Nigeria: TEC Mobilises Communities to Combat Digital Violence Through Male Allyship

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08/12/2025

By Justina Auta

The Tabitha Empowerment Centre (TEC) has rallied community members and traditional leaders in Kpegyeyi, Abuja, to strengthen male allyship in preventing digital violence and protecting survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The centre made the call at a press conference and community sensitisation on Sunday in Abuja, as part of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.

Mrs Christina Uzo-Okamgba, TEC Founder and Executive Director, highlighted the need for stronger male allyship and renewed community action to prevent technology-facilitated violence and protect GBV survivors.

Uzo-Okamgba said that the prevalence of digital violence, such as cyberbullying, sextortion, harmful content circulation, and online blackmail, had contributed to broken homes, destroyed reputations and silenced ambitions.

She urged community members to take collective responsibility in curbing such acts, declaring that Kpegyeyi would not permit any form of digital violence against women and girls under its watch.

Mr Gabriel Onyali, AMAC Protection Officer, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), said that traditional forms of abuse, such as domestic violence and rape, were now increasingly committed through digital platforms.

Onyali listed cyberstalking, online harassment and non-consensual sharing of intimate images as criminal offences under the Cybercrime Act 2015, reviewed in 2024, carrying penalties of up to five years imprisonment and fines.

”Community sensitisation and responsible digital behaviour among young people, especially boys, are among the strategies to end GBV.

”NAPTIP’s mandate is to prevent, investigate, and prosecute sexual and gender-based crimes, and to provide protection and rehabilitation for victims,” he said.

Mrs Deborah Life-Alegbemi, representing Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS) FCT chapter, highlighted prevalence of digital threats, coercion, and blackmail targeted at women and girls.

She urged men to become active peace promoters and allies in homes and communities.

Irene Igomu, representing Girls Education Access Initiative (GEAI), proposed reforms in school curricula to eliminate gender stereotypes, and teacher training for inclusive learning environments.

Igonu said that it would also educate social media influencers on the use of social media for digital safety education and incentive-based reporting systems to improve accountability.

Also, Mrs Lois Auta, Founder, Network of Women with Disabilities, highlighted the heightened vulnerabilities of women with disabilities, who often face gender discrimination, disability-based stigma, and social marginalisation.

Auta called for strict sanctions against perpetrators, survivor-friendly support mechanisms, and the establishment of a trust fund for survivors.

Ms Gladys Emmanuel, TEC’s Advocacy Officer and In-house Counsel, underscored its rights-based and survivor-centred approach.

Emmanuel said that survivors who report at the centre were allowed to guide decisions on referrals, police engagement, and other interventions.

She said that TEC supported survivors through psychosocial services, legal counsel, and its Girls Vanguard Project,
which equips young girls with knowledge on human rights, digital literacy, and sexual and reproductive health rights.

She presented TEC’s community-focused strategy, including the adoption of community pledges, formation of anti-GBV committees, development of community champions, and targeted sensitisation of men and boys.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants, during the interactive session, examined how male allyship could be strengthened to prevent online abuse.

They emphasised on education, awareness creation, policy reforms, strict legal enforcement, and community-driven accountability.

They also advocated for institutional efforts to build supportive environments for survivors, fair and timely case handling, protection orders for vulnerable survivors, and procedural transparency to reinforce trust.

Joseph Afbawaje, ESU of Kpegyeyi, while commending the organisations, assured them of his commitment to promoting respect, equality, and a culture that rejects all forms of violence.

Other activities included signing of the Male Allyship Pledge, committing to challenge harmful norms, support survivors, combat online abuse, and promote safe digital practices within their homes and communities. (NAN)

Nigeria to Strengthen Protective Measures on Safety For Women, Girls

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06/12/2025

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By Justina Auta

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening proteive measures to safeguard women and girls.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, said this during the “2025 No Tolerance March” as part of activities marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on Saturday in Abuja.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that the ministry was strengthening protective measures in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and safety of every citizen.

