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Speaker Abbas Pledges Stronger Legislation to Protect Women in Politics
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By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to enact strong legislative measures that will safeguard and empower women in politics.
Speaking at the Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference 2025 in Abuja, with the theme: “Investing in Nigerian Women, Securing Our Future,” organised by the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development,
Speaker Abbas emphasised the need for gender-inclusive governance and policies that promote equal representation in political and economic spheres.
The conference provided a platform to discuss challenges and solutions regarding women’s participation in leadership.
Despite constitutional guarantees of gender equality, Abbas noted that Nigerian women still face discrimination, underrepresentation, and socio-economic barriers that hinder their leadership opportunities.
“We will enact robust legislation to protect women in politics from violence and intimidation, ensuring that our political system aligns with constitutional principles of fairness and freedom,” he stated.
He revealed that the House of Representatives has introduced a Legislative Agenda prioritizing women’s political participation and economic empowerment.
“As part of this effort, two committees dedicated to women’s issues have been established, and all female lawmakers in the House are part of the Constitution Amendment Committee to ensure gender-sensitive policymaking”, he added.
The Speaker also urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to integrate women into its National Executive Committee (NEC), a move that has already resulted in the appointment of four women to NEC positions.
Abbas further stressed the need for special legislative seats for women and mandatory gender quotas in political parties to increase female representation in governance.
“I urge all State Houses of Assembly to support these reforms in the Constitution Amendment process to guarantee greater political participation for women,” he added.
Beyond politics, the Speaker highlighted that women’s economic empowerment is vital for Nigeria’s development, referencing successful global models, such as Rwanda’s gender quotas and Bangladesh’s microfinance initiatives, as strategies Nigeria can adapt to uplift women.
He reiterated the commitment of the House to enforcing the National Gender Policy, supporting electoral reforms that promote female candidates, and amending the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) to strengthen women’s rights.
Abbas commended Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara and Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, for their roles in advancing gender equality.
Representative of the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the event, Hajiya Fatima Abbas applauded Nigerian women for breaking barriers across various sectors. However, she emphasized the need for greater inclusion and empowerment, urging action to dismantle structural barriers that keep women in poverty.
In her opening remarks, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, described the conference as more than just an event but a movement aimed at breaking barriers and creating opportunities for future generations of women.
She noted that the conference serves as a platform to celebrate Nigerian women’s strength, resilience, and potential while fostering an environment where they can thrive, lead, and inspire.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the National Compendium of Women in Leadership Positions, a publication documenting the achievements of trailblazing Nigerian women across various sectors.
Rep. Ogbara emphasized that while the National Compendium of Women in Leadership Positions is in its maiden edition, it serves as an essential resource to inspire young girls and women striving for leadership roles.
She announced that the conference would honor outstanding Nigerians who have shown unwavering dedication to empowering women and promoting gender equality. Their contributions, she said, stand as a beacon of hope and proof that meaningful change is achievable through collective effort.
Among the award recipients were First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, and Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike.
Beyond discussions, Ogbara revealed that the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development is implementing direct support programs for women in need, particularly widows and low-income earners, through cash empowerment initiatives.
She expressed gratitude to the leadership of the House of Representatives for their commitment to gender equality, acknowledging Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for sponsoring a bill aimed at reserving special seats for women in parliament to ensure greater representation in legislative bodies.
Ogbara also commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her leadership in advancing women’s welfare through the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing it as a transformative program that has positively impacted countless Nigerian women.
The conference gathered policymakers, civil society groups, and development partners to strategize on enhancing women’s leadership and increasing their participation in national development.
News
DSS intercepts arms shipment bound for bandit kingpin, nabs suspect
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected arms courier in Kano State allegedly transporting weapons intended for delivery to a notorious bandit leader operating in Zamfara.
An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday said the suspect was apprehended on Friday in Gezawa Local Government Area following actionable intelligence.
According to the report, the suspect was intercepted while moving a cache of arms and ammunition from Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa to Funtua in Katsina State for onward delivery to criminal elements.
