The Nation Newspaper

Tag: women

  • Pathetic tales of abandoned PDP members involved in fatal accident on their way to Jonathan’s campaign

    Pathetic tales of abandoned PDP members involved in fatal accident on their way to Jonathan’s campaign

    ON Friday March 25, 2011, 50 enthusiastic members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) left the party’s secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos, to take part in the campaign rally of President Goodluck Jonathan at the Eagle Square, Abuja the next day. It began as a smooth journey as the PDP members sang Jonathan’s praises.

    But tragedy struck as the travelers approached Ikire, a historical community in Osun State. The driver of the luxury bus that conveyed them lost control of the vehicle, leading to the death of a passenger while scores of other passengers sustained various degrees of injuries that have refused to heal.

    Those who sustained injuries in the accident included Madam Funke Oyinsanmi and Madam Bisi Awe. Others were Olabisi Olojede, Mercy Oluyemi and Mary Balogun.

    The victims were first taken to the Ikire Catholic Church hospital, from where they were transferred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, where most of them remained about two months.

    Mrs. Awe did not only lose four of her teeth in the accident, her fractured arm had to be amputated while her broken lower jaw makes it impossible for her to talk properly. Other victims of the accident are nursing equally serious injuries, nursing excruciating pains and securing no tangible help, even from the party.

    Recalling the events that culminated in her ugly fate, Mrs. Awe said: “I had no premonition whatsoever that the journey would bring me recurring tears instead of joy. I went on the journey because of my love for President Jonathan. Honestly, if I knew that the journey would turn awry, I would have turned down the offer to be part of the contingent.

    “We were singing songs in praise of President Jonathan when we suddenly heard a loud noise. I passed out immediately. The next thing I saw was that I found myself in the hospital. To my surprise, I found that my right arm had been amputated. At that point, I wept uncontrollably, but I was frantically consoled by the doctors and nurses around.”

    When our correspondent visited the Ikorodu residence of Awe, there were tell tale signs of sadness in the household. She was drinking garri, a delicacy she said she detested when things were going well.

    The 57-year-old woman recalled the fate that had befallen her since she lost her arm and joined the league of deformed persons.

    She said: “Apart from the fact that I have become a disabled person, the incident has turned me into a beggar. I now live in penury because I have spent all the money I have on treatment.

    “You can see that I have just finished a bowl of soaked garri, which ordinarily I would not have taken when I was hale and hearty. Now, I can hardly feed myself, not to talk of my children and other dependants. I have aged parents whose welfare was my responsibility before the accident. Now, I can no longer take care of them.”

    She also recalled how prominent party leaders, including the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, promised to help her but failed to make good their promises.

    She said: “During one of her visits to Lagos State in December 2011, we met the First Lady at the State House, Marina, at the instance of our party leaders. She sympathised with us and promised to facilitate my trip to India for corrective surgery on my face and to procure an artificial limb. Sadly, she has not fulfilled that promise as I speak, even though she made the promise in the presence of our party leaders.

    “I am therefore using this opportunity to once again remind her of her promise and to come to my aid as my health keeps deteriorating every day.

    “I know that some party leaders have assisted me at one point or the other, but I still need a huge lifeline to overcome my predicament. As I speak, my children have dropped out of school while I still have medical bills to settle.”

    Other victims of the accident alleged that they were abandoned by the First Lady and PDP leaders, who had promised to take care of their treatment and rehabilitation. Lamenting their fate, they pleaded with the party leaders and the First Lady to redeem their pledge.

    One of the victims, Madam Funke Oyinsanmi, an indigene of Ado-Ekiti, said: “I am a PDP member in Ward J, Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State. At about 7.30 pm, we left the PDP secretariat in GRA, Ikeja in a luxury bus en-route Abuja for the grand finale of the presidential rally.

    “When we got to Ikire, Osun State, our vehicle was involved in an accident and it somersaulted several times. Some policemen rescued and took us to Catholic Hospital in Ikire, Osun State, from where we were referred to LUTH for treatment.

    “I spent two months at the hospital because one of the veins on my wrist was badly affected while there are still broken glasses that have not been removed from my hand to date. The affected hand is lifeless; I can no longer use it to lift anything.

    “I sincerely believe that the accident would have been averted if we had travelled in the day time. Queer party officials in charge of mobilization are in the habit of asking us to travel in the night, so that they can pocket the money meant for our accommodation.

