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President Tinubu Orders Immediate Rescue of 25 Abducted Girls Amid Renewed Bandit Onslaught

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Armed bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, abducting 25 terrified schoolgirls and brutally gunning down the school’s vice principal. The attack, which unfolded around 4 a.m. local time, marks a chilling resurgence of school-targeted kidnappings, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to issue a direct presidential order for their swift and safe recovery.

Eyewitness accounts and police reports paint a scene of chaos and horror. Gunmen, wielding sophisticated weapons and firing sporadically to sow panic, scaled the school’s perimeter fence and made straight for the female students’ hostel. In the ensuing melee, Vice Principal Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku was shot dead while heroically attempting to shield the girls. A school security guard, Ali Shehu, sustained severe gunshot wounds to his right hand and is receiving urgent medical attention. The attackers vanished into the dense surrounding forests with their young captives, leaving behind a trail of grief-stricken families and a community reeling from the violation of one of its most sacred spaces.

Kebbi State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi, confirmed the details in a statement from Birnin Kebbi, vowing that “no stone will be left unturned” in the hunt for the perpetrators. Tactical police units, bolstered by military reinforcements and local vigilantes, have already fanned out across suspected escape routes and forested hideouts in a high-stakes search-and-rescue operation. “The bandits will not escape justice,” Abubakar assured, emphasizing the coordinated multi-agency effort now underway.

President Tinubu, briefed on the incident shortly after it occurred, wasted no time in responding with decisive action.

In a statement relayed through Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the president condemned the attack in the strongest terms, describing it as a “heinous assault on the nation’s future” and a direct challenge to the federal government’s security mandate. “Protecting every Nigerian, especially our innocent schoolchildren, remains a solemn responsibility of the State,” Tinubu declared, directing security and intelligence agencies to “swing into immediate action” for the girls’ unharmed release.

He further instructed that the attackers face the “full weight of the law,” underscoring a zero-tolerance stance against such barbarism.

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, labeled the raid “unacceptable and tragic,” offering prayers for the slain vice principal’s family and reaffirming the administration’s commitment to bolstering internal security. “The Federal Government is recalibrating our military, policing, and intelligence capabilities to prevent these attacks and respond with greater speed and precision,” Idris added on Tinubu’s behalf, signaling broader reforms in the offing.

This latest outrage revives painful memories of Nigeria’s protracted battle against banditry and insurgency in the northwest. Over the past decade, armed groups have repeatedly targeted educational institutions in states like Kebbi, Kaduna, and Zamfara, abducting hundreds of pupils for ransom or recruitment. The March 2024 Kuriga school kidnapping in neighboring Kaduna State, where over 250 students were seized, remains a stark benchmark, though most were eventually freed through military intervention.

The Federal Government has extended its deepest condolences to the Makuku family and the affected households, promising accountability and closure. In a nation where the right to learn without fear is increasingly under siege, Tinubu’s orders represent more than a tactical directive, they are a clarion call to reclaim security for the vulnerable. Updates on the operation will follow as they emerge, but one thing is clear: Nigeria will not yield to terror’s shadow.

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NewsHealthSpecial Report

Wearing padded bras may cause nipple dryness, say experts

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

In the quest for the perfect silhouette, millions of women worldwide turn to padded bras for that seamless, confidence-boosting lift. But what if the very padding designed to smooth and conceal is quietly wreaking havoc on one of the body’s most sensitive areas?

Experts are sounding the alarm: prolonged use of padded bras could be contributing to nipple dryness, irritation, and long-term discomfort, urging a rethink on everyday lingerie choices.

The warning comes amid growing awareness of how everyday undergarments interact with delicate skin. Dr. Elyse Love, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, explains that while padded bras offer aesthetic benefits, like preventing nipple show-through on thin fabrics, they can trap moisture and create friction against the nipples. “The added layers can reduce airflow, leading to dryness, chafing, or even exacerbated conditions like eczema in prone individuals,” she notes. This isn’t just anecdotal; medical sources corroborate that ill-fitting or overly restrictive bras, including padded varieties, are a common culprit for nipple soreness and dryness, especially during hormonal shifts or in dry climates.

