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  • Will Nigerian women get additional seats in parliament?

    Will Nigerian women get additional seats in parliament?

    In the 9th Assembly, a constitutional amendment bill to create special or reserve seats for women in parliament failed to see the light of day as both the Senate and the House of Representatives failed to vote positively for the bill. This attracted protests from women’s groups at the gate of the National Assembly for about a week. The bill, which was reintroduced in the 10th Assembly, has continued to generate serious attention from members of the House of Representatives, with the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, being the chief driver. Unfortunately, it has not gained the same momentum in the Senate. This has raised a series of questions about whether or not the bill will sail through when the lawmakers vote on the bill. TONY AKOWE reports

    For several years, Nigerian women have clamoured for what they called equal representation in the political affairs of the country. Beginning from the 35 percent affirmative action canvassed at the Beijing conference, the agitation has grown by the day. With less than 20 women out of about 469 lawmakers in Nigeria’s National Assembly, the under-representation of women has continued to grow. Incidentally, this number has been on a downward trend since 1999. With only 3 women in the Senate and 13 women in the House of Representatives in 1999, the figure rose to 4 Senators and 21 Representatives in 2003 and 9 female Senators in 2007, with 27 House members becoming the highest ever women representation in the National Assembly. The figure dropped to 7 Senators and 26 House members in 2011. While the number of Senators increased to 8 each in 2015 and 2019, the number of House members continued to drop, dropping to 22 in 2015 and 13 in 2019.

    However, while the number of female Senators dropped to 4 after the 2023 elections, those in the House increased slightly to 16 in 2023, but dropped to 15 after the death of Oriyomi Onanuga. The statistics at the state level is far from being encouraging. Statistics revealed that in 1999, there were between 12 and 25 women in the state Houses of Assembly, while in 2003, the number stood between 23 and 25. The 2007 elections produced the highest number of women in state Assemblies with 68 women, while from 2011 to 2019, the figure dropped to 57, and declined to 48 in the 2023 general election.

    Available records revealed that out of the 1460 legislative seats in both the state and National Assembly, women occupy a paltry 64 positions across the country. While there are 469 seats in the National Assembly, there are 991 available legislative seats in the 36 state Houses of Assembly. A breakdown revealed that there are 15 women in the House of Representatives as of the last House seating (there were 16 women at inauguration, but this number was reduced following the death of Hon. Oriyomi Onanuga. However, this number will increase to 17 when the two women elected during the recently concluded bye election are sworn- in, four women in the Senate and 45 women in the 36 state Houses of Assembly. This represents a mere 4.38 per cent of legislative seats in the country occupied by women. Interestingly, the UN Women believe that only six countries have 50 per cent or more women in parliament in single or lower houses: Rwanda (64 per cent), Cuba (56 per cent), Nicaragua (55 per cent), Andorra (50 per cent), Mexico (50 per cent), and the United Arab Emirates (50 per cent) source.

    During the 2023 general elections, only 92 women contested with their male counterparts out of the 1101 candidates that contested for the 109 senatorial elections. Also, out of the 3122 candidates that contested the 360 seats in the House of Representatives, only 288 of them were women. Interestingly, available records revealed that six states did not field any female candidates across the 18 political parties for the election. 

    At the state Assembly level, out of the 10,231 candidates that contested the election, only a paltry 1,019 of them were women.  However, a cursory look at the constitutions of the various political parties revealed that they have made provisions for what looks like a semblance of equitable representation of women in the affairs of the political parties. Some of the party constitutions made room for at least one woman in every three delegates’ right from the ward level to the national level. But some obstacles must be tackled before the dream can be realised.

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    To address this anomaly, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, sponsored a bill to reserve special seats for women in the parliament, both at the state and national levels. The bill first came up for debate and passage in the 9th Assembly when the then Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, sponsored the bill. During the debate, both on the floor of the House, at committee stage and on the day of consideration, it showed a great prospect of sailing through the constitutional amendment. When the bill was first gazetted, it had 88 members signing up in support of the bill. It was gathered then that after the first reading, more members signed up as co-sponsors, giving the bill a better chance of sailing through. But when it was time to vote on the bill after legislative scrutiny, it fell like a pack of cards, with only 91 of the members voting in favour when the bill actually required about 240 members to sail through. Both at the level of second reading and voting, some members of the 9th Assembly spoke so well of the bill publicly, but voted against the bill, sending a shock wave across the country. However, when it came up for voting, it failed to get even two-thirds backing, as only 91 of the 360 members of the House voted in favour.

    Having gone through second readings and debates at zonal public hearings, Kalu is optimistic that the bill will see the light of day in the 10th Assembly. Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, is also very passionate about the bill and has spoken in favour of it at almost every forum where he has the opportunity to speak.

    The Speaker has also set up a special committee to drum up support for the bill by reaching out to all the relevant stakeholders and influential people in the country. He said: “As the sponsor of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, I want to make this abundantly clear: this bill is not born out of sentiment. It is born out of reason, out of evidence, out of the stubborn facts of our current reality. It is rooted in the belief that justice delayed is democracy denied.”

    He said further that “Nigeria is a nation of over 220 million people, and nearly half (49.3 per cent) of this population are women. And yet, the number of women who sit at the table of power in this country is painfully low. In the current 10th National Assembly, only 19 out of 469 legislators are women (just 3.8 per cent).

    “In the House of Representatives, there are only 15 women out of 360. In the Senate, only 4 out of 109. Across all 36 states, we have not a single female governor. And in our State Houses of Assembly (out of 991 seats), only 45 are occupied by women. That’s a mere 4.5 per cent. Keep the advocacy alive. Keep doing it, keep lobbying, there’s no time. We don’t have time.

