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Former Vice-Chancellor Urges Nigerian Students to Embrace Science for National Progress

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By Prosper Mene 

Professor Chinedum Babalola, a distinguished Professor of Pharmacy and former Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University in Ogun State, called on Nigerian students to pursue careers in science-related fields, emphasizing their critical role in human survival and national development. Speaking at a university event in Abeokuta, Babalola cited the transformative power of science in addressing Nigeria’s challenges, from healthcare to economic growth.

“Science is the backbone of progress,” Babalola stated, addressing a group of students and faculty. “Whether it’s developing new medicines, improving agriculture, or tackling climate change, science remains essential to our survival and the advancement of our society.” Her remarks come at a time when Nigeria faces a shortage of skilled professionals in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, with only 20% of university graduates in 2024 coming from science-related disciplines, according to the National Universities Commission.

Babalola, a force of reckoning in pharmaceutical research and the first female Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, drew from her decades-long career to inspire the next generation. Her work in pharmacokinetics and drug development has earned international recognition, including the African Union’s Kwame Nkrumah Prize for Scientific Excellence in 2016. She urged students, particularly young women, to overcome societal barriers and pursue STEM careers, noting that women remain underrepresented in these fields, making up just 25% of Nigeria’s STEM workforce.

The professor also called for increased investment in science education and research infrastructure, citing inadequate funding and outdated facilities as major hurdles. “Our universities need modern laboratories and partnerships with industries to train students effectively,” she said, pointing to successful models in countries like South Africa and India.

Students at the event expressed enthusiasm for Babalola’s message. “Her story motivates me to pursue my dream of becoming a biomedical engineer,” said 19-year-old Aisha Ibrahim, a second-year student. Others called for mentorship programs to guide aspiring scientists, a suggestion Babalola endorsed, pledging to support initiatives at Chrisland University.

Her call to action resonates with Nigeria’s push for innovation-driven growth.

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Nigerian Women Hit Hard by Economic Woes and CBEX Investment Scam

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By Prosper Mene, April 16, 2025

Nigerian women, struggling with mounting economic hardship, are reeling from significant financial losses due to a fraudulent investment platform known as CBEX, which has locked thousands of users out of their accounts. The app, which lured investors with promises of high returns, up to 60% in three months, has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with women among the hardest hit as they struggle to recover life savings amid Nigeria’s broader economic challenges.

CBEX, marketed as a legitimate crypto-trading platform, gained fame among Nigerians seeking financial relief in an economy battered by inflation rates hovering around 33% and a weakened naira. Many women, including single mothers, petty traders, and small-scale entrepreneurs, invested their savings, hoping to secure a better future. However, since early March 2025, users have reported being unable to access their funds, with the platform’s customer service channels going silent. “I invested ₦250,000, my entire savings from my tailoring business,” said Amina Yusuf, a 38-year-old mother of three from Lagos. “Now, I can’t even feed my children properly.”

Posts on social media have amplified the public’s frustration, with hashtags like #CBEXScam and #ReturnOurMoney trending as victims share screenshots of locked accounts and unfulfilled withdrawal requests. One user, @NgoziBlessing

, posted, “CBEX took my ₦180,000 meant for my shop rent. How do I survive now?” The outcry has drawn attention to the plight of women, who often bear the brunt of economic instability due to limited access to formal financial systems and safety nets.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has yet to issue a statement on CBEX, despite its mandate to regulate investment platforms. This silence has fueled accusations of regulatory negligence, with victims demanding accountability. “The SEC should have flagged CBEX before it got this bad,” said Chidinma Okeke, a financial literacy advocate in Abuja. “Women are losing everything because no one is protecting us.” The absence of a response mirrors broader systemic issues, as Nigeria’s economic downturn—marked by fuel subsidy removal and rising food prices—continues to disproportionately affect women.

CBEX’s website, now inaccessible, previously claimed registration with global financial authorities, a claim now widely disputed. Preliminary investigations by The Punch suggest the platform may be linked to unregistered offshore entities, a common tactic used in Ponzi-like schemes targeting vulnerable populations. The scam’s scale remains unclear, but estimates from social media posts indicate losses in the tens of millions of naira, with women making up a significant portion of victims due to targeted marketing on platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram.

