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Post-Mother’s Day Push: Activists Target Nigeria’s Skin-Lightening Crisis.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene 

Mother’s Day on March 30, 2025, in Port Harcourt was more than a celebration of maternal love—it became a launchpad for a growing movement against Nigeria’s skin-lightening crisis. Today, March 31, activists report their efforts are gaining momentum, spurred by a women’s group that seized yesterday’s festivities to distribute “Love Your Skin” pamphlets, urging mothers to reject bleaching creams used by 77% of Nigerian women, according to World Health Organization data.

At a Mother’s Day event hosted by the Rivers Women Empowerment Network (RWEN) in the city’s Mile 1 district yesterday, volunteers handed out hundreds of flyers amid the singing of “Sweet Mother” and gift exchanges. The message was clear: embrace natural skin tones and protect the next generation from a practice linked to severe health risks like kidney damage and mercury poisoning. “Mothers shape our values—why not start with loving ourselves as we are?” said RWEN coordinator Blessing Amadi, speaking to reporters today..

The campaign struck a chord. By this morning, March 31, a viral video testimony from Chioma Nwankwo, a 39-year-old mother of three, had racked up over 50,000 views on Instagram. In the clip, recorded at yesterday’s event, Nwankwo shared how she quit bleaching creams two years ago after her daughters began asking why she “didn’t like her skin.” “I stopped for them—to show them beauty isn’t light skin,” she said, tearing up as the crowd cheered. Her story, hashtagged #LoveYourSkin, has since inspired local schools in Port Harcourt to schedule workshops for April, targeting both mothers and teens.

The skin-lightening crisis, declared a national health emergency by Nigeria’s drug agency in 2023, remains stubbornly entrenched, driven by cultural beauty standards favoring lighter complexions. The WHO’s 77% usage statistic—Africa’s highest—underscores the scale, with a 2025 BMJ study estimating thousands suffer from related health issues annually. Yesterday’s Mother’s Day push tapped into this urgency, framing mothers as key to breaking the cycle.

Today, RWEN reports that five secondary schools, including Government Girls’ Secondary School in Diobu, have committed to hosting “Love Your Skin” sessions, with plans to distribute educational kits funded by donations collected at the Mother’s Day event. “We raised N250,000 yesterday—enough to start,” Amadi said, noting the group aims to reach 1,000 students by mid-year.

For activists, Mother’s Day offered a rare spotlight. “Yesterday was about honoring moms—today, it’s about empowering them to change Nigeria,” Amadi said. As the campaign rolls forward, this post-Mother’s Day push could mark a turning point in the battle against a pervasive health and cultural crisis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cecilia Umoren leads change in Nigeria’s Oil sector.

by Women Times on

 

 

By Prosper Mene 

In the high-stakes world of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, where pipelines crisscross the Niger Delta and global markets hang on every barrel, Cecilia Umoren stands as a beacon of resilience and vision. As Executive Chairman of Millennium Oil and Gas since 2015, she has spent a decade steering the company through turbulent waters—both literal and figurative—while quietly carving a path for women in a sector long defined by male dominance. Her story is one of grit, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable growth, earning her a spot among the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent in 2025.

Umoren’s journey to the top of Millennium Oil and Gas is not just a personal triumph; it’s a testament to the slow but seismic shift unfolding in Nigeria’s energy landscape. The oil sector, which accounts for over 90% of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings, has historically been a tough arena for women. Yet, under her leadership, Millennium, a player in upstream exploration and production has weathered economic volatility, security challenges, and the global push toward cleaner energy. “It’s not about surviving the storm,” Umoren once said in a rare interview. “It’s about building something that endures beyond it.”

Taking the helm in 2015, Umoren inherited a company at a crossroads. Nigeria’s oil industry was grappling with falling global prices, rampant oil theft, and a government eager to diversify the economy. Her approach was methodical yet bold: streamline operations, invest in local talent, and prioritize sustainability. Over the past decade, she has overseen the development of key assets in the Niger Delta, navigating the region’s complex socio-political dynamics while fostering partnerships with communities often at odds with oil firms. Her tenure has seen Millennium bolster its production capacity, contributing to Nigeria’s fragile but vital oil output recovery—projected to hit 1.8 million barrels per day in 2025, despite setbacks like the recent pipeline explosions in Rivers State.

