News

Comrade Ike Urges Govt To Break Barriers Limiting The Girlchild

Published

1 month ago

October 11, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, the Vice Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja Correspondents Chapel, Comrade

Grace Ike, has urged government at all levels, well-meaning Nigerians and other stakeholders to join forces and break barriers limiting girls across the country.

Comrade Ike, a journalist and strong rights activist stated this in a statement on Friday and made available to Naijablitznews.com in Abuja.

She highlighted the importance of empowering girls to envision and shape the world they want to live in, hence all the bedeviling barriers erected by society, religion, tradition and emotions need to be destroyed, especially, in Nigeria where the girl child is not really given her place and voice but made to be a lesser being in the scheme of things.

She said: “Today, we join the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, a day set aside to recognise the unique challenges faced by girls worldwide and to promote their rights and well-being. This year’s theme, “)’Girls’ Vision for the Future’, highlights the importance of empowering girls to envision and shape the world they want to live in. It reminds us that the future belongs to those who dare to dream and take action to make those dreams a reality”.

According to Comrade Ike, “In Nigeria, this day holds special significance as we reflect on the vital role girls play in shaping our nation’s future. Their education, health, and protection are key to building a prosperous society. Yet, many Nigerian girls face significant barriers—limited access to education, child marriage, gender-based violence, and discrimination—that prevent them from realising their vision for a brighter future.

“On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing the rights of girls in Nigeria, especially by supporting their aspirations and dreams. We call upon government bodies, civil society, the private sector, and all citizens to take concrete steps to address the systemic challenges girls face. Together, we must work to:

“Ensure Quality Education: Every girl deserves the opportunity to receive a quality education. By investing in their education, we enable them to imagine and create the future they envision for themselves and their communities.

“Protect Girls from Violence and Exploitation: We must intensify efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against girls, including child marriage, sexual abuse, and trafficking. A safe and secure environment is crucial for girls to pursue their dreams without fear.

“Promote Health and Well-being: We must invest in the health and well-being of Nigerian girls, ensuring access to quality healthcare, menstrual hygiene management, and sexual and reproductive health services. Healthy girls can fully engage with their vision for the future.

“Challenge Gender Norms and Empower Girls: Nigerian girls must be empowered to participate in decision-making processes at all levels of society. We must dismantle the societal norms that limit their opportunities and provide mentorship and platforms where they can express their vision for the future with confidence.”

She therefore charged women and girls to be more resilient and dogged to challenge challenges they have encountered on their path to greatness.

“On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us celebrate the strength, resilience, and potential of every Nigerian girl. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the architects of the future they envision today. By standing together, we can support their dreams and create a world where every girl’s vision for the future becomes a reality.

“Together, we can build a brighter future for Nigerian girls and for our nation”, she stated.

News

HoR to Lead March, Launch Initiatives Against Gender-Based Violence

Published

3 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.

The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.

Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”

In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.

“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.

“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024

“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 measures for combating GBV nationwide.

“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.

Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.

News

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

Published

6 hours 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

8 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.