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Tag: women

  • 10 dead, monarch, five others missing as women protest

    10 dead, monarch, five others missing as women protest

    About 10 persons have so far lost their lives, while 20 others sustained injuries, as two rival groups operating under the name of Lion Squad and Pillar Youths allegedly overran Ogwuaniocha community in Ogbaru Local Government of Anambra State.

    Ogwuaniocha, an oil rich community, sharing boundary with Oguta in Imo State, had attracted oil producing status to Anambra State, which also placed the state as one of those benefiting from 13 per cent oil derivation fund on a monthly basis.

    According to some women from the area, who embarked on a peaceful protest in Onitsha yesterday, the incident, which occurred a few days ago, started two years ago when the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Oliver Chike Nnaji, was abducted from his palace by a terror gang they identified as Lion Squad, with whereabouts yet unknown.

    Jointly led in the protest by Nkemdilim Onwurah and Ngozi Freda Nnaji, wife of the abducted and missing traditional ruler of the area, Igwe Oliver Chile Nnaji, the 100 aggrieved women marched from New Market road to Old Market road, Onitsha.

    Read Also: ECOWAS splashes N60m for table fish production in Anambra

    Addressing reporters in front of the General Post Office, Onitsha, Onwurah said the same opposition parties known as Lion Squad, who abducted Igwe Nnaji from his palace in November 2021, have now formed an alliance with all the criminal gangs known as unknown gunmen to terrorise law-abiding citizens of the area.

    “The opposition parties have teamed up with all the kidnappers operating within Ihiala and Orlu axis and they are camping in some places they call Longinus camp, Ose Mkpuruosisu, Onuiyi camp and Usham Ogwuaniocha annex to terrorise the people of the area.

    “The latest onslaught against the community had taken place between October 19 and 20 when a combined team of the terror gangs and Lion squad emerged from their bush hideout, swooped on some innocent citizens they tagged as opposition, such as Abiana Alanze and Prince Nnaji. Beating them to stupor and thinking that they were dead, they left them and dispersed.

    “The quick intervention of a combined team of naval men and local vigilantes saved other law-abiding citizens of the area from falling victims of the killer group.”

    Appealing to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and security agencies to rescue them from the criminal gangs, Onwura said most of the indigenes in the area “are now into hiding for the sake of their lives.”

    Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said he was yet to be informed of the incident as at press time.

  • Women businesses get resources

    Women businesses get resources

    A business growth initiative, Rewired Africa Network has equipped women in business with resources and skills to access grants and funding opportunities.

    The event was held over the weekend at the American Corner in Ikeja, Lagos with the theme “The Empower Her Summit and Sales Exhibition 2023.”

    Co-founder of the Rewired Africa Network, Emem Okwoche, in her opening remarks, described women as the bedrock of small and medium-sised enterprises (SMEs) and the lifeline of the economy.

    According to Emem, the network is a business growth effort established to provide women in business with human development and resource support.

    She added that the struggle of women in business informed the desire to assist them in upgrading their business capacities for them to succeed.

    “At Rewired Africa Network, we are passionate about the growth and development of the Nigerian Human Resources which is the critical element for achieving any societal goal and objective.

    “We are aware of the socioeconomic challenges staring us in the face daily and even our great nation, Nigeria is not left out and we all will agree that it is our individual effort and business activities that gives life and hope to Nigeria as a country.

    “It is from that premise, that we decided to create a platform to re-skill and retool our women who are the bedrock of the Nigerian SMEs that become the life-wire of our nation.

    Read Also: Declining water resources threat to food security, says Agric minister

    “Today, we recognise the effort of our women in their businesses. We acknowledge the struggle you undergo to keep your businesses afloat. This understanding is what informed our desire to assist our women in upgrading their business capacities so they can thrive, blossom, and succeed.

    “So brace yourselves and open your inner minds to seeing new opportunities that will be made available to you today. We thank the United States Mission in Nigeria for the foundation laid which we are building upon to empower our people.” She said.

    Acting President of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association (USGEA), Joseph lorwuese said the association is fully in support of the project and remains committed to backing it.

    He admonished the women to take advantage of the program and use it for the expansion and improvement of the country’s economy.

    “The goal of this summit is to empower her. USGEA is fully in support and we are ready to do that at any time. I will advise you to utilise this opportunity because not everyone has this opportunity. At UNGEA, when it comes to empowering women, we believe a Nation is emancipated.”

    A Nigerian Canva expert, Ayodotun Akinfenwa, taught participants how to use Canva for design acquisition and development.