What sets Umoren apart, colleagues say, is her ability to balance profit with purpose. In an industry criticized for environmental negligence, she has championed initiatives to reduce gas flaring and integrate renewable energy pilots into Millennium’s operations. “The future of oil isn’t just about extraction—it’s about responsibility,” she remarked at an industry summit in Abuja last year. This vision aligns with Nigeria’s broader ambitions under the Petroleum Industry Act, which seeks to modernize the sector while addressing climate concerns.

For Umoren, leadership is personal. Raised in Akwa Ibom, a state rich in oil yet scarred by its extraction, she witnessed firsthand the paradox of resource wealth and local poverty. That perspective drives her advocacy for inclusion, not just for women, but for the communities her industry touches. At Millennium, she has pushed for training programs that elevate female engineers and geoscientists, a move that echoes across an industry where women globally make up only 22% of the workforce. Her efforts earned her accolades this month from the Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Initiative, which hailed her as a trailblazer for African women.

Her rise hasn’t been without challenges. The oil sector’s volatility—exacerbated by incidents like the March 2025 Rivers State crisis, where sabotage slashed output—tests even the steadiest hands. Critics argue her cautious approach to expansion has limited Millennium’s scale compared to giants like Shell or Chevron. Yet, supporters counter that her focus on stability has kept the company afloat where others have faltered. “She’s not here to chase headlines,” says a longtime associate. “She’s here to build a legacy.”

Umoren’s story resonates beyond the boardroom. She joins a growing cadre of Nigerian women reshaping the oil sector—from Elohor Aiboni, Shell Nigeria’s first female MD, to Senator Margareth Chuba Okadigbo, NNPC’s pioneering female chairman. Together, they signal a cultural shift in an industry at a pivotal moment, as Nigeria courts foreign investment (notably from China, with 74 oil-focused firms signing deals in 2024) while grappling with domestic unrest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CBN Governor Highlights Gender Equity Milestone with Women at 35% of Apex Bank Directors.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a landmark stride toward gender inclusion in Nigeria’s financial sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has achieved a significant milestone, with women now constituting 35% of its recently appointed directors. Governor Olayemi Cardoso emphasized this achievement as a testament to the bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive leadership, speaking at the grand finale of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations held at the CBN headquarters in Abuja.

Cardoso highlighted the importance of gender equity, describing it as both a moral imperative and an economic necessity. “At the CBN, we are proud to be part of this global movement. Women now make up 35% of recently appointed directors and three out of the seven non-executive board members, showing our firm commitment to fostering inclusive leadership in Nigeria’s financial sector,” he stated. He highlighted that the growing presence of female leaders in top positions across banks and regulatory bodies is reshaping the industry, with the number of female managing directors in Nigerian financial institutions reaching an all-time high.

The event, which marked the culmination of IWD 2025 activities, also featured the “Inspiring Women Award,” an initiative by the CBN’s Change and Culture Transformation Unit (CCTU). Out of 806 nominations nationwide, 28 exceptional female staff members from branches including Awka, Dutse, Yola, Gombe, Oshogbo, Kaduna, Enugu, and Birnin Kebbi were honored for their outstanding contributions. Among the recipients, Deputy Governor Emem Usoro received the prestigious Amazon Award from Cardoso, recognizing her exemplary leadership since taking office.

Cardoso praised the contributions of newly appointed directors such as Daphne Dafinone, Nkiru Balonwu, and Shola Phillips, noting their pivotal roles in navigating complex challenges and shaping the bank’s policy direction. “Increasing women’s representation in leadership is not just ethical; it is a strategic necessity,” he said, adding that the rise of women in leadership at the CBN mirrors a global shift toward diverse and visionary governance.

Deputy Governor of Corporate Services, Emem Usoro, echoed Cardoso’s sentiments, emphasizing the urgency of the IWD 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action.” Citing a World Economic Forum report projecting full gender parity by 2054, she called on institutions to dismantle structural barriers and create opportunities for women. “This year’s program reflects our shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and institutional progress,” Usoro remarked.