    “It’s our desire to vote on these constitutional review provisions once we are back from recess. That’s to show you there’s no time. The people you’re talking to must be people who influence those who will vote or the voters themselves. So tell your religious leaders, political big players, the wives of the parliamentarians and so on. Through progressive policies and appointments, the President has shown a clear intent to disrupt entrenched norms. The Reserved Seats for Women Bill is a reflection of this shared resolve, and the 10th Assembly is proud to be the legislative catalyst advancing it.”

    It is worth saying that the agitation for special seats for women in parliament often faces resistance because of several deeply rooted political, social, and institutional issues. It is a given that in many societies, especially in Nigeria, politics is still dominated by men, who often see the demand for special seats as a threat to their control. Some have raised the question of whether they will be expected to vacate their seats for the women to occupy. During the debate for second reading on the bill to create a special seat for women on the floor of the House of Representatives, one of the members argued that on several occasions, he was asked to step down for a woman to contest the House of Representatives seat for his constituency, and he has often obliged. For that reason, he believed that he had made enough sacrifices for the project. However, there are deep-rooted stereotypes that make it hard for women to be accepted as equal political actors. These stereotypes include deeply rooted traditional and religious interpretations by some communities, which discourage women from taking public leadership roles. In addition, limited resources available to women will no doubt work against the actualisation of the idea since they need resources to campaign, mobilise, and lead effectively. Without addressing financial and structural barriers, the policy may not yield real empowerment. Interestingly, some critics have argued that creating special seats for women amounts to creating “token representation” rather than genuine empowerment. Opponents often claim that women should win elections “on merit,” dismissing the systemic barriers that make this difficult. Some argue that quotas or reserved seats interfere with principles of competitiveness and “one person, one vote”. There is a perception that it gives women an “unfair advantage.”

     In short, the agitation for special seats for women in parliament is resisted because it challenges entrenched power structures, faces ideological opposition about democracy and merit, and is constrained by legal, cultural, and economic barriers.

     The bill has drawn support from the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, among others. The First Lady believes that the demand for special seats for women should not be treated as charity. It is her view that it will strengthen the nation’s democracy.

    Speaking at an interactive dialogue session on the special seat bill for women at the 2025 Open NASS week organised by the House of Representatives, the first Lady said women have been underrepresented for too long in the affairs of the nation.

    She said, “One of the most critical issues being raised is the question of women’s representation and inclusion in politics, particularly through reserved seats for women in the legislature. As we reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey, we must be honest about where we are and be bold about where we need to go. The truth is that women remain significantly underrepresented in all levels of governance, despite making up nearly half of the population. This is not just a question of fairness; it is a matter of strengthening our democracy and deepening our national development. I strongly believe that giving women a seat at the table is not about charity. It is about recognising competence, diversity of experience, and the unique perspectives women bring to leadership. That is why this session on special seats for women is not only timely but necessary. It presents an opportunity for us to move beyond conversations and towards real, concrete action”.

    Abia State governor, Alex Otti, is one of those who support the idea, saying it would guarantee the inclusion of women in the political process, giving them a say in shaping the character of the Nigerian governance architecture. Having more women in our legislative assemblies would not achieve the desired impact unless a number of fundamental issues are holistically addressed.  He said, “The internal processes within the political parties have to be strengthened to make way for the active participation of women in decision-making. The ordinary woman, not persons related or affiliated to powerful male party leaders, must be at the centre of the process. If we are not careful, we may be creating new openings for men with vested interests to further entrench themselves in the system using proxies. If that happens, nothing in the real sense of it would change in the political fortunes of average Nigerian women.”

    Speaker Abbas, who has become a strong advocate of the special seat, admitted that women who will seek to occupy the special and reserved seat for women in the national and state assemblies face a herculean task in achieving the set objective in view of the challenges they may have to overcome. He said women aspirants might be required to campaign across an area larger than a single federal constituency, possibly the size of a whole senatorial district or even more; an action which he admitted poses a significant challenge in logistics, finance, and time, especially for first-time aspirants who often face resource constraints.

    According to him, the statistics of women’s underrepresentation are dismal, which explains why the proposals before the National Assembly on greater women’s inclusion are both urgent and pragmatic.

    Abbas gave an insight into what is contained in the proposed amendment and how it is expected to work.

    He said the proposal alluded to the fact that, in addition to the current three senators from each state and one senator from the Federal Capital Territory, one additional senator should be created for each state and for the FCT, who shall be a woman. For the House of Representatives, HB 1189 and HB 1421 propose that in addition to the current 360 members, two additional members for each state and the FCT, who shall be women, while HB 1349 proposes one additional Member for each state and the FCT, who shall be a woman. For the State Houses of Assembly, both HB 1189 and HB 1349 propose one additional member from each of the three senatorial districts in the state who shall be a woman. To accommodate these changes, all three bills propose that the Independent National Electoral Commission shall divide each state into two federal constituencies to be occupied by women. Another proposal, HB 1811, seeks to establish six special seats in the House of Representatives for each of two special interest groups: women and persons living with disabilities, distributed evenly across the six geopolitical zones.

    It further provides that aspirants to these special seats shall meet all other qualifications for regular seats. It recommends a regional electoral college for each geopolitical zone, comprising all national officers of the association from the states within the zone, to determine the final representatives for the special seats.

    These proposals are thoughtful and ambitious, yet they raise practical questions that we must confront honestly and address. Some recommendations, in their current form, make the pathway more tedious, demanding, and burdensome for women seeking election to the House of Representatives.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, who also heads the Special Committee established by the Speaker, Kafilat Ogbara, said women were demanding about 74 special seats for women. But this runs contrary to claims by the Speaker, who said women were demanding about 111 seats. Ogbara said the special seat for women bill has significant implications for the representation of women in the nation’s political landscape.

