News

IWD 2024: Kalu Reiterates Commitment Of 10th House to End Gender Imbalance

Published

9 months ago

March 7, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

As the world celebrates the International Women’s Day on March 8, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu reiterated that the House Committee on Constitution Review which he chairs will ensure that the ongoing exercise will address the issue of gender imbalance.

The Deputy Speaker who extolled the ingenuity of Nigerian women, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, recognised the invaluable role women have played in advancing the progress of the country.

Kalu not that the theme of this year’s IWD “Inspire Inclusion” resonates with the Agenda of the 10th House to improve women’s political representation.

He acknowledged the strides made worldwide by women and said the global statistic of only 25.5% of women holding seats in national parliaments is a sad reminder of the work left to do.

He said the celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the vital roles women play in the society, and a call for all stakeholders to cultivate a culture of inclusivity.

The Deputy Speaker commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing several women in his cabinet, and said he is proud of the hard work and dedication of Nigerian women working tirelessly and achieving results in different fields of endeavor.

He said, “I extol Nigerian women as the world celebrates the International Women’s Day. For this year’s International Women’s Day, we celebrate the theme “Inspire Inclusion.” While we acknowledge the strides made, the global statistic of only 25.5% of women holding seats in national parliaments is a stark reminder of the work left to do. Nigeria must champion inclusive progress– one where women are empowered to participate at all levels, including in our political sphere.

“Let us learn from international examples and explore innovative solutions like seat reservations to bridge the gender gap. Investing in women is not just the right thing to do– it is essential for a thriving and equitable society. On this International Women’s Day, let us commit to dismantling barriers and creating an environment where all, regardless of gender, can reach their full potential. When women are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment and democracy thrives. The House constitution review committee which I chair, have a lot of work in its hands to make sure the repositioning of women folks in our country is achieved. God bless the women of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Naijablitznews.com reports that International Women’s Day is observed annually on March 8, to celebrate the cultural, political, social, and economic achievements made by women.

It also serves as an opportunity to inspire efforts to end gender biases and discrimination and achieve gender equality.

News

NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment

Published

58 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of theDecember 4, 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council (FCT) election, Comrade Grace Ike, will flag-off her campaign for the position of Chairman with free eye check for journalists on Sunday, November 24, 2024, by 12 noon.

The exercise, under the auspices of the Grace Ike Campaign Council (GICC), which will be held at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako, Abuja, is expected to attract interested journalists and her teeming supporters across all chapels.

According to Comrade Ike, the reason behind the free eye checks for journalists is based on the critical role their eyes play in their daily tasks as watchdogs and also being a critical organ of the body, there is the need to be attended to and checked by qualified ophthalmologists to boost their productivity.

During the flag-off, the Ike will unveil her campaign management team and itinerary in line with the NUJ FCT Council Election timetable.

The campaign will be anchored on the slogan, “One Voice, New Era” and focused on Accountability, Transparency, Accelerated Development, Capacity Building, New Innovation/Creativity, Improved Welfare & All-round Empowerment for members.

Naijablittznews.com reports Comrade Ike was yesterday cleared by the Credentials Committee and declared elected by the NUJ National as the only candidate for the position of Chairman in the December 4, NUJ-FCT election.

News

President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit

Published

3 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).

President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.

The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.

He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.

The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.

News

HoR to lead historic march, other Key initiatives against gender-based violence

Published

3 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.

According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.

This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.

“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”

Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*

1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.

2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.

3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.

The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.

*Details of the March:*

• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters

Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.

Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.