At the heart of the issue is biology meets fashion. Nipples, rich in nerve endings and sebaceous glands, rely on natural oils and ventilation to stay hydrated. Padded bras, often made with synthetic foams and fabrics, can disrupt this balance by compressing tissue and limiting breathability. A recent health advisory in Nigeria highlighted this exact concern, quoting experts who link constant padding to not just dryness but potential sagging from undue pressure on breast tissues.a00830 “It’s like wearing a cozy sweater on a summer day—comfortable at first, but it builds up heat and irritation over time,” adds Dr. Ayesha Haque, another dermatology specialist.

The ripple effects extend beyond aesthetics. Women report itchy, cracked skin that worsens with sweat or hormonal cycles, sometimes mimicking symptoms of thrush or contact dermatitis.

For active individuals, the problem intensifies during workouts, where motion amplifies chafing. Fitness enthusiasts on forums like Reddit echo this frustration, with many ditching padding for lighter alternatives to avoid the “pokey” discomfort that backfires into dryness. Even broader risks lurk: some padded bras contain trace chemicals like formaldehyde, flagged as potential irritants or carcinogens by consumer watchdogs, though regulators maintain they’re safe in low doses.

Not all experts agree on the severity, some, like lingerie designer Lily Flast of Soutien NYC, argue that well-fitted padded bras are harmless for most and preferable to chafing from unpadded options.

However, the consensus leans toward moderation. “Rotate your bras and prioritize cotton or moisture-wicking materials,” advises the Cleveland Clinic, recommending over-the-counter lanolin creams or petroleum jelly for relief. For those with persistent issues, a dermatologist visit is key to rule out underlying conditions.

As lingerie brands race to innovate, think seamless, ventilated paddings and eco-friendly foams consumers are empowered to demand better. Sarah Thompson, a 32-year-old marketing executive from Lagos, swapped her daily padded routine for wireless alternatives six months ago. “My nipples haven’t felt this soft in years,” she shares. “It’s a small change with big payoffs.”

This story serves as a gentle nudge: comfort isn’t just about the fit—it’s about listening to your skin. Next time you reach for that padded push-up, pause and ask: Is it lifting you up, or holding you back?

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NewsHealth

Ogun State Commits to Empowering 10,000 Rural Girls with Free Sanitary Pads Initiative

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Ogun State Government has announced plans to distribute free sanitary pads to 10,000 girls in rural communities across the state in a bold step toward tackling period poverty and promoting menstrual hygiene

The initiative, unveiled today by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, aims to ensure that adolescent girls in underserved areas can attend school without the burden of menstrual challenges.

The program, dubbed “Pad for Every Girl,” will target secondary school students in remote local government areas, including Ifo, Ado-Odo/Ota, and Yewa North, where access to affordable hygiene products remains a significant barrier. Officials estimate that the distribution will commence in early December, with partnerships from local NGOs and health organizations to facilitate logistics and education sessions on menstrual health.

“This is more than just providing pads; it’s about breaking the cycle of absenteeism and stigma that affects our girls’ education and future,” said Dr. Aisha Bello, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development. “In Ogun State, we believe every girl deserves dignity and opportunity. By addressing this basic need, we’re investing in healthier, more empowered communities.”

The announcement comes amid growing national conversations on menstrual equity in Nigeria, where economic pressures have driven up the cost of sanitary products, now averaging ₦500–₦800 per pack in many markets. Studies from organizations like UNICEF indicate that one in four girls in rural Nigeria misses school during their periods due to lack of supplies, contributing to higher dropout rates among female students.

This government-led effort builds on previous NGO-driven campaigns in the state. For instance, the Pamilerin Foundation’s “Give A Girl Child A Pad” initiative distributed 12,000 pads in Ogun in 2022, while more recent programs by groups like Padbank have reached thousands through school outreaches in Lagos and Ogun.

However, state officials emphasized that the scale of this new program, reaching 10,000 beneficiaries marks a significant escalation, with a budget allocation of ₦50 million from the state’s social welfare fund.