She said that community reports showed that eight out of every ten GBV cases involved minors, warning that technology is increasingly being used to harm women and girls.

The minister commended law enforcement agencies and development partners for supporting justice for survivors.

According to her, before legal reforms are completed, ptective measures against all forms of digital violence must be strengthened.

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Former First Lady of Kebbi State commended the ministry’s leadership, emphasising that the global theme “Uniting Against Digital Violence” reflected the urgency of evolving threats.

Shinkafi-Bagudu, who is also the CEO of Medicaid Cancer Foundation, said that the country must adopt a survivor-centered approach and safeguard families, communities and societies.

Also, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, said that ending GBV and achieving women’s inclusion in governance required collective responsibility.

Kingibe, therefore, urged Nigerian women to demand their space in leadership and public life, noting that violence remained a major barrier to participation.

“Even people like me are sometimes afraid. Younger, more vulnerable women feel it even more. But it must stop, and it will stop when we insist on it,” she said.

According to her, the march was simultaneously held across 19 states to empower grassroots communities with knowledge of their rights.

Dr Aishatu Abubakar-Baju, an AIG representing the Nigeria Police Force, reaffirmed the police’s zero tolerance for GBV.

She highlighted the nationwide Police Women’s Walk and the recent launch of the Nigerian Police GBV Training Manual and Standard Operating Procedure, as measures in place to curb the trend.

According to her, the Inspector-General of Police has made it clear that survivors must be protected and perpetrators held accountable, reinforcing the force’s commitment to justice for all.

Mrs Lois Auta, CEO of the Network of Women with Disabilities, said that the march represented inclusion, accessibility, and human rights.

Auta said that women and girls with disabilities faced higher risks of violence and must be protected.

“Women’s rights are human rights. Disability rights are human rights. We call for an end to GBV against all women and girls, end it, stop it,” she said.

Adeola Potts-Johnson, Project Manager at Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), urged participants to end the culture of silence surrounding sexual violence, and reminded the public that survivors are never to blame.

“Rape is never the fault of the survivor. It is always, and will always be the fault of the perpetrator,” she said. (NAN)

UN Commits to Strengthening Nigeria’s Policy Framework, Enhancing Digital Safety

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06/12/2025

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By Justina Auta
The UN Women has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening policy frameworks, enhancing digital safety, and promoting accountability for online harms in Nigeria.

Ms Nyara Gumbonzvanda, Deputy Executive Director for Normative Support, UNWomen, said this at a press conference on Saturday in Abuja.

The press conference was on Gumbonzvanda’s high-level mission to Nigeria and commemoration of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

She said that the visit was to deepen partnerships, reinforce national leadership, and accelerate collective action to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in Nigeria.

“A critical area of concern remains technology-facilitated GBV, which is rising globally and nationally.

“Between 16 per cent and 58 per cent of women worldwide experience some form of online or technology-facilitated GBV, depending on the region.

“UN Women is supporting the government and stakeholders in strengthening policy frameworks, enhancing digital safety, and promoting accountability for online harms,” she said.

She commended the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening legislation that protects women and girls and advance women’s participation in governance, and called for effective legal frameworks and inclusive governance.

Gumbonzvanda decried low representation of women at the National Assembly, which she said stood at only 3.8 per cent, far below the global average of 27.2 per cent.

She, therefore, emphasised the need for legislative reforms such as affirmative action, quotas, and the proposed special seats bill, which She described as globally recognised tools to accelerate women’s participation.

”This is critical because globally, nearly one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

”Effective legal frameworks and inclusive governance are essential to reversing this trend,” she said.

On insecurity in Nigeria, she called for the release of abducted girls and reaffirm the need to ensure that every girl has the right to security and education.

She listed the impact of UN Women’s work in communities, including the commissioning of new WASH facilities.

She said that there was also rehabilitation of agro-processing centre in Kwali to improve women’s safety, reduce time burdens, and expand income-generating opportunities.

”UN Wornen will continue to mobilise partnerships across government, development partners, and the private sector to ensure that frontline organisations and national institutions have the resources required to deliver lasting change,” she said.