Women’s groups, including the Nigerian Women in Business Network, have called for urgent government intervention, urging the SEC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate CBEX and similar platforms. “This is not just a scam; it’s an attack on the economic survival of Nigerian women,” said Funmi Adeyemi, the network’s spokesperson. They have also advocated for stronger financial literacy programs to empower women against predatory schemes.

The CBEX scandal is a window to the broader economic struggles facing Nigerians women, who face unemployment rates of over 40% in some regions and limited access to credit. As inflation erodes purchasing power, many turned to high-risk investments like CBEX out of desperation. “We thought it was our way out,” said Esther Okonkwo, a vegetable seller in Onitsha who lost ₦100,000. “Now, we’re worse off than before.”

While the public awaits regulatory action, victims are organizing online and offline to demand justice, with some planning a protest at the SEC’s Abuja headquarters next week. The CBEX scam has not only shattered financial dreams but also highlighted the urgent need for stronger protections for Nigerian women navigating an increasingly precarious economic landscape.

 

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Women Bear Brunt of Deadly Herders’ Attack in Benue’s Otobi Community

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By Prosper Mene, April 15, 2025 

A devastating attack by suspected armed herders on the Otobi community in Akpa district, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, has left many feared dead, with women among the hardest hit. The assault, which began around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, plunged the village into chaos as gunmen opened fire and set homes ablaze, forcing families to flee in terror.

Local resident Edwin Emma, speaking to AIT, described the harrowing scene: “My wife and children are fleeing as I speak. We are helpless.” Women, often tasked with protecting children and maintaining households, faced unimaginable risks during the onslaught. Reports indicate that many were caught in the crossfire while trying to shepherd their families to safety, with some feared among the casualties. “The women were running, carrying babies, but the shooting was everywhere,” a villager told Daily Post, highlighting their vulnerability in the chaos.

The attack, confirmed by lawmaker Kennedy Angbo, adds to a string of violent incidents in Otukpo, including a recent killing at the Otobi Dam. For women in Otobi, already burdened by cultural expectations and economic hardship, the invasion compounds fears of displacement and loss. “Our homes are gone, our children are scattered,” said one woman, who asked to remain anonymous for safety. The destruction of houses leaves women, who often anchor community recovery, grappling with an uncertain future.

Advocates are calling for urgent intervention to protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, as hundreds remain displaced. “The government must act to secure these communities and support the women left to rebuild,” said Martha Ikyo, a local gender rights activist. With Otobi hosting critical infrastructure like a federal dam, the recurring violence exposes a broader failure to safeguard rural women from escalating herder-farmer conflicts.

The women of Otobi are showing strength despite their community’s grief, and they’re calling for peace and protection.

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Nigerian Minister, NGO Partner to Empower 100 Million Women

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By Prosper Mene, April 15, 2025

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, has teamed up with Women in Philanthropy and Impact Africa (WIPIA) to launch an ambitious initiative targeting the empowerment of 100 million Nigerian women. Announced today, the partnership focuses on economic and social upliftment through expertise, mentorship, and sustainable programs.

“This is about platforms and knowledge, not just funds,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said, stressing the need to reduce inequalities and unlock women’s potential. Led by Dr. Anino Emuwa, WIPIA will drive initiatives like training hubs and mentorship networks, with details still taking shape. The minister also teased a 30th-anniversary publication celebrating women’s achievements.

The collaboration with WIPIA, led by Dr. Anino Emuwa, will explore innovative programs tailored to women’s needs, from financial literacy to skill acquisition and entrepreneurship. While specific initiatives are still in development, early plans include nationwide training hubs and mentorship networks to foster resilience and opportunity. “This is about building a legacy of transformation,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim added, noting an upcoming 30th-anniversary publication to celebrate Nigerian women’s milestones and honor private-sector champions.

The announcement was received with optimism, with advocates praising the scale of the vision. “Empowering 100 million women could reshape Nigeria’s economy and society,” said Chinny Okoye, Special Assistant on Strategic Partnerships. However, some observers caution that success hinges on clear execution and addressing systemic barriers like cultural biases and limited access to education.