“Items recovered from the suspect include three AK-47 rifles, four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes and warheads, as well as two empty magazines.”
The report said preliminary investigations linked the consignment to a suspected bandit kingpin believed to be operating in parts of Zamfara.
“The suspect confessed that he was contracted to transport the weapons from Maigatari to Funtua and was promised a payment of N450,000 upon successful delivery.
“Investigations are ongoing to unravel the network behind the arms movement and identify other collaborators involved in the operation,” the report said.
The report described the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply of arms and ammunition to criminal groups responsible for violent attacks, kidnappings and other security threats in the North-West.
It added that the suspect was in DSS custody and would face further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.
According to the report, security agencies have continued to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling logistics networks that sustain banditry, terrorism and other forms of organised crime across the country.
(NAN)
News
Chimamanda Adichie alleges cover-up, negligence following son’s death
Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital of medical negligence and an subsequent attempt to cover up the circumstances surrounding her son’s death by taking her pursuit of justice for her late son, Nkanu Nnamdi, to the public.
In a four-part series shared on Instagram, Adichie detailed a devastating sequence of events. According to her, her son suffered a hypoxic brain injury caused by improper sedation administered by an anesthesiologist, Dr. Titus Ogundare, which ultimately resulted in his death.
Beyond the medical tragedy, Adichie alleges that the hospital has engaged in a pattern of dishonest practices. These include:
Issuing an inaccurate death certificate that falsely attributed the cause of death to meningitis.
Failing to provide complete or accurate medical records to her family.
Employing heartless language in legal correspondence, including referring to her son’s death as a “dispute”.
Stalling and attempting to obstruct a coroner’s inquest, which was originally initiated by the hospital itself. Describing the immense toll this has taken on her.
She said, “I wake up every single morning with my heart racing… The ultimate and utter loneliness of grief is that only you can know the true depth of your despair. I long for, at least, peace to mourn, but Euracare Hospital has robbed me even of that”.
The author also recounted an encounter with a senior figure in the hospital’s ownership who allegedly attempted to discourage her from pursuing legal action by suggesting her reputation could be dragged in the mud during court proceedings. Adichie said this was a manipulative and threatening message.
“An inquest is a public judicial inquiry designed to establish the circumstances surrounding a death,” she stated.
Adichie explained, that it is not a trial or a claim for damages, but simply a search for the truth. By making these details public, she hopes to demand the accountability and transparency that she feels have been denied to her family.
“I have decided to make this letter public because to keep silent about Euracare’s evil is to enable it”. She stated.
News
Tinubu condemns death of retired general Rabe in kidnappers’ custody
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who was reportedly abducted by armed criminals in Katsina State and later died while still in their custody.
According to a State House statement issued on Saturday, the president said he received the news of the former military officer’s death with “shock and sadness,” describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the security challenges facing parts of the country.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State,” the statement read.
General Abubakar, who had retired from the Nigerian Armed Forces after a distinguished career, was said to have been travelling to his hometown when he was intercepted and abducted by armed men.
“General Abubakar, after a distinguished career in the military, retired a few years ago. He was on his way to his hometown when the hoodlums captured him,” the statement stated.
The presidency also revealed that the late officer’s wife was taken alongside him and is still being held by the abductors, a detail that has further intensified public concern over the incident.
The president extended condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Katsina State, and the military establishment, describing the loss as painful and unacceptable.
He also reiterated the government’s uncompromising stance on terrorism and kidnapping, warning that the state would not be blackmailed into concessions.
While condemning the attack, Tinubu declared: “Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”
He further stressed national unity and resilience in the face of insecurity, insisting that the country would ultimately prevail.
“As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” the President said.
On the broader fight against insecurity, Tinubu said the tragedy should serve as a turning point in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, rejecting any form of negotiation with armed groups.
“General Abubakar’s death should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents, never to negotiate with them on any terms, but to continue to treat them as the greatest enemies of our dear nation, who should never be spared,” the statement added.
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