News Agency of Nigeria
SGBV: Women Affairs ministry, foundation partner to enhance healthcare services
Health

SGBV: Women Affairs ministry, foundation partner to enhance healthcare services

By Justina Auta

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMoWA) has partnered with Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), an NGO, to enhance Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) healthcare services for survivors nationwide.

The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted WARIF’s expertise in establishing and operating Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).
“The initiative aims to provide survivors with immediate access to professional, compassionate, and comprehensive care.
“The partnership will focus on capacity building for healthcare providers, case managers, and frontline responders, as well as drive policy reforms, survivor-centered service delivery, and nationwide awareness on SGBV.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that strong partnerships were crucial in creating systemic change to address SGBV.
Dr Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, Founder and President of WARIF, reiterated their commitment to bringing expertise to the partnership, particularly through its health pillar and pioneering work in establishing SARCs.
The WARIF founder added that he partnership aimed to reduce SGBV cases and ensure survivors had access to healthcare services to cope with trauma.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Abiemwense Moru

Tallen urges political parties to give women 50% positions
General News

Tallen urges political parties to give women 50% positions

By Tosin Kolade

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, has called on Nigeria’s political parties to amend their constitutions and mandatorily allocate 50 per cent of appointments and elective positions to women.

Tallen made the appeal while delivering a keynote address at a two-day capacity-building conference organised by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Speaking on the conference theme: “Breaking the Barriers and Shaping Positive Attitudes Towards Inclusive Politics in Nigeria,” she suggested the adoption of “Zebra Policy or 50-50” pairing of male and females.

Tallen also suggested that President Bola Tinubu, as a former governor, senator and pro-democracy activist, should lead the charge for gender inclusion, stressing that his leadership can make a defining difference.

She also urged the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, to leverage her position, influence and experience as a four-time former senator to champion the cause of women mainstreaming in Nigerian politics.

Tallen, a former Deputy Governor of Plateau and one-time Minister of State, Science and Technology, described women as the bedrock and the spice of every successful electioneering campaigns or political movement.

According to her, women demonstrate unmatched dedication, organisational capacity, and persuasive skill, and their involvement is crucial in mobilising communities and building personal connections with voters.

She, however, said women’s participation in politics was often inhibited by some deeply rooted gender biases and barriers in Nigeria’s societal norms, cultural beliefs, and institutional structures.

Tallen defined gender barriers in politics as the obstacles that disproportionately hinder women from equal participation and representation in politics.

According to her, such challenges are rooted in socio-cultural norms and institutional structures, adding that overcoming them requires comprehensive, strategic, and multi-dimensional approaches.

She, therefore, urged all political parties to strategically integrate women into them because they often bring a unique and essential energy to campaigns, and make the difference between success and failure.

“One solution I recommend is for all political parties to immediately amend their constitutions to create special seats for women.

“As we approach the 2027 general elections, parties should mandate the allocation of at least 50 per cent of appointments and elective positions to women, what is popularly known as the Zebra Policy or 50/50 pairing of male and female candidates.

“Since political parties are foundational to governance and policy direction, it is they who must address religious and cultural norms that inhibit women’s involvement. Party constitutions must be deliberately reformed to drive gender equality and inclusive participation,” she said.

Participants at the event

She said such reforms require commitment from all genders across political divides, including lawmakers, civil society, and the electorate, stressing that such collaboration would trigger unprecedented levels of female participation.

“Politics is, ultimately, a game of numbers. With a population of over 200 million people, about half of whom are women, it is strategically essential to fully integrate women into our political system.

“Neglecting them amounts to sidelining a substantial portion of our national potential, with dire consequences. Gender biases are the barriers inhibiting the advancement of women in politics.

“As the Giant of Africa, Nigeria must lead the way in gender mainstreaming and dismantling gender bias in politics. We must urgently remove the formidable barriers to women’s political participation,” she said.

She decried the fact that Nigeria was faring far worse globally, with only 4.2 per cent of its National Assembly members being women, placing her among the bottom five countries in the world.

The former minister noted that, while Rwanda was leading globally, with women occupying 64 per cent of parliamentary seats, Nigeria has just 17 women out of 360 House of Reps, and 4 out of 109 senators.

Tallen, therefore, called for immediate action, stressing that government must enforce existing gender policies, and consider the 35 per affirmative action for an upward review to 50 per cent.

