NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Economy/Business

ECA, AfCFTA to boost visibility of women, youths through e-commerce

161 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

Women and youth entrepreneurs in Nigeria will benefit from improved access to African markets following the validation of the Market Access Guide and E-Commerce Platform.

An Economist with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA), Mamudou Sebego, said this at the Nigeria African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Validation Workshop, in Lagos.

According to him, the entrepreneurs will gain visibility under the AfCFTA initiative.

“This event marks the third consultative engagement between the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordinating Office, with support from the UN-ECA and Nigerian businesses, focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of women and youths in cross-border trade.

“The platform and guide aim to simplify trade processes, enable visibility for products, and connect vendors with buyers across the continent.

“It is expected to address longstanding challenges such as logistics bottlenecks and difficulties with export documentation, which many small business owners have faced.”

Sebego added that the platform was designed to serve three key purposes: giving visibility to products, facilitating vendor-buyer matchmaking.and enabling cross-border transactions.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration among government agencies to ensure AfCFTA implementation.

“Registration, product verification, and customs documentation remain under the purview of various institutions such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the Nigeria Customs Service.

“The e-commerce platform will not override regulatory processes but will integrate them over time.

“The goal is to simplify and eventually connect these processes online, but regulatory bodies will still play their role,”he said.

The Representative, Nigeria AfCFTA Coordinating Office, Franca Achimugu, expressed the country’s readiness to implement AfCFTA commitments.

“Nigeria has taken a significant step forward by participating in the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), a pilot phase of AfCFTA aimed at testing trade processes among willing and ready state parties.

“So, GTI allows countries that are ready to start trading and test the processes.

“Nigeria joined the GTI in June 2024 and successfully made its first shipment to Kenya in September, which arrived at its destination in December 2024,” she said.

Achimugu said that while the pilot shipment exposed gaps needing adjustments, Nigeria was  almost good and ready to go.

She said that the ultimate goal was to enhance the competitiveness of women and youth in the AfCFTA, noting that information was more important than money.

“This work is showing us where the opportunities are across Africa and what the requirements are for each market,” she  said.

Mrs Bukola Ajani, President, Association of Women in Fashion Tech, commended the initiative and expressed concerns about production cost.

“It will work similarly to platforms like Amazon and Alibaba, and business owners have expressed optimism about the project’s potential to reduce the burden associated with physically moving goods across borders.

“This will help us sell our products without travelling out of Nigeria. That is a major advantage, but concerns about production costs remain.

“Challenges such as high energy costs and currency devaluation still undermine competitiveness in the free trade market.

“With a little push and support, we are ready to showcase our products to Africa and beyond,”Ajani said.

Dr Blessing Irabor-Oza, National President, Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT), described the guide and platform as game-changing for women-led businesses.

“Some of our members are already exporting to the UK and US, but this will help many more women tap into the African market.

“The e-commerce platform will showcase our products and simplify payment systems,” she said.

She reiterated the potential for Nigerian products, particularly in the fashion and beauty sectors, to thrive under AfCFTA.

“Our African fashion and Shea butter products are in high demand globally, and with proper packaging and standards, we can compete with the best,” she added.

Mrs Margaret Adepetu, Women’s Coordinator for the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, also commended the initiative.

Adepetu said that while digital tools were helpful, addressing fundamental issues like the high cost of fuel and improving the value of the naira remained crucial.

“We can have all the platforms, but if the cost of fuel and electricity remains high, our products will still struggle to compete,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by representatives of government, stakeholders, entrepreneurs and partners. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Health

Menstruations: Stakeholders to empower women, provide health solutions

262 total views today

 

By Ahmed Dantala

Her pride, other stakeholders in menstrual wellness have decided to empower women with confidence and freedom from stigma or period poverty.

 

They said this at a launch of a menstrual wellness app, “her pride: the pride of every girl”, on Saturday, in Abuja.

 

The event with the theme “empowering menstrual wellness: healthy cycle, healthy lives”.