     According to him, women’s representation in governance and decision-making processes in the country has been alarmingly low, adding that despite making up half of our population, women continue to be underrepresented in legislative bodies at both the national and State levels. 

    She explained that the Reserve Seats for Women Bill aims to address this imbalance by ensuring that a certain percentage of seats in the legislature are reserved specifically for women, saying “bill proposes that an additional one seat across the 36 states and FCT be reserved for women at the Senate and House of Representatives, and 3 additional seats to be reserved for women at the state Houses of assembly for ensuring their participation and representation in governance. The bill includes provisions to encourage the participation of women from diverse backgrounds, including young women, women with disabilities, and those from marginalised communities.”

    Ogbara, who co-sponsored the special seat bill with the Deputy Speaker, stressed that “the Reserve Seat for Women Bill is not just about numbers; it is about giving women a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and communities. By increasing women’s representation, we can ensure that their perspectives, needs, and rights are adequately addressed in policy formulation and implementation. This bill aligns with international commitments to gender equality, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which calls for achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Studies have shown that when women are included in decision-making processes, economic growth is accelerated and benefits the entire nation.”

    She appealed to stakeholders-government officials, civil society organisations, and citizens—to support this crucial bill, saying, “It is time to break the barriers that have hindered women’s participation in politics and governance. We must work together to advocate for its passage and ensure it becomes Law. Together, we can create a more equitable society where women’s voices are heard and valued. This bill is not just a legislative proposal; it is a commitment to building a future where every woman has the opportunity to contribute their voice to our nation’s governance. Together let us champion this cause and pave a way for a more inclusive Nigeria that will give way to an inclusive Growth and a Developed Nation”. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe, applauded the House initiative, saying women must be given additional seats in Parliament at all levels.”

    UNDP country Representative in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah, also commended the House for championing this historic Reserved Seats for Women Bill, saying, “This is not just a legislative proposal, it is a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.  “As Nigeria’s Super Falcons celebrate a resounding continental victory, we are powerfully reminded that the brilliance, resilience, and leadership of women transcend every arena, whether on the pitch, in our communities, or within the highest halls of governance. Their triumph is not only a source of national pride but a symbolic call to action as we pursue the critical agenda of full and equitable representation for women. Despite making up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, women currently occupy fewer than 5% of seats in the National Assembly. This isn’t just a gap; it is a call to action. A call to dismantle structural barriers, disrupt the status quo, and build a more inclusive and just governance system.  The Reserved Seats Bill is a transformative response to that call. It affirms the principle that women belong at the table, not as guests, but as decision-makers. Not as exceptions, but as equals. UNDP is proud to partner with the National Assembly through the Parliamentary Development Programme, a four-year initiative that seeks to strengthen institutional capacity, deepen democratic practice, and ensure inclusive governance.

    “ A cornerstone of this programme is the advancement of gender equality, not as a side agenda, but as a driver of sustainable development and democratic resilience. The evidence is clear: when women are equitably represented, policy outcomes improve, trust in institutions grows, and governance becomes more responsive to the needs of all citizens.

    “Countries around the world, from Rwanda to Nepal, have demonstrated the power of reserved seats in fast-tracking women’s political empowerment and shaping more inclusive societies. Here in Nigeria, we know that women are already leading in communities, delivering education, advocating for healthcare, sustaining families and building peace. What they need now are clear pathways into formal political leadership. The Reserved Seats Bill provides that pathway. UNDP stands fully behind this campaign.

    “We are committed to providing the technical support, policy advisory, and convening power required to build momentum behind the Bill. And in the weeks ahead, we will deepen our engagement, mobilising civic education, fostering cross-party dialogue, and supporting public advocacy to ensure this Bill moves from promise to policy. Let this be the generation that redefines leadership in Nigeria, by unlocking the full potential of its women.”

    At the time of this report, it was not certain the level of buy-in the bill had received from the state Houses of Assembly and how the political class intended to handle the likely backlash from it. The bill is not part of the bills for constitutional review being considered by the Senate, as it came in as a House bill.

    So, will the Senate concur with the position of the House if they eventually pass it? Will the state Houses of Assembly give it the required two-thirds endorsement? Since the constitution already provides that nobody should be discriminated against on the basis of sex, religion, among others, will the provision of special seats specifically for women in parliament not be discriminatory against their male counterparts? Can the Constitution afford to be in conflict with itself? These and more are critical questions that require urgent answers as we drive down the road of special seats for women in parliament.

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has added his voice to the agitation, saying only a review of the 1999 constitution and the Electoral Act can guarantee greater representation of women and other marginalised groups in elective offices in the country.  When the special seats are created, the commission will be required to carry out a delineation of constituencies for women’s participation in the 2027 elections. Speaking during an advocacy visit by Women’s Collectives Forum on Women’s participation in elective positions and party leadership, Prof Yakubu said affirmative action supported by clear legal provision, as was the case in many jurisdictions, will aid more women’s participation in elective offices.

    According to him, “this calls for the amendment of sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.

    “ Accordingly, the ongoing review of the Constitution and the Electoral Act offers an opportunity to engage with our lawmakers for appropriate legislative action. Happily, the matter is back on the legislative agenda. At our retreat early this year with members of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, we supported the amendment that will ensure greater representation of women in elective positions. The Commission believes that the most effective way of ensuring greater representation for women and other marginalised groups in the legislative assemblies is affirmative action supported by clear legal provision, as was the case in many jurisdictions. We welcome your consistent advocacy for women’s participation and representation in political party leadership and elective representation in Nigeria. You should continue to count on the Commission’s support at all times.”

