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*Hansatu Zannah Adds Voice To Gender Parity & Empowerment As Women Globally Commemorate 2026 Edition Of IWD*
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The widow of Zannah Umar Mustapha, former deputy Governor of Borno State, Hajia Hansatu Goldben Zannah, has called for an increased and deliberate investment in women and girl-child, describing the laudable move as a purposeful strategy for national progress and cohesion.
She made this assertion in a statement she made available to newsmen on Sunday to commemorate the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day which is celebrated March 8, of every calendar year.
The statement reads, “I feel so fulfilled and elated to be identified with my fellow women across the globe as we collectively commemorate the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day. For me it is an opportunity to celebrate every woman, daughters, sisters, aunts, mothers, grandmothers and also great grandmothers, for their resilience, doggedness, passion, courage, etc that brought us thus far and more importantly adding significant value to humanity.
“The theme for year 2026 resonates deeply –“Give To Gain.” It’s a call to action while also highlighting the power of giving support, opportunities, knowledge and resources to advance women’s empowerment. It further encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration which must be respectfully upheld in its entirety at local, sub-national and at national levels. Without doubt, investing in women, not as charity, but a strategy to build the future of our dear nation, Nigeria.
“It will really be a thing of joy seeing Nigeria to be at par with comity of nations in line with international standards, norms, or practices that advance women empowerment and greatness and of course this will largely make our country to be recognized and respected globally, especially when international benchmarks are met, and as we play significant role in global affairs that deepen the interest and success of women and girl-child.”
The statement added, “All relevant stakeholders across board owe the female gender the duty to forge gender equality through right legislation, abundant giving etc, thankfully this year’s theme encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. It also emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, governments and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise and this is better for the society at large.
“Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women’s advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world. This is also an opportunity for us all to come together, bond and love one another. It is also the pathway to genuine and much anticipated progress for sociatal excellence. I charge all women; just pull a sister up, one at a time. You will be amazed what we can achieve collectively, with amazing milestones.”
Finally, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said the decision would take effect from April 30, 2026, to allow for a smooth transition.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture, President Bola Tinubu, has sent a formal communication to the House of Representatives on seeking legislative approval for the repeal and re-enactment of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (NPTF) Establishment Act, 2025.
The request which was transmitted to the House for consideration and passage on Wednesday at plenary, underscores the need to improve the management and administration of the fund, enhance police training, and provide modern equipment for the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the letter,, the proposed amendment is aimed at boosting the operational capacity, accountability, and sustainability of the Police Trust Fund in line with current security challenges.
The President urged lawmakers to give the bill expeditious consideration, as the said the reform will improve the welfare of police personnel and support skill development across the force.
In another development, the House Committee on Rules and Business has moved to tighten legislative discipline, directing all standing and ad hoc committees to submit reports on bills and motions within set timelines in line with House procedures.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Francis Uwaive, reminded all committee chairmen to treat all assigned matters within 30 days, with the risk of losing such assignments after 60 days if no progress is made, except where a short extension is granted.
A firm deadline has also been set for all outstanding reports, with the end of April 2026 as the cut-off point, and non-compliance attracting automatic discharge.
Amid the formal proceedings, lawmakers briefly paused to celebrate two members marking their birthdays, acknowledging their contributions to public service and national development.
The mood later shifted as the House paid tribute to a former member of the Fifth Assembly, observing a minute’s silence in his honour following his passing after a prolonged illness.
He was remembered for his dedication and service to his constituents in Benue State, with colleagues noting that his death represents a significant loss to the legislature and the country.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that their naval forces stopped two ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz and directed them to the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic.
“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval force this morning identified and stopped in the Strait of Hormuz two violating ships,” the Guards said in a statement.
“The two offending ships… were seized by the IRGC’s naval forces and directed to the Iranian coast.”
They identified one ship as “MSC-FRANCESCA”, which they said belonged “to the Zionist regime” in reference to Israel, and the other as “EPAMINONDAS”, which they said was “tampering with navigation systems and jeopardising maritime security.”
The Guards further warned against any action against the regulations imposed by the Islamic republic in the strait “as well as activities contrary to the safe passage” through the waterway.
Tehran has said vessels must seek permission to leave of enter the Gulf through Hormuz, through a route that in peacetime accounts for a fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports along with other vital commodities.
Source: AFP
BREAKING: Finally, Power Minister, Adelabu resigns from Tinubu’s cabinet
Reps Begin Review of Police Trust Fund Law, Tighten Timeline for Committee Work
Iran Seizes Two Ships attempting to cross Strait of Hormuz
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