Stakeholders Call For Recommitment To End GBV In Nigeria

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11/12/2024

By Justina Auta

Stakeholders have advocated for a recommitment from the government and other partners to promote human rights and end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

This call was made during the “Voices Unveiled” event, which aimed to promote religious freedom and end GBV.

The event was organised by Empower Women Media, Civitas Auxillium Foundation (CAF), Midpoint International Development Initiative (MIDI), and others, with sponsorship from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Abuja on Wednesday.

Dorothea Wenzel from the German Embassy emphasised the need to invest in citizens’ safety and dignity to end GBV injustices, which affected millions of women and girls worldwide.

Wenzel noted that Germany advocated for equality abroad and advanced women’s dignity through programmes like Stand to End Rape (STER Initiative) and improved women’s participation in politics.

“This demonstrates our commitment to advocating for women in decision-making positions, which will ultimately influence policies on subjects like Gender-Based Violence.

“We will continue to drive systemic change by collaborating with local partners to develop internal expertise on gender matters and promote policies that protect women and girls globally.

“We urge all partners, governments, and stakeholders to invest in GBV prevention, support survivors, and work together to create a future free of violence where women and girls can thrive with dignity and safety.”

Also, Mr Felix Samari, Country Coordinator of the Live What You Believe (LWY) project under Empower Women Media, stated that the “Voices Unveiled” event aimed to create awareness and understand the concept of freedom of religion.

He added it also aimed to promote the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

“We want everyone to reflect on the dangers of GBV, and this event is unique because we’re examining it from the perspective of freedom of religion.

“We’re exploring how religious freedom impacts gender tolerance and accommodation.”

Mrs Elizabeth Duile, Chief Operations Officer of Civitas Auxillium Foundation (CAF), noted the prevalence of violence against women and girls, particularly those in highly volatile areas forced to reside in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

“GBV is prevalent among this group, and in spite of their vulnerability, they face increased vulnerability due to the acts committed against them.”

Mr Chahu Joshua-Chahu, representing Midpoint International Development Initiative (MIDI), expressed eagerness to assist the helpless and support marginalised and underserved communities in addressing their challenges and delivering practical development solutions to combat GBV.

Dr Ahmad Dahiru Aminu, a lecturer at the University of Abuja, stressed the need to respect and promote everyone’s rights and impact positive character re-orientation to address GBV and religious intolerance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured various activities, including film screenings, panel discussions, dance presentations, poetry slams, and spoken word competitions.(NAN

IPI Confab: Press Freedom Remains Strong in Nigeria, Info Minister Declares

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News Editor

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11/12/2024

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed that despite occasional challenges, the press remains largely free in Nigeria, especially under President Tinubu, a staunch advocate for press freedom and the protection of Nigeria’s civic space.

The Minister stated this in Abuja on Wednesday at the 2024 Annual Conference of the International Press Institute with the theme “Democracy, Media Freedom and the Imperative of Protecting the Nigerian Civic Space”.
“Now I am not saying that there have not been challenges and threats here and there, but on the whole, Nigeria has enjoyed an openness and freedom that has seen the welcome proliferation of press organizations across print, broadcast, and digital media.
“Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May of 2023, and since I assumed office as Minister of Information and National Orientation in August of that year, we have asserted and reiterated our commitment to ensuring and expanding the freedom of the Nigerian press. Every time there has appeared to be a threat to this freedom, I have personally taken it upon myself to ensure that due process prevails and that the fundamental rights of the press are respected

“The President is a firm believer in media freedom and the protection of Nigeria’s civic space. Not only has he been a media entrepreneur himself, but he has also earned himself a place in history as one of the champions of the pro-democracy movement that saw the permanent end to military rule in Nigeria,” he said.
The Minister said President Tinubu places a high premium on reforming and strengthening the judiciary in order to guarantee the existence and protection of fundamental rights that define the proper functioning of Nigeria’s civic space, including freedom of speech, freedom of association, and other constitutionally enshrined liberties.

Idris, however, emphasized that the civic space is not solely about freedoms but also about responsibilities, including showing respect and accommodation to all stakeholders.