    He said further that “INEC is an equal opportunities organisation.

    We believe in inclusivity both in the workplace and in the discharge of our extensive responsibilities as an Election Management Body. Today, 12 out of 22 Departments and Directorates of the Commission are headed by women. This means that 55% of the Directors at the Headquarters here in Abuja are women. Across the States of the Federation, many of our substantive Administrative Secretaries, who are also Directors, are women. With regard to the electoral process, we have a gender policy which is periodically revised and updated. We have also established a Department of Gender and Inclusivity for the promotion of greater access for marginalised and underrepresented groups in the electoral process. Similarly, in our consultative meetings with political parties, we have consistently urged them to ensure greater representation for underrepresented groups in party leadership. Many of them have responded positively, although much work needs to be done.”

  • Why More Nigerian Women Are Betting on Sports, and What They’re Betting On

    Why More Nigerian Women Are Betting on Sports, and What They’re Betting On

    Betting in Nigeria has always been seen as a guy thing. But that’s changing. More women are getting into it now, and they’re not just tagging along with male bettors. They’re placing their bets, tracking their picks, and doing it in ways that suit how they watch sports and manage risk. Now, not everyone might see this shift in every street betting shop, but it’s happening. Especially online.

    More Women Are Interested in Betting

    Nigeria’s betting industry is one of the biggest in Africa. Reports from DataReportal and local finance outlets estimate that over half of the adult population has bet at least once in the past year. That’s around 100 million people, and while most of that group is still male, the number of women showing up is no longer small enough to ignore.

    A 2024 report from BusinessDay covered the rise of female-run betting shops in places like Lagos and Port Harcourt. It also highlighted how more women were placing bets through apps and mobile wallets, mostly for convenience and privacy. Older studies put female betting participation around 16 percent, but that figure is now outdated. Anecdotally and in recent coverage, women are becoming visible in the space, especially in mobile-first betting.

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    Mobile betting now accounts for over 90 percent of all betting activity in Nigeria. That shift to mobile is where women have entered the scene more freely. It cuts out the public element, avoids the judgment, and makes betting a private activity.

    Why Women Are Betting

    A big part of this is financial. Betting gives the impression of a low-barrier side hustle. You don’t need capital, just a smartphone and a bit of confidence in your picks. Even small wins matter when inflation is eating into household budgets. When you’re looking for ways to stretch income without taking on extra work hours, betting starts to feel like a tool.

    But it’s not all about money, as some women are already sports fans. They follow football leagues, know the players, and enjoy making matchday predictions. Betting gives them a reason to stay more engaged. It turns casual fandom into something with stakes.

    There’s also a social side. WhatsApp betting groups are popular, and not just among men. In many of these circles, picks are shared, odds are discussed, and tips are exchanged. For new bettors, it’s a way to learn without feeling out of place. For experienced bettors, it’s a way to stay sharp.

    What Sports They’re Betting On

    A lot of women interested in betting are usually not looking for complicated layouts, heavy promos, or gamified casino mechanics. They want clean design, low minimum bets, fast withdrawals, and accurate odds. No drama. Just function.

    This is where the 10CRIC betting app shows up in conversations. The betting site’s layout is simple, and the betting markets are competitive. They don’t overwhelm new users either. It’s easy to place bets, track odds, and cash out without any hassle. So, beginners and casual bettors should find navigation easy, and this goes for both men and women.

    Conclusion



    The betting industry in Nigeria is still male-dominated when it comes to marketing and design, but the user base is definitely changing. 

    As more women start betting, you can expect better app layouts, more honest terms, and less noise. This user group won’t stick around for shady bonus rules or slow withdrawals, as they’ll go where the process is smooth.

    It also pushes the conversation around responsible gambling. Psychological and social studies have shown that women tend to be more cautious and selective when it comes to gambling. This then creates an opportunity for the industry to shift toward tools that help users track bets, set limits, and stay informed.

  • First Lady calls on Nigerian women to support each other in politics

    First Lady calls on Nigerian women to support each other in politics

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerian women to rally behind each other to secure political offices, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and mutual support among women in leadership.

    Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women National Summit and Dialogue, themed ‘Empowering APC Women for Leadership and Nation-Building’ in Abuja on Saturday, Mrs Tinubu stressed that women have the power to shape the nation’s future by overcoming self-imposed barriers and focusing on collective goals.

    Addressing the audience, the First Lady highlighted the critical role of women in nation-building and encouraged them to avoid what she termed “imaginary limitations.”

    According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs Tinubu underscored the need for women to persevere, support each other, and work diligently in their respective spheres, adding that change could be achieved by empowering one woman at a time.

    Looking toward future elections, the First Lady framed the next polls as an opportunity for Nigerian women to make significant strides.

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    She highlighted the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ led by her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the initiative prioritizes opportunities for women.

    Recent appointments of women to key roles within the APC and the government, she said, reflect the resilience and dedication women have shown in their pursuit of leadership.

    “During this phase of nation-building, as women leaders, let us remember that we all have what it takes to make an impact in our various spheres of influence. Let us avoid creating imaginary limitations and focus on our potential by persevering, supporting one another, and working diligently. We can shape the future, let us do it right, one woman at a time.

    “The next election is for the Nigerian Women. The Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), places a strong emphasis on creating opportunities for women to thrive, we have witnessed increased representation of women in key positions within our party and government. This is proof of the hard work, resilience, and determination we exhibit as women and we must continue to push forward in unity,” she said.

    The First Lady urged the National Woman Leader of the Party to team up with other APC State Women Leaders to make a representation to the National Assembly to further push for legislation to increase the quota of women that must have seats at the Assembly.