On her part, Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended the media for amplifying issues affecting women and girls in the country. (NAN)

AMDF Conf. Tasks Media To Discard Sensationalism For Solution Journalism

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06/12/2025

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Participants at the 9th Africa Conference on Development Journalism have stressed the need for the media to discard sensationalism for solution journalism in order to create more constructive public discourse and empower communities towards solving social issues.

The challenge is part of the communique of the 9th Africa Conference on Development Journalism with the theme “Media, Inclusive Development: A Call to Action For Africa’s Future” held in Kaduna, North West, Nigeria.

The Communique which was signed by Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Chairman NUJ Kaduna State Council, Zubair Abdurrau’f Idris, Executive Director WADATA Media and Advocacy Centre and Sekyen Dadik, Executive Director AMDF said Africa must urgently rethink the role of the media in shaping a future that is inclusive, secure and people oriented.

Africa’s inclusive growth, the Communique further observed, will remain a mirage unless media amplify marginalized voices, deepen accountability and embrace modern story-telling tools that bridge widening information gaps across the continent.

The Communique wants the media to bring to the fore through transparent strategic communication which is a tool for social change, the prevailing insecurity, poverty and gender inequality, especially in the North as well as institutional fragility and issues of corruption in the country as a whole .

The participants resolved that the nation must intentionally create opportunities where young people are not merely beneficiaries but co-creators, co-leaders and co-architects of development.
This, the Communique said, is inevitable as no nation can attain sustainable development where women and young people remain outside the corridor of economic participation.

The Communique also tasked the media to expand its lenses to capture the full spectrum of the youths’ experience and not sensational headlines that portray young people as perpetrators of crime.

Journalists’ mental health, the participants resolved, must be prioritized, with training on trauma management and mental health support; recognizing the traumatic nature of their work and the need for resilience-building strategies to mitigate the impact of stress and trauma.

There must be a strong collaboration between the media, universities, government, and civil society to address development challenges and promote transparency and accountability.

Funding for media organizations, the Communique emphasized, should be transparent to enable editorial independence, strengthen public trust, and support sustainable development across African countries.

“The Communique encourages academics, development experts and journalists to continue partnering with AMDF to strengthen home-grown knowledge and media capacity.
It applauds the AMDF Journalist of the Year Contest which aims at encouraging high quality reportage that addresses development challenges and promotes transparency, accountability and good governance in Africa.

Participants Commend the AMDF for its consistency in organizing the conference which aptly addresses issues facing the practices of contemporary development Journalism in the continent.
The Communique acknowledges partners including Sightsavers Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, Wadata Media and Advocacy Centre (WAMAC), Kaduna State Ministry of information, Kaduna State Media Corporation, (KSMC) and Daily Trust Foundation for supporting the conference.

Meet 2025 AMDF Journalist of The Year ( 1st Runner-Up Print Category) MOHAMMED FUGU (Ghana)

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06/12/2025

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Citation: Mohammed Fugu is a Regional Editor of the Graphic Newspaper in Ghana— a passionate and dedicated journalist with a proven track record of shaping society and championing development and positive change through journalistic work.

He is highly experienced in feature writing, documentary production, and reporting, with a special focus on development issues.
A Master of Philosophy in Development Communication from SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, as well as a Bachelor of Technology in Media Communication Studies from Tamale Technical University, he is also skilled in multimedia journalism, media training, and computer literacy.

What makes Mohammed Fugu recognised today is his feature story titled “The Silent Epidemic: Extreme Heat Fuels Meningitis — Upper West Region Worst Affected.”
The story highlights epidemic diseases in Northern Ghana, particularly in the Upper West Region during the hottest month of every year, fuelled by extreme heat and harmattan winds, recording high fatalities.
This year, the scourge prompted the country’s Minister of Health to not only appear in Parliament but also visit the region along with the Speaker to find ways to manage the situation, while other stakeholders discussed strategies to contain the illness.