“To overcome this, we must disabuse the electorate’s minds of such biases and promote women’s inclusion through persistent advocacy, especially in party leadership, elections, and appointments.

“We must also promote the UN’s Gender Equality’s Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which envisions a world free from discrimination and supports women’s full participation in all areas of leadership.

“Nigeria should learn from countries that have achieved 50 per cent female representation and foster international partnerships that promote peace, security, and gender inclusion,” she said.

Earlier, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, reaffirmed the Institute’s role as a neutral platform for vital national dialogue.

He noted that women’s political participation were central to Nigeria’s democratic progress, yet female representation in leadership remained low, undermining both equity and effective governance.

Also speaking, IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, acknowledged women’s vital contributions and their efforts in addressing digital challenges.

He said that while issues like discrimination and under-representation persisted, they were not insurmountable. (NAN)


Edited by Mark Longyen 

Youth, women vital to advancing irrigated agriculture in Africa – Experts
Agriculture , Food Security

Youth, women vital to advancing irrigated agriculture in Africa – Experts

By Tosin Kolade

Irrigation and water management experts have called for the inclusion of women and young professionals in advancing irrigated agriculture across Africa.

This call was a central theme at the 6th African Irrigation and Drainage (ARCID) Conference, which concluded with an award ceremony on Wednesday night in Abuja.

Mrs Oyeronke Oluniyi, Chairperson of the Nigerian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the conference stood out for its strong engagement with young professionals from six African countries.

“The level of participation, knowledge-sharing, and innovation brought by these young professionals was impressive.

“They are no longer just learners; they are ready to lead and drive meaningful change in irrigation development across the continent”.

According to Oluniyi, who is also the Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, a key highlight of the conference was a field visit to an irrigation site near Keffi, Nasarawa.

She described the visit as “a practical eye-opener” that provided real-world insight into the challenges and opportunities within irrigation practice.

She emphasised the importance of harnessing the creativity and energy of young people to promote sustainable agriculture in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These young minds are well-positioned to contribute to food security, effective water resource management, and increased agricultural productivity,” she said.

Oluniyi also pointed to a pre-conference youth forum, which provided a platform for delegates from various countries to collaborate, network, and exchange ideas.

Their engagement in the main sessions, she said, brought fresh perspectives to the discussions.

She added that it was inspiring to witness Nigerian youth engaging and forming connections with their peers from across the continent.

“The conference also featured a dedicated session on women’s participation in irrigated agriculture, aimed at empowering women and addressing barriers such as limited access to land and other essential resources.

“During the session, two female farmers; one from the Hadejia Valley Irrigation Project in Jigawa and another from the Kano River Irrigation Scheme in Zamfara, shared their personal stories of transformation and empowerment.

“Their journeys demonstrate that when women are supported, they not only thrive but also uplift others in their communities.

“In essence, our youth and women are not merely participants, but are agents of transformation. With the right support, they can help lead Nigeria and Africa towards a more food-secure and climate-resilient future, “Oluniyi said.

Also speaking at the event, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr Marco Arcieri, described the conference as a significant milestone for Africa.

He called for greater collaboration and networking to address shared challenges, including water scarcity and food insecurity.

“There are important lessons to take forward. From now on, we must strengthen cooperation and improve coordination to meet our development goals”.

Arcieri also commended the Nigerian National Committee for hosting the event with the backing of the Federal Government, including support from the Ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture, and the Presidency.

“This conference will leave a lasting impact, and ICID remains committed to supporting future progress,” he added.

Mr Inuwa Musa, Co-chair of the 6th ARCID Task Team noted that while advancements are being made, they must be accelerated to meet the demands of a growing population and the increasing impacts of climate change.

“To ensure food security, irrigation must be prioritised, we cannot break the cycle of poverty by farming for just four months a year. Sustainable, year-round food production depends on effective irrigation systems”.

Kuta, representing the Chairman of the African Regional Working Group, also stressed the importance of regional collaboration, particularly when it comes to managing shared water resources.

“Development does not happen in isolation. We must resolve conflicts over transboundary resources like the Niger Basin. There is enough water to meet our needs, though perhaps not our greed. We must learn to share wisely”.

Similarly, an Irrigation and Drainage Expert Mr Razaq Jimoh noted the urgency of scaling up action.

While acknowledging that Africa is on the right path, he warned that progress remains slow, especially given shifting rainfall patterns and other climate-related challenges.

Jimoh, a former Managing Director/CEO of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, reiterated the need for year-round food production.