    “While we were in the hospital, some stalwarts of the party, including Senator Florence Ita Giwa, visited us and promised that the party would take very good care of us. But the promise has remained unfulfilled.

    “We also sought audience with the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, during one of her visits to Lagos, and she promised to take care of our treatment. But she has since abandoned us to our fate. Please tell Mrs. Jonathan and our party leaders to come to our aid because our health has not improved at all.”

    The story of Mrs. Olabisi Olojede is not different from those of other victims. The Woman Leader from Ward G, Lagos Mainland suffered a fracture and a swollen hand that have refused to heal.

    She said: “We were singing on our way to Abuja. In the middle of this, I fell asleep. The accident happened while I was still sleeping. I woke up to see blood gushing out of my head while I also sustained injuries on my lips and left hand. My swollen hand has not gone down and the attendant pain is what I live with to date.

    “In April last year, we met with Mrs. Patience Jonathan in Lagos and she promised to facilitate our treatment; which she has not fulfilled. Although she gave us some money on that day, it was not enough to even take care of one person, let alone the rest of us.

    “I used to work as a bead maker and traditional wedding engagement anchor, but people are no longer giving me jobs because of my predicament. Please tell our party leaders to take care of us in the name of God, because we embarked on the journey out of our love for PDP.

    “Since the incident and the indifference of party leaders to our plight, we have become the butt of jokes from members of rival political parties in the state.”

    Another victim, Mrs. Mercy Oluyemi-Lawal (49) said: “When the incident occurred, one of my hands was trapped under a heavy object. I tried to lift my hand but I couldn’t. My forehead was lacerated by broken glass and my tooth was also broken.

    “To date, I still suffer severe pain in my arms while pieces of glass are still stuck in my hand. I am a trained caterer but I can no longer work because of my broken arm. Our former State Woman Leader, Mrs. Olabisi Odunsi, tried for us but her effort was not enough to relief us of our pains.”

    Also recalling the sad incident, 43-year-old Mrs. Mary Balogun said: “I was sleeping when the vehicle somersaulted at about 7.30 pm at a spot on Ikire-Gbongan Road. I hit my head on the pavement and blood started gushing out of it. A co-passenger had to use her wrapper to tie my head in order to prevent further loss of blood.

    “Now, I can no longer see clearly with my eyes while my badly damaged hand is yet to heal. As I speak, I cannot use the hand to lift or pick anything. “

    “Despite the promises made by our party leaders and Dame Patience Jonathan to the effect that we would be given free medical treatment, nothing has been done about our plight. We can no longer continue to suffer for being patriotic, and that is why we are appealing to our party chieftains to assist us. We are dying in silence.

    “Many of us still need treatments that require going overseas even as we battle with poverty and hopelessness.”

    A letter of appeal addressed to the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, by the counsel to the victims, Kunle Fadipe, dated March 18, 2013, reads in part: “We wish to bring to your attention that efforts made by our clients to get echelons of the party (PDP) at the local government and state levels to look into their predicament have been futile…our clients are widows whose means of livelihood have been truncated by the mishap.

    “Because of their health challenges, they cannot go about their daily businesses, which were hitherto their sources of income. Unfortunately, they now live on contributions from friends and family members. Even from these contributions made to them, a substantial part goes to the purchase of drugs and other medications…it is upon these ugly experiences of our clients that we passionately appeal to your esteemed office for a comprehensive rehabilitation programme.

    Their situation is pathetic and needs urgent attention. They have become objects of ridicule and scorn in the eyes of friends and associates who deride them for sowing where they could not reap. They blame them for committing so much to the party and getting nothing in return in their time of need.”

    The Acting National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. Tony Okeke, declined comment when one of our correspondents met him at his office in Abuja on Thursday. ”I am not in the mood to say anything on the matter,” he said.

    Efforts made by our correspondent to get the comment of the Media Assistant to Dame Patience Jonathan, Mr. Ayo Osinlu, were also fruitless. After failing to respond to calls made to his phone, our correspondent sent a text message, explaining why he needed his comment, but he responded saying: “Welcome and thanks for making contact. However, I am not in a situation to make a comment right now. Please direct this enquiry to Mrs. Ayo Adesugba.”

    Adesugba initially did not respond to a text message our correspondent sent to her phone. Our correspondent later called her on the phone and she promised to call back. ”I am in a meeting, I’ll call you later,” she said. She, however, did not make good her promise to call back.