“It is about understanding that for every right there is a corresponding responsibility, and that freedom does not come unbridled. It is knowing that media freedom involves knowing and acknowledging the immense power that the press wields, as shapers and molders of public opinion and the permanent public record, and not abusing this power,” he said.

The Minister stressed that the media should create room for healthy debate and not to demonize those with contrary opinions or views.

“At the same time, there is ample room for holding institutions to account, whether public or private. And yes, those elected and appointed to public office must always understand that they keep these offices in trust for the people, and owe it to these owners to be accountable at all times. These truths can and must all coexist, if we want to forge a stronger democracy, as the foundation for the strong and prosperous Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.

While speaking on the economy, the Minister said Nigeria is on the verge of fundamental economic reform, anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda – a deliberate and comprehensive recalibration of a long-neglected system geared towards economic diversification, human capital development, infrastructure, innovation, competitiveness, and inclusive growth.

He said the proposed tax reform initiative of the President is envisioned to simplify Nigeria’s existing tax regimes and make compliance easier, while also reducing the tax burden on the most vulnerable Nigerians.

“A recurring highlight of the reform is the introduction of several new tax exemptions, that will benefit various categories of individuals and businesses,” he said.

Idris, who said that the ongoing tax reforms, would complement broader macroeconomic reforms aimed at driving Nigeria’s economic transformation, noted that trillions of Naira previously lost to wasteful and abused subsidy programmes are now being redirected into substantial savings, enabling the government to invest in critical sectors of the economy.

According to the Minister, these funds are now financing high-impact initiatives such as physical and digital infrastructure, student loans and stipends, low-cost consumer credit, agricultural production, and targeted social investment programs.

These measures, he said, are foundational elements for building a prosperous and globally competitive Nigeria.

Nigerian NGO Floats ₦500,000 To Boost Livelihoods Of Grassroot Groups For Peaceful Living

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Africaprimenews

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11/12/2024

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By Isaac Odeh

In a bid to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable women and youth, a Non-Governmental Organisation, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, in collaboration with Global Peace Women Nigeria, has disbursed the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira to five cooperative societies in Zikpak Chiefdom, Jema’a Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

Presenting the cheque on Tuesday in Kafanchan to the Agwam Fantswam II, Dr. Josiah Kantiok, who, in turn, handed it over to the beneficiaries, the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, said the gesture aims to enhance the income levels of the benefiting groups.

He explained that the five cooperative societies, comprising 60 women and 40 youth across genders, had been trained by the organisation on peace-building mechanisms under the “One Family Under God” model and financial literacy. The trainees were grouped into 20 persons per group.

The Country Director reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to working with the people until meaningful change is achieved, fostering an appreciation of differences across tribes and religions, and underscoring the shared humanity of all as descendants of Adam and Eve.

Giving his fatherly blessings, the Agwam Fantswam II, Dr. Josiah Kantiok, thanked Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and Global Peace Women Nigeria for uplifting his subjects.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the resources given for their intended purposes.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, Elder Dary Akau, described the intervention as timely, given the current economic challenges that have impoverished many people.

He encouraged the community to organize themselves into cooperative societies to easily benefit from government grants and support from other NGOs.

Also speaking, Mrs. Lois Joseph Hayab of Global Peace Women Nigeria emphasized the need for beneficiaries, especially women, to avoid running their businesses on credit to prevent financial setbacks.

She also urged them to amplify their voices against violence and contribute to building a peaceful society.

Some beneficiaries who spoke with journalists after the event thanked Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and Global Peace Women Nigeria for the support.

They pledged to apply the skills learned during the training to improve their financial status and contribute to societal development.

NACA Attributes Progress To Ending HIV/AIDS To Media Interventions

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News Editor

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10/12/2024

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By Justina Auta

The Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Temitope Ilori has attributed the significant progress made in ending HIV/AIDS in Nigeria to journalists amplifying issues around the
epidemic on their media spaces.

Ilori stated this during the end of year media party organised by NACA to celebrate the progress, impact and partnership with journalists in Abuja.
According to her, amplifying issues around HIV has further raised awareness on prevention, care and treatment, geared toward meeting the 2030
target of eliminating AIDS in Nigeria.

