From Yagana Ali, Yola

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has announced the creation of seven new chiefdoms and emirates in the state.

The new chiefdoms and emirates include; the Huba Chiefdom with headquarters in Hong, with a Second-Class status, Madagali Chiefdom with headquarters in Gulak, with a Second-Class status, Michika Chiefdom with headquarters in Michika, with a Second-Class status, Fufore Emirate with headquarters in Fufore, with a Second-Class status, Gombi Chiefdom with headquarters in Gombi, with a Third-Class status, Yungur Chiefdom with headquarters in Dumne, with a Third-Class status, and Maiha Emirate with headquarters in Maiha, with a Third-Class status.

In his statewide broadcast yesterday, Fintiri said the creation of these new chiefdoms and emirates is aimed at repositioning the traditional institution and enhancing its role in promoting peace, security, and development in the state.

He said the move is also expected to provide more centers for dispute resolution, improve governance in ungoverned spaces, and strengthen social cohesion.

Fintiri expressed appreciation for the support of the citizens and highlighted the achievements of his administration in 2024, including infrastructure development, social sector investments, and security improvements.

He also assured that his administration will continue to respond positively to genuine demands and agitations from other nationalities.

The governor noted that the creation of the new chiefdoms and emirates is already gazetted and now part of the state’s statutory repository.

He congratulated the new Emirates and Chiefdoms, while acknowledging the demands and agitations from other nationalities, assuring that his administration will continue to address them.

Fintiri reflected on the achievements of his administration in 2024, describing it as a “season of harvest” for the state.

He expressed pride in the progress made and looked forward to an even more prosperous 2025.

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) has said that the Church is set to organize a global initiative across its Bethels to engage in charitable works, humanitarian efforts, Open Kitchen, and the celebration of International Vegetarian Day by distributing free food, clothing, and essential items to the poor and vulnerable.

The spokesperson for BCS, Patriarch Christ Shepherd, Dr.

Amah Williams, made the disclosure during a press briefing on Monday in Calabar.

He stated that this humanitarian effort will extend beyond the BCS Headquarters to all Bethels, with measures in place to prevent overcrowding.

Dr.

Amah mentioned that the free food distribution is part of the activities planned for the 2024 celebration of the Divine Manifestation of Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, which will take place at the World Headquarters, located at 34 Ambo Street, Calabar, Cross River State, from December 23 to December 31, 2024.

He stated, “BCS members will also visit orphanages and homes for the destitute, conducting activities to assist the less fortunate in various locations worldwide. This effort honours Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, which reflects his teachings and practices.”

He also announced that members will fast, engage in prison ministry in different states and nations, and remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ for humanity on December 26, 2024, with these observances happening in all BCS Bethels.

The event will culminate on December 31, 2024, which will feature a foot-washing ceremony for all Christ ambassadors, Biakpan language singing competition, BCS Art and Merit awards, global prayers, and the Father’s New Year message.

By David Torough, Abuja

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) dedicated to addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and advocating for gender rights engaged with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Women Affairs Secretariat recently.

The meeting sought solutions to challenges obstructing GBV survivors’ access to justice.

National Program Officer for the Tuberculosis Network, Akpa Samuel, highlighted the frustrations faced by survivors in their pursuit of justice, including being burdened with catering for the feeding and medication of alleged abusers after their arrest.

“On our part as interveners, we are constrained by insufficient funds to pursue cases.

We cover transportation and other costs for investigations, as well as for bringing survivors to court and other necessary locations. When cases drag on, we often become frustrated and are forced to back down,” he explained.

The engagement is part of the Covid-19 Response Mechanism-Gender-Based Violence/Gender Human Rights project, a Global Fund initiative being implemented across 21 states in Nigeria.

Samuel also noted that economic deprivation, as revealed through surveys and reported cases, is a significant driver of GBV in the country. He called for stronger collaboration between CSOs and the government while urging the president to prioritise economic and political opportunities for women and other vulnerable groups.

Responding, Joy Okosa, Assistant Director at the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, identified a key challenge in securing justice for GBV survivors: their tendency to approach untrained personnel.

“For example, a GBV victim might report to any officer at a police station. Over time, frustration sets in because that officer may lack the proper training to handle such cases,” Okosa explained.

“We advise survivors to seek out the gender desk officer at the nearest police station. These officers are trained to handle GBV cases and ensure survivors receive the necessary support,” she added.

Okosa emphasised that addressing GBV requires passion and commitment, noting that CSOs often need to use personal resources to assist survivors.

“Sometimes, your personal funds will have to go towards supporting survivors. You must see this work as more than just a job,” she advised.

She also addressed concerns about police gender officers being uncooperative, attributing this to their workload.

“Be patient and persuasive. Even without formal appointments, show up at their offices and, where possible, go with survivors. Many survivors are already traumatised, so your presence helps ensure they are supported,” she encouraged.

Okosa outlined the GBV services provided in the FCT, including medical assistance at the Sexual Assault Centre (SAC) in Bwari, legal aid from FIDA, psycho-social support from the ministry, and empowerment initiatives supported by NGOs. She noted that law enforcement agencies like the Civil Defence and the Police collaborate to ensure justice for survivors.

Ipinnimo Ojo, Senior Program Officer at ACOMIN raised the issue of shelter for GBV survivors, asking if the FCT Secretariat had facilities available.

In response, Okosa stated that the Secretariat currently partners with NGOs that provide shelters in the FCT but is planning to establish its own facilities. Despite being relatively new, she said the Secretariat is making progress and remains committed to reducing GBV incidents in the FCT.

Speaking on the project’s progress, Antai Jeremiah, National M&E Officer at NEPWHAN, pointed to family interference as another challenge in securing justice for survivors.

“It becomes difficult for our case managers to pursue cases when survivors, due to family pressure or personal reasons, ask to withdraw their complaints,” he said.