Nigeria is facing economic difficulties, but the minister’s message is clear: “Women are the backbone of our nation, and it’s time to invest in their dreams.” By working together, the ministry and WIPIA can make a significant difference in achieving gender equality in Nigeria. This partnership has the potential to bring about positive change, empowering women and promoting a more balanced society.

 

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Women Face Devastating Losses in Onitsha Residential Fire

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By Prosper Mene, April 15, 2025 

A fire outbreak at a residential building along Okosi Road by Ugwunaobamkpa Junction in Onitsha, Anambra State, has left women in the community struggling with profound losses, exposing their vulnerability in times of crisis. The fire, which erupted on Tuesday evening, gutted homes, destroyed livelihoods, and displaced families, with women bearing a disproportionate burden.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as flames engulfed the building, forcing residents to flee. Women, often the primary caregivers and household managers, were seen frantically trying to salvage belongings and protect children amidst the inferno. “I lost everything—my shop goods, my children’s clothes, our savings,” said Ngozi Okeke, a single mother and trader, her voice breaking. Many women in the area run small businesses from their homes, and the fire obliterated their inventory, plunging them into economic uncertainty.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but residents pointed to frequent power surges and overcrowded living conditions as potential factors. Anambra State Fire Service responded, with firefighters working to contain the blaze, but not before significant damage was done. “We did our best, but the fire spread quickly,” said a fire service official, who noted no fatalities were reported.

For women like Chinyere Nwosu, a widow who lost her tailoring equipment, the road to recovery is daunting. “How do I start again? My machine was my life,” she said. The incident exposes the situation of women in Onitsha, where limited access to insurance or emergency funds exacerbates the impact of such disasters. Community advocates are now calling for targeted relief to support affected women, including micro-grants and rebuilding assistance.

As the Okosi Road community mourns, the resilience of its women shines through, but their plea for aid and systemic change grows urgent. “We need help to stand again,” Okeke said, echoing a collective cry.

 

The women of Okosi Road show strength despite their community’s grief. They urgently need help and change, echoing Okeke’s plea: “We need help to stand again.”

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Borno Women Demand Safety as Violence Leaves Communities in Turmoil

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By Prosper Mene, April 14, 2025

The women of Borno State are speaking out with urgency, calling for stronger protections in the wake of a devastating landmine explosion that killed eight people just two days ago. The tragedy, part of a wave of violence in northeastern Nigeria, has deepened fears in communities long affected by insurgent attacks.

Community leaders in Maiduguri, Borno’s capital, shared that women are growing increasingly vocal about the toll of insecurity. “Mothers are afraid to send their children to school or even go to the market,” one leader explained, relaying concerns raised in community meetings. The landmine incident on April 12, which occurred along a rural road, struck a chord among women who have endured years of conflict driven by groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Many have lost loved ones or live with the constant threat of kidnappings and attacks, a reality that feels all too close after the recent deaths.

Women’s groups, including local cooperatives and advocacy networks, are channeling this grief into action. They’re demanding practical measures: more security patrols in vulnerable areas, better road checks to detect explosives, and community alert systems to warn of threats. “We need to know our families are safe,” a member of a women’s collective said, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns. These women aren’t just asking for protection, they’re pushing for a future where their children can grow up without fear. Some shared stories of avoiding farmlands or markets, once bustling with activity, now seen as risky due to insurgent activity.

Borno has been at the heart of a 15-year insurgency, with over 40,000 lives lost and millions displaced. Recent months have seen a resurgence of attacks, with Governor Babagana Zulum warning that jihadist groups are regaining ground. The April 12 landmine explosion follows other deadly incidents, including coordinated assaults on military bases in March that killed at least 16 people. Women, often left to hold families together amid such chaos, feel the weight of this instability most acutely. “Every time we hear a blast, we wonder who’s next,” a mother of four told a community leader, her words echoing a shared anxiety.

Some women are calling for dialogue with local leaders, others for federal intervention to bolster troops in the region, where military resources have been stretched thin.