She said “the gospel of HIV is all about the media. It is all about prevention, care and treatment. But the news and information has to be out there.

“We appreciate journalists who collaborated with us in our vision, mission and goal of achieving an AIDS-free generation and making sure AIDS
is no longer a public health threat by 2030.”

She also noted the pivotal role journalists play in creating awareness on Prevention-of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT), advocacies for policies to protect the vulnerable, especially children.

“We also launched the PMTCT acceleration plan, which you have done a good work in projecting it, aimed at addressing gaps in testing and prevention of HIV to achieve zero transmission to newborns,” she said.

She revealed that Nigeria has HIV prevalence of 1.4 per cent among the general population, 15-64 years, with an estimated two million people living with the virus.

The NACA boss, while urging the media to sustain the fight against HIV/AIDS by amplifying issues around the epidemic, encouraged stakeholders and the public to renew commitment to ending the epidemic, especially among children.

Also, Mrs Toyin Aderibigbe, the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Protocol Division, NACA, commended the media for their commitments toward ending AIDS in Nigeria and urged them to sustain the fight.

She added that “your support and commitment to amplifying the stories, campaigns and programmes on HIV response in Nigeria has been instrumental in advancing our mission to combat HIV/AIDS and improve public health.

“The milestones we celebrate today would not have been possible without your impactful reporting and dedication.”

Other events of the day were the conferment of awards to notable journalists like Justina Auta of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN); Lara Adejoro,
The Punch Newspaper; Nike Adebowale-Tambe, Premium Times, among others.

The journalists were conferred with various awards for their exceptional reporting on HIV-related issues.

Mrs Bassey Ita-Ikpang, the FCT Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), who spoke on behalf of the award recipients, thanked the Federal Government for the recognition.

Ita-Ikpang assured the commitment of the award recipients and other journalists to sustain the fight against HIV/AIDS.

She said “we will keep on reporting and amplifying the messages of NACA and other stakeholders in ending AIDS in Nigeria.”

She urged other stakeholders to continue to collaborate toward ending stigma, discrimination and reducing new infections in the country.

It will be recalled that Dr Iziaq Adekunle-Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, had noted Nigeria’s significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with a current prevalence rate of 1.4 per cent in the general population and an estimated two million people living with HIV.

Also, Dr Leo Zekeng, the UNAIDS Country Representative, said Nigeria had achieved notable progress in treatment access, with 1.6 million out of two million people living with HIV currently on treatment.

Zekeng, however, said that challenges such as stigma, discrimination and access to prevention and treatment services remained.

He said “as of 2023, approximately two million people are living with HIV in the country, with an adult prevalence rate of 1.3 per cent among
individuals aged 15–49. Nigeria recorded approximately 130,000 new HIV infections in 2010.

“By 2023, the number declined to about 75,000 new infections, representing a reduction of approximately 55,000 cases, or a 42.3 per cent decrease over 13 years.

“The country has also achieved notable progress in treatment access, with 1.6 million out of the two million people living with HIV in Nigeria currently on treatment”. (NAN) (www.n

Nigeria: Appointment of SMDF Boss Followed Due Process – Official

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News Editor

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09/12/2024

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By Martha Agas

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has stated that the re-appointment of the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Hajiya Fatimah Shinkafi, followed the requisite due process.

The Assistant Director of Information & Public Relations, Mrs Chinwe Ekwugha, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Mrs Ekwugha stated that the re-appointment of the Executive Secretary by President Bola Tinubu was in accordance with the provisions governing the establishment of the agency contrary speculations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Presidential Aide, Bayo Onanuga, announced on Friday that President Bola Tinubu approved the renewal of Shinkafi’s appointment.

She explained that no part of the SMDF Act specifies a term limit for the Chief Executive Officers of the agency.

“The approval, done weeks ago, followed due process and aligns with the extant laws governing the agency, as well as the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) 2007.

