to strengthen women’s capacity in agricultural processing, improve food security and enhance the overall well-being of FCT residents.

“This we are doing through strategic empowerment of Sheda women engaged in processing of “akpu”, with improved skills, improved standards of hygiene, as well as branded packaging for export.”

The mandate secretary added that a work shed and a borehole were being constructed for the women to provide conducive working environment and water to support their processing businesses.

She thanked UN Women for the continued support and partnership to change the lot of women, girls and children in the FCT.

Also, the Head of UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mrs Beatrice Enyong, said that the empowerment sought to build women’s capacity towards enhancing food security in Nigeria.

Enyong, who was represented at the event by the acting Deputy Country Representative, Mrs Patience Ekeoba, said that the empowerment would address challenges faced by women in agro-entrepreneurship, income generation and self-sufficiency.

She commended the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat for the bold initiative aimed at creating a community-driven solution for women, families and the local economy.

“This programme seeks to address several challenges in our community, such as lack of access to entrepreneurship training, low participation in economic activities and poor access to clean water and sanitation.

“Other challenges include limited skills for managing small businesses and the persistent burden for women to provide for their families with little structural support,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Kaduna lawmaker empowers 3,000 constituents with N400m 
General News

Kaduna lawmaker empowers 3,000 constituents with N400m 

By Amen Gajira 

Mr Dan Amos, member representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, has empowered no fewer than 3,000 members of his constituency with N400m.

Amos made the donation at an event in Sanga Local Government Area on Thursday to commemorate his second anniversary in office.

The lawmaker, who is the House Committee Chairman on House Services, explained that the initiative was intended to provide support and relief to his constituents.

He noted that the beneficiaries were picked across different strata of the communities, including students, youths, women, men, community leaders, artisans, and traders.

“3,000 people will receive N100,000 each, while 100 other persons will get N1 million each, making a total of N400m,” he stated.

He added that he had constructed 120 boreholes, installed 25 solar powered water systems and deployed over 2,000 streetlights among others across his constituency in the last one year.

“These efforts are about restoring dignity to rural life, easing the burden on women and children, and creating a foundation for inclusive development,” he noted.

He assured his constituents that he would continue to meet their yearnings and aspirations, in line with his campaign promises.

“As we step into the third year of our mandate, I rededicate myself to listen more, serve better, and work harder,” he said.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, described Amos as a dependable leader who had the best interest of his people at heart.

“Dan Amos is a blessing not only to his constituency but to the National Assembly and Nigeria as a whole.

“On behalf of the 10th Assembly, I want to thank the people of Jema’a and Sanga for giving us a man of impeccable character,” he added.

Chinda enjoined the beneficiaries to utilise the funds judiciously as well as emulate the lawmaker in carrying people around them along.

Other speakers, including the House Minority Whip, Ali Isah, and former Deputy Gov. of Kaduna State, Nuhu Bajoga, and an APC stalwart, Tanko Rossi lauded Amos for the initiative, describing the invaluable gesture as timely.

They called on other well-meaning individuals and politicians to emulate the lawmaker in providing succour to the downtrodden at this critical time.

Some of the beneficiaries applauded the lawmaker for empowering them with the cash support, saying they would use it to boost their businesses.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lawmaker had on Wednesday also distributed two trucks of fertiliser, 3,000 bags of rice and four tricycles to his constituents. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Dangote Cement empowers 50 farmers for agro-business
Agriculture

Dangote Cement empowers 50 farmers for agro-business

The Dangote Cement has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme (FEP) in Benue to support the government’s food security efforts.

The initiative is aimed at enabling 50 farmers to produce subsistence and cash crops in commercial quantity from Benue, which is considered to be the food basket of the nation.

The programme is coming barely two months after the company empowered businesswomen in Gboko with cash grants, thus deepening business activities in the State.

Earlier, the company had increased bursary payments to students of host communities by more than 100 per cent.

Speaking on Thursday at the launch of the programme, General Manager Social Performance, Johnson Kor, described the programme as ‘historic and innovative.’

He said the beneficiaries were selected from the company’s host communities of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue.

According to him, the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the six catchment areas of the Local Government.

Kor said that the projects have been earmarked for the communities as captured in the extant Community Development Agreement (CDA), adding that the contents of the CDA are progressively being executed.

“Today we are witnessing an historic occasion in our journey of mutual development. Farmers Empowerment Programme is the first programme to be launched since we signed the CDA with the immediate host communities in December 2024,” he said.

In his speech, Plant Director, Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Munusamy Murugan, said the company would also support farmers with fertilizers, Agro chemicals, Knapsack Sprayers and various types of seedlings.

Murugan, who was represented by Head of Production Department, Soom Kiishi, said: “This is the first batch but certainly just the beginning, and certainly not the end. We plan it to be an annual event, but the choice of the Farmers programme may change, depending on the choice of the benefiting communities.”

He said other economic empowerment programmes are lined up in the coming weeks.

“The Youth Empowerment Programme will soon be launched, and selected beneficiaries will receive training in Welding & Fabrication, and Solar Electrical Installation from professional personnel,” he added.

He said that the company’s scholarship scheme cuts across students from various disciplines and tertiary institutions.

 

A Consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, Dr Ahemen Samuel, advised the beneficiaries to make use of the rare opportunity from the Dangote Cement Plc.

The Consultant said the company’s effort would help transform beneficiaries into entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector and enable them to support the government’s food security effort.

Responding, a member of the community, Kwaghgba Isaac, described the FEP as a historic and huge intervention from the company, noting that the effort would not boost subsistence farming and help feed the nation.

He urged members of the communities to sustain the peaceful coexistence currently being enjoyed with the company.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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