  • Five Nigerian women leading churches established by their late husbands

    Five Nigerian women leading churches established by their late husbands

    Following the deaths of their husbands, several Nigerian women have stepped into the role of church overseers, taking on leadership positions once held by their spouses.

    For some, the transition to the pulpit felt like a natural progression, while others encountered significant challenges as they adjusted to their new responsibilities.

    Women who had previously co-managed church affairs with their husbands found the transition to leadership to be smoother, easily assuming control after their husbands’ passing.

    In contrast, those who had remained in supportive or background roles faced a more daunting shift as they stepped into the spotlight of ministry leadership.

    The women grappled with the task of filling the void left by their late husbands, often having to adapt to a public leadership role in a space where they had previously been more behind the scenes.

    Below are five Nigerian women who have embraced church leadership roles after the loss of their husbands:

    1. Margaret Idahosa: Margaret Idahosa, wife of the founding Archbishop of Church of God Mission International (CGM), was called into ministry after the death of her husband, Benson Idahosa, to fill the leadership vacuum, as no successor had been named before his passing.

    In 1998, following her husband’s death, Margaret became the first African female Archbishop and has led the church for over 25 years.

    2. Evelyn Joshua: Evelyn Joshua, wife of Temitope Balogun Joshua (TB Joshua), the founding prophet of Synagogue Church of Nation (SCOAN) who died on Saturday, June 5, 2021, took over leadership and has worked to stabilise the church since passing of her husband.

    3. Nkechi Anayo-Iloputaife: Apostle Nkechi Anayo Iloputaife assumed leadership of Faith Revival Ministries World Outreach, widely known as Victory Christian Church, after the tragic murder of her husband, Bishop Harford Anayo Iloputaife, in 1995.

    The Bishop was shot at close range by suspected assassins and succumbed to his injuries days later, leaving Nkechi to take over the ministry. Despite the sudden and violent loss, she has successfully led the church since then, overseeing its growth and stability for nearly three decades.

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    4. Sarah Omakwu: Sarah Omakwu stepped into the role of senior pastor at Family Worship Center, Abuja, following the death of her husband, Inalegwu Omakwu, the church’s founder.

    Inalegwu passed away in 2003 in Los Angeles, USA, after a three-year battle with brain cancer.

    Since then, Sarah has led the ministry, not only as senior pastor but also as the chief operating officer of Christian Broadcasting Network International. Under her leadership, the ministry has seen significant growth and development.

    5. Olive Sulola Adejobi: Olive Sulola Adejobi is the wife of the late Primate Emmanuel Adejobi, the former leader of the Church of the Lord, Aladura. In honour of her late husband, she has dedicated herself to advancing the ministry and has successfully led the church for over 30 years since his passing. Primate Emmanuel Owoade Adeleke Adejobi left behind a thriving congregation, and Reverend Mother Olive Sulola Adejobi continues to oversee the church’s affairs, ensuring its steady growth and stability.

  • Kekere-Ekun, a role model for Nigerian women, girls, says First Lady

    Kekere-Ekun, a role model for Nigerian women, girls, says First Lady

    •‘Your ascension as acting CJN inspires women, girls to reach greater heights’

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has described the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, as an inspiration to Nigerian women and girls.

    The First Lady noted that Justice Kekere-Ekun’s ascension to the exalted office would boost the morale of more women and girls to aspire for high offices with confidence.

    In a congratulatory message yesterday in Abuja, Senator Tinubu lauded Justice Kekere-Ekun’s exemplary journey, showcasing the power of education, hard work, and consistency. She emphasised that the acting CJN’s ascension to the highest judicial office inspired girls and women to aspire to leadership positions.

    She said it also demonstrated that dedication and integrity could propel the female gender to the pinnacle of their careers.

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    “On behalf of every Nigerian girl and woman, I celebrate the newly sworn in Acting Chief Judge of the Federation, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

    “In these times where many youths feel they do not have worthy role models, you are an example that depicts the power of education, hard work, and consistency that is being laid out for all to see.

    “Your swearing-in exemplifies that each girl and woman can aspire to get to the pinnacle of their chosen career with dedication, hard work, and integrity.

    “I celebrate you and pray that your tenure will be marked by continued success, innovation and the advancement of justice for all. Congratulations,” the First Lady said.

  • “Why Nigerian women’ll vote Buhari”

    Ahead of the forthcoming presidential election, prominent female politician and former governorship candidate in Lagos State, Chief (Mrs.) Remi Adiukwu, has said President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the majority of female votes across the country. The APC chieftain, who is a member of the Presidential Campaign Council, said former Vice President Abubakar Atiku is no match for the President politically.

    She explained that aside the fact that the current APC administration led by Buhari has given room for numerous women to showcase their abilities in governance both at federal and state levels, the President’s wife, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has warmed herself into the hearts of Nigerians with her motherly disposition and supportive approach to handling issues that has to do with women and youths.

    The former Commissioner who spoke yesterday at APC’s presidential rally in Lagos, also explained that the personalities of both President Buhari and his wife cannot in any way be compared with the personalities of the people the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) want Nigerians to elect into Aso Rock. “Buhari and his wife has shown us how exemplary the first family should be and we, as women and mothers, are determined to raise the bar rather than drop it.

    “President Buhari has shown that he is a lover of women and he believes in giving them opportunities to show what they can do in public offices. His many female appointments across the country has moved the country closer to the affirmative action. His wife is an exemplary woman who is always ready to help women and youths. So, don’t be surprised that Nigerians are eager to return this wonderful couple to Aso Rock for another term.

     

    PDP has not given us anything as good as what we already have,” she said.

  • Atiku assures women of strong representation, if elected

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to give women a strong representation in his government, if elected in 2019.

