Metro
PWDs still Suffer Discrimination, Stigmatisation — Report

The Africa Polling Institute (API), a non-profit research institute, has observed that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the country still suffer forms of discrimination and stigmatisation.
In a report entitled: “Sexual and Gender-Based Violence among Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria”, the institute alleged that PWDs could been regarded in the public as worthless, liability and unsuitable for marriage.
The report, carried out by API with the support from Ford Foundation, is a key component of the National Disability Research Project.
The report focuses on developing a reservoir of PWDs in Nigeria.
The findings from the report indicated that many PWDs “are not involved in community meetings, social participation and are denied inheritance rights due to their disability”.
According to the report, many of them are also denied involvement in decisions even those concerning their health.
It added that PWDs are vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence, including sexual assaults, rape and physical violence, while they have difficulties accessing reproductive health services when needed.
“Although all the PWDs are vulnerable, it is important to note that gender, educational level and geo-political zones become important variables to be considered in any intervention for PWDs as this was found to influence the levels of vulnerability.
“There is an urgent need for government to take proactive measures to achieve the SDGs, especially Goal 16 on inclusive society,” the report read.
The report however recommended that the rights of PWDs first as human beings and as persons with special needs must be protected.
It added that there is need for public enlightenment and sensitisation to correct many of the wrong notions about PWDs across the geo-political zones in the country.
The study report noted that PWDs targeted social and economic empowerment, as well as improved access to reproductive health services of women with disabilities across all the geo-political zones, must be provided.
It says there ought to be urgent need to implement the Nigeria Disability Act, which already has some provisions to mitigate some of the challenges confronting PWDs in the country.(NAN)
Metro
Irrespective of Political Affiliation, Let us Build this Nation Together – First Lady

The first lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has called on all politicians to support the current administration under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to build the nation together irrespective of their political affiliation.
Mrs Tinubu made the call while addressing traditional rulers in Enugu state on Monday on the sideline of her visit for the distribution of Professional kits to Midwives in the state through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
She said the nation’s diversity and differences are a blessing that must be used positively to build a strong, safe and prosperous Nigeria.
The first lady described the traditional rulers as the eyes and ears of government at the grassroots and appealed to them to align with her vision to promote the health and wellbeing of their subjects.
She further urged the traditional rulers to support her advocacies against cervical cancer, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Female Genital Mutilation.
“As leaders we are responsible to take care of all Nigerians, political affiliation notwithstanding.
“Nigeria is a beautiful country and no one should hinder anyone from visiting any part of the country to experience this. We pray our security will improve and Nigeria should get to that place of safety,” Mrs Tinubu said.
She highlighted some of the upcoming programmes of the RHI to include Flow with Confidence aimed at ensuring that no adolescent girl misses school because of her monthly flow.
Also, the Environment Club/Society is aimed at getting students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions to participate more actively in restoring the environment.
While applauding the synergy that exists between the Federal government and the state, the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers council, His Royal Highness Samuel Asadu said that unsafe cultural practices that hinder the growth of women have been eradicated in the state.
He commended the hard work and commitment of President Bola Tinubu and the dedication of Senator Oluremi Tinubu to make Nigeria better.
“For us here in Enugu, we the traditional rulers say, no vacancy in Aso Rock,” he said.
At the venue of the presentation of professional kits to the midwives in the South East Geopolitical Zone, the First Lady expressed satisfaction at concluding the distribution of the scrubs and crocs to the 6 geopolitical zones with Enugu concluding the exercise.
In his remarks, the Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah described Mrs Tinubu as the Florence Nightingale of this time owing to her responsiveness to the various pressing health issues.
He also commended President Tinubu by saying “his goodwill and love is appreciated. He is an epitome of courage and dedication.
Mbah further advised the beneficiaries to utilize the kits well.
The first lady to also used the opportunity to present a grant of N50m for onward distribution to 1000 women petty traders in the state under the RHI.(NAN)
CRIME
LASTMA Apprehends Alleged Hit-and-Run Driver