    She discussed visual identity, branding, the newest Canva capabilities, and invaluable designs.

    The corporate trainer asked the women to assume new responsibilities to become self-reliant.

    A Commercial Lawyer, Ohieji Emmanuel who spoke on ‘Legal Consideration in Running a Business in Nigeria’ said registering a firm contributes to its establishment of structure.

    According to Emmanuel, 45% of the businesses were unable to grow because they could not adhere to regulatory requirements.

    He also mentioned that regulatory challenges accounted for 18% of a company’s failures.

    Emmanuel also offered the women advice on the benefits of being a business owner, creating a company, and hiring legal counsel for their ventures.

    “Starting a business involves registering it. Your business is not considered operational until it is properly structured. Registering a company can create opportunities and open doors for you. If you don’t register, you may miss out on potential opportunities.”

    The Creative Director of Afrikayla, Ibijoke Shallangwa, also encouraged women to embrace social media to market their businesses.

    The fashion entrepreneur asked the women to be consistent and build trust, as well as create quality content on social media.

    The fashion entrepreneur also encouraged the women to establish credibility, be trustworthy, and provide high-quality content for social media.

    A business developer, Queen Edokpa, who spoke on how to develop a structure for business, called upon the women to make a list of aims that would improve their businesses.

    Executive Director, Children Emergency Relief Foundation, Abosede Oyeleye also tutored the woman on grant writing while emphasising the executive summary of the proposal.

    Speaking with The Nation, one of the females, Rametu Musa, said she has discovered multiple strategies for boosting revenue.

    “I have learned several ways to increase revenue like new revenue streams and start-up accelerators. This would be a great help in increasing my revenue, especially the strategic partnership because my kind of business deals with different merchandise. It has always been a struggle to get various items, especially on short-term notice. Partnership and start-ups accelerating will give me a new edge.”

    Another participant, Titilope Adelaja also said the summit has equipped her with valuable insights into crafting a captivating grant proposal and the significance of the executive summary page in influencing grant proposal acceptance.

  • Women digital entrepreneurs get empowerment

    Women digital entrepreneurs get empowerment

    Five hundred women entrepreneurs were empowered in the second edition of Women Digital Entrepreneurship Programme organised by Access and Nerdzfactory Foundation.

    The programme exposed female entrepreneurs to an array of opportunities in the digital realm. The programme module covered initiating online businesses, identifying digital business prospects, customer acquisition strategies, social media marketing, raising capital, and effective book-keeping.

    Managing Director of Nerdzfactory Foundation, Ade Olowojoba, said: “Empowering women is not only a moral imperative, but also an economic one. By equipping women with tools they need to excel in digital economy, we are not only transforming individual lives, but also contributing to growth and development of our country.”

    Read Also: Over 200 Jigawa women farmers benefit from outgrower programme

    Participants engaged in webinars, attended intensive boot camp, and culminated their journey with a summit.  

     This comprehensive approach equipped them with practical knowledge, skills, and resources required to launch online businesses.

    The summit featured key stakeholders and successful entrepreneurs sharing insight on women’s business growth and support. It ended with a pitch/grant competition where the top three pitches were awarded prizes to support their businesses.

    The Women Digital Entrepreneurship Programme was open to Nigerian women between 20 and 45 years.

  • Rescue team gives relief to women, children affected by conflict

    Rescue team gives relief to women, children affected by conflict

    International Rescue Committee (IRC) Nigeria has disturbed relief items, comprising dignity kits for women and children and other non-food items to over 500 households affected by conflict in Mangu Local Government of Plateau State. 

    The displaced persons, nearly 19,000, including children and widows need assistance and support, as these people have no access to food, shelter, and sanitation.

     EH WASH Hygiene Promotion Officer and IRC Nigeria Emergency Team Co-Lead, Geoffery Atiko,  who briefed reporters during the distribution, said it extends beyond non-food and dignity items.

     He said the organisation is involved in building boreholes and toilets to ensure improved hygiene and health for the displaced population.

      Atiko said: “We are constructing one solar-powered borehole and rehabilitating one non-functional motorised borehole to assist IDPs in Mangu.”

    Read Also: Zulum to build 1,000 houses for IDPs

     Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) Manager, Iliya Shehu, said the group’s intervention includes unconditional cash transfers to  households, with each receiving about N35,000 per month for the three months.

    Danladi Denna, district head in Mangu, hailed IRC, noting the positive impact on his community.

    Country Director in Nigeria, Babatunde Ojei, had announced relief funding of $250,000.

     He said: “Plateau has endured a history of conflicts, and the crisis has witnessed a surge in casualties, destruction, and mass displacement.

