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16 Days of Activism: Ogun commits to safety for women, girls
To reduce the menace of Gender-Based Violence, GBV, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, has called for action to raise voices for and make commitments to the safety of women and girls.
Adeleye made this call at a town hall meeting in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, community and other opinion leaders on prevention and response to GBV held in Abeokuta on Wednesday.
She said the meeting was in commemoration of the 16 Days Activism on the elimination of all forms of violence against the female gender, stating that community leaders comprising Baales, religious leaders, and Community Development Association leaders, among others, were gatekeepers of the community.
The commissioner emphasised that they exhibit a significant role in shaping minds, influencing behaviours and building trust, charging them to look beyond ongoing campaigns to make a lasting impact in the fight against GBV in their respective communities.
“We need to implement these plans; action they say is key. This is not a checklist we can tick and move on. It’s a breathing process and it starts with you. You have to walk the talk. So, when we create action plans, ensure they don’t collect dust on some shelf. Make sure they are enforced; talk about it in your communities, churches, mosques, garages and parks, and share from one leader to another,” she said.
While reeling out the strides of the Abiodun-led administration in ridding the state of GBV, the commissioner stated that the government had established Sexual Assault Referral Centres, SARC, in zones of the state in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, and Ogun State Transformation Projects, OGSTEP. The centres, she added, were equipped to provide immediate care, support and counselling for survivors of GBV.
She added that this intervention aimed to facilitate the commencement of the healing process for survivors, revealing that toll-free lines had equally been provided for a quick response from the government-trained responders and service providers.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Adejumoke Adewole, underscored the importance of a collective mission to raise awareness of GBV and advocate for the rights and dignity of women and girls in communities.
She implored the stakeholders to use their positions to speak on behalf of the voiceless, particularly women and girls, calling on them to work together with the state government and UNFPA to curb structures perpetuating violence in society.
Earlier in her lecture titled “Roles of Community Leaders in Responding and Preventing GBV,” UNFPA’s gender analyst, Dr Esther Somefun, highlighted some of the key roles of community leaders as embracing and encouraging survivors of GBV, avoiding discrimination towards them, reporting acts of violence against women and girls at all times and publicising the toll-free lines for reporting GBV.
While delivering another lecture, a representative of APIN Public Health Initiatives, Favour Ojo-Omoniyi, noted that opinion leaders needed to equip themselves with necessary education about GBV and prepare to offer support to survivors.
Representative of the Forum of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria, FOMWAN, Zainab Jinadu and her counterpart from the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Osioyemi Olasunkanmi, commended the state government and UNFPA for coming up with the idea of involving them as gatekeepers of the community in eliminating GBV cases.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has stepped in to call for immediate action in the case of Segun Olowookere, an indigene who was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl.
Recall Segun’s mother, Folashade Olowookere, emotionally shared the story of her son, who is currently imprisoned, during an interview on Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo’s YouTube podcast. The video gained significant attention, including from Governor Adeleke.
Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke directed a swift investigation and ordered that steps be taken for a potential pardon in Segun’s case. The Governor further instructed the Attorney General to ensure Segun is considered for the prerogative of mercy before the year ends.
The statement read, “I have reviewed the case and acknowledge the importance of the separation of powers in our democracy. In this instance, I have instructed the Commissioner for Justice to begin the process of granting mercy to this young man.
“Osun is a state of justice and fairness. We must uphold the protection of lives and ensure equity.
“I want to assure the public that this matter is receiving my personal attention, and we are acting with urgency as a responsible government.”
The Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, recalled two of its members that were suspended in November over alleged gross misconduct.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the recall was announced during plenary in Asaba by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.
Recall that the Assembly had on November 6 suspended Mr Dafe Chukudi (PDP-Ukwuani) for 14 legislative days over alleged gross misconduct, while Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi) was also suspended for 14 legislative days for the same offense on November 12.
“Dear colleagues, following the allegation of gross misconduct against our suspended members and subsequently, a committee on investigation headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, was set up.
“The committee has commenced investigation. However, the 14 days that they were suspended has elapsed. And by the confidence you all reposed in me as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and now that the 14 days of their suspension has elapsed, there is need to recall Mr Dafe Chukudi and Mr Oboro Preyor to resume their duties as members going forward.
“The suspended members are hereby recalled pending on the outcome of their investigative committee.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, expressed joy over the recall of the lawmakers, saying, “I am very happy that we have lifted their suspension.
“The Speaker has recalled them so that they can celebrate the Christmas with joy and even enter the New Year with some relief of happiness. For me, this is a party gift for me even though I’m not affected.”
By Gloria Ikibah
Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives at 12 noon today, there is tight security at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
As early as 6.00 a.m., operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and other security agencies, including the Police, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Sergeant-at-Arms, were stationed at the gates and within the premises to ensure order and safety during the event.
Naijablitznews.com reports that staff of the National Assembly were directed to stay home, except those required for the event, who were instructed to report before 8.00 a.m., according to a memo issued by the Director of Human Resources and Staff Development.
Senators and House members were seen arriving at the Green Chamber, where the joint session is scheduled to take place. On Tuesday, during a closed-door plenary, the House of Representatives followed the tradition of moving a motion to allow non-members into the chamber for the session.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved an estimated expenditure of N47.96 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year during its meeting on Monday.
Meanwhile, business activities within the National Assembly complex, including banking and food services, have been suspended following directives from the Assembly’s management. Only those on an approved list, including staff, media personnel, and members of the press corps, are allowed access after identification at the gate.
The joint session will be presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
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