“You cannot end poverty by farming for only a few months and surviving on that harvest for the rest of the year.

“The only viable solution is to produce food throughout the year, and that requires functional irrigation systems”.

He also called for an end to disputes over shared water resources, emphasising the need for equitable access and cooperation.

“Most conflicts in inter-basin and transboundary areas stem from unequal access, but there’s enough to meet our collective needs if we prioritise and collaborate”.

In his speech, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the need for partnerships and greater investment in irrigation to tackle climate change, population growth, and food insecurity.

Utsev commended the efforts of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), the African Regional Working Group, and all participating countries for their dedication to the conference’s goals.

He noted that their collaborative work would pave the way for developing actionable strategies in the irrigation and drainage sector for both Nigeria and the African continent.

Utsev was represented by Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, Director Reforms Coordination with the ministry.

He stressed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and ensuring accessible water resources for farmers to foster prosperity across Africa.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders across the continent to promote inclusive participation, enhance irrigation infrastructure, and foster regional cooperation to strengthen Africa’s agricultural resilience.

NAN reports that several distinguished individuals were recognised at the award ceremony for their contributions to leadership and governance in the water and agriculture sectors. (NAN)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Minister wants collective action to empower young women
Defence/Security

Minister wants collective action to empower young women

 

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, on Thursday called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to empower young women and advance national development.

 

Sulaiman-Ibrahim made the call in Abuja at the opening ceremony of a three-day royal ambassadors gathering week 2025 with the theme, “Building Global Partnership for sustainable impacts, Innovations and development.”

 

The minister, who was represented by a  Director in the Ministry , Dr Mrs Ola Erinfolami, emphasised that empowering young women remained critical to the nation’s growth and progress.

 

She acknowledged the ministry’s achievements in promoting gender equality, development and peace, noting that more work must be done to close existing gaps.

 

“Young women continue to face challenges in education, economic opportunities, healthcare and leadership.

 

“It is our responsibility to address these disparities and create an enabling environment for women to thrive,” she said.

 

The minister, however, outlined four key areas of focus in the ministry’s agenda to include access to quality education and skills training, supporting entrepreneurship and job creation.

 

This, she also said, includes ensuring healthcare access, promoting well-being and encouraging women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.

 

She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting policies and programmes that empowered young women, adding that collaboration with stakeholders remained vital.

 

“I urge all stakeholders to join us in this effort. Let’s work together to empower more young women and create a brighter future for our nation,” she added.

 

In his opening remarks, the Founder and Director-General of the Royal Ambassadors Family Enlightenment Foundation (RAFEF), Jonathan Okwudiri, called for stronger global partnerships to drive sustainable development and innovation in Nigeria.

 

Okwudiri, who doubled as the convener of the event stressed that unity, collaboration and collective action were crucial in achieving national progress.

 

He said that in a world where challenges like poverty, unemployment, food insecurity and social inequality threatened the collective future, the need for action had never been greater.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the RAFEF, Green Revolution Farmers Feed the Nation Foundation (GRFFNF), and Young Women Rise Empowerment Initiative (YWREI) are the three NGOs working to reshape the society.

 

These are done through strategic empowerment, economic development and social transformation.

 

The groups are also dedicated to poverty eradication (SDG 1), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and zero hunger (SDG 2).

 

Okwudiri, who oversees a network of over one million women and youths across the 36 states and the FCT, said that the NGO was a formidable force dedicated to nation-building through empowerment, agriculture, and youth development.

 

He announced the launch of major initiatives under the GRFFNF, including Operation Feed the Nation, inaugurated in December 2024, and the Green Rewards Smart Farm Settlement (GRSFS), aimed at providing employment opportunities for one million Nigerians.

 

He said that the group’s Agricultural Farming Project Fund and Empowerment Scheme would provide financial grants to farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

 

“This gathering is a testament to the power of collaboration. As Royal Ambassadors, we are determined to work with visionary partners to create lasting impacts,” he said.

 

Okwudiri also highlighted the achievements of the RAFEF in training over 1,000 women and youths in entrepreneurial skills, seeking partnerships and support to enable the trainees to start their businesses.

 

He reiterated the organisation’s readiness to align with President Bola Tinubu’s administration policy, particularly the Renewed Hope Agenda, which focused on promoting agricultural development, food security, and job creation.