“Section 35(2) of the NMMA 2007 stipulates that the executive secretary shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

“ No provisions on tenure limit exist in the act governing the agency. The act does not stipulate term limit for the chief executive. Therefore, her re-appointment by the president is in order and does not contravene any law.

“SMDF under her stewardship has been reorganised for capital mobilisation, leading de-risking of investment tools for the mining sector and enabling targeted exploration to fast track mine development amongst others.

“Hence, her pivotal role in our efforts to reposition the mining sector is invaluable, ”She said.

According to the official, the ministry assures mining stakeholders of its continuous support to the SMDF to expand access to lines of credit and lead efforts to strengthen partnerships that will unlock financing to drive economic growth.

She said that the move was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at making solid minerals a significant contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

Nigeria: UNDP Assures Kanwan Katsina Of Assistance To Ketare IDPs

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News Editor

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09/12/2024

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..As UNDP Team Visits The Area

The United Nations Development Programme UNDP has pledged support for internally displaced persons IDPs in Ketare District, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State acknowledging the significant challenges they face.
The pledge was made during a courtesy visit by the UNDP team, led by its Abuja representative, Mr. Adewale, to the palace of the Kanwan Katsina and District Head of Ketare, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Adewale said the purpose was to understand the plight of the IDPs and discuss ways to provide targeted solutions.

Mr. Adewale ( standing) explaining purpose of the visit to the District Head

Mr. Adewale commended the Kanwan Katsina for his guidance and promised to submit a detailed report to the UNDP’s Abuja office for further action.

Earlier in his remarks, the Kanwan Katsina, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara who welcomed the UNDP team, expressed gratitude for the timely visit. The traditional ruler highlighted the devastating impact of insecurity on key sectors, including education, health, and agriculture noting that the bandits’ activities have forced families to leave thier homes to seek shelter elsewhere rendering children out of school, resulting to overcrowding of health facilities and educational institutions.

Similarly, the agricultural activities from the area are greatly affected as many farmers have been forced off their lands by bandits, with some left behind being exploited as laborers on these farms.
The traditional Ruler further requested the UNDP to implement empowerment programs, skills acquisition training, reconstruction of homes, provision of potable drinking water, and the construction of feeder roads to boost infrastructure and enhance transportation in the area.
Alhaji Usman Bello urged the UNDP to outline plans to support IDPs with resources to engage in small-scale businesses, such as masa, kuli-kuli, and awara production, to improve their economic status.
Representative of the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Katsina State Governor on IDPs Alhaji Sanusi Mahuta, thanked the UNDP team for their visit, describing it as a crucial step towards addressing the needs of the IDPs and thank the Kanwan KATSINA for the warm reception.
This visit underscores the joint efforts of the UNDP and the Katsina State Government to provide sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by internally displaced persons in the region.

Nigeria: Group Commends Pres.Tinubu On Reappointing Solid Minerals Development Fund, ES

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09/12/2024

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By Martha Agas

The Zamfara Professionals League has commended President Bola Tinubu for reappointing Hajiya Fatimah Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) for another term.
The group lauded the President’s decision on Sunday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Presidential Media Aide, Bayo Onanuga, announced on Friday that President Bola Tinubu has approved the renewal of Hajiya Fatimah Shinkafi’s appointment.

The renewal is for her position as Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI).

Yunana Shibkau, President of the Zamfara Professionals League, stated that the reappointment would provide stability for the fund to execute its projects.

He highlighted the successful execution of new projects, such as the Gold Aggregator Scheme, which had yielded billions of Naira worth of gold reserves for the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Shibkau also noted that the extension would position the young financial institution for sustained growth.

He recalled the SMDF’s initiative to partner with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to provide funding for early-stage mineral development projects.

The project, which attracted 94 applicants in its first year, currently had 14 candidates in the second stage competing for the funds.

Shibkau emphasised SMDF’s intervention in projects across the country, bridging the gap left by the absence of junior miners.

He commended Shinkafi’s performance, citing it as proof that professionals of Northern origin could excel in the financial sector.

Shibkau noted that President Tinubu’s decision was in accordance with the law, as the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Act did not set a limit on the tenure of the Executive Secretary.

“It is our position that handing the SMDF over to an inexperienced person would be disastrous.