What drew Fugu’s attention was the loss of children and relatives in such sudden and devastating circumstances, which reinforced the urgency of bringing the issue to the fore.
The pathetic case of a little boy—whose mother initially thought he was only experiencing the usual afternoon warm temperature but later developed a severe headache and neck stiffness was highlighted.

By nightfall, the child’s condition worsened. He was rushed to the hospital, but doctors said it was too late, and he succumbed to the illness.
Although authorities attributed increased mortality rates to late reporting by patients who often arrived in critical condition, Fugu discovered that vaccines for the strain of the disease were unavailable, prompting the need for authorities to educate the public on preventive measures.

According to the reporter, Ghana—which is bearing the brunt of extreme heat and its impact on health, livelihoods, and the economy—has no standalone policy specifically targeting extreme-heat reduction.
A signatory to the 1.5-degree Celsius global-warming limit under the Paris Agreement on climate change (2015), the situation stresses the need for Ghana to intensify efforts to limit temperature rise, which experts say would reduce the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

The tragic story of the child and many others highlighted the devastating impact of meningitis and called for enhanced public awareness, timely access to medical care, and improved prevention strategies.

By building his story around the child, Fugu has reawakened the consciousness of stakeholders in Ghana to address meningitis, a recurring challenge in the Upper West Region.
A recipient of many awards—including National Best Inclusive and Anti-Conflict Reporter (Africa-European Union 2023 and 2024), and Journalist of the Year (Northern, North East, and Savannah Regions) several times—Fugu adds another feather as First Runner-Up (Print Category) in the 2025 AMDF Journalist of the Year Contest. Congratulations.

Meet 2025 AMDF Journalist Of The Year, THEOPHILUS ADEDOKUN

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06/12/2025

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Citation: Theophilus Adedokun is the East/West African Chief Correspondent of African Angle

A development-focused journalist with proven experience reporting on Sustainable Development Goals in East Africa and the Sub-Saharan region, Adedokun is skilled in feature writing, investigations, and human-interest stories that explore health, education, gender, climate, and governance.
He is passionate about amplifying under-represented voices, holding power to account, and producing impactful journalism that promotes accountability and equity.

Adedokun being presented with the Award by the Executive Director of AMDF, Sekyen Dadik

A holder of a Bachelor of Arts in English and Literary Studies, what makes Adedokun stand tall today is his story titled “The Cost of Cheap Energy: Dangote Industrial Push for Coal Leaves Benue’s Rivers Poisoned. Now Communities Are in Peril.”
The investigative story was prompted by growing concerns over the harmful environmental and social impacts of coal-mining activities carried out by Dangote Coal Mining Company in Benue State, North-Central Nigeria.
Community members reported that the company’s operations had severely contaminated local drinking-water sources, posing significant health risks to residents who depend on these water bodies for daily use.
Further inquiry by the reporter revealed that the company had been mining without an approved Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), a clear violation of regulatory requirements.
This lack of compliance contributed to widespread distrust among community members, fuelling intra-communal conflicts and, in some cases, leading to violence and loss of life.
In addition, it was discovered that the company failed to honour its Community Development Agreement (CDA), thereby deepening grievances and resentment among the affected populations.
Investigations also uncovered evidence that Dangote Coal Mining used provisions from Ghana’s mining law to manipulate and defraud community members, in collaboration with certain officials in the Benue State Ministry of Lands.
To substantiate these claims, laboratory assessments were conducted to measure the extent of toxic contamination in the communities’ water sources.
Despite prevailing insecurity, hostility, and ongoing communal clashes, the reporter visited all affected communities and engaged with the various warring parties supported with pictures to gather first-hand information and ensure balanced reporting.
With the documentary evidence, including the certificate of analysis, the Ghana mining law through which the farmers were swindled, and proof of violations of statutory laws and disregard for global environmental practices and mining regulations, the reporter not only exposed the unwholesome activities of Dangote Mining Company but also challenged the regulatory agencies that looked away.
From the foregoing, Adedokun Theophilus, you have demonstrated your professional skills in unearthing the questionable operations of the mining company and therefore named the 2025 AMDF Journalist of the Year. Congratulations.