 

“As nation-builders, we support any leader who prioritises the empowerment of women and youth. Together, we can shape the future of our country,” Okwudiri said.

 

Okwudiri commended the Board of Trustees, management teams, and the media for their contributions to the growth of the organisations and urged participants to use the gathering to connect, learn, and collaborate.

 

“We are not just here to celebrate; we are here to build. Let us rise to the challenge and create the future we envision,” he said.

 

The event also features the inauguration of the National and State Executive Officers of the Young Women Rise Empowerment and Support Initiative (YWRESI) and the crowning of Miss Global Royalty Africa 2025.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Yakubu Uba

Women must take action to lead – TUC
General News

Women must take action to lead – TUC

By Joan Nwagwu

The Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) FCT Women Commission, Mrs Sandra Ogbonna, has urged women to take deliberate steps towards leadership through proactive action rather than waiting for opportunities.

Ogbonna made this call at the International Women’s Day 2025 celebration with the theme “Accelerate Action Towards Occupying Positions of Authority” in Abuja on Saturday.

She stated that leadership positions must be actively pursued, as they are not freely given.

Ogbonna noted the persistent gender gap in leadership, noting that in spite women’s contributions, decision-making spaces remain dominated by men.

She called on women to equip themselves with knowledge, support one another, challenge barriers, and advocate for policy reforms that promote inclusivity.

“We must break self-imposed limitations and take our rightful place in leadership,” she said, encouraging women to engage in governance and politics.

She also urged members of the TUC Women’s Commission to participate actively in discussions and decision-making processes.

The Secretary of the Commission, Chika Ukachukwu, underscored the importance of resilience and leadership in advancing women’s empowerment.

Ukachukwu stressed that women’s achievements must never be overlooked.

“The knowledge we gain in spaces like this is invaluable, you may not realise its significance now, but one day, you will,” she said.

She reaffirmed the TUC’s commitment to celebrating women’s contributions and urged attendees to reflect, learn, and continue pushing for gender equality.

“Resilience is key to overcoming obstacles and making a lasting impact,” she added.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT council, Grace Ike, called on women to be intentional in supporting one another, stressing that mere lip service will not drive progress in gender parity.

Reflecting on her own journey, she acknowledged the support she received from women like the union’s secretary but emphasised that such support must be based on merit rather than emotion or gender solidarity.

“Without even questioning my competence, she supported me simply because she believed in women. But beyond that, we must ensure that the women we support are capable.

“We should not blindly follow someone just because she is a woman. Let us do our due diligence, and if she is competent, why not support her?” Ike stated.

Ike, who was the guest speaker at the event criticised women who refuse to support other women due to personal interests, describing them as obstacles to real progress.

She cited an instance within the NUJ where some men were more willing to back a female candidate than certain women, one of whom openly opposed her candidacy.

“The men said, ‘Women don’t support women,’ but we proved them wrong. However, one woman insisted that unless it was her preferred candidate, she would never support another woman”.

Calling for a shift from performative activism to measurable action, she urged women to evaluate their impact before each Women’s Day celebration.

“We must not just gather every year to talk. By 2026, we should be able to point to tangible achievements from 2025. How many women did we uplift? Who did we empower? If we do not have results, then we are merely running in circles,” she said.

Ike proposed initiatives such as legislative advocacy, gender-sensitive laws, and lobbying for special seats for women in political and decision-making spaces.

She also stressed the importance of mentorship and grassroots economic empowerment.

“It is not about having millions. Have you given a woman ₦20,000 to start a petty trade? Have you given ₦5,000 to help someone start a small recharge card business? These are the real actions that change lives,” she argued.

She warned against hypocrisy in the women’s movement, vowing to expose those who claim to support gender equality but work against it in private.

“If I were to conduct investigative journalism, I would visit people’s homes and ask about them. That is how we will identify those who merely hold microphones and talk but do nothing for women,” she added.

Ike called for a new, action-driven movement, suggesting that the phrase “women supporting women” might be too long and instead advocating for “She for She” as a rallying call.

“At the current rate, gender parity will not be achieved until 2158. This delay is unacceptable. We must act decisively. Enough of the talk—let’s make women’s support intentional and impactful,” she declared.

The FCT Chairman of the TUC Commission, Comrade Paul Audu, called for urgent action to dismantle barriers preventing women from occupying leadership positions.

He praised the resilience and dedication of women across all sectors, emphasising their role in national development.

Audu acknowledged that in spite some progress, leadership spaces remain disproportionately occupied by men.