“They would lack the institutional knowledge that helped the SMDF grow.

“This would disrupt the current administration’s groundbreaking initiatives and cause them to lose focus on building a financial agency that ensures returns on investment,” he said.

Embrace New Technologies To Improve Reportage- Journalists Tasked

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News Editor

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09/12/2024

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By Joseph Edegbo

Journalists in Africa have been tasked to embrace new technologies to improve their reportage and keep abreast with digital tools and techniques. This would enable them to uptake, retool and to re skill to cope with the current realities.

They are also told to look beyond reporting Press Releases or attending Press Conferences but pursue impactful stories that affect the challenges Communities are faced

These are contained in a communique of the 8th Africa Conference on Development Journalism held recently in Kaduna , Nigeria.

The communique among others, applauds the AMDF Journalist of the Year Contest which is aimed at encouraging high quality reportage that addresses development challenges and promotes transparency, accountability and good governance in Africa.
The resolutions which were signed by Dickson Adama of the Daily Trust Newspaper and Nicholas Dekera of the Kaduna state Council of the NUJ, commend the AMDF for its consistency in organizing the conference which aptly addresses issues facing the practices of contemporary development Journalism in the continent.
HEREUNDER THE FULL TEXT OF THE COMMUNUNIQUE

COMMUNIQUE OF THE 8th AFRICA CONFERENCE ON DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM WITH THE THEME “BEYOND BORDERS: INNOVATION AND SOLUTIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM” HELD 4th –5th DECEMBER, 2024, AT ASAA PYRAMID HOTEL, KADUNA, NIGERIA.

PREAMBLE.

The 8th Africa Conference on Development Journalism brought together over 200 participants including influential Journalists, media executives, media associates, academia, CSOs and development partnersTheThe theme of the conference,” Beyond Borders; Innovation and Solutions For the Future Development Journalism was discussed along other topics.

These topics include Intersection of Innovation, Development Journalism, and Peace Building; Media Advocacy in Family Health: Success an Gaps; Media and Mental Health; Intersection of Journalism, Theory and Practice; and Mainstreaming Disability: Best Practices for Development Journalists.

It also featured Panel discussions on Development Journalism: Where Theory and Practical and Field Work Meet; Development Journalism and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Challenges and Opportunities; Media, Social Inclusion and Sustainable Development Goals; Media and Disability Inclusion; and Community Based Dialogue For Sustainable Peace: the USIP-NNF Model.

From the foregoing, the conference resolved that:-

Journalists should embrace new technologies to improve their reportage and keep abreast with digital tools and techniques to enable them uptake, retool and to re skill to cope with the current realities.

That Innovation should be at the centre point of every conversation as it has helped Journalism evolve into a global Community with ease in methods of communication and reporting.

That limited internet access and low digital literacy in many parts of Africa, restrict the dissemination of development Journalism through online platforms.

That restriction laws, intimidation and harassment in many African countries make it difficult for Journalists to report freely on governance and sensitive issues.

That media practitioners should look beyond reporting Press Releases or attending Press Conferences and pursue impactful stories that affect the challenges Communities are facing.

That the low awareness about the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), including Trachoma has put many people at risk of sight loss and that the media should promote public health practices through their respective platforms.

That Journalists should cover activities of development partners and document roles by organisations that help marginalized people and underserved communities.

That media houses should sensitize the public on issues facing people living with disabilities and use appropriate terminology in addressing them to help improve inclusion.

That Journalists need to be trained on mental health so they can report issues of mental health without stigmatization; and journalists should have access to mental health care for a wholistic psycho-social support from trauma of engaging and reporting different people, events and situations.

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.

Commends the AMDF for its consistency in organizing the conference which aptly addresses issues facing the practices of contemporary development Journalism in the continent.

That sponsors of the conference, particularly Sightsavers and the Nigerian Breweries be commended for their immense contributions to the success of the Two-Day Conference.

Communique Drafting Committee

Dickson Salami Adama
Correspondent, Daily Trust Newspapers
Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Nicholas Dekera
Treasurer Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
Kaduna State Council

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