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has apprehended a driver who allegedly attempted to run away after causing an accident that resulted in the death of a pedestrian.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
The statement was signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.
Bakare-Oki said that the lone accident involved a black Toyota Tundra with registration number FST 222 HV and occurred at the Mosalasi Roundabout on New Ipaja Road.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicle, speeding, veered uncontrollably off the carriageway, mounted the pedestrian walkway, and fatally struck a woman who died instantly from the impact.
“The momentum of the vehicle subsequently propelled it into a nearby private premises known to be engaged in the sale of livestock, where it inflicted significant structural damage to the perimeter fence and an adjoining advertising billboard.
“The driver, upon realising the gravity of the calamity he caused, made a frantic attempt to flee the scene.
“However, thanks to the prompt, coordinated and courageous intervention of officials from LASTMA. The suspect was swiftly apprehended and restrained,” he said.
He added tha LASTMA operatives handed the driver over to security personnel from the Gowon Estate Command, who were present at the scene of the incident.
“The remains of the deceased woman were respectfully relinquished to officers of the Nigeria Police Force for requisite procedures.
“Subsequent developments confirmed that the suspect has been taken into custody and is currently undergoing rigorous interrogation by police authorities as part of an ongoing and thorough investigation into the incident,” he said.
The LASTMA boss expressed sadness over the loss of life and condoled with the bereaved family.
Bakare-Oki charged motorists to subject their vehicles to routine safety checks, with particular emphasis on the integrity of braking systems.
He said that adherence to traffic regulations was not merely a legal obligation but a moral imperative to safeguard lives and property.
“The Lagos state traffic management authority remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing traffic laws and promoting road safety culture throughout the state,” he said. (NAN)
Metro
Eid-el-Kabir: Wike Assures Tight Security in FCT

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that security agencies are working around the clock to ensure the safety of lives and properties during the Eid-el-Kabir holidays and beyond.
Wike made the statement in his Eid-el-Kabir message to FCT residents in Abuja on Thursday.
He emphasized that the FCT Administration would continue to maintain close collaboration with security operatives to keep Abuja safe and secure.
“I am proud to say that Abuja remains the safest city in the country, and we are doing everything possible to keep it that way.
“As we gather with family and friends in celebration, let us not forget the less privileged among us.
“Let the spirit of Eid inspire us to share, uplift, and show kindness to those in need.
“As you join millions around the world to celebrate this sacred occasion, we are reminded of the profound values embodied in Eid-el-Kabir, sacrifice, obedience, and unwavering faith, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim,” he said.
The minister urged residents to reflect on the deeper meaning of submission to the will of Allah and to recommit themselves to compassion, generosity, and unity.
According to him, the celebration is not only a spiritual milestone but also a time to renew the collective commitment to peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.
He commended the Muslim community in the FCT for their enduring contributions to the growth and peaceful coexistence within the territory.
“Your values and sense of community are integral to our shared progress,” he added.
The minister also noted that President Bola Tinubu, through his “Renewed Hope Agenda,” had been working tirelessly to ease the burdens faced by the people.
He highlighted the commendable progress made by the FCT Administration in infrastructure development, security enhancement, and social welfare interventions.
“These efforts are all aimed at improving the quality of life for every resident of the FCT.
“We owe the rapid development of the FCT to the unwavering support President Tinubu has given to the FCTA.
“Therefore, I urge you to use this occasion to pray that the Almighty grants Tinubu good health and more guidance to lead the nation to greater heights.
“In the coming days, we will begin commissioning a plethora of completed projects across the territory in celebration of Tinubu’s second year in office.
“These are critical projects aimed at advancing healthcare, education, agriculture, transportation, and more sectors within the FCT.
“They stand as visible proof of our commitment to delivering tangible, impactful change and building a capital city that reflects the hopes and aspirations of all Nigerians,” he said. (NAN)