The CBN’s push for gender equity is in terms with broader efforts to enhance financial inclusion, particularly for women and underserved groups. Recent initiatives, including the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code and a Gender Desk within the Financial Inclusion Unit, shows the bank’s dedication to closing the gender gap in access to finance, a gap currently estimated at 9% in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

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”Cultivating The Garden Within” Mindfully with Tunmise Hosts Reflective Session on Self Awareness For Women

by Women Times on

Women from all walks of life have gathered in an intimate setting to participate in the “Cultivating the Garden Within” event, a reflective and empowering session hosted by Oluwatunmise Oladapo-Kuku, the host of Mindfully with Tunmise podcast.

Oladapo-Kuku who is also a mental health advocate and wellness coach explained that the gathering was designed to encourage women from diverse backgrounds to explore their relational, professional and maternal roles, while embracing self-awareness and balance.

The metaphor of “cultivating the garden within” represents the journey of self-discovery and growth. As Oladapo-Kuku explained, “Every woman plays multiple roles, and it is essential to find peace within those roles by recognizing both strengths and perceived weaknesses. What may be a strength for one woman may be a weakness for another.”

She also said the event aimed to create a space for open discussions, something many women rarely get the opportunity to have.

Oladapo-Kuku further highlighted the societal expectations placed on women, particularly the generational patterns where mothers dictated responsibilities without providing the necessary emotional and psychological tools.

“Our mothers only told us what we should do, but they didn’t guide us in finding ourselves. Now, as we raise the next generation, we must understand our values, whether in spirituality, relationships, or career paths,” she said.

The women who attended the event, each with their unique experiences and perspectives described it as a form of soul sisters bonding, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, balance and decision-making.

Funsho Kola-Ogunlade, one of the attendees, described the event as a privilege, noting that it helped her rediscover deeper aspects of herself and her friends. “I learned the importance of balance—being myself, being happy, and taking care of myself first so I can take care of others. Finding a supportive community where I can share my thoughts was truly valuable.”

Another participant, Diana Emenyonu expressed her joy at reconnecting with old friends. “I love that we are open and vulnerable as women. This event was a reminder to keep growing and to focus on personal happiness because a happy woman creates a happy environment.”

For Tolase Olohunnihi, the event reinforced the need to live unapologetically. “I learned that I can be myself without needing to apologize. That is how I want to be moving forward.”

Eyinmofe Onifade highlighted the significance of embracing different stages of life as a woman. “It was enlightening to see women at different stages, some further along and others still navigating their paths. It reminded me that every stage is temporary, and it’s important to enjoy the moment.”

“It was refreshing to just be in our own space, embracing our femininity and unwinding from the pressures of work, family and societal expectations,” Onifade added.

Mofebisola Omopeloye brought a humorous and heartfelt perspective, sharing that no gathering is complete without good food. “I won’t stop talking about the food!”. “But beyond that, I learned to be more intentional about my growth and my family, she said. I also learned from older women about their journeys, family and personal growth. I now understand the importance of nurturing my garden.”

For Opeyemi Bamidele, the event not only strengthened friendships but also provided a space for re-evaluating values and fostering self-acceptance.

“Cultivating the Garden Within” proved to be more than just a gathering; it was a powerful movement towards self-awareness, intentional living and community support among sisters, she added.

As part of the event, the women participated in a podcast, while each participant received motivational affirmation cards to serve as daily reminders of their journey.

The host, Oladapo-Kuku emphasized the power of these affirmations, stating, “Whenever they feel low, I hope they look at their cards and remember that everything unfolds at the perfect time.”

Cultivating the Garden Within proved to be more than just a discussion, it was a transformative experience, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose and community. Through meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and affirmations, these women are now better equipped to cultivate their inner gardens and embrace life with confidence and clarity.

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Street Children Crisis in Kano: Young Girls Face Growing Risks.

by Women Times on

A sample of displaced children rescued by UNICEF

 

By Prosper Mene 

In the streets of Kano, northern Nigeria’s largest city, thousands of children roam without shelter or protection, with young girls among the most vulnerable. Humanitarian organizations are sounding the alarm over the escalating crisis, warning that these girls face heightened risks of exploitation, violence, and abuse as they struggle to survive amid poverty and displacement.