Nigeria: Appointment Of Gen. Musa, Renewed Commitment To End Insecurity- Northern CAN

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05/12/2025

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Congratulates New Defence Minister

The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) in the 19 states and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja has congratulated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa on his appointment as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.

Recall that President Tinubu appointed Musa earlier in the week following the resignation of former Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, on health grounds.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, said the President’s decision reflects a renewed commitment to addressing the security challenges troubling different parts of the country.

Hayab noted that President Tinubu has shown attentiveness to public concerns by bringing in a seasoned military officer whose record of courage, discipline and operational excellence stands out.

The association recalled that General Musa’s leadership as Chief of Defence Staff contributed significantly to stabilising several theatres of operation, particularly in the North East and North West. It stressed that his return to the national security architecture at ministerial level would further strengthen efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.

Northern CAN appealed to citizens, traditional rulers, community leaders and security stakeholders to support the new Minister of Defence, emphasising that safeguarding the country requires collective vigilance, unity of purpose and broad cooperation.

The association urged General Musa to prioritise the welfare of frontline troops, deepen inter-agency collaboration and ensure prompt responses to emerging threats nationwide.

It also called on the Federal Government to sustain investments in modern equipment, advanced technology and intelligence systems, saying Nigerians expect measurable improvements in security outcomes in the months ahead.

Reaffirming its commitment to promoting peace, unity and responsible civic engagement, Northern CAN expressed confidence that General Musa’s appointment will help rebuild public trust in the nation’s security institutions.

The Christian Leaders added that Northern CAN, as a moral voice in society, will continue to speak with clarity and responsibility to encourage policies that foster national stability and support the collective good.

Nigeria: NCWS, SEC Call For Protection Against Digital GBV

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05/12/2025

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By Justina Auta

The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), in partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has called for stronger measures to protect women and girls against digital Gender-Based Violence (GBV) nationwide.

The call was made during a one-day sensitisation programme in Abuja, marking the 2025 commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.

The theme was: “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”

Mrs Edna Azura, National President of NCWS, highlighted the prevalence of online violence, describing it as a major threat to the dignity, safety, and advancement of women and girls in Nigeria.

Azura noted that while the digital space once promised empowerment, innovation, and inclusion, it had increasingly become a battleground where women and girls faced harassment, intimidation, and exploitation online.

“Cyberbullying, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, online stalking, digital blackmail, misinformation campaigns, identity theft, and hate speech are not just online problems, but real-life violations.

“It must be treated with the same urgency, seriousness, and collective action as any other form of gender-based violence. In this age of rapid digital transformation, protecting women online is critical.”

The NCWS President advocated for stronger policies, laws, and enforcement mechanisms to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable, ensuring justice and safety for women navigating digital spaces in Nigeria.

“Together, we can build digital environments that are safe, inclusive, respectful, and empowering, where women and girls can thrive free from fear on the streets, in schools, at home, at work, and online,” she added.

Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director General of SEC, noted that 60 per cent of victims of online investment scams and digital impersonation in Nigeria were women and young people, highlighting financial risks in the digital space.

He said, “We meet women every day who lost their savings to online fraud or have been discouraged from participating in the financial system because of negative experiences.

“Too often, women become targets because of limited financial literacy or because fraudsters exploit trust and emotional vulnerability.”

Agama, represented by Mrs Ogwuche Jessie, Assistant Director of Market Development, said that in the last year alone, SEC reached more than 50,000 Nigerians to help them identify online scams before they occurred.

Mrs Comfort Ahuwa, News Editor, NCWS, encouraged mothers to monitor their children’s social media activity and educate them on ways to identify, prevent, and protect themselves against online violence.

Mrs Jamila Isah-Eneika, NCWS member and Founder of El-Meela Heritage Support Foundation, stressed the importance of involving men and boys in GBV awareness creation to ensure collective responsibility for reducing gender-based violence. (NAN)

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