During the launch event at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, beneficiaries from pilot schools shared testimonials. “Before, I would stay home for days every month because we couldn’t afford pads. Now, I can focus on my studies,” said 14-year-old Fatima Adebayo from a rural school in Ijebu-Ode.

The initiative will also include workshops on reusable pad alternatives and hygiene practices, in collaboration with health experts, to foster long-term sustainability.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, hailed the program as a cornerstone of the state’s gender equity agenda, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.

Advocates praise the move but call for nationwide replication. “Ogun’s commitment sets a precedent. Federal support could amplify this to millions,” noted Chioma Okoro, executive director of a Lagos-based women’s rights NGO.

As distributions roll out, the state anticipates measurable impacts: reduced school absenteeism, lower infection rates from poor hygiene, and boosted confidence among rural girls.

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NewsTrendingUncategorized

Gender Equality: The Cornerstone of Nigeria’s Progress, Says First Lady Remi Tinubu

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Calling for unity and inclusion, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, declared that achieving true national development hinges on fostering gender equality, with men and women standing as equal allies in dismantling barriers and unlocking opportunities for all.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Oluremi Tinubu Gender and Public Policy Studies Centre at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, Tinubu emphasized that “actual progress will come when both genders stand as allies, working together to dismantle stereotypes, open opportunities, and strengthen our collective humanity.”

The event, held on Wednesday, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s push for gender-responsive policymaking. Tinubu, who personally donated ₦250 million to establish the Centre, described it as a dedicated hub for groundbreaking research, innovative policy development, and leadership training aimed at promoting equitable governance across the country. “This Centre aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which harnesses the full potential of every citizen, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or economic background, to drive sustainable growth,” she stated in remarks shared by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi.

The Oluremi Tinubu Gender and Public Policy Studies Centre is poised to become a beacon for gender-based studies, addressing critical gaps in women’s representation in leadership and decision-making roles. During the ceremony, Tinubu highlighted the transformative potential of collaborative efforts between men and women, urging stakeholders to prioritize policies that eliminate systemic biases and empower marginalized voices. “Nigeria’s journey to prosperity demands that we invest in inclusion today, so that tomorrow’s leaders—male and female alike—can build a nation where no talent is left behind,” she added.

The initiative received widespread support from dignitaries in attendance. Former Senate President and Chairman of the NIPSS Board, Senator Ken Nnamani, praised Tinubu as a “go-getter” whose unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and nation-building sets a high standard for public service. “Naming this Centre after Senator Tinubu is a fitting tribute to her exemplary leadership,” Nnamani remarked, while calling for infrastructure upgrades at the Institute as it nears its 50th anniversary.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang echoed these sentiments, noting that the Centre would “enrich public discourse on women’s representation in governance” and foster a more balanced approach to policy formulation.

The First Lady concluded her address with optimism: “Let this Centre be the spark that ignites a movement, where equality is not just a goal, but the foundation of our shared future.” With her ₦250 million investment, Tinubu is not only funding infrastructure but investing in the very fabric of Nigeria’s development story.

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Nigeria Mourns: Hajiya Saratu Shagari, Last Surviving Wife of Ex-President Shehu Shagari, Passes at 89

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Shagari family, one of Nigeria’s most revered political dynasties, is in mourning today following the death of Hajiya Saratu Shehu Shagari, the last surviving wife of the late former President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari. The matriarch, aged 89, passed away peacefully at approximately 3:00 p.m. local time after a prolonged illness, marking the end of an era for a woman who embodied quiet resilience amid the turbulence of national leadership.

In a heartfelt statement released this evening, Capt. Muhammad Bala Shagari (retd.), the late president’s eldest son and Sarkin Mafaran Shagari, announced the loss: “With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Hajiya Saratu Shehu Shagari, the last surviving wife of former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, GCFR, Turakin Sokoto.” He described her as “an embodiment of grace, humility, and quiet strength; a devoted mother, grandmother, and matriarch who lived a life defined by dignity and compassion.”