The sight of children begging or hawking goods is not new to Kano, a commercial hub with a rich cultural heritage. Yet, the numbers have surged in recent years, driven by Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis and ongoing security challenges. Authorities estimate that over 5,000 street children currently live in the city, a figure that reflects only a fraction of the broader national issue. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has 18.5 million out-of-school children, with Kano State alone accounting for 1.9 million—the highest in the country.

For young girls, the streets offer little beyond danger. “These girls are at the mercy of predators,” says Amina Usman, a social worker with a local nonprofit, Rahama Foundation. “Without family or a safe place to turn, they’re targets for trafficking, forced labor, and sexual violence.” Reports from humanitarian groups indicate that many are lured with promises of food or money, only to be trapped in cycles of exploitation.

The roots of this crisis run deep. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is striy with its worst economic downturn in decades, with inflation soaring to 34.6% in early 2025. In Kano, where 39% of children live in multidimensional poverty, families are increasingly unable to cope. High divorce rates and the displacement caused by banditry and insurgencies in the northwest and northeast have further swelled the ranks of street children. “Parents can’t feed their kids, so they end up here,” Usman explains. “For girls, it’s even worse they’re often seen as burdens.”

Local authorities have taken notice. In January 2025, Kano State launched a mass evacuation of street children, aiming to rehabilitate and repatriate them. The initiative, led by the state’s Hisbah—a religious police force—includes plans for psychosocial support and education. “We see these children as a security threat, but also as a social one,” says Commander Haruna Daurawa, who oversaw a similar effort between 2017 and 2018 that evacuated 26,000 children. Yet, many returned to the streets, underscoring the challenge of addressing root causes like poverty and lack of opportunity.

Grassroots efforts are also stepping in. Organizations like Rahama Foundation and Rising Child Foundation are working to provide safe spaces, education, and vocational training, with a particular focus on girls. “Education is their way out,” says Taibat Hussain, founder of Rising Child Foundation, which has empowered vulnerable children across Nigeria. “But we’re fighting against a tide of systemic issues—poverty, gender inequality, and violence.”

The plight of Kano’s street girls mirrors broader gender challenges in the region. Nigeria ranks 130th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap report, and activists point to weak enforcement of laws like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act as a barrier to progress. “The government has tools, but they’re not using them effectively,” says Fatima Bello, a women’s rights advocate in Kano. “These girls need more than evacuation—they need justice and a future.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nigerian Women Turn to Prostitution Amid Economic Crisis.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene 

In a corner of Lagos’ bustling streets, Aisha, a 24-year-old single mother, adjusts her makeup under the flicker of a streetlamp. Once a petty trader selling vegetables in Oshodi market, she now stands among a growing number of Nigerian women compelled to trade their bodies for survival. “I didn’t choose this,” she says, her voice heavy with resignation. “But when inflation eats your profits and your child is hungry, what choice do you have?”

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is reeling from its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades. With inflation soaring to 34.6% in November 2024 and food prices climbing beyond 40%, according to government data, millions of households are buckling under economic strain. For women like Aisha, the fallout is not just financial—it’s personal, pushing them into desperate measures as traditional livelihoods collapse under the weight of a devalued naira and dwindling opportunities.

A Crisis Driving Choices

The economic turmoil began intensifying in 2023 when President Bola Tinubu removed fuel subsidies and liberalized foreign exchange rates reforms aimed at revitalizing the economy but leaving ordinary Nigerians in their wake. The naira has since plummeted, losing over 70% of its value against the dollar, while the cost of basics like rice, beans, and cooking gas has tripled. For women, who often bear the burden of feeding families and managing households, the impact is profound.

“Before, I could make 5,000 naira a day selling vegetables,” Aisha recalls. “Now, I’m lucky to break even after transport and market fees. My son needs school fees, food, medicine, I couldn’t keep up.” Last month, she joined the ranks of women engaging in what’s locally dubbed “hookup”—a discreet form of prostitution facilitated by social media and apps, offering quick cash in a crumbling economy.

The United Nations World Food Programme projects that 33.1 million Nigerians will face acute food insecurity in 2025, a 7 million increase from last year. Women, particularly in urban centers like Lagos and Kano, are among the hardest hit. A 2023 report by the Council on Foreign Relations noted that Nigeria’s GDP could rise by 23% if women were equally engaged in the economy, yet cultural norms and economic exclusion continue to marginalize them, leaving prostitution as a last resort.

