Nigeria: NCWS, SEC Call For Protection Against Digital GBV

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05/12/2025

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)

Nigeria: Trachoma Risk Falls From 41m to 4m – FG

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05/12/2025

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By Justina Auta

The Federal Government says 41 million Nigerians previously at risk of blindness from trachoma have reduced to four million following successful interruption of mass drug administration in 116 endemic Local Government Areas (LGAs).

This was disclosed during the Trachoma Quarterly Review Meeting convened to evaluate Nigeria’s progress toward eliminating trachoma, while highlighting key developments from national and state Neglected Tropical Diseases programmes coordinating implementation efforts across affected regions nationwide.

The event was organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with Sightsavers Nigeria and supporting partners in Abuja on Friday, bringing stakeholders together to strengthen action toward Nigeria’s trachoma elimination objectives.

Dr Fatai Oyediran, National Coordinator of the NTD Division, said 463 local government areas were mapped for trachoma elimination, with 134 identified as endemic and requiring intensified programme intervention.

He said the programme scaled up mass drug administration across all 134 endemic areas except Borno State due to insecurity, adding, “We have stopped MDA in 116 LGAs, showing programme progress.”

He explained that stopping mass drug administration in 116 of 134 endemic local government areas represented about 87 per cent disease reduction, demonstrating the programme’s remarkable success when compared with initial national baseline assessments.

He added that 41 million Nigerians initially at risk of blindness had been protected, with figures of affected individuals significantly reduced to fewer than four million following sustained nationwide intervention activities across various communities.

He said, “So you are looking at reducing the disease by about 61 million; we have about 36 million persons no longer at risk of trachoma. Great progress has been made.”

He noted that the meeting allowed stakeholders to review trachoma activities for 2025 and prepare coordinated plans for 2026, strengthening implementation strategies required to sustain progress toward long-term elimination goals nationwide.

While commending partners, he said, “We are looking between 2028 and 2029 in eliminating disease in Nigeria,” reaffirming government confidence in collaborative effort driving measurable progress toward nationwide trachoma elimination targets.

Prof. Adamu Mohammed, Chairman of the National Trachoma Task Force, said, “We are progressing, we are really making progress to promote elimination of trachoma in Nigeria,” emphasising substantial improvements achieved throughout national programme implementation.

He added, “From inception to now, we have achieved almost 90 per cent reduction in prevention of blindness from trachoma. Trachoma is a blinding disease, so achieving 90 per cent reduction is quite an achievement.”

He noted that “about 134 LGAs have been treated,” explaining that patients benefited from surgeries, improved clean water access, and strengthened environmental sanitation, all contributing to significant declines in trachoma transmission across affected states.

Prof. Joy Shuai’bu, Sightsavers Nigeria Country Director, highlighted their role in supporting national elimination efforts, noting that the organisation continued to steer Nigeria toward achieving its targeted trachoma elimination year of 2029.

She said, “We have also provided financial and technical support to implementing partners, the Federal Ministry of Health, and state partners across the 16 to 17 states where we have worked,” reaffirming Sightsavers’ long-term commitment.

She added that Sightsavers had been active in about 18 states, offering surgical interventions and antibiotic treatment, saying the organisation also participated fully in the National Trachoma Task Force providing technical programme guidance.

“With all that Sightsavers has done, we are proud to have been part of this long journey,” she said, adding that trachoma remained one of the easiest neglected tropical diseases for Nigeria to eliminate.

She added, “Among the five priority NTDs requiring preventive chemotherapy, trachoma stands out as one of the diseases nearing elimination in the near future,” underscoring significant programme impact nationwide.

The Country Director reaffirmed their commitment toward eliminating trachoma in Nigeria by 2029, emphasising continued collaboration with government and partners to strengthen the progress already achieved across affected communities nationwide. (NAN)

Kaduna Prepares For Grading, Classification Of Hotels, Hospitality Outfits

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05/12/2025

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Following the lingering insecurity challenges in the country, especially in the north, stakeholders in the hotels and hospitality industry in Kaduna state have converged on Kaduna, North West Nigeria, to discuss on how the industry can be used to address the challenges.

During a one-day summit in the State capital, on Wednesday, it was noted that step taken by the Kaduna state government for the grading and classification of hotels and hospitality outfits was in the right direction.

The stakeholders at the summit opined that the policy would go a long way in the fight against insecurity, as all outfits are expected to be on a register book of the government for proper identification.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Hon. Patience Fakai, explained that the stakeholders meeting was in line with the policy of Kaduna state government to ensure that the hotels and hospitality industry is safe for all and sundry.