    The PDP chairman in Lagos State, Mr. Tunji Shelle, could also not be reached for comment as he neither picked the calls made to his phone nor respond our correspondent’s text message.

  • Groups seek to protect women’s right

    A non-governmental organisation, the Youth Empowerment and Development Centre (YEDEC), has decried the rights abuses suffered by women because of ignorance.

    It said more women must be aware of their civil liberties, especially as regards sexual and reproductive health rights.

    At a workshop which dwelled on the outcome of the fifth African conference on sexual reproductive health and rights, the group’s President, Aisiri Christian called for more support for less-educated women.

    The event, sponsored by the Ford Foundation West Africa, had the theme: Sexual health and rights in Africa: where we are?

    Christian said there’s need to re-examine the policy, financing and programmes on sexual and reproductive health rights of women and youth.

     

  • What can I do to have bigger breasts?

    Aunty, I’m in my 20s but I have small breasts and I have had to be using padded bras to hide my shame. What can I do to have bigger breasts?

    How to make small breasts look bigger

    By Ben Rubenstein Ideally, every woman should be happy and comfortable with the body she has. Unfortunately, many women are not. If you’re unhappy with your breasts and want to make them appear larger and firmer, read on for tips and tricks on how to achieve that without surgery, pills or the Boob Pop product.

    •Practice good posture. This is by far the least expensive and fastest way to make your breasts look bigger. Hold your head up, shoulders rolled back and down, chest forward and spine straight. This alone can make your breasts look bigger and perkier, as well as making you look slimmer and taller.

    Build up your upper pectoral muscles (working out lower pecs will actually decrease your bust size). Increasing the bulk of the muscles beneath your breasts will make them appear firmer and more rounded. Regular push-ups are one way to achieve this; build up slowly until you can manage to drop and do 15 push-ups all at once. There are also many weight training exercises you can do to build chest muscles.

    •Focus on your waist. Slimming and shaping your core (the muscles around your waist and ribs) will make your breasts appear larger by comparison, without actually adding any breast tissue. Try yoga and pilates exercises that can help you burn calories while simultaneously strengthening your core muscles.

    •Wear the right bra size. Sadly, most women wear incorrect bra sizes because they’ve never been appropriately measured. The right bra should sit snugly beneath your breasts and cup all of the tissue closely, as well as making it easier for you to stand up straight. Measure your bra size yourself, or go in for a free professional fitting at a department store. (Don’t feel shy about being professionally fitted––usually the ladies who do fittings are chosen for their warm and accepting demeanor. Remember, she’s probably seen it all.)

    •Know how to put on a bra correctly. Once you’ve been properly sized, check that you’re putting on your bra in a way that will achieve maximum lift and comfort. Slip the straps over your arms, facing forward, so that the unhooked clasps are at your back. Bend over so that all of your breast tissue falls forward, and maneuver the bra over your breasts. Still bent over, reach back and clasp the bra. Adjust the band and straps as necessary.

    •Wear bras that enhance your breasts. There are many options available, so the best way to work out what gives you your desired effect is to go and try lots of different types on. The following types of bras are the best for women wanting bigger breasts:

    Push-up bras are designed to push your breasts up (as the name implies), and move the breasts closer together, creating more cleavage. They push the breasts up using padding usually made of foam. The best known brand for making push-up bras is Wonderbra. However, most lingerie stores supply some variety of push-up bra.

    Padded bras, like push-up bras, contain foam padding in the cups. They are designed to give fuller-looking breasts to small-chested women, but don’t lift them or create extra cleavage.

    Gel, air or water padded bras are the same as padded bras but are designed to look and move more naturally, and to give a more noticeable enhancement. The only downside to these is that they often cost more money. Also, air padded bras often need the padding replaced as the air leaks out.

    •Wear clothes with a detailed neckline. Lace, ruffles and jewels, gathered material, pleats, ruching and twists are some examples of neckline details that enhance breast size appearance. These sorts of details provide a visual boost and help to make the breasts appear larger. When wearing ruffles, be careful that they are not so big that they overpower the size of your breasts; this risks going the other direction and making them look smaller!

    Stay away from low V or low scoop necklines, as give the appearance of shrinking the size of your breasts. Instead, wear moderately high, asymmetrical, crew or gathered necklines. These are the most flattering for women with smaller breasts as they enhance their shape and make them appear bigger.