“Talent is not gendered! Competence knows no chromosomes! Yet, systemic barriers continue to hold back the incredible potential of our women,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the trade union movement’s commitment to equality, stressing that empowering women strengthens workplaces, policies, and society as a whole.

“This is not just about fairness; it’s about progress,” he declared, urging intentional efforts to create space for women in decision-making roles.

He urged everyone to accelerate change by challenging the status quo and actively dismantling barriers that hinder women’s advancement.

Audu reaffirmed the union’s commitment to being a driving force for gender equality, stating that real progress will only come when women’s voices are heard at the highest levels. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

ACCI pledges to boost women’s role in business
Economy/Business

ACCI pledges to boost women’s role in business

By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has reaffirmed its commitment to boost women’s participation in business and trade for economic growth.

Its Director-General, Mr Agabaidu Jideani, disclosed this at a virtual meeting to commemorate the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the chamber’s Women in Business Trade Group (WIB-TG).

The theme of the meeting was “Invest in Women: Unleashing Economic Potential for a Sustainable Future”.

Jideani said ACCI decided to celebrate the IWD through virtual meeting with relevant stakeholders to demonstrate the importance of women in the country.

He reaffirmed the chamber’s dedication to advocating for policies that support women-led enterprises.

Jideani said that women were at the heart of economic transformation, innovation and development.

According to him, many women still face barriers to accessing opportunities, capital and leadership roles, in spite of their undeniable economic contributions.

“That is why today’s event is crucial; it is a platform to empower, educate and engage women in business, trade and entrepreneurship,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, Director-General of Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), said the council has engaged women in various training programmes, to support and enhance their business.

According to her, such programmes include market access initiatives and certification opportunities under the SheTrade Hub, aimed at strengthening female participation in global trade.

Ayeni was represented by Mrs Evelyn Obidike, Director, Product Development Department of the NEPC.

Also, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), Mr Charles Odii, said the agency had initiated various initiatives to ensure that women entrepreneurs thrive.

The Vice President Legal of ACCI, Mrs Aisha Abdullahi emphasised creating opportunities and building a more inclusive economic landscape to improve women’s participation in decision-making.

“Investing in women is not just an economic imperative; it is a necessity for building a sustainable and prosperous future,” she said.

NAN reports that the participants emphasised on the need for stronger public-private partnerships to enhance financial accessibility, market integration and capacity building programmes for women in business. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Oluwafunke Ishola

SMEDAN seeks concrete action for empowerment of women entrepreneurs
Economy/Business

SMEDAN seeks concrete action for empowerment of women entrepreneurs

By Lucy Ogalue

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has called for decisive action to support women entrepreneurs and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

SMEDAN Director-General, Mr Charles Odii, said this at the Unveiling of SMEDAN’s GrowHer Accelerator Programme, organised to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event is: “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality”.

Odii, while reiterating the need to celebrate achievements of women entrepreneurs and promote gender equality in the MSME sector, emphasised the need to move beyond discussions to real economic impact.

The director-general challenged stakeholders to transition from dialogue to implementation.

He highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in Nigeria’s economy, noting that they accounted for 39.65 million businesses, contribute nearly 50 per cent to the GDP, and provide 60 million jobs.

“If there are 100 businesses in Nigeria, 96 of them are MSMEs,” he said.

In spite of their contributions, he acknowledged key challenges, particularly low manufacturing output (10-15 per cent) and underdeveloped industrial jobs.

Odii called for immediate steps to strengthen MSMEs and boost industrial productivity.

The director-general, as part of SMEDAN’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, unveiled the “GROW” initiative—which stands for Guardians, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce Support.

“GROW is our promise to you. We will guide you with regulatory support, connect you to financial resources, and provide the opportunities you need to expand,” he said.

Reaffirming SMEDAN’s commitment to tangible solutions, Odii assured participants of direct assistance.

“Those interested in registering with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), we will guide you through it today.

“We encourage women entrepreneurs to leverage international trade agreements to expand their businesses.

“The dollar standard is rising, and the solution is simple: if you start exporting, the dollar will start coming in.

“So, we urge you to take advantage of agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme to grow your businesses,” he said.

The Executive Director of NEPC, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, reiterated the importance for MSMEs in the country to improve on packaging of their products which was affecting export rates.

Ayeni also urged the entrepreneurs to work in clusters and de-risk their businesses to be able to gain more support for their businesses.

