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Comrade Ike Seeks Govt Funded Compensation Scheme For Victims Of Sexual, Violent Crimes+PHOTOS

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By Gloria Ikibah
As emotional and psychological trauma and mental health continue to deteriorate among assaulted Nigerians, the Chairperson, House of Representatives Press Corps, Comrade Grace Ike, has advocated for government funded compensation scheme for victims of rape and violent crimes.
Comrade Ike stated this on Wednesday in Abuja,during the launch of ‘Tears from the Grave’, a publication by Mr Lemmy Ughegbe of “Men Against Rape Foundation”, MARF, dedicated to the memory of victims of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV, in Abuja, which she described the absence of fund for compensation to also help victims restart their lives as a critical gap that demands urgent attention.
Ike who is also the Vice Chairman, Correspondents Chapel, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, commended the Foundation and organizers of the launch, which indicates their patriotism and commitment to shedding light on the harrowing experiences of SGBV victims with ‘Tears from the Grave’ that demonstrates the collective resolve of Nigerians to confront and eradicate the pervasive issue.
Author of Tears From The Grave, Lemmy Ughegbe, Secretary of Guild of Editor and Editor of ThisDay Nation’s Capital, Mr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Chairperson, House of Reps Press Corps, Comrade Grace Ike and former Chairman NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Jacob Edi during the unveiling of the book in Abuja today
She said: “The statistics are alarming—a recent survey in Nigeria revealed that 31.4 per cent of sexually active adolescent females and 5.7% of males experienced forced sex (rape) at sexual initiation.
“Shockingly, female adolescents living with HIV are disproportionately affected by this violence.
“It is truly heartbreaking when individuals, regardless of age or gender, fall victim to such abhorrent acts. The normalization of sexual violence is spreading like wildfire, leaving victims in unimaginable physical and psychological anguish.
“Every day, we are confronted with distressing accounts of girls and women enduring unspeakable trauma due to sexual violence. What is even more disturbing is the growing trend of perpetrators committing murder, killing their victims after these heinous acts—an act that must be condemned in the strongest terms.
“SGBV knows no boundaries—it transcends age, ethnicity, color, socioeconomic status, and geography.
“While the list of victims in Nigeria is extensive, many cases remain unreported due to fear of stigma and inadequate support systems.
“Despite existing legislation imposing severe penalties for SGBV offenses, prosecution rates remain dismally low. Victims often shy away from reporting due to fear of stigma and the arduous legal process.
“I am particularly troubled by the absence of a government-funded compensation scheme for victims of sexual and violent crimes in Nigeria. This is a critical gap that demands urgent attention from our policymakers.”
However, she called on CSOs to ensure justice for SGBV victims, and also appealed to the National and State Assemblies to establish special courts basically for sexual offences across the country.
“Furthermore, civil society organizations such as the Men Against Rape Foundation play a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of SGBV victims and ensuring they receive the justice and support they deserve.
“I call upon our lawmakers at the national and state levels to prioritize the establishment of Sexual Offenses Courts across the country, modeled after successful initiatives in Lagos and other regions.
“Once again, I want to express my deep appreciation to Mr. Lemmy Ugegbe and the dedicated team at the Men Against Rape Foundation for not just coming up with this initiative but for your relentless pursuit of justice.
“I have followed your trajectory, especially on the case of Karen, a teenage-victim who also lost her life as a result of rape and many other cases. You people are doing an extremely difficult job but I pray that God will continue to give you the courage, strength, financial enablement and the grace to accomplish this onerous task.
“Together, let us stand united against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. We must continue to strive for a society where every individual lives free from the fear of violence and injustice”, she added.
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President Tinubu Speaks On Ajuri Ngelale’s Indefinite Leave Request

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has endorsed Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, indefinite leave request.

Recall Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, announced an indefinite leave of absence.

He proceeded on the leave to attend to pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.

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In a statement he posted on his general communication WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff on Friday.

He noted that the memo was a means of notifying him of the decision to pause his functions, including his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

Ngelale explained that the decision was after consultations with his family due to a worsening medical situation at home.

He expressed hope to return to full-time national service when circumstances permit.

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In a statement posted on X by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on New Media, Olusegun Dada and signed by the Presidency, Tinubu approved Ngelale’s request.

Tinubu stated that he fully understands his Chief spokesperson’s reason and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

The statement read: “The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.

“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

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“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.

“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.

“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors.

“During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”

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Confusion As FG Denies Ownership Of Yacht Spotted In France With Nigerian Flag

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…says it belongs to an undisvcosed private individual

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The presidency, on Saturday, denied ownership of a yacht spotted hoisting Nigerian flag in St-Tropez, a coastal town in France.

There had been reports of a “presidential yacht belonging to the Nigerian government being used for vacation at St Tropez” on social media.

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Senior Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on digital and new media, Otega Ogra, in a post on X, said the yacht belongs to a private individual.

The presidential aide said flags used by the president or armed forces do not contain the coat of arms like the one on the yacht.

Ogra said on Saturday, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht was spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.

“The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being shared online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed.

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It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, president or armed forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply not true and inaccurate.

“It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the center. Placing anything in the center of the flag is a clear deviation

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Constituency Devt: Senator Manu fulfils promise, installs solar energy as alternative source of power for constituents(Photos)

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a bid to enhance better life for his constituents, Senator Manu Haruna has facilatated installation of solar energy in Takalafiya community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly fulfilled his promise of ensuring the energy needs of his constituents are adequately taken care of.

This initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to addressing the energy needs of his constituents by providing a reliable and sustainable power source.

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The solar energy project is expected to improve the quality of life in the community, enabling access to electricity for homes, schools, and local businesses, while also promoting environmental sustainability.

This project is part of Senator Haruna’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in Taraba Central.

Manu is also working tirelessly to make sure areas not connected to the national grid are connected within the shortest period possible.

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