    •Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing. Obviously, such clothing reveals all––what is and what is not there. Loose, roomy tops and layers are a better choice when you don’t want to draw attention to smaller breasts.

    •Live with the reality. Small breasts aren’t the burden they may seem to you. For starters, not everyone loves large breasts. Indeed, it’s an exaggeration that men only like women with large breasts––everyone has their own preference. Moreover, small breasts tend to hold up best over time, and gravity tends to be lot kinder to the small-breasted woman as you age; you’ll sag a lot less than your big-breasted sister. As long as you are healthy, try to be happy with your body.

  • ‘Women are coming to rule ’

    ‘Women are coming to rule ’

    Feyisope Sadiq, 19, is the brain behind Riribelle, an online photography blog, which is popular among students and youths. The 300-Level Mass Communication student of the Redeemer’s University (RUN) told JUMOKE AWE what keeps her going in a vocation believed to be the exclusive preserve of men.

    What is the meaning of Riribelle and how did you come about it?

    The first four letters, RIRI, came from my Muslim name Rihanat. The suffix, BELLE, is a French word, which means attractive woman. I bring the best of my creativity into photography.

    How did you discover your talent for photography?

    First, I grew up having a 35mm film camera and several disposable cameras for everyday photos. Secondly, I love drawing but, unfortunately, I am not good at it; so I had to look for another medium to express my talent. I discovered I have interest in arts and photography than other things. Eventually, I decided to go for it. I got a camera to teach myself and the first photograph I took was superb. From there, I decided that it was what I wanted to do.

    What motivates you to strive for perfection?

    I get motivated by my works, my family and friends. I feel good when people appreciate what I do because it spurs my determination to do better. The works of great photographers also inspire me to want to do better as a photographer.

    How do you combine your studies with photography?

    It is not an easy task to combine studies with anything at all. For me, education comes before photography; this is what I keep in mind every day. So, I don’t engage in photography when school is in session. I make sacrifices when I have to but I don’t get carried away.

    What are the challenges you face?

    Time is one huge factor for me because of school work. Also, in this part of the world, photography is not seen as a dignified profession; so at times, people try to discourage me when I say it is what I want to do but I thank God that my parents are supportive and have accepted my chosen career.

    Photography is considered to be men’s vocation; do you believe that?

    Truly, photography is dominated by the menfolk for obvious reasons. It requires a lot of physical fitness and endurance but who says women cannot cope with it? Today’s women are strong and that is why we see many women making wave as chief executive officers, photographers and engineers today. Very soon, the so-called male-dominated vocations would accommodate both genders to bring different ideas and perspectives to the creative field of such profession.

    Who is your role model?

    I cannot categorically say that I have a role model because I combine traits from different people to become my own unique person. Abroad, I look up to people like Karl Taylor and Ben Hassett. But in Nigeria, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Jide Alakija and the Orbit Imagery crew are the people I respect. I also admire Yetunde Babaeko. I spend time studying these people’s works.

    Which work have you done?

    I have worked with Garnet and Topaz Modelling Agency. Also, I worked with Hip-hop artistes such as Davido and Ice Prince. I did my internship at Orbit Imagery.

    Where do you see your brand in the nearest future?

    I see the Riri Belle as one of the top commercial and portrait photography outfits promoting the industry in a few years. We hope to explore other fields that go hand in hand with art in Nigeria and beyond.

    What is your advice for youths?

    They must know that education is important and we must all strive to get proper education. We must learn not to give up our dreams. Challenges and obstacles will always come but our ability to face them and overcome is what makes us great.

  • Fayemi’s wife cares for the needy…3000 on three square meals free

    Fayemi’s wife cares for the needy…3000 on three square meals free

    The new lease of life being enjoyed by the aged, widows, HIV/AIDS patients and other vulnerable citizens in Ekiti State has continued with the introduction of Soup Kitchen by the wife of the state governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi through her Ekiti Development Foundation (EDF).

    Under the Soup Kitchen plan, the needy are fed three times a day three days in a week.

    It boosts the subsisting freebies introduced by the government. Such freebies include payment of a monthly N5,000 to the aged from 65 years, consistent free medical missions for all categories of residents in the state, free healthcare for children under five years, the aged over 65 years, expectant mothers and indigent disabled persons.

    The feeding plan started with 200 persons, with beneficiaries accessing meals across centres in Ado-Ekiti, Osi, Itapa, Emure, Aramoko and other centres across the state. Now, there are 3000 persons benefitting from the programme.