“The reason you are not able to access funds is because you are not de-risking your business. No bank wants to give money when they can not see their money in a bank.

“Women, let us get together, de-risk our business, and ensure that we are able to tap into the opportunities that the environment presents,” she said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Nigeria Commodity Exchange, Mr Anthony Atuche, commended the SMEDAN D-G for his pro-women and pro-business efforts.

Atuche urged entrepreneurs to focus more on food production to help address the issue of food security and sustainability.

“This is because we have a lot of markets to feed in the country. Without even talking about the export potential.

“But then, while we also need to feed, we have some food crops that are basically export crops.

“And the exchange is actually setting up processing capacities in those regions.

“Storage capacities in those regions to help our smallholder producers to actually process those products and refine them into international standards.

He said the exchange was collaborating with NEPC and other stakeholders to address the issue of quality control and rejects of our products internationally.

Meanwhile, Olabimpe Fawale, the Head, Women and Youth Unit at SMEDAN, also reinforced the agency’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs.

“Today, we gather not just to celebrate, but to truly appreciate and commend the efforts of women entrepreneurs.

“SMEDAN’s new Grow Our Accelerator Programme, is designed specifically to mentor and build the capacity of women entrepreneurs.

“The programme aims to empower 100 women annually across three cohorts. Women-owned and women-led enterprises are the focus.

“We are opening the portal for registration immediately, and we will be shortlisting beneficiaries to join the programme,” she said.

According to her, the programme will equip the entrepreneurs with critical resources and support for growth and development. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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

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

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

African women land professionals kick against gender disparity in land ownership, management
Gender

African women land professionals kick against gender disparity in land ownership, management

By Polycarp Auta 

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, African women in land professions have called for policies that would boost women’s access to land and remove gender disparity.

They also called for the involvement of more women in land management across the African continent.

The women’s demands are part of the resolutions of the First African Women Land Professionals Associations (AWLPA) Conference held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Conference was convened by the International Federation of Surveyors-African Regional Network (FIG-ARN).

The communique made available to NAN, was signed by Ambassador Mohammed Kabir, the Chairperson of FIG-ARN, and Mr Izuegbu Uju, Conference Secretary.

The conference called for more land rights programmes to promote public awareness, eliminate gender disparity, and increase the number and visibility of women in land management in Africa.

It encouraged all stakeholders to sustain the push for policy, legal and institutional reforms to increase women leadership positions in land governance.

It also advocated the adoption of a whole-of-the community approach in addressing the challenges faced by women in African societies.

The conference, which witnessed a series of presentations, deliberations, panel and brainstorming sessions, advocated the development of a Strategic Capacity Development Framework (SCDF) for African women land professionals.

“The framework shall focus on e-learning, training, coaching, mentoring, digital skill acquisition and support programmes to empower women in land professions in Africa,” the communique said.

It urged FIG-ARN to collaborate with relevant stakeholders such as UN Women and the African Union Land Governance Strategy, on advocacy and implementation of frameworks for gender equality in land governance.

It suggested the introduction of gender quota to address disparities in land allocation in African communities.

The conference emphasised that the FIG-ARN should seek support of the African Union(AU), and other relevant stakeholders to develop an African cross-border knowledge transfer platform and other programmes for the empowerment of women land professionals.

It also emphasised the need for the promotion and integration of women education and industry in Africa.

The conference participants urged Universities and institutions of higher learning in Africa to improve their curricula and provide practical support toward promoting and integrating the womenfolk.

They urged FIG-ARN to develop and support actionable strategies within the framework of the African Union Land Governance Strategy, with focus on women land rights clinic days.

Some of the participants at the First African Women Land Professionals Associations Conference held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

FIG-ARN was also urged to champion community-level awareness campaigns for guaranteeing equal rights to land, protecting women’s land tenure security, and respecting women’s independent decisions on land matters in Africa.

The conference pressed for coordinated international and regional support to African countries to adopt and implement a fit-for-purpose approach to land administration.

Such approach, it said, should ensure affordable land recordation and facilitate registration of continuum of land rights, particularly on issues that are of critical concern to women.

It urged donor agencies to increase funding in support of women’s land rights programmes for promoting public awareness and eliminating gender disparity while increasing the number and visibility of women in land management.

It encouraged stakeholders to sustain the push for institutional reforms to have more women in the making of government decisions that affect land governance.