    Abubakar made the pledge during an interactive session with Nigerian women on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said that he decided to have his first interaction with women because the PDP had never refused to advance or protect the interest of women.

    “This is the first interactive session we are having with any group and this is to underline the importance of women as far as our party is concerned.

    ’’Since you are about 50 per cent of our population, our representatives at all levels must reflect this population.

    ”Some will argue that gender equality is a deal that cannot be achieved overnight, I disagree.

    ”We can achieve it. The PDP almost achieved it until the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took over power.

    ”I stand before you here today and I want you to hold me accountable. I will commit to a strong representation of women in our PDP government and also recall that when I was the Vice President, I demonstrated this belief.

    ”I brought some of the brightest women into our government. Therefore, gender should not be a barrier.

    ”In terms of quantity and quality, you will play a lead role in our administration,” Abubakar said.

    Abubakar, while answering questions, promised to put in place a financial programme targeted at empowering them to tackle poverty as well as establish a sustainable financial inclusion system that would address discrimination against women.

    “For those of you who might have come from the same state with me, some years ago, I decided to set up a micro finance bank.

    ”I brought management experts from Bangladesh because Bangladesh is the best country in the management of micro finance.

    “I gave them instructions to make sure that 80 per cent of the loans go to women and today that bank is one of the best micro finance banks in the country.

    ”We have moved out more than 45, 000 people out of poverty in my area. If you want to fight poverty, empower women.

    ”I am not talking politics, I am sentimentally and emotionally attached to womanhood,” he stated.

    Abubakar also pledged to improve the country’s transportation system by improving the infrastructure including good roads, railway and airport to reduce accidents.

    He also pledged that in line with PDP history, his government would give better attention to the entertainment industry.

     

  • 25% of Nigerian women are living with uterine fibroid

    The Nigerian Society of Interventional Radiology (NISIR) has revealed that about 25percent of Nigerian women in their reproductive age are living with uterine fibroid unaware.

    President NISIR, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, revealed this at the first Annual Scientific Meeting of NISIR in Lagos themed ‘Minimally invasive therapies, benefitting patients, saving lives’.

    He noted that uterine fibroid can be well treated with the inclusive interventional radiology procedures.

    Speaking on the birth of NISIR, Ahidjo said it’s a new organisation first established in 2010 at Akodo, Lagos state to enhance the art and science of interventional radiology and research through educational, scientific, literary, advocacy, regulatory and professional activities.

    “We started this years back and now the society is expanding. I will say the government should intervene in providing this medical service. We are all complaining of medical tourism, most of those seeking for international medical attention also go for these same interventional procedures. We are calling on the government to help assist to establish a national centre of interventional radiology in Nigeria which will serve as a training centre and a service providing centre for the general population.”

    He added that government should initiate an intervention radiology centre in each of the teaching hospital in all geopolitical zones.

    NISIR, he said, is out for the promotion of interventional radiology at appropriate forums especially in the West African Sub-region. In pursuit of its objectives, NISIR aimed not only to address but to also provide suggestions and solutions regarding the important issues which currently face interventional radiology by adopting more of an active role within the radiological industry and the government and it relevant agencies.

    Member Board of Trustee, NISIR, Prof. Abiodun Adeyinka, urged the government to consider a special budgetary for radiology and radiotherapy for sufficient funding.

    “We are very few for the number of the population of Nigeria. First, we should try appeal to the government to fund radiology and radiotherapy. Equipments are very expensive. And such should come from a different budgetary entirely.  We need to draw government attention to proper funding. Another thing is that government must train us. With that we can build on human development,” Adeyinka noted.

  • Nigerian women must be heard -Mohammed

    Fateema Aduke Mohammed is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives aspirant for Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency. In this interview, she speaks on women participation in politics, Lagos State politics and 2019 election, reports Omolara Akintoye

    What is your take on the demand for more women participation in politics ahead of 2019 elections?

    We are tired of being at the back stage. We are tired of composing political songs, dancing behind the men and they will turn back and give us peanut after getting to office. We are tired of 35 per cent affirmative action that up till tomorrow, we haven’t done anything about. If you look around, the number of women in political positions is not encouraging. For example, in Lagos State House of Assembly, we have about three women among the 40 members of the House. We have only four women among the 36 ministers in the Federal Executive Council. So, we don’t even have seven per cent in governance talk less of having 35 per cent. So, I want to call on all women that this is the time to take the bull by the horn. We must take our destiny and faith in our hands by coming out to vote for women in next year’s elections. But if peradventure, they did not listen to us, we will go the extra miles to assert ourselves and put our feats on the ground.

    What is your motivation for coming out to seek elective office?

    This is not the first time I am contesting for election; I have contested before. Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has been a group that has been encouraging me a lot. When I won my primaries in 2016 and my name was eventually removed; they stood solidly behind me. So, my motivation is to see more women coming out and to encourage them. We must be heard.

    What change are you bringing to government if you are voted into office?

    Women are the real change agents. In my constituency, for example, we have had many House of Representatives and House of Assembly members without any visible change in my constituency. God has helped me to put a lot of infrastructures and projects in place in my constituency. I am just an aspirant and I have sunk 13 boreholes. I have constructed bridges and I have donated medical equipment to General Hospital. These are things that Lagos State Government needs to do and not just an aspirant in a local government. At a period, I went to a hospital and I found out that one of the clients delivered a baby and had to stay on the floor. That compelled me to donate beds and other medical equipment to the hospital. My motivation is that I want to attract more women; we can stand as a formidable force. We want to be heard and be seen.

    Talking about Nigeria presidency, there are some people who believe that Nigeria is not ripe for female presidency. Do you buy into that?