While fielding questions from Journalists, the Commissioner further said that the meeting is to sensitize the stakeholders which aims at revamping the industry, and boost the tourism sector in the state.

According to Fakai, the stakeholders meeting was one of the steps being taken by the government to ensure that the hospitality and tourism industry in Kaduna state meets the national and international standard.

“This exercise is a cornerstone of our strategy to position Kaduna as a premier destination for tourism, business, and investment. This is to instituting a clear, transparent, and internationally recognized star-rating system,” the Commissioner explained.

I
On his part, the Lead Consultant of the programme, Ini Akpabio, disclosed that the grading and classification exercise is to put all hotels and hospitality outfits in Kaduna State on a classification status.

The Consultant further explained that, the classification system is designed to provide
a level playing field where excellence is recognized.

In their separate remarks, the National Secretary of Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN), Ayodele Arokoyo, the Kaduna state Coordinator of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria(FTAN), Tobi Bernard Thomas, the Secretary, Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA), Gaiya Mairai, applauded the policy, adding that it is a policy in the direct direction.

Speaking further, the Kaduna FTAN Coordinator explained that the exercise would build customers trust and confidence, just as it would drives operational excellence.

SGAI, NAPTIP, Rally FCT Community to Tackle Digital GBV

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04/12/2025

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By Justina Auta

Sustainable Gender Action Initiative (SGAI), UN Women and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have intensified grassroots mobilisation against technology-facilitated gender-based violence across communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Dr Mufuliat Fijabi, Executive Director of SGAI, during a community outreach in the Kabusa community on Thursday in Abuja, highlighted the need to address online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing and other forms of technology-facilitated violence.

Fijabi explained that the outreach was part of activities marking the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, themed “UNITE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”

She noted that young women in the community remained vulnerable due to limited digital literacy and inadequate access to reporting mechanisms.

According to her, the exercise aims to empower them with knowledge, support networks and safe online practices.

“This will enhance their confidence to participate meaningfully in digital spaces while resisting and reporting online exploitation.

“We know that most of them use Android phones and are on various social media apps, like Facebook, where they share pictures and communicate.

“At times, when things go wrong and it becomes emotional violence, they don’t know who to turn to.

“That is why we are here, to give them the necessary information and knowledge to identify the signs and prevent or report it,” she added.

Mrs Theresa Kuma, Assistant Director, Violence Against Persons Department at NAPTIP, underscored the agency’s role in preventing, investigating and prosecuting GBV cases.

“We sensitise communities so they can be informed, supported and protected against violence and harmful traditional practices.

“We provide psychosocial services, and when cases are reported, we counsel survivors, offer medical services, investigate and prosecute offenders,” she said.

The Chief of Kabusa Community, Samuel Kpowu, urged residents to ensure an end to all forms of violence and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring perpetrators are reported and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Some community members expressed appreciation to the organisers for the sensitisation exercise and donation of items.

Hajiya Fatima Salihu, a community member said, “I didn’t know much about GBV before, but I now understand the early signs of violence, the different forms, including digital GBV, and the appropriate authorities to report to.”

Similarly, Mrs Nonye Chukwukah assured that she would pass the lessons on to others, especially young women and girls, to raise awareness on digital violence.

“We now understand that online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual sharing of pictures and other technology-facilitated forms of violence can be perpetrated without physically meeting the person.

“I will educate other women, especially young girls, on how to prevent such violence and where to report it,” she said.

Other activities to mark the event included interactive sessions on digital GBV, early warning signs of violence and the role of NAPTIP in ending GBV. (NAN)

Strengthen Your Role In Promoting Inclusive Development Across Africa, AMDF Tasks Media

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04/12/2025

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The 9th African Conference on Development Journalism has opened in Kaduna, North West Nigeria with a call for the media to strengthen its role in promoting Inclusive development across the continent.

Executive Director of the Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF, organisers of the conference, Sekyen Dadik said this year’s theme ” Media, Inclusive Development: A Call To Action For Africa’s Future”, reflects the urgent need that amplify marginalised voices, support equitable growth and hold leaders accountable.

Sekyen Dadik

She noted that the conference coincides with the International Day of persons with disabilities with first bi- session dedicated to advancing disabilities inclusion through media.

While welcoming the participants, Dadik told them that the 2 days of dialogue is aimed at using journalism to drive development, promote transparency and inspire solutions across the continent.