Currently, Borno remains tense, with women at the forefront of a growing demand for peace

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Women Gain Ground but Face Persistent Gaps in Nigeria’s Corporate Leadership

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By Prosper Mene, April 12, 2025

Women in Nigeria’s corporate sector are making efforts but continue to face significant barriers to reaching the highest echelons of leadership, according to recent data from the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Women now occupy 24% of board seats in NGX-listed companies, a rise from 21% in 2020, showing incremental progress in gender diversity. Yet, this figure lags behind the global average of 28%, and only 12% of CEOs in these firms are women, underscoring a stubborn gender gap in top executive roles.

The uptick in board representation reflects growing efforts by organizations like the NGX and Women on Boards Network to advocate for diversity. Initiatives such as mentorship programs and diversity quotas have gained traction, with some companies reporting tangible results. For instance, firms like Access Bank and Stanbic IBTC have bolstered female representation through targeted leadership pipelines, contributing to the broader trend.

However, the low percentage of female CEOs points at deeper challenges. Experts point to structural issues, including limited access to executive mentorship, cultural biases, and work-life balance pressures, as key impediments. A 2024 PwC Nigeria survey revealed that 62% of female professionals experienced subtle discrimination, often impacting their confidence to pursue C-suite roles. “The pipeline to leadership is there, but it’s fraught with obstacles that men rarely face,” said Dr. Aisha Mohammed, a corporate governance consultant based in Lagos.

Recent policy moves aim to address these disparities. In early 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria introduced guidelines encouraging NGX-listed companies to reach 30% female board representation by 2030. While the measure has sparked optimism, its voluntary nature has drawn criticism from advocates who argue for mandatory quotas to accelerate change.

The economic case for diversity is clear: a 2025 McKinsey Nigeria report found that companies with greater gender diversity outperform peers by 15-20% in profitability. Yet, cultural norms and systemic barriers continue to slow progress. “We’re seeing more women on boards, but the CEO role remains elusive. It’s not just about numbers, it’s about changing mindsets,” said Funmi Adebayo, a board member at a leading Nigerian conglomerate.

As Nigeria’s corporate landscape evolves, stakeholders are calling for bolder actions from enforceable policies to inclusive workplace cultures and to ensure women not only join boards but also lead from the top

.

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Nigerian Women Await Action as Gender Equality Bill Languishes in Review.

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By Prosper Mene, April 12, 2025

For years, Nigerian women’s rights advocates have rallied behind the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, a proposed law designed to enforce equal pay and opportunities across sectors. Yet, as the bill remains stalled in legislative review, frustration is mounting among those who see it as critical to dismantling systemic gender disparities, according to reports from Punch in March 2025.

The bill, first introduced over a decade ago, seeks to domesticate international commitments like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which Nigeria ratified in 1985. Its provisions include mandates for equal pay, protection against workplace discrimination, and measures to boost women’s access to education and leadership roles. If passed, it could reshape Nigeria’s corporate and public sectors, where women hold only 24% of board seats and 12% of CEO positions in NGX-listed companies.

Despite its promise, the bill’s slow progress has sparked criticism. Advocates argue that the male-dominated National Assembly,where women make up just 4% of lawmakers, has repeatedly sidelined the legislation, citing cultural and religious concerns. “This delay is not just bureaucratic; it’s a deliberate barrier to justice,” said Chioma Okeke, a Lagos-based gender equality activist. “Every year we wait, women lose opportunities, wages, and safety.”

Recent debates in the Senate highlight the divide. While some lawmakers support the bill’s alignment with constitutional guarantees of non-discrimination, others claim it conflicts with traditional norms. A 2025 attempt to fast-track the bill faltered after heated sessions, leaving it in committee limbo.

The economic stakes are high. The International Monetary Fund estimates that closing Nigeria’s gender gap could boost GDP growth by over 1% annually. Yet, with only 30% of women in managerial roles and a persistent wage gap, the need for legal reform is urgent.

As protests loom ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, advocates are pressing for action. “We’re tired of promises,” said Okeke. “Nigerian women deserve laws that match their contributions.” The National Assembly has yet to schedule the bill’s next review, leaving its fate uncertain.

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Northern Women Threaten Protests Against Emir Sanusi Over Police Cooperation in Kano Clash

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By Prosper Mene, April 9, 2025 

Tensions are escalating in Kano as a group of Northern women have issued a public ultimatum to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, demanding that he fully cooperate with police investigations into a deadly clash during Sallah celebrations on March 30, 2025. The women, voicing their frustration through statements shared on social media platforms, warned that failure to comply could lead to widespread protests, potentially worsening the already fragile regional stability.