    The Soup Kitchen follows closely on the heels of the Food Bank launched in October 2012 through which well over 3,000 selected individuals had been accessing raw food materials at centres located in Ado-Ekiti and other locations in the state, according to Erelu Fayemi, EDF founder.

    The governor’s wife said the EDF spearheaded the food bank and soup kitchen as part of its contributions to the administration’s resolve to banish poverty and extreme hunger from the state.

    Said she at the soup kitchen launch: “The target of the current administration is to ensure that every family secures access to free nutritious meals a minimum of nine times every week. This is not just a dream, it is a goal towards which we are working.”

    On the soup kitchen, the EDF is collaborating with the Centre for Family and Reproductive Health Initiative (CFRHI), a non-governmental organisation, founded by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi.

    The governor’s wife said the ultimate target of the initiators is to ensure that the soup kitchen is replicated in each of the 177 wards of the state before the end of the year.

    She is optimistic that the target will be achieved if indigenous people of the state residing at home or in the Diaspora, as well as political appointees in the state, support the initiative.

    The Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, and some top female officials of the state were with the governor’s wife as she spoke during the launch of the feeding plan.

    The beauty of the soup kitchen, as noted by the governor’s wife, is the decision by some of the beneficiaries with catering background to cook the foods and serve as volunteers in each centre.

    “This will erase any suspicion about the quality and safety of the food. We don’t want political opponents to turn round and say that there is something else to the initiative. “That is why those who are cooking and serving are among those eating it,” Fayemi’s wife said.

    She said the introduction of the soup kitchen was in fulfilment of some of the electioneering promises of the governor when criss-crossing the nooks and cranny of the state for votes.

    She thanked organisations and individuals that have contributed to the success of the projects so far and sought further support.

    She urged all political office holders in the state to ensure the establishment of at least one soup kitchen in their ward to take government nearer to the people at the grassroots.

    In her remarks, Prof. Modupe Owolabi said the initiative was the begining of good things that the people of the state have longed for.

    She described the project as an imitation of best practices in the developed world, adding that the government was proud of the efforts of the governor’s wife towards giving the people a new lease of life.

    She appealed to the people of the state to continue to support the administration to enable it to deliver more dividends of democracy to them.

    The founder of the CFRHI, Dr Richie-Adewusi thanked the state government for its giant strides aimed at ensuring that the people enjoyed the presence of government in their localities.

    She urged the volunteers in charge of the soup kitchen not to divert the food, whether raw or cooked, and to treat the beneficiaries with love and care.

    Two of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Margaret Abegunde in Ado-Ekiti and Mrs. Bosede Folorunso in Emure, lauded the initiative and prayed for the continued success of the administration.

    Abegunde said: “I collect N5000 monthly from the government. I enjoy free health services and now free meal. Fayemi and his wife are taking care of the aged and my prayer is that they will age gracefully.

    “I’m short of words because none of us enjoying these freebies have ever been asked to produce any political party card before we benefit. I’m close to 90 years and I can say this is the first time I’m seeing this type of thing.”

    The governor’s wife also recently supported nearly 200 individuals across families with various sums totalling N11 million direct financial empowerment and individuals in the state. However, what made the event tick was the flavour of the so-called minority groups including the Ibo, Hausa-Fulani, Urhobo and Ebira who took prominence among the list of beneficiaries.

    All the beneficiaries of Erelu Fayemi’s assistance however shared just one common attribute: they all needed material and financial assistance, reached out to her office and succour came their way.

    Many among the 190 beneficiaries who spoke to the nation were lost in words when a total of their accumulated four-month largesse were handed over to them one after the other in sum which totaled N11 million.

    One of the beneficiaries, an Igbo trader in the state, Mrs. Irene Obasi, was full of praises for the governor’s wife on her efforts at supporting people of the state, irrespective of their political or ethnic backgrounds.

    She noted: “I would have made my request last year but I was discouraged by people who said I was Igbo. I was to discover late that the Igbo were among those who benefitted that same year.  I thank the governor’s wife for not discriminating among the people of the state and for offering good leadership to all communities in the state. May God continue to bless you, Ma.”

    The beneficiaries included widows, orphans, multiple birth mothers, students and those seeking assistance to offset medical bills or start businesses.

    At the ceremony, the governor’s wife said she would continue to use her position and networks to empower the people and enhance their well-being.