     “These attacks have impacted communities, some inaccessible, impeding accurate victim assessments. IRC has augmented its commitment to Plateau, aiming to meet demands for water, food, and shelter.”

  • Roberta Dawson-Amoah: Ghanian women are resilient, mentally strong

    Roberta Dawson-Amoah: Ghanian women are resilient, mentally strong

    Roberta Dawson-Amoah is the Director/Head of Marketing Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she opens up on her experience in the sector for about two decades, networking with Nigerian investors and more.

    Tell us about your experience and the things that you do.

    I have worked with the Ghana Tourism Authority for 19 years and by June next year, it would be my 20 years. I have done quality Assurance and Tourism management before this. As the director of Marketing in GTA, I am the lead person to promote destination Ghana within Ghana and outside Ghana. So it is my responsibility to put Ghana on the Globe as the preferred Tourism destination.

    How have you been doing this?

    We do this through events because these days marketing has changed. Marketing of Tourism destinations has moved from just inviting people to visit, to creating meaningful experiences for these days’ tourists. So, we do this through various events. For example, we have December in GH where the African family on the globe come together to experience Christmas in Ghana. We also have events like Panafest which targets the African family in the Diaspora. We use that to help them reconnect to their roots, then we reposition Ghana as the Mecca of Africa. If you want to come to Africa, the Gateway is Ghana and we do it through some of these events.

    We also have attraction sites like the natural ones and the man-made ones. We have the canopy walkways, the fortes, beautiful waterfalls, zoos, natural reserves, and experiences like shopping in open-air markets, where you get to bargain with the locals to buy your items. We have different ways of promoting Ghana through our promotional materials and we are on all Social media platforms. We engage on social media, that is the in-thing now. We are happy to say that Ghana is the top tourist destination in West Africa.

    Can you take us through the experience and how it all started in 2019?

    Then we were celebrating 400 years when the first black slaves arrived in the universe. So, that was the year we commemorated that. As part of our promotional activities, we put together events to not only bring people to Ghana but to reconnect with their roots, have meaningful engagement, have fun, interact, and make new friends. So, that was how it all started. This is the fourth edition and we have seen a number of improvements. Improvement in the type of activities. Now, we have event organizers who want to have their events approved in December.

    As I speak, we have endorsed over 50 events and it is still ongoing. It has brought a lot of excitement to the Nation and people are talking about Ghana. It has made Ghana a permanent feature on the tourism calendar that we look forward to. Getting to Christmas the hotels and flights are booked already and everybody is preparing to come to Ghana.

    What do you enjoy most about what you do?

    I am happy when I put Ghana out there and see the response. When I am able to make Ghana the top record when it comes to offering gives me satisfaction. I love what I do because I see it as a national service. It’s my duty, I am serving my country and that is the best way I can serve my country. I love to put my country out there.

     What is the implication of this event on the economy of the country?

    When tourists come businesses come into the country. They spend on the economy. They pay for accommodation, flights, buy souvenirs and all of this brings money into the economy. And those who are involved in the provision of all these services also get employment. Also, it puts the country out there. People come for tourism identify investment opportunities and come back to invest. Many come for holidays and they meet partners and their businesses are doing very well. People through that experience relocate to live in Ghana and all of this adds up to build the economy. All this has a multiplier effect on tourism, everybody gets something and it actually trickles down directly or indirectly. The woman who sells by the roadside gets her share, the taxi driver also gets their share.

    Read Also: IMF: No blanket debt cancellation for Nigeria, Ghana, other African economies

    What are you going to be doing differently this year?

    When we started initially by 2nd January we were done. But now, we have activities up till the middle of January. We have more activities on board that include musical concerts, shows, and Diaspora engagement. We also have what is called giving back to your community, where people come together to engage in community service.

     How many countries outside Africa participate?

    Generally, we have influence from the US, UK, Caribbean and Africa. You get to meet our brothers and sisters from all over Africa and we have people from all over.

     Tell us about the Ghana Woman. What is unique about the average woman in Ghana?

    The Ghana woman I would say is a very resilient person, very strong mentally. We believe we can do anything and everything. So, we don’t get stuck anywhere we find ourselves. Where we find ourselves, we ask ourselves, where can we be the next moment? So, we strive in all that we do, in whatever we do and we believe in ourselves. And we are very industrious and most importantly, we are very hospitable.

    It is a matrilineal society and the women are stronger. What does that mean to you?

