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2024 IWD: Kingibe calls for end to discriminatory practices against women

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Sen. Ireti Kingibe, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, has called for an end to all forms of discriminatory practices against women in Nigeria.

She made the call during the 2024 International Women’s Day Conference organised by Female Journalists Network Nigeria (FJNN),
in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IWD is annunally marked on March 8 to raise awareness about issues that affect women
and girls, as well as celebrate women who contributed to national delevepment and to humanity.

The global observance has “Invest in women: Accelerate progress” as the theme of the 2024 celebration.

According to her, Nigeria must end all forms of discriminatory practices against women and strive for gender equality across
all sectors of the nation.

She commended FJNN for organising the event to draw attention to issues affecting women.

Kingibe said “the overriding concern of every woman is to ensure the safety of their children, especially the girl-child.”

Mr Dakuku Peterside, former Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA),
said “it is time to end marginalisation of women in governance.”

Peterside, a former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers, also said “we need to work
harder to ensure inclusivity of women in governance.’’

He stressed the need for “an open and honest conversation that must transcend tribal and religious boundaries in listening to women.”

He added that it was imperative to identify collective solutions to issues inhibiting women in governance.

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“One shocking development is that in each election circle, we have fewer women in governance; today, there are fewer women
in governance compared to what we had in the past two election circles,” he said.

He noted that instead of making progress, the country was rather closing the space for women,“and we have fewer women on the
boards of quotient companies; we have fewer women as vice chancellors. These are issues to be addressed.”

He, however, suggested education as the greatest tool to address the marginalisation of women.

On her part, Ms Grace Ike, an Abuja-based female journalist, said “in spite of efforts so far made, the journey toward achieving genuine
equality remains fraught with challenges.”

According to her, women’s voices must persistently be amplified to ensure every woman is afforded the opportunity to be seen, heard and valued.

She said this was a sacred duty ingrained in the sisterhood’s ethos, adding that it was imperative to lobby the National Assembly to
pass gender-sensitive laws that protect and promote the rights of women in the society.

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Wike summons Julius Berger, AIC, FCDA, over contract discrepancy

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April 23, 2025

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has expressed displeasure over contract discrepancy in the execution of the rehabilitation of the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the contract for the total rehabilitation of the AICC was awarded to Julius Berger in April 2024.

Wike, while inspecting the project in Abuja on Wednesday, however expressed surprise that the supply of furniture for the conference hall had been given to another company.

The minister, thereafter, summoned the heads of Julius Berger, Abuja Investment Company Ltd (AICL), and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to explain what happened.

Wike, who commended Julius Berger for the quality of job so far, however, queried how the contract for the furnishing of the conference hall was taken away from it.

“The work was going as expected, the only problem we identified this afternoon has to do with the furniture that will be in the conference hall.

“I was surprised to hear that there is a different contractor for that which is unacceptable to us. The job was given to Julius Berger entirely. I cannot have different qualities.

“That is why I summoned the officials to come and tell us who did that, and on whose approval; because I approved the contract, I know the amount of money involved.

“So, when they say Abuja investment is the one, who is going to pay for it?

“I am not going to accept that, and of course, you know, if anything shoddy went on, you will hear that I have applied the big stick. Nobody will be a sacred cow,” he said.

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Wike stressed that he would not have two different contractors furnishing the same edifice.

This, he said, could affect the quality of the delivery.

“We cannot say that the gallery was furnished by Julius Berger and the conference hall furnished by another company. It is unacceptable to me.

“Nobody should do something that he knows is not in tandem with what we have agreed,” Wike said.

The minister also inspected the ongoing construction of Interchange at NICON Junction and the construction of Shehu Shagari Way (N16) to connect with Wole Soyinka Way.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the project, stressing that the project would be ready for inauguration in May.

Wike assured the people living in the area that the FCTA would continue to do all it can to make sure that the projects were completed on schedule.(NAN)

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Matawalle Receives Bosnian Prime Minister , Strengthens Defence Ties

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April 23, 2025

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In a diplomatic engagement aimed at bolstering international cooperation, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, welcomed a high-level delegation from Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday.

The delegation, led by the Prime Minister of the Goražde Region, Mr. Edin Ćulov, was received at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja.

The visit, as confirmed by Matawalle’s media aide Ahmad Dan-Wudil, marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral ties with global partners who share its commitment to security and sustainable development.

Representatives from Rain Integrated Nigeria Ltd, headed by Alhaji Alhassan, were also present at the meeting, underscoring the involvement of private sector stakeholders in driving international cooperation.

During the engagement, Dr. Matawalle conveyed the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for international partnerships that enhance Nigeria’s defence infrastructure and contribute to peace and stability on a regional and global scale.

“Nigeria remains open to strategic collaborations that fortify our national security and promote lasting peace,” the Minister stated, highlighting the government’s intent to foster meaningful alliances with like-minded nations.

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Nigeria Commits to Homegrown Military Solutions, Says Matawalle

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10 hours ago

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April 23, 2025

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The honorable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing local defence production and military innovation through strategic partnerships with the private sector.

Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of Homeland Protectors and Supplies Ltd, led by Chairman Muhammad Ali bin Aadi, at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, Matawalle outlined plans for a long-term joint venture between the company and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

The discussions, held at Ship House, focused on capacity-building training and the deployment of advanced technological solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security framework.

In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Matawalle emphasised that such collaborations align with the newly enacted DICON Act, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The legislation mandates that all military procurement be channelled through DICON, cementing its pivotal role in Nigeria’s defence industrial ecosystem.

“The Federal Government is dedicated to enhancing indigenous capabilities in defence production,” Matawalle said, underscoring the importance of private sector involvement in achieving these goals.

The partnership is expected to bolster Nigeria’s ability to address security challenges through homegrown solutions, reducing reliance on foreign military imports.

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