 

Ms Anjolaoluwa Odunaike, product manager and team lead, her pride app, said women should be proud of their period and feel free to discuss it even among the male gender.

 

Odunaike however encouraged everyone to learn about menstrual health and be conversant with discussions that have to do with menstruation.

 

“In today’s world, a lot of ladies have menstrual health related issues and are usually shy or ashamed to talk about it.

 

“So, with Her pride, we are giving women the space, the opportunity, especially in Nigeria.

 

“It’s a community for women in Nigeria to be able to talk about their issues, their problems and empowered as the problems are being solved and not necessarily have to hide it anymore.

 

“In Nigeria here today, we have a lot of ladies who are used to the norms of waiting for their menstrual supprises to come, but with her pride, you can easily get notification about when your period will come, you are not necessarily surprised, you are ready for it.

 

Ms Lois Amele, Executive Director, Good tides Philippian Mission Foundation, expressed her readiness to collaborate and also urged the government to emulate the initiative by also partnering with the organisation.

 

“We would like to partner with this organisation

 

“I would say this is an opportunity where the government will have to come in and partner with this organisation and donate particularly to this organisation.

 

” They are not only assisting the people in the rural environment, but they are also doing a lot with the urban environment.

 

“So, I would say that, minister of women affairs, women affairs secretariat and every government bodies, we need to come together and push what is going down here in her pride.

 

Ms AbdulKareem Silifat, a corp member and participant at the event, said she grew up in a Muslim home as a lady, and that she could not really discuss anything about menstruation when the male gender were at home.

 

“Sometimes we are really feeling pains, they are there sending us to buy things or do things.

 

” Am really happy that there are people out there that really care about menstrual circles and are willing to take it a bit further and also educate people about it.”

 

The highlight of the event was the official launch of the “Her Pride App”.

 

NAN reports that, Her pride app is a platform that helps women track their menstrual period, mood and cycle flow.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Gender

NCWS elects new President, unveils empowerment Initiative

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By Justina Auta

Mrs Edna Azura has emerged as the new National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Azura will complete the late Hajiya Lami Adamu-Lau’s two-year tenure, following her passing on June 5, 2024.

During the inauguration, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, urged Azura to lead with fairness and dedication for the benefit of women across the country.

“Together, we can achieve so much. Women are already leading in many sectors, and there is no reason we cannot do even more for this nation.

“We will contribute to the progress and development of Nigeria by providing access to markets and finance, protecting our women and children, and giving them the support they need.

“We will also strengthen our response to child development and protection, ensuring that the vulnerable are well looked after,” she said.

On the new women empowerment initiative, Sulaiman-Ibrahim announced that it would provide financial support to women in the six geo-political zones.

This, she said will help them achieve economic independence amidst the current economic challenges.

According to her, N3.6m will be given to the North Central states; N3.1m to the Northeast; N3.1 Northwest states; N2.250m to Southeast.

”The South South will get N3.150m

while N2.7m will go to the South West states as part of the women empowerment initiative, ”she said.

Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, called the late Adamu-Lau an icon with a legacy of excellence.

While presenting a memorial magazine in honour of the late president, Benjamins-Laniyi urged women to emulate Adamu-Lau’s legacy and contribute to national development.

“In our transition, may we create legacies that are not just printed in magazines but etched as indelible footprints,” she said.

Mrs Geraldine Ita-Etuk, NCWS First Vice President and Acting President, thanked First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, NCWS Grand Patron, for her steadfast support for women.

Ita-Etuk highlighted the council’s efforts, saying: “We are giving three women per state N150,000 each to support and grow their businesses.

“We also want to see more women in politics and positions of authority”.

In her acceptance speech, Azura, the 16th NCWS President, pledged to uphold her predecessor’s legacy and champion women’s empowerment.

“I commit to working diligently to empower women, foster unity, and elevate NCWS to greater heights.

“Let us unite as one, fostering cooperation and collaboration among Nigerian women for a brighter and more prosperous future for ourselves and the nation,” she said.