    She explained that the four-month accumulated disbursement was delayed due to the death of the former Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, an incident she said plunged the state into mourning.

    The First Lady assured the people of the state of her avowed commitment to sustained financial assistance through her office and EDF, but admonished beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money, urging them to ensure they commit the given sums on whatever they might have planned, with a special prayer for the sick among them to get well quick.

    The governor’s wife used the opportunity to urge the beneficiaries and well-wishers of the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration to continue to disseminate information about its unprecedented achievements, saying “we give assistance not on the basis of political r religious affiliation. Christians have access to my office as much as Muslims. Whoever genuinely approaches my office for succour would surely find one.”

    She however added it would be improper and possibly look like being ungrateful for those benefitting from the different life-changing programmes of the administration to keep silent while detractors run down and talk ill of the government.

    She said: “Let me encourage all of us here to tell others about this programme. The more people we can make happy and restore smiles to in whatever way, the more successful the administration of Governor Fayemi. We should also endeavor to speak the truth to people whenever the enemies of the administration deliberately misinform the public in respect of Governor Fayemi’s many laudable and life-changing programmes.”

    Just as I told our Igbo mothers on their Igbo Day recently, the programmes of my office and that of EDF are not for only the Yoruba or Christians alone. It is for those who lack a definite source of income. Once you come Younwill be asked questions to ascertain how true your claims are. We will definitely reach back to you wherever you come from or your religious/political affiliation.

    Meanwhile, the wife of the governor also recently led advocacy visits of the members of Gender-Based Violence Prohibition Law Management Committee to the Ekiti state University (EKSU); the State Judiciary. She equally visited the Ministry of Justice as well as the Ekiti state Police Command in the drive to ensure zero tolerance for gender violence in the state.

    Erelu Fayemi Fayemi, who is also the Chairperson of the Management Committee said the reason for the visits was to build partnership with all relevant stakeholders including government agencies to combat all forms of violence against women.

    She added that working with stakeholders will enable women have a better grasp of the situation on ground and the plight victims of violence and ensure that response to the law against gender violence was adequate.

    Erelu Fayemi, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi, said the committee, will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that violence against women and girls became a thing of the past in the state.

    At the Ekiti state University, the governor’s wife commended the university community on the various steps it had taken against some students and even lecturers found violating women.

    She further gave kudos to the university for establishing GBV support club in the school which would make students and lecturers work side by side to address the issue of violence against women.

    Erelu Fayemi promised to fully support the establishment of the Centre for Gender and Development Studies being proposed by the institution. She used the opportunity to advise victims of gender violence not to be silent but to report immediately any form of violation against them in order to get justice.

    The Chairperson advised administrators of higher institutions in the state to ensure that security personnel took the issue of violence against women serious and to discourage out-of-court settlement.

    At the Ekiti state Judiciary and state Ministry of Justice, the governor’s wife solicited for the establishment of a gender court to operate side by side with the family court already in existence in the state.

    She requested the designation of a gender court to hear and determine GBV cases as provided by section 5 of the Gender-Based Prohibition law 2011, as well as replication of the family courts in all the judicial divisions of the state. The committee also demanded that adequately trained gender sensitive court officers should be assigned to work on gender issues, as well as to ensure that gender cases were expeditiously tried.

    Speaking with the state police commissioner, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, Erelu demanded the strengthening of gender desk at the police  stations by posting gender sensitive officers with adequate and continuous training.

    She also request that gender cases must be charged under the Ekiti state Gender-Based Violence Prohibition Law 2011, while also calling for prompt release of case files to ministry of Justice, adding that survivors of gender violence should be given free medical treatment as provided by section 8a of the law.

    In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs Fola Richie-Adewusi urged all hands to be on deck to address the challenging issues of gender violence with vigour.

    The commissioner, who is also the vice chairperson of the committee, noted that government has given the committee a mandate to ensure zero tolerance for gender violence in the state, adding that government has also approved GBV support fund to assist those who have been violated to get back on their feet.

    On the visit to the EKSU, Erelu Fauemi made similar appeals and called for supports of the Institution’s management in the fight against various abuses of women.

    Responding to the various demands of the committee, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oladipo Aina said the university had embarked on the construction of female hostel accommodation with full security network to ensure that women were adequately protected from all forms of harassment.

    He disclosed that a lecturer of the university was recently sacked as a result of violating female students and promised to meet such stern action on any staff of the institution who used their positions to harass and embarrass female students on the campus.