    Yes, we have very strong female personalities in our communities and they make their impact felt. They champion policies, they champion social changes and they become the voice of the voiceless. Recently, there was advocacy for the government to subsidise sanitary towels for girls. This was championed by our women in the legislature and so our women in politics have found their voice and they are out there making the impact. Also working with the young ones, nurturing them to come and take their place when they are old.

    What does fashion mean to you? What are the things that you like to wear?

    For me, your dress is your way of expression. It expresses who you are and it tells a lot about you. And so through our dresses, we express who we are and show how confident we are and how powerful we can be, how determined we are as a people. We have our fabrics in different shades, colours and what we wear and the way we put it on speaks to the occasion. So, when you see me wearing a particular fabric, it could be about a victorious party or a celebration. When you see me in all black, you know that I am mourning. Also when you see me in the colourful Ankara cut in a certain shape, then you know that I am having fun and it is celebration time. Expressing who you are is part of your identity. Our fabrics have names, they interpret things and speak to situations.

  • First Lady, Akpabio, Makinde for women’s confab

    First Lady, Akpabio, Makinde for women’s confab

    First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akbapio, Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) are expected at the 23rd National Women’s Conference organised by Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).

    The conference, at Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island in Lagos October 17 to 19, will be attended by over 5,000 women.

    Wife of Lagos State governor and COWLSO Chairman, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said this year’s theme is: Unleash Your Potential.

    She noted the conference has become a purpose-driven international event where women are galvanised and inspired to make a difference.

    “This year’s edition is tailored towards assisting women to be more productive and influence the society.

    Read Also: Teachers endorse Uzodimma for second term

    “The conference will feature over 5,000 participants physically and virtually from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), other state delegates, political groups, civil society, and others.

    “Seasoned facilitators and panellists will discuss topics affecting women, such as health, agriculture and food security, education, empowerment, cyber security, harnessing digital technology, family and lifestyle.

    “Some pre-conference activities include COWLSO Fun Day to unwind, and awareness walk on October 7 at Epe. The public is enjoined to follow the activities through out website and other social media platforms.”

    Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Prof. Olufunke Adeyeye, said the event is not only about sharing insight but also for ensuring that women are motivated to go beyond their comfort zones, “as the theme encapsulates their collective aspiration to break free from various constraints, limitations and barriers”.

    Prof. Adeyeye added that the conference would enable participants to create a symphony of ideas to bring out the best in them.

  • NGO lauds women inclusiveness

    NGO lauds women inclusiveness

    Lamodi  Women and Girls Development Initiative, a non-governmental organisation empowering  women and girls, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for giving women appointments. 

    The organisation sent a letter:  “Heartfelt Applause for Your Commitment to Gender Inclusivity,”signed by its Executive Director, Stephanie Apel.

    Read Also: Media group partners NGO to lift young women

     The NGO  described the inclusion of  women as unprecedented, adding it was a   fulfillment of  Tinubu’s promises to carry women along. 

    Apel noted women are good managers by nature, and the quest for a  prosperous nation can be possible through their  involvement in leadership.

  • Foundation offers cancer screening awareness for women

    Foundation offers cancer screening awareness for women

    Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF) has announced its awareness and fundraising, #WalkAwayCancer, this month.

    This year’s event is to raise awareness about cancer and support for ailing individuals.

     Since 2009, MCF, founded by Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, has been in the forefront of cancer advocacy.

     From 2012 till date, MCF has had cancer awareness programmes reaching over 25,000 individuals.

    It has also distributed 50,000 brochures and pamphlets to hospitals, clinics, and reached one million on social media.

    Read Also: Mandela’s granddaughter dies of cancer at 43

     MCF also subsidised chemotherapies for 67 cancer patients through Patient Access Programme (PACE).

    It provided free mammography to over 2000 women, and offered support to 200+ cancer patients and families.  

    The foundation organised free screening camps, benefiting over 100,000 individuals.

    Besides giving N10,000,000 to innovative cancer research studies, and fostering partnership with Nigerian and international researchers, it raised over N40,000,000 through its charity walk, and cultivated relationships with sponsors.

     Shinkafi-Bagudu said:  “Our free breast and cervical cancer screenings are part of our commitment to provide accessible and affordable health care for women as well as educate the public on the commonest cancer affecting women.”

  • Women protest amended Traditional Rulers Law

    Women protest amended Traditional Rulers Law

    Akwa Ibom State women yesterday marched on the House of Assembly in Uyo, over the amended Traditional Rulers Law.

    They demanded its reversal.

    The law nullified the hitherto rotational headship of the state’s Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and reserved life headship (President General) for the Oku Ibom Ibibio, head king of the Ibibio, as the majority ethnic group in the state.