Hajiya Saratu’s life was inextricably linked to her husband’s illustrious yet tumultuous political journey. Born into a prominent Fulani family in northern Nigeria, she married Shehu Shagari in the early 1950s, becoming a steadfast pillar during his rise through the ranks of Nigerian politics. Shagari, a founding member of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) and later the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), served as Nigeria’s first democratically elected executive president from 1979 to 1983. His administration navigated the young democracy through economic challenges, including the global oil glut, while championing infrastructure projects and educational reforms.

Yet, Hajiya Saratu’s role extended far beyond the public eye. As First Lady, she maintained a low-profile grace, focusing on family, philanthropy, and Islamic charity work. She supported women’s education initiatives in Sokoto State and quietly advocated for family welfare during her husband’s tenure. Following the military coup that ousted Shagari on December 31, 1983, led by then-Major General Muhammadu Buhari, the couple retreated to their hometown of Shagari village in Sokoto State. There, Hajiya Saratu cared for her family through years of house arrest and political exile, until Shagari’s death in 2018 at age 93.

Tributes have begun pouring in from across Nigeria’s political spectrum. A grandson, Bello Bala Shagari, shared on social media: “We lost our matriarch, the only surviving wife of our late grandfather, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”

Political figures, including representatives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have expressed condolences, hailing her as a symbol of enduring dignity in public service.

Details of funeral arrangements, expected to follow Islamic rites, will be announced shortly by the family. The burial is anticipated in Shagari village, drawing dignitaries from across the nation to honor a life that bridged Nigeria’s transition from colonial rule to independence and beyond.

Hajiya Saratu’s legacy of unwavering support, faith, and modesty, serves as a reminder of the unsung heroes behind the headlines.

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NewsTrending

Nigeria Rejects U.S. “Genocide” Claim: First Lady, CAN Youths Fight Back

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

In defense of Nigeria’s unity, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, alongside the youth wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), firmly rejected recent U.S. claims of widespread religious persecution and an alleged “genocide” against Christians during a high-profile interfaith youth conference in Abuja today.

The event, themed “Let the Truth Set You Free,” comes amid escalating international scrutiny following the Trump administration’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for alleged violations of religious freedom.

Speaking to a gathering of over 1,000 young Christian leaders, Senator Tinubu, an ordained pastor herself, dismissed the U.S. narrative as a “distorted portrayal” that oversimplifies Nigeria’s complex security challenges and risks sowing division among its diverse populace. “Nigeria is not a country of concern in the way it’s being painted,” she declared, emphasizing the nation’s constitutional guarantees for religious freedom and the peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims across communities. “Our diversity is our strength, not a source of weakness. Terrorists do not discriminate by faith before they strike, the pain is shared by all Nigerians.”

The First Lady urged the youth to serve as “agents of reconciliation,” rejecting ethnic and religious bigotry while championing education and interfaith dialogue as tools for national healing. She highlighted the role of churches and mosques as “incubators of moral regeneration” under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to protecting all citizens regardless of creed.

Loudening her sentiments, Ambassador Belusochukwu Enwere, National Chairman of the Youth Wing of CAN (YOWICAN) and convener of the conference, criticized the CPC designation as an “overgeneralization” that ignores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity. “This is a moment for dialogue, not defensiveness; for discernment, not division,” Enwere stated, pointing to recent attacks in states like Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna that have claimed lives across religious lines. He called on security agencies to enhance intelligence, equip forces, and prosecute perpetrators, while commending the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) for its peace-building initiatives. “Stop the killings of all Nigerians. Every life matters,” he implored, advocating for interfaith town halls and digital campaigns to amplify stories of resilience and shared suffering.

The pushback arrives on the heels of heightened U.S. rhetoric, including President Donald Trump’s threats of military intervention “guns blazing” if the alleged persecution persists, a move he first pursued during his initial term in 2020, only for the designation to be reversed under the Biden administration.

Trump’s recent actions, including ordering the Pentagon to plan potential operations, have drawn sharp rebukes from Nigerian officials. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar warned that such threats could push Nigeria toward instability akin to Libya or Sudan, insinuating that the country’s challenges stem from socio-economic and political factors, not state-sanctioned religious bias.