    The VC disclosed that the University Council has approved the establishment of Centre for Gender and Development Studies to ensure that all men and women are treated fairly and equally with dignity and respect. He used the opportunity to solicit more support from government for empowerment of women in the state.

    Meanwhile, the state government recently opened  a black book, called the Sexual Offenders Register, in which a blacklist.for the programmes founded by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi.. for the programmes founded by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi. of convicted sexual offenders would be catalogued possibly alongside the specific sexual crime they have committed.

    This was a culmination of several efforts of the wife of the state governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi in the area of gender advocacy and empowerment which well complement the efforts of the state governor Kayode Fayemi’s at instituting people-centered and genuine socio-economic  progress in the state.

    for the programmes founded by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi.

     

  • Business women urged to mentor cubs

    President, Women in Business, Management and Public Service (WIMBIZ), Mrs Adeola Azeez, has called on established businesswomen to mentor younger ones.

    Azeez said in Lagos that mentoring was vital for economic growth through the involvement of more women in business.

    “Mentoring is key for anyone intending to go into a venture, particularly business.Without mentoring, it is inevitable for one to fail in an enterprise,

    “Some of the businesses handled by women that have failed could have been strengthened if the owners had good mentors around them.

    “More so, young female undergraduates and Corps members should make themselves available for mentoring in any line of business they would like to go into after school.

    “If all these can be put in place, the worrisome state of unemployment would be reduced.

    “More youths would become independent and that spells an improvement in the nation’s development,” she added.

     

  • Ajimobi’s wife fetes 500 women

    In continuation of the ‘Ajumose Food Bank’ programme of Oyo State government, wife of the governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, has distributed raw food items to 500 market women at Mapo in Ibadan South East Local Government Area of the state.

    Mrs Ajimobi said the programme is being supported on a monthly basis by the governor and it is aimed at driving hunger away from every family, while also reaffirming the commitment of the government in ensuring that women are well catered for.

    She explained that the effort is in fulfilment of the promise made by Governor Abiola Ajimobi during his electioneering campaign that women throughout the state will enjoy welfare packages and not be allowed to beg for food.She added that the initiative is to ensure that every home that benefits can feed for at least two weeks.

    She pledged the commitment of the state government as complemented by her office, toward ensuring that the Restoration, Transformation and Repositioning agenda of the present administration is fully accomplished.

    Mrs Ajimobi further called for prayers and support of the people for the administration to able it achieve its set goals.

    Earlier in his welcome address,the Caretaker Chairman, Ibadan South East Local Government, Mr. Abass Najimudeen, praised the unique vision of Mrs. Ajimobi who has been consistent in her social welfare, healthcare initiatives and empowerment of women throughout the state.

    He called on women and the entire residents of the council to continue to support Governor Ajimobi’s effort to take Oyo State to greater heights,saying he has made a landmark achievement within a short period of his tenure.

  • Violence against women, a ‘global health problem

    ACCORDING to a new WHO report, one in three women experience sexual or physical violence. Recently an Indian member of a social organisation called Our City Our Right held a candle during a silent protest following the recent gang rape and murder of a 20-year-old college student in Barasat, in Kolkata on June 15, 2013. Activists and social groups in various parts of the state held rallies and protests following the incident.

    About one in three women worldwide experience sexual or physical violence at least once in their lives, according to a World Health Organisation report released Thursday.

    Put together by the WHO in partnership with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the South African Medical Research Council, the report says 35 percent of women around the world are victims of sexual or physical violence, and that assault at the hands of an intimate partner is by far the most common form of such violence. In fact, a whopping 30 percent of women globally were found to be domestic violence victims.

    “These findings send a powerful message that violence against women is a global health problem of epidemic proportions,” said Dr. Margaret Chan, director-general of WHO, in a statement. “We also see that the world’s health systems can and must do more for women who experience violence.”

    The study found that 38 percent of all women who were murdered were killed by their intimate partners, and more than 40 percent of domestic violence victims were found to have suffered injuries from those incidents.

    In addition, the study showed that women who experience violence at the hands of their intimate partners are more likely to suffer from depression, have alcohol use problems, unwanted pregnancies and abortions, as well as sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

    Citing the recent assault of celebrity chef Nigella Lawson by her husband, one of the report’s authors told Reuters that violence against women is truly a concern for everyone on the planet.