    The women drawn from Annang, Oro and Obolo ethnic groups and numbering over 300, who arrived the Assembly complex at about 8am, barricaded the main gate.

    They refused to vacate the area until the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatoye Durosinmi, arrived on the scene and addressed them.

    One of their leaders, Dr. Margaret Udofia, said: “I’m from Essien Udim Local Government, Annang tribe. We are here to protest that we are not second class citizens. They say the Oro are third class citizens. We came to tell them that Akwa Ibom is one.

    “We have equal rights in Akwa Ibom, in Nigeria. There is no first class, no second or third class. We are all one. We don’t war, we don’t want tribalism. We want peace in Akwa Ibom, nobody should come and divide us. 

    Read Also: Amended traditional rulers council law: The dignity of the traditional institution and needless rancour

    “This is why we are here to tell them that the women of Annang, Oro, Obolo, all women of Akwa Ibom say we reject being second class or third class citizens. We know the House will sit today. We want the members to hear our cry so it will not affect our children in future. We want that position to remain.”

    Another protester and a retired school head teacher from the Annang axis, Mrs. Iboette, said: “The obnoxious law that says only one tribe can be leader is what we are here to kick against. We are against that law the House of Assembly passed. 

    “It is dividing the state. This is a peaceful state. We can never allow that law to win. We don’t want it. We want the position to be rotational.”

    Addressing the women, CP Durosinmi appealed to them to go back to their homes and take care of their husbands and children.

    He assured them that their grievances would be communicated to the appropriate quarters.

    As tension escalates over the new law, Governor Umo Eno, who sent the Executive Bill that brought about the law, has absolved himself of any blame in the matter.

    He said: “The law that has just been passed by the House of Assembly is not my law. The paramount rulers of this state sat. I was at that meeting and I did not say anything. They agreed on what that law is. They themselves agreed. I said it yesterday and I am saying it today on this altar.

    “If any paramount ruler that was there, let the paramount ruler prove that he uttered a voice. The only paramount ruler that raised a voice and said something to add was the paramount ruler of Itu. No paramount ruler, whether Ibibio, Annang or Oron, none of them said anything. All I did was to implement their decision. You couldn’t implement a law without going through the House of Assembly.

    “If they feel that is no more their position, it is a simple thing. They are our fathers. It is to call the governor and say, please, what we did, we did not understand. This is what we now think we should do. It has nothing to do with ethnicity. It has nothing to do with favouring one tribe over the other. 

    “I will never have sided one tribe over another because I belong to Jesus. We all belong to one kingdom and it is the kingdom of God. Anyone who knows me knows I am a barracks boy. I grew up in the barracks and in the barracks there is no room for ethnicity.”

  • Political parties must open other positions for women, says Global fund

    Political parties must open other positions for women, says Global fund

    • It’s a barrier to affirmative Action

    The Project Director, Global Fund Impact Project and Family Health International, FHI360, Christiana Laniyan, has said political parties must open up other positions for women to grow politically.

    Laniyan said the only position usually reserved for women which is the women leader has become a limitation to women participation and political growth.

    Besides, she said, the position had become a barrier to affirmative action.

    She said this at a National Conference and Summit of the Stand Up for Women Society in Abuja at the weekend.

    The society has presence in 36 states and FCT and 22 African countries of which about six Country Chapters Presidents were in attendance at  the national conference.

    Speaking on the theme ‘Women: Bridge builders in good governance and societal balance’ Laniyan said structural barriers in political parties should be removed for women to contest other positions in the party.

    She said: “The structural barriers that do not allow women to participate in governance should be removed.

    “For instance, in political participation, many women are not allowed in the proper structure of a political party. They create a women’s wing, which implies that they are treated differently. Women do not have to be limited.

    Read Also: Oyo Senator Alli mourns APC women leader

    “Political parties should not create structures that stereotype them into a role.

    “If there are 15 positions to be canvassed for, part of the affirmative action should be that seven of such positions should be given to the women.

    The role of women’s leaders should be scrapped.”

    The International President, SWS, Deborah Ijadele-Adesona, on her part underscored the importance of empowering the girl child and by extension the women.

    Ijadele-Adesona said a country that is desirous to develop must do everything possible to empower the women.

    She also said it was time that women were given the opportunity to lead the country politically, stressing that the womenfolk have proved overtime that they are better resource managers.

    Also, the co-founder, Stand Up for Women, Olatunbosun Oladimeji, called for the empowerment of women in the society, stressing that this is necessary for the country’s economic growth and development.