She expressed appreciation to partners including WADATA Media and Advocacy Centre, Sightsavers Nigeria, MTN, Kaduna State Media Corporation, KSMC and Daily Trust Foundation for supporting the conference.

In a paper titled “Amplifying Voices Bridging Gaps, the Role of Media Shaping Inclusive Africa”, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki highlighted the media’s responsibility in ensuring that all groups are represented, especially marginalized communities.

Ahmed Maiyaki

Inclusive storytelling, Maiyaki emphasized, remains essential for Africa’s progress.

A lecturer at the University of Abuja, Dr Jamila Dahiru who spoke on “Framing Integrity Through Strategic Communication: Case Study of AGILE and the Safe School Initiatives Program in Bauchi State, described communication as a tool for social change.
She urged the media to discard sensationalism for solution journalism to create more constructive public discourse and empower communities towards solving social issues.
Dr Dahiru said in a context like Nigeria, especially in the North, the prevailing insecurity, poverty, gender inequality, institutional fragility and issues of corruption, needed to be brought forward for transparent strategic communication.
Dr Dahiru who noted the continued decline in public trust towards the institutions that govern them, said Strategic communication would shape perception, legitimacy and citizens participation .
“We are no more talking about passive audiences but active audiences. So there is need for active participation, dialogue and problem solving, rather than top-down information dissemination as being done”, She said.
Presenting a paper titled, “Shaping Africa’s Climate Future, The Transformative Power of Inclusive Media”, the Executive Director, Bridge That Gap Initiative, Gloria Kasang Bulus urged the media to amplify voices that are silent and hold powers accountable .

She also stressed the need to use journalism not just to inform but to transform adding that Africa’s future depends on the narrative the media created today.

The conference, apart from presentations, is featuring panel sessions, Awards and Networking.

Nigeria: NGO Unveils EduReach App, Awards Scholarships to Rescued Abducted Students

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News Editor

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03/12/2025

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By Justina Auta

An NGO, StemChild Care Academy, has unveiled the “EduReach” online learning application and awarded two-year scholarships to rescued students kidnapped in Kebbi and Niger states, supporting their recovery and reintegration into formal education.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Mamu, stated on Wednesday during a press briefing and the unveiling of the app that the initiative aimed to ensure every child, regardless of circumstances, had access to quality education.

He added that the programme also sought to provide every child with the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

According to him, the EduReach online app is designed to bridge the education gap among pupils and ensure they are on par with students at similar levels globally.

Mamu explained that the app delivered both Nigerian and Cambridge curricula for primary and secondary students, covering STEM subjects, including robotics, coding, and AI.

He added that the pre-recorded lessons were taught by experienced educators and complemented by lesson notes, quizzes, assignments, live discussion forums, and personalised learning paths to support individual students.

“We have written to the respective state governments to formally extend this offer as part of our contribution to the students’ recovery and reintegration into learning.

“We urge all stakeholders to join hands in confronting the challenges that have long plagued our education sector.

“No child should be denied the right to safe, equitable, and quality education,” he emphasised.

He noted that insecurity, harmful cultural practices such as early marriage and teenage pregnancy, combined with structural challenges like poverty, continued to affect the nation’s educational system.

He cited that about 350,000 teachers served 46 million students at the basic and senior secondary levels, resulting in an alarming student-teacher ratio of roughly 130:1, far above the global benchmark of 20:1.

“These tragedies further complicate an already fragile education system plagued by outdated curricula, inadequate teacher supply, poor infrastructure, and insufficient instructional materials,” he added.

Mr Fidelis Agoundjekpo, an IT expert and Chief Software Engineer of the organisation, highlighted that students could access classes and videos, and engaged with educators, even with limited data.

“The students can participate in quizzes, submit assignments, and interact just as they would in a traditional classroom, now in an online format,” he said.

He added, “For instance, with about 200MB, a student can watch the Year One video lessons, costing around N100 or slightly more, while upper-class courses require a maximum of one gigabyte, costing around N500 or more to view an entire course.

“That is how small our bandwidth requirement is, which makes our software very unique.”