    I buy into that. I said sometimes ago that I am going to be the first female vice president and after my tenure as vice president, I will become the first female president. That exactly is my plan and I am working towards it. Coming back to your question, we are not ripe for the president. That is the truth.

    Why are women not ripe for female presidency?

    We don’t have the financial capability except we want to fool ourselves. Politics is about so much money. It is not about giving electorate money, but you need money to campaign and do some projects. It doesn’t come cheap because you have to charter helicopters to do the tours. So, we don’t have the financial muscles to struggle with the men. But we are getting there. Apart from financial muscles, we have anything it takes to be president.

    Do you think your party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has what it takes to dislodge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019?

    Talking about my party, the next president of Nigeria is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Only Atiku can get Nigeria working again. Watch out; by May 29, 2019, he will be sworn in as the next president.

    Why did you believe in Atiku?

    Why won’t I believe in Atiku? Atiku is the master of restructuring. Atiku represents joy. Atiku represents empowerment. Atiku represents restructuring. Atiku represents everything you can talk about when you talk about total package of governance.

    What about Lagos State; do you see PDP winning the state in 2019?

    Lagos State is going to be difficult for me to talk about and I will tell you why. I am a realist and I will say it the way it is. I know that APC-led state government has tried but we have PDP people who can do better. We have a material that can win. It is not impossible to defeat the ruling party; it is doable.

  • Agonies of Nigerian women trafficked to Saudi Arabia

    Precious Igbonwelundu recently met with girls who were lured abroad with promises of El Dorado, now back with hopes shattered, they tell their harrowing stories.

    When Peace Chima, 25, was shipped to Saudi Arabia in March, she never knew the life that awaited her. She was told by a supposed agent, Deborah Adejumo, that she would have a better life in the Arab country, where she’s supposed to work as house maid for about five hours daily and then have the rest of the day to herself.

    It was until she arrived in Saudi Arabia that it dawned on her she was trafficked to become a domestic slave for her Arabian masters, who, she later understood, footed her travel expenses by paying $5,000 to the agent.

    With that amount paid the trafficker and the monthly salaries she receives from her masters, Chima has been reduced to a slave to the point that she was beaten with wire connected to electric vibrator for quarrelling with her boss’ 20-year-old daughter who allegedly stole her money.

    Hell has no other name

    Like Chima, Onyinye U, Favour T, Mercy A, Ruth D, Chinonso A, Serena J, Tracy Morgan, Lydia I, Blessing John, Peace C, Motunrayo A and Monsurat O are currently experiencing ‘hell’ in the hands of their various masters, with a lot of them subjected to sexual abuse.

    Several complaints to Madam Adejumo who took them to that country had been met with threats of arrest, harassments with their international passports seized.

    Already, Tracy Morgan is said to have gone missing after allegedly being sexually abused by her masters. Another victim Motunrayo, it was gathered, was sent to another family three weeks into her serving her master because she complained of sexual harassment.

    The women, who are crying out to the federal government to bring them back home, said they have been subjected to various dehumanising treatments and worst still, the agents were ripping them off their wages.

    In a chat with The Nation, Chima said all complaints to the agent fell on deaf ears, adding that their passports were seized at the point of entry into the country.

    When she couldn’t take the suffering anymore she told her master she was quitting but she was threatened with arrest and accused of theft, an offence that could attract death sentence for her.

    She said: “What we are going through here is unbelievable. We are referred to as Kadama, that’s slaves. I have complained to the agent several times but she does not care. She is only interested in the money she makes off us.

    “Some of us are facing sexual harassment with their madam’s son and husband. Some are missing now. I also have some friends who are working here but with different company and facing the same thing.

    “Some have fled the homes they were posted to and are on the streets trying to survive without their passports. That is dangerous but they do not have another option.

    “Right now, Tracy is missing and her sister, who is also in Saudi Arabia, has not been able to locate her. She reported to the agent in Nigeria and nothing has been done about it. We cannot say if she’s alive or not.”

    The victim, who is currently having a running battle with her trafficker for refusing to pay her $750 each month for eight months, said she paid the first four months until she realised that their masters had paid $5,000 before they were brought in.

    “My employer paid her $5,000 for our documents and flight but she told us back in Nigeria that she was footing the bills and that we will pay her our salaries for eight months to cover the expenses.

    “I used to pay her the money until one day I got tired and said I wanted to go but was told by my master that they paid the agent $5,000 to bring me. Can you imagine that kind of wickedness? The money was collected upfront and she was still collecting our monthly salaries not minding the demeaning treatments were are subjected to here.

    “Since I knew about it, I have refused to give her any kobo. Let her do her worst. I am just tired of all the suffering. Imagine that my boss’ daughter stole my money and I caught her. We started arguing over it and her mother put electric on my body for quarrelling with her daughter. Yes, they plugged me to electric and I was shaking. They flogged me too.

    “They use us like animals here. That wicked woman told me in Nigeria that I was coming to do housemaid job and that we will be three to five maids in a house, with each doing specific jobs. She said once I was done with my work, I can go and do other things with my time but all those turned out to be false.

    “I work round the clock. There are days I do not sleep and I do not have right to complain when I am tired. I have been working with a family of 16. They have 20 rooms en-suite. The visitor’s room is like three rooms in one and the parlour like five.

    “Sometimes I cook more than six times a day and most times I do not share of the meal; I clean all these rooms and toilets daily, wash clothes. I go to bed by 3am and wake up by 5am. These people do not care whether I am well or not. They do not care if I eat or not. All they want is to get their job done.

    “The agent told me that once we arrived Saudi Arabia, our employer will provide everything we need like clothes, food, cream, soap, shoes, room, medicine and freedom.