Experts and data further bolster Nigeria’s stance. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reports that while violence has surged this year, surpassed only by Sudan and Somalia, only a fraction of civilian attacks (around 50 out of 1,923) explicitly target Christians for religious reasons, with groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP often striking indiscriminately.

Analysts like Ladd Serwat of ACLED argue that inflated figures, such as claims of 100,000 Christian deaths since 2009, conflate all political violence and lack verifiable sourcing.2a9bd2 The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has similarly decried the “fake genocide” narrative as politically motivated, accusing foreign lobbyists and separatist groups of exploiting insecurity for gain.

Public reaction has been mixed but largely supportive of domestic solutions over foreign intervention. Social media buzzed with calls for unity, with users like entrepreneur Bianca Comfort expressing hope that global attention might spur stronger action against insurgents without risking invasion.

Others, including a Lagos-based vendor, dismissed Trump’s troop deployment ideas as misguided, insisting Nigerians must chart their own path to peace.

While Nigeria navigates this tightrope, the conference’s closing prayer, a joint invocation by Christian and Muslim youth, symbolized a broader call for harmony. “Let the truth set us free from narratives that portray us as perpetrators rather than protectors,” Enwere concluded.

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NewsTrendingWomen in Nigeria

Bandits Abduct Four Nursing Mothers in Late-Night Raid on Kano Village, Leaving Babies Behind

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

In an act of violence that has left a rural community reeling, armed bandits stormed Yan Kwada village in the Faruruwa area of Shanono Local Government Area, Kano State, late Sunday night, abducting five women, four of whom were nursing mothers and ruthlessly discarding their infants before fleeing with the captives and a herd of livestock.

The attack, which occurred around 9 p.m., saw the assailants arrive on motorcycles, firing shots into the air to terrorize residents and force their way into homes. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as the gunmen, armed with sophisticated weapons, targeted vulnerable households, separating the mothers from their newborns in a heart-wrenching display of cruelty. “They threw the babies away like trash and dragged the women into the night,” recounted one villager, speaking on condition of anonymity out of fear for their safety.

Yahaya Bagobiri, chairman of the Faruruwa community security committee, confirmed the harrowing details in interviews with local media outlets. He revealed that while five women were initially seized, one managed a daring escape, reuniting with her family and leaving four nursing mothers in the bandits’ clutches. The raiders also made off with approximately 50 cows and an unspecified number of other animals, compounding the economic devastation on an already impoverished agrarian community.

This incident marks yet another escalation in the wave of banditry plaguing Kano’s border regions with Katsina State, where criminal gangs have intensified operations amid shifting dynamics in neighboring areas. Just days prior, security forces repelled a similar incursion in the same locality, neutralizing 19 attackers in a fierce firefight. However, Bagobiri expressed profound frustration over the apparent lapses in response. “We alerted the military and other agencies yesterday when we heard the bandits were approaching, but nothing was done until they struck at 9 p.m.,” he lamented. “These attacks happen almost daily, despite the heavy security presence. Our people are living in constant fear.”

The abductions have ignited urgent calls for defenses and cross-state collaboration.

Community elders and traditional leaders are appealing to Kano State authorities to intensify patrols and coordinate with Katsina, where recent peace accords with bandit factions have reportedly displaced criminal elements into adjoining territories. “Kano must reinforce its frontline security or risk total destabilization from these spillover effects,” warned a senior traditional figure from the area, emphasizing the need for swift rescue operations to save the captives.

As of Monday evening, the Kano State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident, though villagers hold out hope for immediate action. The fate of the four abducted mothers remains uncertain, with families pleading for their safe return amid growing outrage over the vulnerability of women and children in Nigeria’s restive north.

 

 

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NewsPolitics

AAC Guber Candidate Vows to Scrap Anambra’s Controversial Security Outfit If Elected

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

In a bold campaign promise ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, Chioma Grace Ifemeludike, the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate, has pledged to dismantle Anambra State’s vigilance group, Agunechemba, citing its ineffectiveness and alleged human rights abuses.