Azura urged women to prioritise dignity, welfare, and empowerment while increasing their participation in governance.

She emphasised the importance of creating a legacy of strength and unity for future generations. (NAN)

www.nannews.ng

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Kadiri Abdulrahman

General News

Advocacy group assesses IDPs education in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

High Level Women Advocacy (HiLWA) in Saturday visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Niger to assess the living conditions and education of the girl-child.

 

President of HiLWA in Niger, Hajiya Hassana Adamu, led a delegation to the IDPs camp at Central Primary School, Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that HILWA is a non-governmental organisation that sensitise rural communities on the importance of girl-child education.

 

Adamu explained that the visit was to assess the living standards and education of out-of-school children, particularly the female ones.

 

She said that HiLWA’s focused on promoting girl-child education, adding that the organisation was concerned about the lack of guidance and counselling for the girls.

 

She observed that the girls in the IDPs camp were not exposed to the importance of education, adding that HILWA would take the issue up with the state chairman of Universal Basic Education.

 

“Although we sensitised the girls on the benefits of education, there is need for alternative location for the IDPs instead of the school premises,” she said.

 

She added that the organisation also plans to advocate for the provision of guidance and counselling officers to educate the girls on the importance of education.

 

The Head Mistress of Central Primary School, Gwada, Mrs Justina Barde, said that the IDPs presence in the school premises was affecting the education of pupils.

 

She also highlighted the accommodation challenges, stating that six families, including males and females, live in a single classroom, posing a danger to the female children.

 

Some of the girls who spoke, Rita Iliya and Jennifer Nehemiah, expressed their desire to become a medical doctor and a tailor respectively, in spite of their irregular attendance at school.

 

NAN reports that the organisation presented items, including cartons of biscuits, detergents, soap, and bags of pure water, to the IDPs.

 

NAN also reports that the delegation includes female permanent secretaries, officials from the Adolescent Girls’ Child Education (AGILE) and the Niger state Child Rights Agency.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Gender

HIV: UN, ASWHAN unveil women empowerment project

245 total views today
By Justina Auta
 UNWomen and the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASHWAN) have unveiled an empowerment initiative for women living with HIV.
The organisations extended the gesture to other vulnerable groups, empowering them with life skills and start-up packs to enhance their economic independence.
Mrs Helen Akpan, Assistant National Secretary, ASWHAN, said this during a two-day training on Friday in Abuja.
She said the exercise would alleviate the current hardship faced by members and provide them with source of livelihood.
“We are training women living with HIV and other vulnerable women with skills acquisition for sustainability and to alleviate poverty.
“This will help in sustaining household livelihood for these women and their children, especially amidst the dwindling economy, which has overwhelmed a lot of people’s financial capacity.
“There is a need for them to have skills and economic empowerment, which will take care of their nutrition, drugs and other hospital services required,” she said.
She said that 50 women in the FCT would be exposed to poultry farming, ice block business and other skills, adding that start-up packs and equipments would be given to them to facilitate the training they acquired.
According to her, the women will be grouped into clusters to form a cooperative, to enable them to access loans and other services to more financially independent.
 “This is going to be extended to other states because we want to change the narratives for our members regarding depending on others. It is one of the causes of Gender Based Violence (GBV),” she said.
Mr Martin-Mary Falana, a Consultant, said the participants would also be empowered on identifying profitable business opportunities, innovative ideas for marketing and selling
He said they would  be trained on how to form and manage a Village Savings and Loan (VSLA).
Falana said the women would be able to lay their hands on things that can improve their livelihood, especially as they will be given startup equipment to fend for themselves.
“It will also improve their socio economic development and ensure that they earn what they can use to fend for themselves and their younger ones, children and wards.
“They will also be grouped to form committee that will assist them with the VSLA, where they can make contributions and then gather it to help one another.
“This will go a long way to alleviate poverty, generate income and make them self reliant,” he said.
He encouraged other stakeholders to support vulnerable groups, while urging the participants to remain strong.
 ”Living with HIV is not the end of life. HIV does not have anything to do with their brain. They can still use their hand to do a lot of businesses.
“They need help from other financial institutions to bring down the cost of  interest in accessing loan so that they can do something with their lives,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Stella Ebeh-Obianuju stressed the need to empower women living with HIV, to make them less vulnerable and victims of GBV.
Ebeh-Obianuju, who is also the Coordinator, Hope Initiative (Mother’s to mother Support group), said that, “if we are empowered, we will be able to stand on our own, train our children, live a healthy and productive life.
“I believe that after this empowerment training, and with support, we will be able to stand on our own and be financial dependent, not relying on anyone,” she  said.
Amina Mohammed, another beneficiary, said the initiative would make her independent, and provide for her family, especially amidst the current economy challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
Agriculture