It also advocated a more positive approach to the challenges faced by women in African societies.

The conference called on African women land professional associations to foster closer collaboration with international, regional, and community women’s rights groups.

It identified the groups to include UN Women, Landesa, Stand for Her Land Campaign, and International Land Coalition.

“The partnership should focus on benchmarking, capacity building, and implementation of gender-specific projects,” the communique added.

It noted the resolve of the Tanzanian government toward implementing positive policies for gender balance and equal representation in both elective and appointive offices, and particularly appreciated the attempts at extending those policies into the land governance sector.

NAN reports that the conference formed the Network of African Women Land Professional Associations (NAWLPA), under the auspices of the FIG-ARN, to manage and coordinate the implementation of the resolutions.

The election of its leadership is to be held at the AU Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during the 2nd AWLPA Conference slated to hold from 10 to14 November, 2025.

Among delegates at the Conference were the President of FIG, Dr. D. A. Dumashie, and the representative of AU Commission, Dr Janet Edeme.

Also at the Conference was Mr Hans Ni, Secretary-General of the Working Committee on International Exchange and Cooperation of China Association for Geospatial Industry and Sciences. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Women’s voices must be heard in WASH – Self Help Africa
Environment

Women’s voices must be heard in WASH – Self Help Africa

By Akpan Glory

An Irish charity organisation, Self Help Africa (SHA) Nigeria, has called for urgent action to increase women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles within the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

Joy Aderele, Country Director of the organisation made this call in a statement to mark the International Women’s Month in Abuja on Friday.

According to her, in spite being primarily responsible for household water collection, sanitation, and hygiene management, women remain underrepresented in leadership and technical roles.

Citing a 2021 UN Water report, Aderele noted that women account for less than 20 per cent of employees in the global water sector, with even lower representation in WASH-related engineering and management positions.

“In Nigeria, where women constitute nearly half of the population, only a small fraction are involved in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and leadership roles.

“This disparity is even more pronounced in WASH-related decision-making, where men largely dominate, despite women being the primary users and managers of WASH services at the household level”.

Aderele pointed to several barriers that limit women’s participation in the sector, including weak gender mainstreaming in national and state WASH policies, economic constraints, and deeply rooted cultural perceptions.

“There are gaps in the mainstreaming of gender in national and state WASH policies, with weak implementation and insufficient enforcement mechanisms.

“Economic constraints, wage gaps, and limited funding opportunities also make it difficult for women to pursue STEM education or the technical training required for leadership roles in WASH”.

The country director noted that beyond policy and financial limitations, societal norms continue to shape perceptions of leadership and technical expertise.

Aderele stated that WASH-related engineering and policymaking are still widely regarded as male-dominated fields, discouraging women from pursuing careers in the sector.

According to her, safety concerns and mobility restrictions further hinder women’s participation in field-based roles.

Aderele, however stressed that increasing gender diversity in WASH is not just a matter of fairness but an important factor in improving the effectiveness and sustainability of WASH programmes.

“Research shows that when women are involved in decision-making, development initiatives are more inclusive, better maintained, and more responsive to community needs,” she said.

She cited a World Bank report which found that water projects with women in leadership positions were six to seven times more effective than those without.

To close the gender gap in WASH, she called for deliberate and institutionalised action, saying the government must go beyond simply encouraging women’s inclusion in WASH to making it a formal requirement.

“Setting clear targets for women’s representation in decision-making and allocating dedicated funding to support female leadership in the sector are critical steps”.

She also advocated for increased investment in gender-responsive funding mechanisms, including scholarships and grants for women-led WASH initiatives.

She emphasised the need for safe workplaces, mentorship, and advocacy to challenge stereotypes and boost women’s leadership in WASH.

Aderele said SHA Nigeria is actively working to address these challenges through the £5 million WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) programme, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

“We are actively strengthening women’s leadership in community WASH governance, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.

“We are strengthening partnerships with organisations like the Network of Female Professionals in WASH (FeminWASH) to amplify women’s voices in the sector.

“In Cross River State, gender inclusion is being prioritised in the review of the Water Supply Policy, and in both Cross River and Kano, we are institutionalising gender-inclusive WASH governance through State and Local Task Groups”.

She emphasised that achieving gender equality in WASH requires collective action from both men and women.

“This Women’s Month serves as a powerful reminder that we must take decisive steps to dismantle systemic barriers and biases. Only then can we create a more equitable world for all”. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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