News

Reps Committed to Legislations, Polices for Devt, Wellbeing of Girl-Child – Kalu

Published

3 months ago

October 11, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

In commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girlchild, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has reiterated the commitment of the House to make legislations, policies geared towards the protection of the girlchild in Nigeria.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the

International Day of the Girlchild is observed annually on October 11 to celebrate girls everywhere, amplifying their voices, actions and leadership. It is a day that belongs to everyone who cares about girls and their rights.

The 2024 International Day of the Girl is themed ‘Girls’ vision for the future’.

Kalu in a statement said that this year’s theme conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future.

He however decried that the girlchild is disproportionately affected by global crises of climate, conflict, poverty and pushback on hard won gains for human rights and gender equality.

He also lamented that the girl child is plagued with a plethora of challenges and also lives in fear of violence almost from conception, stressing that the public owes her a duty of ensuring she grows into an uninitimidated, unbroken and whole woman.

He recalled that the national assembly in its bid to ensure the protection of the girlchild has passed several key bills into law such the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and Child Rights Act.

These acts, Kalu said, serve to provide and protect the rights of a Nigerian Child, stating that girls are the mothers and leaders of tomorrow.

He added that the National Assembly would join its voice to the one of all organizations which champion the protection of the girl child to make it louder.

The Deputy Speaker also stated that the 10th House is ready to give legislative backing to any programme or policy designed towards the wellbeing of not just the girl child but also all children across the country.

He said, “Happy International day of the girlchild. This year’s theme conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future. Today’s generation of girls is disproportionately affected by global crises of climate, conflict, poverty and pushback on hard won gains for human rights and gender equality. Too many girls are still denied their rights, restricting their choices and limiting their futures.

“Recent analysis shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of crisis, but hopeful for the future. Every day, they are taking action to realize a vision of a world in which all girls are protected, respected and empowered. It is time to listen to girls, to invest in proven solutions that will accelerate progress towards a future in which every girl can fulfil her potential.

“Nigeria has over 10 million out-of-school children, with the girl-child disproportionately affected. According to a 2020 UNICEF report, girls constitute over 60 per cent of the out-of-school population, a problem that is exacerbated by barriers such as insecurity, and economic disadvantages, especially in rural conflict-affected areas.

“The 10th House of Representatives is committed to legislations, policies geared towards the protection of the girlchild in the nation, and in a bid to ensure the protection of the girlchild has passed several key bills into law such the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and Child Rights Act. We will give legislative backing to any programme or policy designed towards the wellbeing of not just the girl child but also all children across the country.”

News

Gunmen abduct Nigerian Professor, Demand N10m Ransom

Published

2 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Professor John Ebeh, a senior lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State.

The assailants are reportedly demanding a N10 million ransom for his release.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the attackers invaded the professor’s residence in Agbeji, a suburb of Anyigba, in Dekina Local Government Area, at about 7 p.m. on Thursday.

According to a neighbor who identified himself as Akpai, “The hoodlums operated in a commando manner. It was swift. We noticed a car trailing him furiously; we took it as one of his friends or colleagues, not until we started hearing gunshots around his gate.”

A family source disclosed that the professor was abducted just as he was about to enter his compound.

“Professor Ebeh was almost at the gate of his house at Agbeji, on his way from the town when the incident happened.

“He had even given out a signal to his people to open the gate of his house when some people emerged suddenly from their hideout and started shooting sporadically.

“Amidst the confusion, someone drove in furiously and blocked his car.

“Some masked people alighted from the vehicle and whisked him away at gunpoint.

“His abductors called the family on Friday night, demanding N10 million,” the source recounted.

University officials have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

However, one of Professor Ebeh’s colleagues expressed shock at the development, saying, “The kidnapping (of the professor) came to us as a shock. I have just visited his family to sympathize with them.”

News

Sad: Ondo SSG Is Dead

Published

2 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, on Saturday died in an auto crash.

The SSG died in the crash which occurred while he was traveling from Akure, Ondo State capital, to Ibadan in Oyo State.

Confirming the incident, Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, stated that Oluwatuyi was hospitalised before he gave up the ghost.

“Hon. Oluwatuyi was a dedicated public servant whose unwavering commitment to administrative coordination, policy advisory, and implementation had a significant impact on Ondo State.

“Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as they become available,” he added.

News

Mohamed Salah confirms this season as his last season at Liverpool

Published

2 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Liverpool’s talisman, Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly, popularly known as Mohamed Salah, has confirmed that the 2024–2025 football season will be his last season donning the shirts of Liverpool.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Mo Salah revealed that he is eager to win this year’s English Premier League title for the Reds to sign off his eight-year stay with the Merseyside based club.

Salah reflected on Liverpool’s previous Premier League triumph in the 2019-2020 season, noting that they were unable to celebrate it as they had hoped. Salah stated that he is determined to help the team win the title this year and celebrate in a manner worthy of their remarkable achievement.

He reflected on Liverpool’s previous Premier League triumph, noting that they were unable to celebrate it as they had hoped. Salah stated that he is determined to help the team win the title this year and celebrate in a manner worthy of their remarkable achievement.

“It’s probably because we didn’t celebrate the one we won in the way we wanted and also, coming back here too, it’s my last year in the club so you want to do something special for the city.

“We waited for that title for 30 years or so. So, to win it and it was the pandemic at that time, we didn’t really have time to celebrate it in the right way. It’s not a nice thing to do, so hopefully we can do it this year.”

“I really want to win the Premier League this season as it’s my last year at the club. I want to give something special to the City.” He said.

Mohamed Salah’s contract with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the current season. He explained that although his agent, Ramy Abbas, and Liverpool are yet to reach any conclusive decision regarding a contract renewal, he remains focused and is not distracted by the off-field uncertainty.

“We are far away from any progress so we just need to wait and see.

“The thing in my head is ‘OK, if it’s my last six months, or last year, what do you want to see in the future? Do you want to look back and say I was concerned about the contract or I was stressed’ or do you just want to say ‘OK, I had an unbelievable season’.

“That’s in my head now. All the time now. If I feel that kind of distraction, I remind myself ‘You want to look back and you had an unbelievable season’. So that’s what I want to do.” He explained.

He has been in electric form this term, scoring 17 goals in 18 league games, while also registering 13 assists. He has won 9 trophies with Liverpool which includes 1 EPL title, 1 FA Cup, 2 EFL Cups, 1 FA Community Shield, 1 UEFA Champions League title, 1 UEFA Super Cup and 1 FIFA Club World Cup.

Source: Elvisanokyenews.com