General News
Plateau Governor’s Wife Calls for End to Sexual Violence in Conflicts
Mrs Helen Mutfwang, the wife of Plateau governor has called for an end to sexual violence in conflicts.
Mutfwang said this during the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict in Jos on Thursday
According to her, the day should be seen as a solemn reminder of our shared duty to confront one of humanity’s gravest crime; a crime that shatters lives, stains our collective conscience, and demands urgent action.
The governor’s wife said that conflict -related sexual violence was not just rape but a weapon of war.
“It includes sexual slavery, forced pregnancies, trafficking, and other brutal acts inflicted on women, men, and children.
“These atrocities leave deep scars, not only on survivors but on entire communities, perpetuating cycles of pain and injustice,” she said.
She said the UN designated this day to amplify global awareness, to stand with survivors, and to ignite hope.
“It is a day to declare with one voice Enough! No more silence. No more impunity. We must end sexual violence in conflict, now and for future generations, “ she said.
She added that this year’s theme: ”Breaking the Cycle, Healing the Scars”, revealed a painful truth of the trauma of sexual violence across generations.
She said survivors endured not just physical wounds but psychological trauma, stigma, poverty because families were torn apart and communities left fractured.
Mutfwang said the state had taken steps to establish a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), a sanctuary where survivors would receive medical care, counseling, and legal aid to the victims.
“The center will be a lifeline to restore dignity and hope to the heart broken,” she said.
She said the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were at risk because they were forced from their homes to face heightened threats of abuse.
“We are working tirelessly to transform IDP camps into true safe havens, providing shelter, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities to rebuild lives with security and purpose,” she said.
She said that the state would stand by the victims and would ensure their voices were heard, their pain acknowledged, and justice served as perpetrators would face the full weight of the law.
She called on governments, civil society, and traditional leaders to act now to dismantle the intergenerational chains of trauma,strengthen laws, fund survivor support programmes, and hold perpetrators accountable.
“Let us unite communities, faith groups, youths to break this cycle of violence.
“Let us replace silence with solidarity, shame with justice, and despair with healing and together , we can build a Plateau, where no one lives in fear of such brutality,” she added.
Speaking also during the event, the Plateau Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Caroline Dafur , said this was the first time the state was commemorating the International Day of Sexual Violence in Conflict with the rest of the world.
Dafur thanked the state government for supporting women in the state. (NAN)
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze and sunshine from Monday until Wednesday across the country.
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, envisaged moderate dust haze over parts of Kebbi and Kano States of the northern region on Monday.
It predicted horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km over the region with the rest of the northern States to be under sunny and hazy skies throughout the forecast period.
”For central region, moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km is anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Niger states, while the rest of the states in the region should be under sunny and hazy skies throughout the forecast period.
”For southern region, sunny skies with a few patches of cloud are anticipated over the region with prospects of afternoon/evening thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Bayelsa, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States,” it said.
According to NiMet, a slight dust haze is anticipated over parts of Kano and Kebbi States of the northern region on Tuesday, while the remaining states in the region are expected to have sunny and hazy skies throughout the forecast period.
The agency envisaged sunny and hazy skies over the central region throughout the forecast period with chances of isolated thundery activity over parts of plateau state during the afternoon and evening hours.
It anticipated sunny skies with patches of cloud over the southern region with prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
NiMet forecasts sunny and hazy skies over the northern region throughout the forecast period on Wednesday.
The agency predicted sunny and hazy skies over the central region throughout the forecast period.
According to NiMet, sunny skies with a few patches of cloud are anticipated over the southern region with prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
”Dust particles are in suspension; the public should take necessary precaution; People with asthmatic health conditions and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather condition.
”Driving under the rain should be with caution. Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said
The agency urged residents to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet, and visit its website on www.nimet.gov.ng.
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day.
It also announced Thursday, January 1, 2026, as a public holiday for the New Year celebration.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr.
Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.According to the statement, the minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility, and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security, and national development.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations and wished them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has recorded a major breakthrough in its quest to transform the state into a maritime hub with the official presentation of the Hydrographic, Geotechnical, geophysical Report and New Navigational Chart for the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport project.
Out, who spoke at a formal ceremony held in the State Executive Council Chamber in Calabar, described the event as a “historic milestone” that not only affirms Nigeria’s maritime boundaries but also sets the stage for an economic revolution across the Gulf of Guinea.
“This is truly a historic day, not just for Cross River State but for the entire country,” Governor Otu said. “What we have achieved today replaces charts dating back to 1903 and settles long-standing debates about Cross River’s status as a littoral state. This chart clearly affirms our coastal status.”
Otu emphasized that the updated maritime chart now aligns with S-100 international standards, positioning Cross River for deepwater commerce and international shipping operations.
“When we connect this with the ongoing coastal highway, we’re looking at a completely different city,” he said. “The economic potential is enormous.”
Otu acknowledged the foundational work of former NDDC Chairman Professor Eyo Etim Nyong, describing the seaport project as a dream revived and revitalized.
“We picked up this dream where the former governor, Professor Ben Ayade left off. Public funds had been committed, and we could not allow it to die. Today is another giant step toward its full realization,” he said.
With the technical phase complete and the report formally presented, Governor Otu disclosed that the project now awaits a final seal of approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“Once we get that FEC seal, work starts almost immediately,” he assured. “Cross River is ready, and this project is not just for us, it is for Nigeria and for West Africa.”
The presentation was led by Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, Hydrographer of the Federation and CEO of the National Hydrographic Agency of Nigeria, alongside senior naval officers including the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Rear Admiral Anyo Olokunle.
Rear Admiral Olugbode described the report as the culmination of an intensive multi-year effort, beginning with a formal flag-off on December 21, 2024, and followed by rigorous data acquisition starting January 6, 2025. The survey, he said, covered hydrographic, geophysical, and geotechnical dimensions, all aimed at ensuring safety, precision, and international compliance.
“This is more than just a technical report. It is the bedrock for constructing and operating the Bakassi Deep Seaport,” he said. “It provides essential data for engineering design, dredging, breakwater construction, and navigation safety.”
He added that the data would boost investor confidence, enable effective ocean governance, and contribute to global initiatives such as Seabed 2030, a project that aims to map the entire seafloor of the world by 2030.
Olugbode also praised the Cross River State Government for its unwavering support.
“Your Excellency, your administration’s commitment and facilitation of logistics created an enabling environment for the success of this complex operation,” he noted.
The Bakassi Deep Seaport is expected to catalyze investments in shipping, logistics, trade and tourism, while creating jobs and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global blue economy.
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