…as minister say funding gaps, operational hurdles come to light

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called on the Ministry of Women Affairs to fully uphold its responsibility of advancing gender equality and safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of women and girls across the country.

This charge was delivered during an oversight meeting at the National Assembly, where the Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, met with the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleman Ibrahim, at the National Assembly on Wednesday.

The engagement focused on reviewing how the ministry is implementing its 2024 budget and assessing the transparency and accountability of its programmes.

Rep. Ogbara underlined the committee’s interest in ensuring that public resources earmarked for women and girls translate into meaningful empowerment and protection.

The minister, in her response, outlined the ministry’s challenges, including limited funding and structural constraints, which continue to hinder the full execution of its mandate.

She said, “This is not merely a procedural exercise; it is a vital opportunity for us to ensure that our financial commitments translate into meaningful outcomes for the women and girls of our nation. As lawmakers, we have a profound responsibility to scrutinize how public funds are allocated, released, and utilized.

“The budget is not just a document of figures; it is a reflection of our values and priorities as a society. The allocations made to the Ministry of Women Affairs are crucial for advancing gender equality, promoting women’s rights, and ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to thrive”.

Rep. Ogbara noted that, in reviewing the budget allocations for 2024, the Committee must focus on three key areas which include; percentage releases, expenditure and utilization.

“Considering the percentage releases, it is imperative that we understand how much of the allocated budget has been released so far and whether these releases align with the timelines established in our planning processes. Delays in fund disbursement can hinder the implementation of critical programs aimed at supporting women’s health, education, economic empowerment, and protection against violence.

“Next, we will examine expenditure. We need to analyze how these funds have been spent thus far. Are we witnessing effective use of resources? Are funds being directed towards programs that yield tangible results? We must ensure that every naira spent reflects our commitment to uplifting women and addressing their unique challenges. This requires us to ask the right questions and demand clear answers”, Ogbara added.

In response, the Minister explained that, the population of women and girls is an important percentage of the country’s which needed all the attention to make Nigeria great.

“So as a lead ministry for social protection, that caters for children, for women, for the family agenda of the country.

“Yes, we have a few challenges when it comes to operations. I know that as a country, we’re facing challenges when it comes to the implementation of the 2024 and 2025. But aside that, we’re battling with issues around outdated policies and insufficient guidelines and protocols to be able to discharge our functions, which is all work in progress.

“We’ve set up a committee to ensure that all these laws are properly reviewed and then brought to the National Assembly for the final passage. And another challenge that we have faced is also the issue of funding. And I’m pleased that today, the MTF was presented at FEC.

“Mr. President has approved for me to sit with the economic team to be able to design a budget that reflects the priorities for the women in the country. Another challenge that we also face is the challenge around changes that have happened in the ministry. We’ve experienced so much changes, change of permanent secretaries, and I’m also just one year in the ministry, so we’re still trying to settle in with that.

“But we’re coming around when it comes to that. Another challenge that we face as well is the issue of coordination. It’s a very appealing place to play.So the whole space is contaminated. The development partners are not helping. We cannot track where funds are going.

“There’s so much duplication of efforts and waste of scarce resources. And that’s also an area that we’re working with the SJF, the budget office, to see that there’s no play around this area, because funds that should go to the vulnerable people, or even funds that should go to protection are not even accounted for because of the way that we operate with development partners. We received letters from embassy saying that we should come as guests at programmes that we should be leading.

“So there’s a lot of contamination in the space. And I think that it comes from the way that the ministry was run in the past. On this note, I’d also like to make reference to the document that was submitted in response to the letter that we received from the committee, which has broken down how far we have gone with implementation of the 2024 budget, 2025 budget.

“And I would just like to briefly highlight that in 2024, we received 99% of the overhead and personnel cost. And I think about, as of the last time, I knew it was 30, but it’s showing 6.9% release of the capital for 2024. For 2025 budget, we received 13.4% of the overhead, 79.9% of personnel cost, but only 0.1% of our capital budget.

“I’d like to reiterate and reference your speech, Honourable Chair, where you highlighted the need for us to work together and also to carry everyone along and to capture every interest group. And I cannot agree anymore”, the minister said.

