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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.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has cleared the backlog of outstanding tuition fees owed to beneficiaries of the state’s foreign scholarship scheme, offering major relief to affected students studying abroad.
The intervention, carried out in partnership with the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board under the leadership of Executive Secretary Prof. Yahya Saleh Ibrahim, spans multiple countries and institutions.
Several students who were previously stranded due to unpaid fees have now resumed or completed their academic programs.
Among the beneficiaries is Hauwa Bashir Liman, an MBBS student at the University of Debrecen in Hungary, who received $51,400. Also, Bashir Al Bashir and Ahmad Abubakar at the University of Wollongong in Dubai received $13,827.08 to cover tuition, visa, and other academic costs up to graduation.
Additionally, nine students—including Salisu Shehu Ramin Kura and King Henry Ishaya—who had earlier returned to Nigeria due to financial challenges had their tuition arrears totaling $81,135.76 fully cleared. The government also provided full-year stipends to both Salisu and Ishaya.
Furthermore, all pending tuition fees for medical and nursing graduates of the Islamic University of Uganda and Kampala International University have been settled, enabling them to commence their housemanship in hospitals across Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, Jigawa, and Borno states.
Despite inheriting a lean treasury, the Uba Sani administration has disbursed N402,799,973 in scholarships to more than 3,930 students enrolled in local institutions such as Kaduna State University (KASU), Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University Kano, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, and the College of Education, Gidan Waya.
Over 500 new scholarship awards are expected to be issued in the coming days to students at KASU, while continuing students across various institutions in the state are also receiving renewed support.
According to the Board, the intervention reflects Governor Uba Sani’s strong commitment to inclusive education and support for underprivileged students across Kaduna State.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group and Chancellor of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) Wudil, has pledged N15 billion for various capital projects in the university.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dangote announced the largesse at the university’s 5th combined convocation ceremony held on Saturday in Kano.
Dangote hinted that the funds would support a five-year development plan to upgrade the university to global standards.
He said the planned projects included design and construction of additional student hostels, design and construction of engineering labs.
Other projects were the design and construction of a world-class multipurpose computer laboratory with 24-hour internet access.
He said others were the design and construction of a befitting Senate building and post-NYSC career opportunities for high-performing students.
Dangote also commended Gov. Abba Yusuf for his efforts to address the issue of out-of-school children.
He encouraged wealthy individuals to support the government’s initiatives in enrolling children and emphasised that public contributions were essential for the country’s overall development.
Justice Abdu Aboki, Pro-Chancellor of the university, appreciated Dangote’s generosity, stating that it would bring modern development to the university.
He stated that the institution was working hard to produce graduates with expertise in both character and learning.
Also, its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Musa-Tukur Yakasai, said the convocation ceremony celebrated hard work and resilience, disclosing that over 18,000 students graduated in the seven combined convocations.
He commended the Kano State Government for settling the university’s backlog of over N100 million and completing abandoned projects on campus.
The vice-chancellor explained that the recipients of honorary Doctorate Degrees were chosen based on merit and their contributions to the state and Nigeria.
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He also said that all the 45 courses offered by the university were fully accredited by the National University Commission (NUC).
Yakasai, however, commended the state government’s commitment to supporting the university’s development, while adding that the university’s researchers had gained international recognition.
Those confered with Honourary Doctorate Degrees were
Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Author Eze, Dr Adeniyi Raji (SAN) ,Alhaji Ado Mohammad-Mustapha (Amasco),and Sen. Rabiu Musa kwankwaso.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony drew personalities from across the country.
Yusuf, also the Visitor, congratulated the institution and the students on successfully completing their studies.
He pledged continued support for the institution’s optimal performance and announced two exciting opportunities for the top nine students.
They were granted automatic employment and foreign scholarships to study at universities of their choice, recognising their outstanding achievements.
The governor also congratulated Kwankwaso, the founder of the institution, and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the institution’s values.
Kwankwaso, who spoke on behalf of the awardees, expressed gratitude for Dangote’s commitment to investing N15 billion in the institution, which would facilitate its development.
Alhaji Dahiru Mangal also received commendation for his pledge to construct a 500-capacity female hostel.
The awardees vowed to continue supporting the institution’s growth and expressed their commitment to supporting the institution’s optimal performance.
(NAN)
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf has facilitated the release of eight female inmates from the Goron-Dutse Correctional Centre after offsetting their fines and compensation fees.
The release of the inmates was secured during an unscheduled visit by Governor Yusuf to the facility alongside top government officials.
The spokesperson to the Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa said among those released were two pregnant women and two nursing mothers.
The Governor, during the visit, expressed concern over the growing number of inmates awaiting trial, disclosing that out of 1,939 inmates in custody, only 382 had been convicted, while 1,536 were still awaiting trial.
Yusuf stated that his administration would collaborate with the judiciary to fast-track the dispensation of justice and ease congestion in correctional centres across the state.
As part of the measures to enhance Inmates’ welfare, the Governor also ordered the immediate provision of cows, foodstuffs, matresses, blankets, and assorted beverages to the facility.
In a related development, Governor Yusuf also visited the Janguza Maximum Security Correctional Facility where he announced the planned relocation of inmates from the overcrowded Kurmawa Correctional Centre to Janguza.
He further expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure and general condition at Janguza facility, describing it as more conducive for rehabilitation efforts.
The Governor acknowledged the contributions of former Minister of Interior, General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (Rtd.) over his role in the establishment of the Janguza Correctional Centre.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing phased releases for inmates serving jail terms for minor offences, while also supporting those willing to return to school or acquire vocational skills.