News
Expose sexual abuse, Sanwo-Olu urges residents
By Francesca Hangeior
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on citizens to break the culture of silence which causes sexual and gender-based violence to persist in society.
The governor, who was represented by his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said this on Monday during the 2024 governor’s commendation and awards night organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency and held in Ikeja.
Sanwo-Olu said, “The 2024 theme against sexual and gender-based violence, ‘Not on My Watch’ is more than a slogan; it is a call for action to all of us. The fight against sexual and gender-based violence requires participation from everyone – religious leaders, community heads, families and individuals.
“It is not just the responsibility of the government or the agency. It is a collective endeavour. Together we must continue to strengthen our legal framework, expand our support systems, and most importantly, break the culture of silence that allows abuse to persist.”
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who was represented by Mojisola Daba, said, “I am a strong advocate of family values and social cohesion, therefore, I affirm my support for zero tolerance for any act of violence or intimidation against any persons, groups or gender. We have achieved a lot so far in the campaign to end domestic and sexual violence.”
On her part, the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, revealed that the agency had handled over 25,000 cases since its inception in 2014 and last year, it dealt with 6,330 cases alone.
“The top five local government areas with high reports of sexual violence are Alimosho, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Eti-Osa and Oshodi-Isolo,” she said.
The DSVA commemorated its 10th anniversary in September with a symposium and series of programmes across the state which culminated in an award night.
Hon. Professor Paul Sunday Nnamchi, was among the twenty eminent Nigerians including seating governors of four states who were honoured by the Verbatim Magazine at the Late General Yaradua Centre recently.
He was recognized by the investigative journal for excellence and quality leadership in legislative performance for year 2024 based on his contributions in the plenary of the House of Representatives, the number of Bills and motions he has sponsored so far.
Professor Nnamchi was last year rated the most performing legislator from the southeast by the authoritative organ of the National Assembly, “The Order Paper” which evaluates the work rates of the legislators annually.
As at the end of March, 2025, the lawmaker who represents Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives has sponsored thirty-six Bills and over twenty impactful motions in the House. Over twenty of the Bills have passed second reading.
Speaking at the well attended Verbatim 13Th Anniversary Lecture delivered by the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, the magazine Editor, Mr Tobs Agbaegbu, affirmed that the awardees were carefully selected through in-depth evaluation and investigation by its team of editors.
He stressed that the magazine has established itself as a leader in investigative journalism and as such would not be associated with questionable awards that lack merits.
The award recipients cut across private and public sectors’ practitioners, governors, legislators, military officers and journalists all of whom had distinguished themselves in leadership as Trail Blazers in their chosen careers.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The presidency has debunked reports that the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu has been replaced, describing it as ‘fake news.’
“Disregard any fake news making the rounds about the replacement of the INEC Chairman.
“Any such announcement will come from the SGF’s office or the any other official source.” – O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Digital Media and New Media.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, and India, as part of preparations for the upcoming Hajj season.
Officials speaking to ARY News said, “The suspension of Umrah, business, and family visit visas is aimed at preventing unregistered individuals from attempting to perform the pilgrimage.”
The move comes amid concerns over the rising number of pilgrims attempting to join Hajj without official permits. In recent years, many visitors have overstayed their visas, contributing to overcrowding and serious safety risks.
Authorities also expressed concern over the misuse of business or family visit visas by individuals who enter the Kingdom and work illegally, a violation that “disrupts the labour market and breaches visa conditions.”
The Saudi foreign ministry stated that the new measures were implemented “to streamline travel procedures and enhance safety during Hajj.
It added, “Individuals found to be staying in the Kingdom illegally may face a five-year entry ban.”
The countries affected by the ban are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
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