Speaking at a recent town hall engagement, the 36-year-old Nollywood actress-turned-politician lambasted the current administration under Governor Chukwuma Soludo for failing to prioritize residents’ safety. “Lives haven’t mattered in Anambra,” Ifemeludike declared, questioning the state’s reliance on external interventions. “Are we waiting for the US to come and save Anambra State? It doesn’t make any sense.”

Ifemeludike, the youngest among the 16 candidates vying for the state’s top job, positioned her eight-point agenda as a roadmap to “transform Anambra into a beacon of progress, prosperity, and good governance.” Central to her vision is a complete overhaul of the security architecture. She vowed to scrap Agunechemba, a vigilante outfit launched earlier this year to combat rising insecurity and replace it with a more effective, accountable system.

“I’ll scrap it [Agunechemba] because it’s not effective,” she stated. The promise echoes her earlier criticisms of the group, which she has described as a “nightmare to Ndi Anambra” (Anambra citizens). In April, Ifemeludike called for an immediate probe into alleged extrajudicial killings, criminal activities, and human rights violations by its operatives, urging the establishment of a supervisory board to curb excesses.

The controversy surrounding Agunechemba has simmered since its inception, with reports of rogue elements engaging in harassment and unlawful arrests drawing public ire. Soludo’s administration has defended the outfit as a necessary response to kidnappings and armed robberies, promising measures to weed out bad actors. However, Ifemeludike’s accusations have resonated in a state plagued by insecurity, where voters are desperate for tangible solutions.

Ifemeludike, hailing from Idemili South Local Government Area in Anambra Central Senatorial District, has emerged as a fresh voice in the race. A former beauty queen and advocate for youth empowerment, she recently dazzled audiences at a gubernatorial debate organized by the Creative Mind Centre for Youth and Community Development, outlining plans for inclusive governance, economic revitalization, and STEM education. Her running mate, Kingsley Mgbemena, complements her ticket with experience in community development.

Critics, however, have pointed to an old photograph of the candidate that sparked debates about “sexualizing politics,” though Ifemeludike has dismissed it as a distraction from substantive issues. Undeterred, she positions herself as “the people’s choice,” challenging the state’s power rotation tradition and calling for merit-based leadership.

The November 8 election pits Ifemeludike against heavyweights like incumbent Soludo (APGA), APC’s Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, who promises to convert kidnappers’ dens into industrial hubs and ADC’s John Nwosu, who claims he can end insecurity in four months. With 21 local government areas at stake, the race is expected to be fierce, with security topping voters’ concerns.

As polls open in two days, Ifemeludike’s pledge has ignited discussions on whether scrapping Agunechemba is a radical fix or a risky gamble. “Anambra deserves better than vigilante nightmares,” she concluded. “Elect me, and we’ll build security that serves, not terrorizes.”

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NewsSport

Super Falcons’ Chiamaka Nnadozie Nominated for FIFA The Best Women’s Goalkeeper Award 2025

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By Prosper Mene 

Nigerian international, Chiamaka Nnadozie, the talismanic goalkeeper for the Super Falcons, has been shortlisted for the prestigious FIFA The Best Women’s Goalkeeper Award for 2025, highlighting her meteoric rise as one of the world’s elite shot-stoppers.

The 24-year-old, currently starring for Brighton & Hove Albion in England’s Women’s Super League, earned the nomination following a stellar 2024/25 season that blended club triumphs and international glory. FIFA announced the shortlist today, placing Nnadozie alongside a formidable field of global talents, including Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Spain’s Cata Coll (Barcelona), Chile’s Christiane Endler (Lyon), England’s Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), England’s Anna Moorhouse (Angel City FC), and the USA’s Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United).

Nnadozie’s campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. At club level, she anchored Paris FC to their first Coupe de France Féminine title in over two decades, delivering a clean sheet in the final against rivals Paris Saint-Germain and saving two penalties in the shootout to seal victory in May. Her commanding presence helped the team reach the French league playoffs, earning her widespread acclaim for consistency and leadership between the posts.

On the international front, Nnadozie was the linchpin in Nigeria’s triumphant return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown in Rabat, Morocco, in August. Across six matches, she secured four clean sheets, conceding just twice from open play—including both in the final against the hosts—and claimed the Golden Glove as the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper. Her clutch saves in the knockout stages were instrumental in the Super Falcons’ 10th continental title.

