Rights - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Mar, Sun, 2025

Gender

International Women’s Day: WISE advocates gender equality, women’s empowerment

664 total views today

By Aisha Gambo

The Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE), an NGO, has urged the government and key stakeholders to eliminate inequality and promote gender rights and equal opportunities for women and girls.

The founder and Executive Director of WISE, Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, made this appeal on Saturday as part of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration in Kaduna.

She stated that this year’s IWD theme, ‘For All Women and Girls: Right. Equality. Empowerment’, aligns with the organisation’s vision of a just and fair society.

“It’s about recognising that we don’t all start from the same place. Some of us face structural barriers that prevent us from reaching our full potential.

“We acknowledge the sacrifices of those who came before us and recommit ourselves to continuing their legacy,” she said.

She urged women to confront the harsh realities they face, including gender-based violence, climate impacts, and systemic inequalities in institutions and society.

Olugboji-Daramola commended the government and NGOs for increasing women’s participation in politics and advancing girls’ education.

She stressed the need for women to commit to collective action, advocacy, peacebuilding, and environmental stewardship to achieve empowerment and sustainable development.

Meanwhile, participants expressed optimism about the future, saying WISE was on track to uplift women and improve their lives.

Bakiyya Abubakar, representing the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Hussaina Abbas-Tajuddeen, reiterated her commitment to supporting women’s empowerment.

She praised WISE for fostering peace, unity, and progress among women.

Grace Adejoh, from the Solid Women and Youth Solidarity Forum, said WISE had educated many women on climate change and the benefits of using clean stoves.

She added that the organisation had invited women from different parts of Kaduna to network and unite for a better future.

Adama Sani, from Sabon Gari Women Peace Forum, described the programme as both entertaining and enlightening.

She said they were taught how to use clean stoves and their importance in combating climate change.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that women participated in singing, dancing, and cooking competitions during the celebration. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Group urges women to report rights violations to ECOWAS Court

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Sun, 2025

Foreign

Group urges women to report rights violations to ECOWAS Court

269 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court Women’s Forum has called on West African women to always seek redress at the ECOWAS Court of Justice for gender-based violence and discrimination.

The forum’s President, Mrs Frances Ibanga, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

She spoke on the sidelines of a Street Walk organised by the group to celebrate the 2025 International Women’s Day with the theme “Accelerated Action” on Saturday.

According to Ibanga, the ECOWAS Court primarily serves as a human rights court, and urged women to bring forward cases of gender-based violence and discrimination for adjudication.

“Women have previously taken cases of gender-based violence to this court and achieved justice,” she said.

She cited the case of a female Air Force officer who was abused and raped, saying that the court upheld her rights.

“When she turned to this court, she found confidence and had her dignity restored.

“Today, she is enjoying the justice she fought for,” Ibanga added.

On the significance of the celebration, Ibanga said that it was all about advocacy for women to be given equal rights and opportunities in all ramifications.

According to her, there is need for women to take immediate steps, and be encouraged, to achieve whatever they want.

“We’ve come together for gender equality and, especially for the fact that the campaign theme for this year is “Accelerate Action.”

“Women have actually been talking, we have been making the proposals.

“We have been doing advocacy so that we can be integrated and have a place in society.

“The time for too much talk is gone, now is time for affirmative action,” she stressed.

She explained that the forum had over the years been at the forefront of supporting women and young school girls, by doing a lot for them.

“First and foremost, we create awareness, letting them know about their rights, and at the same time, empower them economically.

“We’ve made efforts to empower women economically; that way a lot of their poverty will be alleviated and women will be financially independent.

“We go to them from time to time to encourage them and to drive the campaign against all the vices, for example, drug abuse and all what not,” Ibanga said.

The Court’s Chief Registrar, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, said women should be encouraged to change their mindset, to overcome inferiority complexes, and believe in their ability to achieve anything men could.

Also, Mrs Ami Savage, Head of the ECOWAS Court’s Administration and Human Resources Division, urged the Federal Government to make university-level education compulsory for every girl-child. (NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Foundation calls on Nigerians to defend patients’ rights

Philip Daniel Yatai
Mar, Sun, 2025

Health

Foundation calls on Nigerians to defend patients’ rights

313 total views today

By Blessing Ibegbu

The Disney Nwanne Foundation (DNF) on Saturday urged Nigerians to actively speak out against any infringement on patients’ rights.

The call was made by Mr Martins Nwanne, the founder and convener of the foundation, at its 5th Annual Celebration, which took place at the Esu Karu Palace in Karu, Nasarawa State.

The Disney Nwanne Foundation is a nonprofit organisation founded in memory of Disney Nwanne, who tragically passed away due to medical professional misconduct.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s event is “Strengthening Patients’ Rights Advocacy As A Catalyst to Enhancing Health Care Delivery.”

Nwanne emphasised that when people, particularly patients, failed to speak out against violations of patients’ rights, it hindered the government’s ability to act.

He urged that incidents should be reported, investigated, and addressed with solutions.

“Over the years, the foundation has been involved in various forms of patient sensitisation on patients’ rights, including jingles, periodic meetings, and symposia to educate both patients and healthcare professionals.

“Our medical outreach programmes have also provided healthcare services to communities in need,” Nwanne stated.

Nwanne further stressed that while the Patients’ Bill of Rights (PBOR) was a valuable document, it required urgent review to make it more actionable and acceptable to all stakeholders.

NAN reports that as part of the event, the foundation provided food and clothing materials to families and children in need within the Karu community.

A medical outreach was also conducted, offering free healthcare services, including malaria testing and treatment, blood pressure checks, sugar level assessments, peptic ulcer treatment, and food distribution to 100 individuals.

