Opinion
Imaan: Refocusing 16 Days Global Activism Against Gender Based Violence
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF.
Last week during the commemoration of the World Children’s Day organised by the Ministry in conjunction by the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, the new Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman -Ibrahim fsi reiterated the commitment to children’s protection and rights from all forms of vulnerable activities prevalent around the globe with Nigeria not in exception .
This , according to her , was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a view to confronting all innuendos been faced by hapless children and women’s rights.
She used the opportunity to canvass vigorously for this year’s 2024, 16 Days Global Activism Against Gender Based Violence GBV, with focus on women emancipation starting on November, 25 to December, 10 , 2024.
The Minister announced that this year’s event was not going to be business as usual, particularly at the sub national levels were concerted efforts by the federal government are not been encouraged as deserved.
She said the 16 Days activities in commemoration of the program will be wholistic this time and followed to the later, both at the national and sub- national levels, stating that all hands must be on deck to ensure the extermination of all violence related activities against women gender in line with the international best practices.
Begining from tomorrow, which will mark the launch of the consecutive 16 Days Global Activism Against Gender Based Violence GBV, with its line up daily activities, urging the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development at the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory FCT to take cue.
The Minister maintained that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu abhorred all violent related activities that affects women , therefore this year’s program will be used to redesign, remodel and reinvigorate efforts beyond mere policy statements and framework to extricate women folk of all forms of violence.
Already , all administrative and enabling environment that will ensure the smooth running of the unique global program scheduled for 16 Days have been put in place, with the launch of series of events lined up for the occasion.
The maiden program been witnessed and organized by the Ministry under the new Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman -Ibrahim fsi will be distinct and indescribable in view of the line up programs.
The Gender Based Violence GBV which has placed women vulnerable in all ramifications deserved urgent and concerted actions both from the government, private sector, NGO’s, CSO’s as well as the International communities/ including donor agencies.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman -Ibrahim fsi begining from the International Day on the elimination of violence against women , (November, 25th) and culminating on Human Rights day , (December, 10th). this period underscores the urgent need for a coordinated efforts to address Gender Based Violence GBV.
This campaign aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the commitment to advancing Human Rights, gender equality,and strengthening the administrative framework towards protecting the vulnerable population.
All hands must be on deck to support the Ministry of Women Affairs vision and mission to salvage women globally and locally .
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.