…groundbreaking for the Council’s long-awaited remodelled secretariat

…media indispensable to effective lawmaking, public trust – Reps Spokesperson

By Gloria Ikibah

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council on Thursday welcomed an array of distinguished guests, including the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., and the Managing Director of Arise News, Mr. Bayo Awosemo, as Chairman Comrade Grace Ike marked her first anniversary in office, an occasion that also featured the groundbreaking of the remodelled council hall in Abuja.

The gathering celebrated Ike’s historic rise as the first woman to lead the NUJ FCT Council in its 41-year history, as well as the strides made under her stewardship.

In her address, Comrade Ike reflected on the significance of the mandate entrusted to her, declaring that the union had “broke a 41-year pattern” by electing its first female chairman, an act she described as a defining moment that “ignited a new dawn” for the council.

She said the milestone being commemorated was “a story of a council that chose transformation over tradition, unity over division, and progress over stagnation,” noting that her administration entered office with a firm resolve “to rebuild trust, revive spirits, and reposition the NUJ FCT as a powerful house of journalism.”

Highlighting efforts to strengthen internal bonds, Ike noted that shared moments across Christmas, Ramadan iftar, Salah celebrations and Easter “proved that unity is not a slogan but a lifestyle.”

She emphasised that the council had also prioritised professional growth, explaining that her administration “reinforced the backbone of professionalism” through training programmes, the creation of new press clubs in secondary schools, and structured capacity development for information officers.

The anniversary celebration continued with praise from invited dignitaries and renewed commitments from partners eager to support the council’s transformation and the redevelopment of its secretariat.

On welfare, she said journalists’ well-being remained central to her administration, explaining that medical outreaches and responsive support interventions reaffirmed her belief that “a journalist’s life is as important as the story they tell.” She celebrated the revival of the council’s sporting culture through football and table tennis tournaments that united members beyond the newsroom.

Turning to infrastructure, Ike pointed to the day’s ground-breaking ceremony as a decisive step in transforming the council’s physical home. She stressed that journalists “deserve a conducive and well-equipped environment” that enhances pride and productivity, adding that the council was looking to stakeholders and policymakers to support the new vision.

“Our first year was rebuilding; the next will be elevation,” she assured members.

“With your support, we will continue shaping a council that commands respect across Nigeria—a council where welfare thrives, professionalism blossoms and unity endures”, she said.

In a goodwill message, the House of Representatives Spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi praised Ike’s leadership, describing her as “our ambassador” and commending her contribution to the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda during her time as Chair of the House Press Corps.

Rotimi assured journalists of the continued support of the National Assembly, noting that the media is indispensable to effective lawmaking and public trust.

He reflected on the pressures journalists endure—from racing deadlines to ensuring accuracy—and called for improved working conditions and welfare support.

“I know the burden of responsibility you carry.

“People only remember journalists when there are mistakes, yet the weight of nation-building sits heavily on your shoulders,” he said.

He commended the plans for the council’s new structure, referring to it as the kind of ambitious vision that “must be so big it can only be achieved by the Grace of God.”

Rotimi commended Ike for demonstrating that women excel when given opportunities, describing her as someone who “holds her own in very accomplished circles” and predicting she would be called to higher national service in the future.

Also in a goodwill message, the Director of Public Building at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Arc. Bature Garba, emphasised the long-standing partnership between the NUJ and the institutions responsible for Abuja’s development.

He noted that the progress of the nation’s capital depends heavily on “Accurate information, responsible reportage and meaningful public enlightenment,” roles he described as central to the NUJ’s mandate.

Garba recalled the FCTA’s past intervention in advancing the NUJ FCT Council Complex in Utako and reaffirmed his department’s commitment to provide technical guidance and professional oversight to ensure that facilities serving the media meet the highest standards.

He added that as Abuja continues its transformation into a globally competitive city, collaboration between developers and the media becomes even more critical.

Similarly, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, House of Representatives, Hon. Bamidele Salam, congratulated Comrade Ike on her first anniversary in office, describing her leadership as exemplary and transformative.

He described Grace Ike as a leader with  “capacity, integrity, passion and commitment to service,” noting that her achievements within one year had validated the trust reposed in her by members of the council.

According to him, “The true colour of service is not seen in gender, tribe or faith, but in the heart of the leader. In the last one year, we have all witnessed the capacity and dedication of the woman at the helm of affairs.”