Government representatives also spoke on the importance of protecting patients’ rights and voicing concerns.

Mr Femi Stephen, Assistant Chief Scientific Officer at the Federal Ministry of Health, highlighted the role of accurate and timely information in respecting patients’ rights.

He lauded the foundation’s work and encouraged organisations to share valuable health information with the public.

Mrs Bridget Etim, representing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), urged patients to assert their rights, including asking questions about medications and their effects.

She also emphasised the importance of empathy and sympathy from healthcare workers, as their actions could significantly impact a patient’s healing process.

Mrs Grace John, a representative of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), commended the foundation and other speakers.

She advocated for the rights of healthcare workers, stressing the importance of good welfare to avoid issues like the “Japa syndrome,” where workers leave due to poor conditions.

John also advised patients to always verify if their healthcare providers were licensed.

In a goodwill message, Dr Danladi Cheshi, the Karu District Head, representing the Esu Karu, Mr Luka Baba-Panya, thanked the foundation for raising awareness.

He also encouraged patients to visit hospitals regularly rather than waiting until they were severely ill.

His Royal Highness, Sa’in Katsina, Alhaji Abbah Muktar, a member of the Board of Trustees, also commended the foundation for its efforts and encouraged patients to speak up about their healthcare concerns.

Muktar lauded the convener for turning personal grief into a powerful advocacy for patient rights.

NAN also reports that the Disney Nwanne Foundation continues to advocate for better relationships between patients and caregivers, as well as reforms in the healthcare system.

The foundation is supported by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, the National Orientation Agency, and the New Apostolic Church. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Foundation urges increased awareness on rights, welfare of PWDs

Philip Daniel Yatai
Dec, Sat, 2024

General News

Foundation urges increased awareness on rights, welfare of PWDs

357 total views today

By Ahmed Musa

Dr Susan Ake, the Managing Director of Lifesquare Leadership Initiative (LLI), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has called for increased awareness on rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

She made the call while fielding questions from journalists during distribution of food items organised by LLI, in collaboration with AIB Adekoya Foundation at the Karon-Majiji Disability Colony, Airport Road, Abuja.

She said that the food items distribution was part of the foundation’s activities to mark the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IDPD is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992.

Annually marked on Dec. 3 around the world, the theme for this year is “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future’’, aimed at promoting understanding of disability issues and mobilising support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

According to her, issues of disability inclusion remain a focal point of LLI’s drive to actualise its dreams of service to humanity.

She advocated the need to stop the discrimination against PWDs, saying that doing so negates the provisions of Article 18, Sub Section 4 of the African Charter which emphasise protection of peoples’ rights, including PWDs.

“So, the fact that they are disabled does not mean they should be discriminated against.

“As a foundation, we always put PWDs into consideration in whatever we are doing; one of the areas we want the government to advance inclusive development for PWDs is policies that promote accessibility.

“We must also appreciate the government’s efforts toward building schools for PWDs.”

Dr Mfon Gift Ayira, the Regional Manager of AIB Adekoya Foundation, said that the group chose to celebrate 2024 IDPD with the community so as to identify with them and the most vulnerable groups.

Ayira explained that “we decided to celebrate with you because we believe that service to humanity is an act of worship, especially at this critical moment.

“We urge other wealthy individuals to replicate what we are doing here because this disability community needs this kind gesture and that is why we are here to show them love.”

Mr Mohammed Dantani, a beneficiary and Secretary of the disability community who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the donors for identifying with them.

Dantani promised to utilise the items for the purpose it was meant for.

NAN reports that a cheque flag of N500,000 was presented to the leader of the community, in addition to distribution of packs of milk, sugar, cassava flour, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Tinubu advocates disability inclusion in all spheres of life

Philip Daniel Yatai
Dec, Wed, 2024

General News

Tinubu advocates disability inclusion in all spheres of life

500 total views today

By Ahmed Musa

President Bola Tinubu has urged stakeholders to advocate for and amplify the voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to achieve disability inclusion and promote their welfare and rights.

Tinubu made this call at a National Dialogue commemorating the 2024 International Day for Persons with Disabilities in Abuja.

The President was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mr Abba Isah.

Tinubu emphasised the importance of advancing the cause of PWDs in Nigeria, citing the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which provided for the protection of PWDs’ rights.

“We signed the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which provides a framework for protecting human rights in Africa.

“Although the charter does not explicitly mention Article 18, Sub 4, it emphasises the importance of promoting and protecting the rights of all individuals, including those with disabilities.

“In line with our Renewed Hope Agenda, we appointed a Special Assistant to promote equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

“The office was mandated to collaborate with government agencies, subnational governments, development partners, civil society organisations, and associations of PWDs to ensure that their policies align with our agenda.

“We are working closely with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to promote disability inclusion in the country,” he said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio pledged that the tenth Senate would continue to enact laws promoting the rights and wellbeing of PWDs.

Akpabio, represented by Sen. Ireti Kingibe, (LP-FCT), emphasised the need for collective effort to promote inclusive development of PWDs.

According to Akpabio, stakeholders must amplify the voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and get involved to support them.

Akpabio stressed the importance of evaluating and treating individuals based on their abilities, rather than their disabilities.

He believed that democracy was not just about voting rights, but also about equal opportunities for all, including PWDs.

To achieve this, Akpabio called for unity and a shared spirit of inclusivity, hope, and determination to advance the rights and inclusion of PWDs.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Mr Ayuba Gufwan, noted that the 2024 International Day for Persons with Disabilities provided an opportunity to review progress and identify challenges ahead.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured awards presentations by the NCPWD to the World Bank, Sightsavers Nigeria, European Union and other partners that contributed towards the commission’s achievements. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru