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IWD: FCT NUJ urges N/Assembly to approve legislation on gender-based violence
The Correspondent Vice Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike has called for intens lobby of members of the National Assembly to ensure the passage of gender-sensitive laws which seek to protect and promote the rights of women in all spheres of Nigerian Society.
Comrade Grace who is also the House of Representatives’ Press Corps Chairman made the call in Abuja, during the commemoration of International Women’s Day 2024, tagged: “Together ensure inclusivity, loud her voice” organized by Female Journalist Network in collaboration with Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter.
In her address tagged: ‘Together we can do more: Together we will do more. This year we shall do everything together as Women applauded the resilience of Female Journalists and other womenfolks for breaking barriers and making their voices heard in the traditionally male-dominated spaces the country.
While pursuing gender equality, Comrade Grace tasked womenfolk not to “waver in their commitment to challenge injustice, discrimination, and inequality at every turn.
According to her, Inclusivity is not a fleeting notion but a cornerstone upon which our movement thrives. By embracing diverse voices and perspectives, we sow the seeds of a future where every woman flourishes.
“This year is special as we are gathered to give a united amplification to our collective yearnings and desires. Particularly the secret pain and muffled ambitions of women. This year we shall speak truth to power. We shall speak to each other as we speak for each other. This journey is a collective one and we shall move as one united and unbreakable vanguard.
“Dear sisters, it is an honor to address you all on this great occasion of the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration, organized by the Female Journalist Network. As we gather under the theme ‘Together: Ensure inclusivity, loud her voice,’ we are reminded of the indispensable role women play in shaping our societies and charting the course towards a more inclusive and equitable world. This year, our words would become action and a force that will pull us all to the promise land. There is just one bend before we get to the end of the tunnel and I see light already.
“As the Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Nigeria, and the Vice chairman of the Correspondents’ chapel of the FCT, I stand before you as a testament to the progress women have made in breaking barriers and making their voices heard in traditionally male-dominated spaces. I have also worked with female lawmakers, wives of top politicians and great women who have excelled as professionals.”
“Let us also pay homage to the indispensable role of female journalists in shaping narratives and amplifying our voices. Their unwavering dedication to illuminating our struggles merits our unswerving support and appreciation.
“To empower our Female Journalists, we must equip them with the tools and opportunities needed to excel. Comprehensive training and mentorship programs are essential in nurturing their talents and ensuring their voices reverberate far and wide. Let us redouble our efforts to advocate for gender parity in media representation, fostering a more inclusive and representative discourse.
“In closing, I commend each woman for her resilience, for every scar borne is a testament to our collective strength, and every tear shed a tribute to our shared journey. The dawn of victory draws near, beckoning us to celebrate the triumphs of women everywhere.
“Let us pledge to march forward hand in hand, amplifying her voice and forging a future where every woman thrives. Together, we possess the power to realize our dreams and shape a brighter tomorrow for generations to come,” Comrade Ike urged.
Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media and Public Communications to Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has responded to the recent appointment of Bashir Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.).
Olayinka took to X (formerly Twitter) to address discussions surrounding this leadership transition. His post aimed to clarify that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not dismiss Mele Kyari, a northerner, to replace him with a southerner, as some speculated. Instead, Olayinka pointed out that Ojulari, like Kyari, hails from the northern region of Nigeria.
According to Olayinka’s post on his official X account, he emphasised that Bashir Ojulari is from Kwara State, located in North Central Nigeria. Additionally, the new Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, originates from Borno State in the North East.
His post stated: “Bashir Ojulari, the new NNPCL CEO, is a northerner from Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. The new Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, is also a northerner, from Borno State, North East Nigeria.”
Olayinka’s statement came in response to narratives suggesting that the appointment was politically motivated to favour one region over another.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has strongly condemned the extrajudicial killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, while warning against retaliatory violence targeting Southerners in Northern Nigeria.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, MBF Spokesman Luka Binniyat denounced inflammatory threats from individuals claiming to represent Northern interests in response to the killings.
Recalled that the victims, were allegedly armed hunters, traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano when they were attacked by a mob that accused them of being kidnappers.
“The MBF strongly condemns the unlawful killing of any Nigerian citizen, including those who lost their lives in Uromi,” the statement read. “However, we categorically reject any attempt to use this tragic incident as a pretext to unleash violence against Southerners residing in Northern Nigeria.”
The forum assured that the Middle Belt would not become a battleground for reprisals, emphasizing that it remains a safe haven for all law-abiding Nigerians. It urged community leaders and youths to remain vigilant and prevent any attempts to instigate violence, calling for anyone with such intentions to be handed over to authorities.
The MBF also reaffirmed its commitment to justice for all victims of violence across Nigeria. The statement highlighted the ongoing security challenges facing Middle Belt communities, citing persistent attacks by armed herdsmen with little government intervention.
” We hope that the swift response to the Uromi killings would serve as a precedent for broader action against criminal elements terrorizing the region.
“Thousands of our people remain in captivity, and vast portions of our land are still under the control of violent outlaws—primarily Fulani militants,” the statement noted.
“Justice must be served across the board.”
The MBF concluded by reiterating its support for the ongoing investigation into the Uromi incident and calling for a fair and decisive crackdown on all forms of criminality across the country.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Deputy Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Kabir Ibrahim kware, has commended governor Ahmed Aliyu for executing numerous developmental projects without taking loan from any financial institution.
Ibrahim Kware whp gave the commendation when he led other members of the State Assembly on Sallah homage to governor Aliyu, added that, the governor is very prudent in managing resources to achieve results.
“There was never a time you approached us with a request for permission to borrow money from any financial institutions whether at home or abroad,”he affirmed.
This , according to him, is worthy of commendation considering the myriad people- oriented projects the governor is executing across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the State’s Judiciary, Sokoto State Chief Judge, Justice Muhammad Sa’idu Sifawa, commended the governor for the construction of additional Court rooms at the State High Court.
Justice Sifawa also expressed delight over the way and manner the governor responds to issues affecting the Judiciary, which he said, is a clear testimony of the good working relationship existing between the three arms of government in the state.
Responding to the commendations, governor Ahmed Aliyu appealed for more synergy among the three tiers of government in the overall development of the state.
A statement by Abubakar Bawa, the Press Secretary to governor Alhmed Aliyu reaffirmed his principal’s unwavering commitment of the executive arm to providing the direly needed dividends of democracy to the people of the state,in line with his campaign promises.
The governor also urged lawmakers to present all the needs of their constituencies for prompt and diligent implementation.
“”I want to assure you that my doors are always open for you at any given time, to listen to the demands of your people.”
He reminded them on the need to put politics aside and work together with the executive arm for the progress and even development of the people they represent.
Turning to the members of the State Judiciary, the governor appealed to Judges and Khadis to ensure the quick dispensation of justice, so as to decongest the correctional centres.
“It is worrisome to see how inmates are languishing in correctional centres for minor offences in the name of awaiting trial.
“We recently appointed seven additional Judges and 7 Khadis, which is the first in the history of Sokoto State.
“The idea is to enhance the manpower in our Judiciary so as to speed up the dispensation of justice,” he added.
The governor further assured the members of the Judiciary of his administration’s readiness to ensure their welfare at all times.