Women farmer groups receive grinding machines in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

No fewer than 20 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have received grain processing machines for their outstanding performance in the promotion of agriculture in Niger state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture was facilitated by the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) and the Niger state/Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa(AGRA).

 

VSLAs is mainly women farmer groups, which specialised in raising funds for agric processors.

 

The project is tagged:Improving farmer resilience and upscaling productivity, income and livelihood in rice, maize, soybean, cowpea and vegetable value chains in Niger state.

 

Dr Ken Ukaoha, President of NANTS, said that VSLA had demonstrated exceptional ability in administrative prowess and for putting funds together for the promotion of agric value chain.

 

“Notably, women-dominated VSLA groups emerged as the most outstanding, with women showing exceptional administrative prowess.

 

“We are impressed by the performance of the VSLA groups, and we believe that rewarding them will encourage others to emulate their example,” he said.

 

He noted that the recognition was to boost the morale of the VSLA groups and encourage them to continue their good work.

 

According to him, the project, which started three years ago, had created over 2,000 VSLAs in the state.

 

He commended the state government for providing enabling environment for the project to thrive.

 

In his remarks, Alhaji Musa Bawa-Bosso, Commissioner for Agriculture in Niger, said the state was committed to ensuring that poverty was reduced through job creation for smallholder farmers.

 

Also speaking, Mr Godswill Agwuyi, Programme Officer of AGRA, advised the beneficiaries to utilise the machines and ensure that their cooperatives give birth to another cooperative.

 

Similarly, Alhaji Shehu Galadima, Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Niger, commended the AGRA/Niger consortium project and urged women cooperatives to take advantage of the governor’s agricultural revolution.

 

Mrs Rhoda Tsado, from Victory Corporative, appreciated AGRA for helping to improve their means of livelihood.

 

“Through this project, our cooperatives have been able to save money, and members can borrow and pay back,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Foreign

Nigeria secures $50m loan to boost women-owned businesses

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By Kamal Tayo Oropo

The Bank of Industry (BoI) has secured a 50 million dollars loan portfolio from the African Guarantee Fund (AGF).

 

This is in a bid to empower women entrepreneurs and drive economic growth in Nigeria.

 

This innovative guarantee framework agreement is backed by the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative.

 

The loan, which will be disbursed over a 10-year period, is expected to scale up BoI’s lending to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country, with a focus on women-owned businesses and environmentally sustainable enterprises.

 

Dr Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOI, spoke on the sidelines of the Africa Investment Forum, Market Days 2024, which ends on Friday in Rabat, Morocco.

 

Olusi said that the partnership would propel Nigeria’s industrial sector by providing financial and business support services to enterprises.

 

“Today, we signify a collaboration that promises to drive inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainable development,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AGF will also provide tailored guarantees and technical assistance toward special SME products offered by BOI, targeting women, youth and green businesses.

 

This agreement is expected to unlock up to 100 million dollars in financing for SMEs in Nigeria.

 

According to Olusi, the partnership is a significant step towards promoting economic growth and reducing unemployment in Nigeria.