This FIFA nod caps a year of accolades for Nnadozie, who became the first African nominated for the Women’s Yashin Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or, where she finished a respectable fourth in September. She is also in contention for a third consecutive CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award at the upcoming Confederation of African Football ceremony, a feat that would further solidify her status as Africa’s premier custodian.

“If Nnadozie lifts the Yashin or any of these honors, it would be historic,” said Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu, who himself made waves as the first African nominated for the Ballon d’Or Best Coach award earlier this year. “Her journey is about persistence and faith—it’s not just for her, but for every young girl in Africa dreaming big in football.”

Nnadozie’s form has carried over seamlessly to Brighton, where she recently earned a nomination for the Barclays WSL Save of the Month for October after a stunning denial of Tottenham’s Eveliina Summanen from a free-kick. Her quick reflexes, aerial dominance, and penalty prowess have drawn comparisons to the likes of Endler and Coll, positioning her as a frontrunner for the FIFA award.

The winners of The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025 will be revealed at a gala ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland, on December 17. As Nigeria celebrates another milestone for its women’s football stars, Nnadozie’s shortlist spot underscores the growing global influence of African talent in the women’s game.

For Nnadozie, who burst onto the scene as a teenager with the Super Falcons, the recognition is deeply personal. “This is to encourage every goalkeeper in Africa: Keep working hard, because anything is possible,” she shared earlier this year after her Ballon d’Or nod.

With eyes now on Zurich, all of Nigeria and the continent will be cheering for the Super Falcons’ unbreakable wall to claim the ultimate prize.

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NewsEmpowermentWomen Empowerment

Ogun State Launches Initiative to Empower 105,000 Women in Four Key Local Governments

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Ogun State Government has unveiled the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), targeting over 105,000 women across four strategically selected local government areas (LGAs).

The initiative, launched today in Akute, Ifo LGA, promises enhanced access to finance, business training, and social networks, positioning Ogun as a frontrunner in gender-inclusive development.

The project focuses on Ifo, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, and Ado-Odo/Ota LGAs, where women in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) often struggle with limited capital and market linkages. Funded by the Federal Government in partnership with the World Bank, NFWP-SU builds on the success of earlier phases that have already empowered tens of thousands of women nationwide. In Ogun alone, precursor programs like the state-led Oko’wo Dapo scheme have disbursed billions in grants, lifting over 100,000 women toward financial self-reliance since Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration began in 2019.

Speaking at the launch event, Ogun’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, hailed the program as a “bold step toward institutionalizing women’s economic empowerment in the Gateway State.” She emphasized the role of community leaders and traditional rulers in sustaining momentum, urging participants to form affinity groups for mutual support. “This is not just a government handout—it’s a movement to equip our women with the tools to build lasting enterprises and secure their families’ futures,” Adeleye stated.

State Project Coordinator Mrs. Bolanle Fadairo provided deeper insights into the program’s structure, noting its phased rollout across six states. “NFWP-SU fosters women’s economic empowerment through targeted interventions: savings mobilization, skills workshops, and enterprise grants. In Ogun, we’re prioritizing rural and informal sector women, who form the backbone of our local economy.” Early beneficiaries will receive revolving grants, business mentorship, and digital literacy training, with monitoring to ensure scalability.

The launch drew widespread acclaim from local stakeholders. Moradeun Ogundele, Chairman of the Akute Central Community Development Council, praised the initiative for its potential to “significantly improve socio-economic conditions while promoting financial stability at the grassroots level.” Community women in attendance shared stories of past hardships, from subsidy removal’s ripple effects to barriers in accessing traditional loans, expressing optimism that NFWP-SU could turn the tide.

This effort aligns with Governor Abiodun’s broader agenda, including an Executive Order mandating 35% women’s representation in governance and politics, and the expansion of safe centers that double as vocational hubs for gender-based violence survivors. Earlier this year, over 40,000 women benefited from the Oko’wo Dapo scheme, which provided financial literacy and startup capital, demonstrating the state’s commitment to inclusive growth amid economic challenges.

 

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