    “I have being the one buying my personal needs including the slave uniform which we wear here as maids. Most times, I am not allowed to eat food despite the fact that I cook between three to six times a day. I work from morning till the next morning without food. When I am sick and tell them, they say it is none of their business because they have paid for me,” she said.

    Explaining her face-off with Adejumo, Chima said some of the trafficked women even paid the agent over N500,000 back in Nigeria, adding that she was still taxing those ones.

    “Myself and my friends have resolved to pay her no kobo even if we are killed. What kind of exploitation is this? Every month the woman ships people to Saudi Arabia and makes money from their masters. Yet, she still collects eight months of their salaries, despite all these suffering we go through? She should do her worst.”

    Ibukun James (not her real names) also told The Nation how she was made to mix cement with her bare hands in order to repair a broken oven.

    While her master and his wife respect her dignity as a human being, John said their adult children were basically slave drivers. Aside being over laboured with domestic chores, John said they usually make her climb ladder and wash the outside of the house as well as the walls.

    Asked what her employers did after seeing what the cement did to her hands, James said “nothing. They just told me to apply Vaseline on it.”

    Another woman Chidinma, who was trafficked to the country last December, claimed some of the women in her batch were asked to burn themselves for refusing to work.

    They were also made to drink water from toilet by an Egyptian member of staff of the company that trafficked her because they refused his inordinate sexual advances, she said.

    “Our agents don’t care about what people go through here. All they care about is their payments. When you complain to them, they either block you or ask you to keep enduring.

    “I volunteered to speak out to Nigerian authorities so they can look into this issue because our women are suffering. We were sold into slavery without our knowledge, or consent.

    “Many face hard labour, sexual harassment. Many have been killed, starved and even stopped from communicating with their families back home.

    “They seize our phones and passports to cut us off from the rest of the world and ensure we cannot runaway. There’s so much maltreatment here. Many of us work 19 hours daily without food and with beatings.

    “God! Some will be raped and when their madams catch their husbands in such act, they cover up for them and punish the maids without mercy. When you tell them you want to go back to your country, your passport will be seized. We are dying in this country. We are crying out to our government to safe us. These pains and sufferings are unbearable. They call us slaves and that is how we are treated.

    “Even the companies that take us there do not treat us well. They are majorly the cause of this problem. When an Arab family pays over N2million for a housemaid and keeps paying the company monthly salary, what do you expect? They will overwork the maid. In some homes when you finish your job, they will take you to a neighbour’s or a sister’s house to still work. If you refuse to do so, you are punished.

    “There’s an Egyptian guy who works as a supervisor for the company that brought me. This guy will be sleeping with anyone he fancies and you dare not say no when he makes his intentions known to you. If you decline, you will be in that company for months without work, salary nor steady food and water.”

    Victim’s relatives cry out

    Lamenting the inhuman treatment meted the women, a relative to one of the victims, Philip Nwagbo said he had contacted the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and reported the matter but nothing had been done.

    He said that he also sent a message to Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa but received no reply.

    According to him, “I called NAPTIP and gave them all available information. I even gave them the telephone numbers and address of the agent who trafficked 12 of these women to Saudi Arabia.

    “I first called them over three weeks ago and since then; I have called not less than three times. Even yesterday (Thursday), I called again but the guy who picked the phone said they were busy and will call me when it is my turn.

    “I do not know what he means by that statement. Is it when the women are killed that it will get to my turn? If they cannot bring them back, they should at least get the agents to produce their passports so that the women who can come back on their own will.”

    Traffickers’ modus operandi and government’s failure

    The change in tactics by human traffickers did not start today. It has been happening unabated for years now. They present themselves as agencies that help unemployed persons secure jobs within and outside the country; invite their victims for interviews.

    Afterwards, they shortlist those they desire and tell them they have jobs for them abroad, with promises of fat salaries and liberties. These women are made to belief they just have to pay back some months of their earnings to the company to defray their travel expenses only to realise they have been sold as slaves on arrival at the designated countries.

    Their passports are collected at the airport and most times, they are moved to a camp on the outskirts of the city. They are subsequently handed over to their masters at whose residence they are branded with the slave’s uniform and identity cards.

    In the course of investigating a similar case in April, The Nation found out there were insiders at the Saudi Embassy in Nigeria that aided this illicit trade, said to be a legal practice in that country.

    The victim, Bello, became unwell and collapsed intermittently without care from her masters and was constantly being threatened by her agent, a certain Olori Omolara, whose details including telephone numbers as well as the contact of her Saudi Arabian accomplice, our Correspondent provided NAPTIP.

    Despite the above, Omolara, who told our Correspondent then that she was not afraid of anyone, was yet to be arrested.

    Although Bello was brought back in July through the personal intervention of the Director-General, NAPTIP, Madam Juli Donli, the nonchalance exhibited by the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia on that case left much to be desired.

    Contacted on the allegation by Nwagbo, Donli expressed shock over the comment, adding that he should write a detailed letter addressed to the Director-General NAPTIP.

    She said: “I do not know what the persons mean by when they get to his turn. Tell him to write a petition addressed to the Director-General. He should include details, addresses and evidence if he has them.

    “We need evidence to clampdown on those agents, agencies and seal their premises. Without evidence, we cannot do anything. We have been clamping down on some of them. The person who can give you the statistics at the moment is the Director of Investigations.

    “The truth is that it is not so easy to bring back these women, that are why we keep begging them not to fall victims to traffickers. Let the relative send the petition, I will ensure we follow it up.”

    The Director, Investigations, Josiah Emerole, was contacted on the statistics of arrested agents or sealed agencies but he told our Correspondent to call again by noon on Saturday.