The controversy generated from an incident during the Eid festivities, where Sanusi defied a police ban on durbar activities by riding on horseback after prayers. The event turned violent, resulting in one death and an injury within the Emir’s entourage amid clashes between rival groups. The incident has reignited tensions in the long-standing rivalry between Sanusi and his cousin, Aminu Ado Bayero, over the Kano emirate throne—a dispute that has polarized the region since Sanusi’s reinstatement in 2024 following Bayero’s dethronement in 2020.

Initially, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, summoned Sanusi to Abuja for questioning. However, following public outcry and intervention from stakeholders, the summons was withdrawn on April 7, with police directed to take Sanusi’s statement in Kano instead. Despite this adjustment, the Northern women remain dissatisfied, insisting that the Emir’s cooperation is essential for justice and peace. “Sanusi must heed the police, or we will take to the streets,” read one widely circulated statement on X, reflecting a sentiment that has sparked heated online debates.

In Kano, where historical and political rivalries run deep, any protest could further inflame tensions, potentially drawing in broader segments of the population.

Local voices in Kano are divided. Some residents support the women’s call for accountability, arguing that no one should be above the law. “The Emir’s actions led to a death—there must be justice,” said Fatima Abdullahi, a market trader in Kano, who spoke to reporters today. Others, however, see the situation as politically motivated, pointing to the ongoing emirate dispute as the root of the conflict. “This is less about justice and more about settling scores,” argued Musa Ibrahim, a local historian, who believes the police and government should focus on mediating the rivalry rather than escalating it through investigations.

The Kano State Police Command has not yet issued a public response to the women’s ultimatum, but sources indicate they are under pressure to handle the situation delicately to avoid further unrest. Meanwhile, Sanusi has remained silent on the matter, a stance that some interpret as defiance and others as a strategic move to avoid inflaming the situation further.

 

 

 

 

 

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Nigeria’s Women Take the Tech Stage: A Revolution in Ambition and Skills

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By Prosper Mene, April 9, 2025

In Nigeria today, a quiet revolution is underway, and women are leading the charge. With the tech industry poised to reshape the nation’s future, initiatives like Microsoft’s Nigeria Women Techsters, in partnership with Tech4Dev, are arming women with the tools to thrive in a digital world. On April 7, 2025, the program launched technical support for its Women Techsters Bootcamp Cohort 4.0, signaling that the push to empower women in AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills is accelerating at breakneck speed.

Since its inception on International Women’s Day 2021, Women Techsters has transformed lives, reaching over 120,000 women across 22 African countries by early 2024. Now, in 2025, it’s hitting new milestones. This week’s bootcamp sessions are diving deep into cybersecurity—an area where women are historically underrepresented but increasingly vital. “We’re training women to not just participate but to lead,” said Joel Ogunsola, Tech4Dev’s co-founder, in a recent post on X.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Nigeria’s tech sector is on track to pump $180 billion into the economy by 2030, yet women remain a minority in the field, globally hovering at just 30% of tech roles. Programs like Women Techsters are flipping the script. Take Amina Yusuf, a 24-year-old from Kano who joined the program in 2023. Once a small-scale trader, she’s now a freelance AI developer, crediting the training for her pivot. “I didn’t know code could change my life until I tried,” she said in a recent interview.

The momentum isn’t isolated. Google’s Women Techmakers event in Jos on March 28, 2025, rallied female innovators, while TD Africa’s TecHERdemy, launched late last year with Huawei and Cisco, is upskilling 400 Nigerian women. These efforts echo a global call to action—seen in the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, “Breaking Barriers”—to dismantle obstacles in tech.

Still, there are difficulties ahead. Rural women, in particular, face barriers like limited internet access and societal pushback. However this is a good turn ahead, Experts warn that without broader infrastructure and cultural shifts, the gains could be minimal. But for now, Nigeria’s women are seizing the moment, proving that tech isn’t just a man’s game, but a space where ambition, skill, and opportunity thrive.

 

 

 

 

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