 

He said it also aligned with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

The African Development Bank’s Vice President, Agriculture, Human and Social Development, Dr Beth Dunford, emphasised the bank’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth in Nigeria.

 

“This strategic partnership is a beacon of hope and progress for African businesses, particularly those led and owned by women,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Aviation

Women in aviation pledge to advance safety, security in aviation sector

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By Gabriel Agbeja

The Women in Aviation International, Nigeria Chapter (WIA-N), a non-profit organisation, has pledged to advance safety and security in the aviation industry.

Its President, Nigeria Chapter, Mrs Rejoice Ndudinachi, made the pledge at the 2024 WIA Annual Conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Ndudinachi assured that Women in Aviation would continue to support and do all it takes to ensure safety and security in the aviation industry “and this, we have been doing and will continue to do.

“In every segment of Nigeria’s aviation industry, women are present and have been making a very significant impact, starting from engineering, management, aero- medical, media, regulation, training, meteorology and security to piloting.

“Ever since WIA was established, the level of commitment and dedication to duties by women in aviation has increased and this has contributed significantly to the numerous achievements that the industry has recorded.”

The president said the members would keep gaining knowledge by attending international WIA conferences on constant basis, urging them to support and cooperate.

“Today, we gather once again as a community of pioneers, advocates, and change makers in aviation. Women in Aviation, Nigeria Chapter is a non-profit organisation. It encourages the advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests.”

She said the vision of the organisation was to promote public awareness of the accomplishments and contributions of women to aviation development.

According to her, the aims of WIA include fostering, promoting and engaging in aviation education, particularly as it relates to WIA.

Others, she said, were to cultivate, foster and promote interest and understanding among the public on the accomplishments and contributions of women in aviation.

“We also aim to encourage the young ones to build up their future in aviation.”

She said WIA-N had established and inaugurated about 17 Aviation Clubs in schools to provide a platform for networking resources and opportunities for women.

“In pursuit of our aims and objectives, we have embarked on public sensitisation programmes, WIA Scholarships, career talks, and other activities to help the young ones to take up a career in aviation.

“For example, Nigeria got the position of first winner and second winner during the September 2024 International girls in aviation day activity raffle draw. The girls made us proud.

“This year, we organised ‘Girls in Aviation Day’  in almost all the airports in Nigeria with the support of aviation agencies, particularly with the support of these beautiful role models and vision achievers in the house,“she said.

She said the organisation  gave handsome gifts to outstanding children to inspire them to pursue careers in aviation.

She said the theme, “Connect, Engage, Inspire“ perfectly encapsulated the essence of the organisation`s mission, vision, and the journey it had embarked.

“As women in aviation, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to inspire. We inspire each other by sharing stories of perseverance, innovation, and leadership.

“We also inspire the younger ones to take up a career in aviation, `she said. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

General News

Stakeholders call for unity, support among women

213 total views today

 

By Lynient Akotonou

Nigerian women have been urged to unite and empower themselves to take up leadership roles in various sectors of the society in spite of challenges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the call was made by stakeholders at the Women In Leadership and Entrepreneurship (WOILEN) conference, themed, “Empowered to lead, inspired to succeed, women shaping the future”.

Former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aisha Isma’il, in a keynote address, said that women must work to break societal limitations and take leadership roles in major sectors of the society.

“In human endeavors, have we aspired for excellence? Are we inspiring? Are women positive absolutely? And if we inspire, how come we are not in leadership? In the political, financial, economic and social scenes?”

She further stated that Nigerian men have failed in governance, development and peace and it’s up to women to take action and create positive change.

“It is up to us for the sake of our children and now our grandchildren, to wake up and use that small space given to us and explore.”

On her part, Mrs Adedayo Laniyi, Pioneer Mandate Secretary, Women and Children Affairs, FCTA, emphasised the importance of women in embracing their power and excellence.

She defined an empowered woman as one who acknowledges her potential, resilience and ingenuity.

Laniyi said that an empowered woman is one that embraces the power at her disposal to effect life changing initiatives.