He therefore urged parents, educators, the government, and other stakeholders to ensure that students had access to the online app, enabling them to improve their education, particularly in STEM-related subjects. (NAN)

‎Nigerian Govt Provides Free Annual Liver, Kidney Tests For HIV Positive Individuals

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News Editor

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03/12/2025

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By Justina Auta

‎‎ The Federal Government of Nigeria says it has begun providing people living with HIV/AIDS access to free annual liver and kidney function tests through expanded health insurance, aiming to improve long-term health outcomes nationwide.
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‎Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, stated this during the 2025 World AIDS Day celebration in Abuja, organised by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and partners.
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‎Salako said the initiative was part of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen quality care for people living with HIV, ensuring earlier diagnosis, better retention in treatment, and improved health outcomes for all patients.
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‎“We are moving toward full integration of HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, nutrition, and the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) as one-stop services for children, adolescents, and adults,” he explained.
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‎The minister said that during the 66th National Council of Health, the age of consent for voluntary HIV counselling and testing was reduced from 18 to 14 to increase adolescent testing rates.
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‎Salako added that the NCH approved a national clinical mentorship programme, urging states to integrate mentorship into annual plans and budgets to reduce treatment loss to follow-up among people living with HIV.
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‎Dr Temitope Ilori, Director General of NACA, said in spite of global disruptions, Nigeria was on track to meet the 2030 target of ending HIV, maintaining strong performance across diagnosis, treatment, and viral suppression.
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‎“We have achieved an impressive 87–98–95 performance: 87 per cent know their status, 98 per cent of those are on treatment, and 95 per cent on treatment have viral suppression,” Ilori confirmed.
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‎She added that Nigeria had recorded a 46 per cent decline in new HIV infections, with more people living with HIV enrolled and retained in care than ever before.
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‎Abdulkadiri Ibrahim, President of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), called for stronger domestic funding, improved community engagement, and expanded access to viral load testing for better patient outcomes.
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‎Ibrahim emphasised that adherence, psychosocial support, follow-up for missed appointments, and retention strategies remained critical to closing gaps in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and improving overall HIV management.
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‎Mrs Esther Hindi, National Coordinator of the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN), stressed that children continued to be born with HIV, urging expanded access to testing and treatment for pregnant women.
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‎Elsie Attafuah, Acting UN Resident Representative, and Ayo Ipinmoye, Acting Chairman of the Global Fund, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting HIV prevention, treatment, civil society engagement, and strengthening Nigeria’s health system for resilience and equity.
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‎Attafuah stressed the importance of domestic financing, human rights protection, community empowerment, and health system strengthening to enhance efficiency, resilience, and equitable access, ensuring sustainable HIV responses across the country.
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‎“Together, we will sustain the HIV response, overcome disruptions, and build a future where every person can live with health, dignity, and hope,” she said, highlighting collective responsibility and commitment.
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‎Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, pledged continued promotion of accessible healthcare services nationwide to ensure equitable HIV testing, treatment, and preventive interventions for all Nigerians.
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‎Activities to mark the day included awards presented to Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation, and Dr Allen Onyema, Chairman and Founder of Air Peace, recognising their contributions to health and community development. (NAN)

Northern Youth Council of Nigeria Backs Gen. Musa as Defence Minister

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News Editor

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03/12/2025

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…Urges Swift Senate Confirmation

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has expressed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s new Defence Minister.

In a statement signed by Sharifudeen Ibrahim Muhammad, NYCN’s National Publicity Secretary, the organization commended President Tinubu for prioritizing professionalism and good track record in the appointment.

According to the statement, the NYCN believes that General Musa’s vast experience and expertise in defence and security matters make him an ideal candidate for the position.
The organization, the statement emphasized, is confident that his leadership will enhance the country’s defence capabilities and promote peace and stability in the region.

It said the previous Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, recently resigned citing health reasons, leaving a gap in the country’s defence leadership adding that General Musa’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to address these security concerns and restore stability in the region.

“The NYCN’s endorsement is significant, given the country’s current security challenges, including mass kidnappings and attacks by Islamist militants.
“The organization has been vocal on issues affecting the nation, and its support for the new Defence Minister is expected to boost morale and promote a sense of unity in the fight against insecurity.

“The NYCN is confident that General Musa’s leadership will enhance the country’s defence capabilities and promote peace and stability in the region.

“The organization believes that the new Defence Minister has the right skills and experience to tackle the complex security challenges facing Nigeria.
“The appointment has also been welcomed by other stakeholders, who praise General Musa’s professionalism and commitment to serving the nation. His experience as Chief of Defence Staff has prepared him well for this new role, and stakeholders are eager to see him take on the challenges facing the country”.

The Youth Council therefore calls on the Senate to speedily confirm General Christopher Musa as the new Defence Minister, noting that his expertise and experience are crucial in addressing the country’s security challenges.

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