    “This is an everyday reality for many, many women,” said the author, Charlotte Watts, a health policy expert at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. “[I]t’s not just poor women, or women in a certain country. This really is a global issue.”

    According to NPR, this WHO report, which considered data from 81 countries, has offered the “first comprehensive look at domestic violence globally.”

    The report’s authors say they hope their findings will help raise awareness about this global problem and will spark the beginnings of change. The first step, they say, will be equipping health care professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to provide the necessary care to victims of violence.

    “There is no magic bullet, no vaccine or pill [for rape or abuse],” Claudia Garcia-Moreno, a physician with the WHO and a co-author of the report, told NPR. “But what we hear from women is that oftentimes, just having an empathetic listener who can provide some practical support and help her get access to some other services –that in itself is an important intervention.”

  • Women warned against harmful practices against children

    Women warned against harmful practices against children

    •Group decries low education on infant mortality

    THE Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina, has urged policy makers to adopt and implement policies that would prevent women from inflicting harmful practices on their children.

    The minister spoke in Abuja, the nation’s capital, as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark this year’s Day of the African Child.

    She also urged development partners to compile, adopt and implement national plans which protect, respect, promote and fulfil the rights of children to be protected from harmful traditional practices.

    The policies, she said, include introducing public awareness and education involving policy makers, respected elders, traditional leaders and community workers.

    Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration: Eliminating Harmful Social and Cultural Practices Affecting Children: Our Collective Responsibility, Hajia Maina, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hajia Habiba Muda Lawal, said everyone must ensure the protection of children.

    She regretted that many children in the country are subjected to harmful practices that have negative impact on their psyche and personality development.

    The minister listed these as female genital mutilation, child marriage, honour killings, son preference, witchcraft labelling, among others.

    Also, Mothers’ Pride, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has criticised governments at all levels for not doing enough to educate about the negative impact of maternal and infant mortality, especially among rural dwellers.

    The group noted that federal, states and local governments need to educate the populace to boost literacy level and reduce diseases, such as hypertension, cancer, malaria and typhoid.

    It regretted that such diseases have reduced the nation’s population.

    The Director, Mother’s Pride, Mrs Oladunni Korede-Shokunde, spoke in Lagos at a sensisation programme she organised in partnership with the First Baptist Church, Agbado, Lagos.

    She said: “We need proper public education and the support of institutions, like religious organisations, to reduce these scourges.”

     

  • Abiola’s daughter advocates equal rights for women

    The first daughter of the slain Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Mrs. Hafsat Abiola -Costello, yesterday said the democracy her mother fought and died for is yet to uphold the rights of women.

    She said women lack access to basic social services and the political offices enjoyed by men.

    The late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola was the wife of the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, who died in military incarceration in 1998.

    Alhaja Kudirat Abiola was gunned down in Oregun, Lagos, on June 4, 1996, by suspected agents of the late military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha.

    In a statement to commemorate the 17th memorial anniversary of her mother, Mrs. Abiola-Costello urged political parties to recognise and protect women’s rights.

    She said of the 54 per cent of Nigerians living in poverty, 60 per cent are women and children.

    Mrs. Abiola-Costello said: “After marking the most recent military to civilian handover date of May 29, 1999, political parties are preparing for the 2015 election.

    “Perhaps for the first time since the historic presidential election of June 12, 1993, the forthcoming election looks to be set for a contest between two strong parties, the Peoples Democratic (PDP) and, if registered, the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    “Yet, one question requires an urgent answer from the parties: Will the parties recognise the full rights of Nigerian women or not?

    “More than the other sex, women in Nigeria have borne the brunt of the hollow political pact that the post-colonial state has fashioned out with the Nigerian people.

    “In terms of social services, access for women and girls are worse than that of men and boys.

    “Ernst & Young recently reported a positive correlation between women’s participation in government and good governance. This finding is also supported by the Mo (Ibrahim) Index on Governance.

    “So it seems fitting on the anniversary of my mother’s assassination that all lovers of democracy rise up to demand that women be given their rightful place in Nigeria’s democracy.”

    Mrs. Abiola-Costello, who is the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), said in some parts of the country, 1,500 of every 100,000 women die during childbirth.

    She said women fare worse in the labour market, when they are looking for jobs.

    Mrs. Abiola-Costello said: “While only 10 per cent of the six million graduates produced by universities yearly will secure jobs, only 30 per cent of this already low figure will be women.”