He highlighted the groundbreaking ceremony for the remodelling of the NUJ Secretariat as a major milestone under her leadership, describing it as a testament to vision and purposeful administration.

He encouraged the NUJ FCT leadership to remain focused on excellence, teamwork, and inclusiveness, stressing that the end of every leadership journey is what determines its true assessment. “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof,” he said, quoting scripture.

The lawmaker pledged continuous support—personal and institutional—for the council’s development initiatives, promising to mobilize other stakeholders to contribute as well.

He prayed for greater opportunities for the chairperson and her team, expressing optimism that their achievements in office would pave the way for larger roles in national service.

The Director of Public Buildings at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and Personal Architect to the FCT Minister, Arch. Bature Garba, stressed the need for deeper collaboration between the media and city developers to advance the growth of the Federal Capital Territory.

Garba said the development of Abuja has historically depended on strong partnerships among government institutions, professional bodies, and the public.

He described the media—particularly the NUJ FCT Council—as one of the most strategic partners in the process of building a functional, modern and sustainable capital city.

Garba commended the leadership of the NUJ FCT under Comrade Grace Ike, noting that the anniversary presented an opportunity to reaffirm the long-standing synergy between media practitioners and agencies responsible for Abuja’s physical development.

He highlighted the ambitious reforms of the FCT Administration under the Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, in areas of infrastructure renewal, city maintenance and improved service delivery. According to him, the success of these reforms relies heavily on accurate information dissemination, responsible reportage and sustained public enlightenment — roles the media continues to play with “professionalism and patriotic commitment.”

The Director also acknowledged the FCDA’s historical support for the journalism profession, recalling the Administration’s intervention in the ongoing construction of the NUJ FCT Council Complex in Utako. The project, he said, is envisioned to serve as a modern workspace, training centre and press hub for journalists across the territory.

Garba reaffirmed the commitment of the Department of Public Buildings—which he leads—to offering technical support, professional oversight and guidance necessary for projects serving the media community and the general public.

He emphasised that ensuring safety, functionality and architectural excellence in public structures remains central to the department’s mandate.

“As Abuja grows into a more resilient and globally competitive capital city, partnership between the developers of the city and the media is even more crucial,” he said, adding that mutual respect, transparency and shared purpose are essential for achieving an orderly, progressive and inclusive FCT.

He congratulated the NUJ FCT Council and its leadership, urging them to continue championing a united voice in the public interest.

“Together, with collaboration and one vision, we can build a better Abuja for today and future generations,” he said.

Highlights of the event was the unveiling of a book titled: “The Power of Her Voice, GRACE IKE: Media Politics, and Strategic Publicity”, written by Benjamin Ubiri, member of the NUJ-FCT. 

By Prosper Olayiwola

Newly sworn-in Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), on Thursday vowed to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria, saying the outpouring of goodwill from citizens since his nomination and confirmation has strengthened his resolve to deliver results.

Speaking to journalists at the State House shortly after taking his oath of office before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former Chief of Defence Staff said Nigerians can look forward to a future where they go about their daily lives without fear of criminal elements.

“I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians. Nigerians have shown me love, and I will guarantee them that I am going to work, whatever it takes, to ensure that Nigeria is secured,” he said.

General Musa, returning to a sector he once led as the country’s top military officer, said his immediate priority would be to reinvigorate the defence architecture and strengthen collaboration among all security agencies.

“My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country. The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies, and all Nigerians being carried along, as we have always said, security is everybody’s responsibility,” he stated.

According to him, rebuilding and sustaining that synergy will be central to the administration’s push for lasting peace.

“It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on, and that’s what we’re going to do. I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” the minister added.

On his briefing with President Tinubu, Musa said the President was unequivocal in his directive that Nigeria must be secured to enable citizens to live normally again.

“He reiterated his mind on the aspect that we must make sure Nigeria is secured. Nigerians should go back and sleep with their eyes closed, go back to their farms, and schools should open without being molested,” he told reporters.

Musa said all efforts going forward will align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to create a secure environment for economic growth, education, agriculture, and community life.

“Everyone is being carried together to make sure that Nigeria continues to grow in line with the Renewed Hope programme of Mr. President,” he said.