She said that women in Nigeria must exploit their full potential by being original, exponential, and deliberate in their actions and deed.

Stella George, author and convener of the WOILEN Conference, explained that the conference was organised to connect women for collaboration, to inspire them with top speakers and entrepreneurs, and provide valuable insights for success.

“We want to see that their businesses thrive. We want to see that they get the full support. We want to see that they have everything that they need to have in order to move their businesses forward.

“We believe that women have so much potential. The leadership capacity of women cannot be overemphasised.”

She also called for further collaboration among stakeholders towards supporting women’s empowerment in the country.

“But we intend to see partners, government agencies, individuals, and businesses come together to support us, because we need to support women. The women need support.”(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Gender

Minister urges action to protect rights, dignity of women, girls

307 total views today

By Justina Auta

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has stressed the need for deliberate action to protect the rights, safety and dignity of women and girls across the country.

She made the call at the launch of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Abuja on Monday with the theme ‘Unite Campaign: Towards Beijing to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls’.

The minister, who described GBV as a societal issue and an impediment to development, expressed concern over the statistics in the country.

She said the statistics show women and girls at great risk, stressing that “the growing trend represents gross violation of human rights and undermines the very fabric of the society, thereby preventing women and girls from achieving their full potential.

“Gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal issue, a human rights issue, and an impediment to our nation’s development.

“The statistics before us on  GBV in Nigeria remains deeply troubling. Even as we embark on this campaign today, a little child has just violated, a woman has just been abused, a young girl’s life is at risk somewhere in a community, all for no just cause.

“Current reports indicate that 30 per cent of Nigerian women and girls aged between 15 and 49 years have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.

“This violence occurs not only in homes, but extends to schools, workplaces and communities. Violence does not know any tribe nor creed, it cuts across social and economic boundaries. It affects both young and old”.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim, therefore, urged the media to amplify the voices of survivors, highlight success stories and hold perpetrators accountable, as well as educate the public against such act.

She said the campaign would focus on community mobilisation and education to challenge harmful cultural norms, stereotypes and practices that perpetuate violence.

“We will continuously engage traditional and religious leaders as community gate keepers,” she added.

Ms Beatrice Eyong, the Country Representative of UN Women to Nigeria and ECOWAS, also stressed the need for renewed efforts toward addressing gender inequality and violence against women and girls.

Eyong said 42 per cent of women were financially excluded, with women holding less than five per cent of elective positions.

According to her, this imposes significant economic loss, estimated at 1.5 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP annually, hindering development and progress.

She added that “GBV is everywhere, it is not good for neither the men nor the women. It has the capacity to reduce economic growth if this is not reduced, we will never come out of poverty. It is not just a human rights issue, it is an economic issue.

“The funding for gender equality and women empowerment has reduced, and as experts, we have to think of innovative ways to mobilise funds to fight the menace”.

Gautier Mignot, European Union Ambassador, said “we cannot help but commend the critical reforms that have been initiated by state government and civil society organisations, of which, we have started seeing progress”.

Represented by Toyosi Giwa, Technical Lead, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption ( ROLaC), Mignot pledged sustained advocacy “until perpetrators are held accountable and punished and every survivor gain access to assistance that they need to recover and heal”,

Mr Gabriel Aduda, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, said that in commemorating the 2024 activities, commitments would be re-enforced, while collaborations and empowerment of survivors strengthened.

Aduda added that “GBV remains a pervasive issue in our societies, transcending borders, cultures and socioeconomic status. It continues to rob individuals of their dignity, undermine families and hinder national development.

“In Nigeria, statistics paint a sobering picture, with a significant percentage of women and girls experiencing violence in their lifetimes. This is unacceptable, and we must act with urgency,” he said.

Aduda, therefore, stressed the need to move beyond rhetoric by amplifying voices, strengthening actions and deepen resolve to address the root causes of GBV.

“Every law we enact, every programme we implement, and every survivor we empower brings us closer to a Nigeria where women and girls can live free from fear and violence,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

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