Gender
Take Gender Equality Campaign to Political Leaders — Okei-Odumakin Urges Women
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise, an NGO, has urged women to take the campaign for gender equality in the ongoing review of the Nigerian Constitution, to political leaders in the country.
Okei-Odumakin made the call in a statement yesterday in Lagos, in commemoration of the 2022 International Women’s Day (IWD).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the National Assembly had voted down two vital women-related bills in the ongoing constitution amendment.
They voted against 35 per cent appointed positions for women, against 35 per cent affirmative action for women in party administration and leadership, and specific seats to be allocated for women in the national assembly, amongst others.
Okei-Odumakin said women should also take the struggle to the innards of their homes, markets, and to their schools.
The group president noted that the fight for gender equality might be complicated but the strive for equity was plain and just, saying that it could possibly be denied for much longer.
“Women must simply realise that gender equality will not be given simply because it was asked for.
“We must take the fight to the innards of political parties, to our homes, to our markets, and to our schools.
“We cannot and should not lose a bid for equity to people we bore, nurtured, and natured because the desired result will come with smart power, soft power, iron resolve, and steady will.
“With improved strategic ingredients and preparedness, we shall relaunch and prosper in this bid.
“Although unfortunate, it is difficult for one who understands Nigeria, nay, the world, to express shock. For the denial was anticipated,” she said.
Okei-Odumakin decried the bias for the male gender in certain respect; yet, women must not give in, cave in or quit, until they had what was rightfully theirs.
She said when they returned the Nigerian woman to her pride of place, they would have started the regeneration process in earnest.
The president said the present setback to gender equity in Nigeria could be a blessing in disguise; saying that it could be a tipping point that would galvanise thoughts and leaders with a compelling seat at the table.
“We must not be seen as rabble rousers or be perceived as attention-seeking activists. We must not agonise with noise but organise with distinct voice, working the fine details of the bill with clarity of thought and purposeful action.
“Let us win the heart and head of our elected officials, giving them the benefit of doubt that they require better framing and superior argument.
“Let us work as partners in progress until 12-year-old Halima in Kano; 12-year-old Chike in Onistha; and 12-year-old Anike in Ibadan, attain their fullest potential despite gender differences,” she said.
Okei-Odumakin said they would see that day in their nation where all girls and boys experienced their fair share of opportunities, saying that if it would be, it was up to them (NAN)
A Nigerian bride who went for her pre-wedding photoshoot has insisted that men are scum.
The pretty lady was seen looking all glammed up while at the photo studio as she sent out a cautionary PSA to women.
She jokingly insisted that all men are scum. They’d make a woman get married to them, even if they don’t want to.
When someone asked what her husband-to-be is, she said that he’s her personal scum.
David Hundeyin had released an audio of the minister threatening victims of s3xual assault by Prof. Cyril Ndifon, Dean of the Faculty of Law.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, in a statement issued to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, reiterated her commitment to justice, safeguarding and advancing the rights and welfare of Nigerian women, including the pursuit of justice whenever their rights were violated.
She emphasised her unwavering dedication to upholding due diligence and the rule of law, recognising that justice and fairness were the fundamental principles upon which equitable societies were built.
“I wish to express my sincere apologies to those who were offended by my comments and actions regarding the sexual harassment scandal at the University of Calabar.
“This is extremely regrettable, as my intentions were sincere and aligned with my consistent advocacy for the welfare of Nigerian women and the pursuit of justice.
“I stand for all Nigerian women and I stand for justice and it is my hope that we can work together to actualise the dream of a country where women’s rights are respected and protected and where our daughters feel safe in institutions of learning,” she said.
Some suspected victims of child trafficking in Imo state have been intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, spoke on Sunday while giving details of the agency’s activities across the country.
Babafemi said the operatives made the interception while on patrol along Aba-Owerri expressway on Wednesday.
According to the spokesperson, the girls were suspected to be victims of child trafficking.
He said they were picked up while being relocated from their hideout in the Naze area of Owerri, the state capital to another part of the city.
Babafemi identified the victims as Chioma Emmanuel, 15; Uma Faith, 15; Divine Adimonye, 17; Opara Gift, 15; and Amarachi Mbata, 16.
“In their statements, they claimed they didn’t know the men who impregnated them,” he added.
“The Imo state command of the agency has since been directed to hand them over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, for further investigations.”
Speaking on more activities, Babafemi said the agency arrested a passenger identified as Ugwu Peter Tochukwu who was travelling through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Oman on a Qatar Airways flight.
“Upon a thorough search of his luggage, 7.50 kilograms of skunk were discovered concealed inside crayfish mixed with dry bitter leaf,” Babafemi said.
“In the same vein, NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations attached to some courier companies also intercepted Dubai-bound 2.9 kilograms of skunk and 14 grams of methamphetamine concealed in bags of semovita and soles of ladies’ high heel shoes respectively.”
MORE ARRESTS IN ABUJA, OGUN, KOGI
Babafemi said two suspects identified as Moses Akowe, 32, and Sunday Gabriel, 31, were arrested with 227.1kgs of cannabis on Tuesday in Ikebe village, Ankpa LGA of Kogi state.
The agency said 27-year-old Kingsley Chimaobi was arrested with 6,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup along Lokogoma-Abuja road on the same day.
“A total of 100 blocks of cannabis weighing 55kgs and 600 bottles of codeine-based syrup seized from the duo of Salisu Murtala and Shafi’u Dahiru on Tuesday 11th September along Abuja road have been traced to two other suspects: Muntari Nasiru and Yusuf Ali who were arrested in follow up operations in Kano,” the statement added.
“Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday 13th September sentenced to five years imprisonment a drug dealer, Segun Odeyemi for trafficking and dealing in 3,842 kilograms of skunk.
“He was arrested on Saturday 1st July while conveying 89 jumbo bags of the illicit substance in his truck around Eleganza area of Ajah, Lekki. He was subsequently charged in suit number FHC/L/388C/2023 presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko.”
Babafemi added that the agency is committed to ridding the country of illicit drugs.
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