From Markets to Streets

Across Nigeria, stories like Aisha’s echo a trend. In Benin City, Edo State—long a hub for trafficking, Blessing, 19, abandoned her tailoring apprenticeship when customers stopped coming. “Thread and fabric prices doubled, and people couldn’t afford my work,” she says. A friend introduced her to a “madam” who promised fast money through clients in Lagos. “I send half home to my mother. She doesn’t ask where it comes from.”

The rise of “hookup” culture, distinct from traditional brothel-based prostitution, has exploded in cities, fueled by anonymity and smartphones. Young women, including university students and unemployed graduates, connect with clients online, charging anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 naira per encounter—sums that dwarf the 33,000 naira monthly minimum wage for public servants like NYSC members. “It’s not pride,” says Tolu, a 21-year-old student in Ibadan. “It’s survival. Books don’t pay rent.”

A Legacy of Exploitation

Nigeria’s prostitution crisis isn’t new, but the economic downturn has amplified it. Since the 1980s, trafficking networks have funneled women from Edo State to Europe, particularly Italy, where an estimated 21,000 Nigerian women and girls have been trafficked since 2015, according to the UN. Today, the same desperation driving international trafficking is turning inward, with local sex work surging. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reported rescuing 1,266 women from trafficking in 2021 alone, yet the agency struggles to keep pace with the domestic shift.

In northern Kano, where Sharia law bans prostitution, economic pressures are quietly eroding taboos. Fatima, 28, a widow with three children, began meeting clients in secret after her roadside tea stall folded. “Bandits took our farms, and prices took my business,” she says. “I’d rather sin than watch my kids starve.”

Society’s Blind Eye

The stigma surrounding prostitution remains fierce, yet economic necessity is softening judgment in some quarters. “People whisper, but they know why we do it,” Tolu says. Families, too, often turn a blind eye when remittances arrive. In Benin City, activists note a troubling normalization: parents once pressured daughters to migrate for sex work abroad; now, they tacitly accept it at home.

Government response has been patchy. Tinubu’s administration has rolled out cash transfers and grain handouts, but critics say they’re inadequate. “We’re treating symptoms, not the disease,” argues Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise. “Without jobs and security, women will keep falling through the cracks.”

Grassroots groups like Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) in Edo State offer vocational training and counseling, but resources are stretched thin. “We’re seeing younger girls every day,” says Grace Osakue of GPI. “Poverty doesn’t wait for empowerment programs.”

A Future in Question

For Aisha, Blessing, and countless others, prostitution isn’t a career—it’s a stopgap. “I pray every night for a way out,” Aisha says, glancing at her son’s photo on her phone. Yet, with 33 million Nigerians projected to face food insecurity and inflation showing no signs of slowing, that way out feels distant.

As morning comes in Lagos, Aisha heads home with 15,000 naira in her pocket—enough for a week’s worth of food. “This isn’t who I am,” she insists. “But until Nigeria gives us something better, it’s what I have to do.” For now, the economic crisis holds her—and millions of Nigerian women—in its grip, a stark reminder of the human cost of a nation’s struggle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nollywood’s Rising Queens: Women Directors Redefine a Global Giant.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene 

In a lit Lagos studio, Jade Osiberu tweaks the sound mix for her 2025 crime thriller The Shadow Runner, a pulse-pounding tale of a female ex-soldier turned vigilante. Released in January, it clocked 12 million streams on Netflix in its first month eclipsing Nollywood’s male-directed heavyweights like Kunle Afolayan’s latest and earned Osiberu a standing ovation at the Berlin Film Festival.

Meanwhile, Mo Abudu, dubbed “Africa’s Oprah,” oversees post-production on Widow’s Fire, a drama about a Nigerian woman defying patriarchal norms after her husband’s death. Launched through her EbonyLife-Netflix pact, it’s trending in 30 countries by March 2025. These women are the vanguard of Nollywood’s new wave, steering the world’s second-largest film industry churning out over 2,000 movies yearly—toward female-driven stories that resonate globally. Yet, with women making up just 15% of directors, their ascent battles funding droughts, entrenched sexism, and an industry slow to evolve. This story unpacks how they’re reshaping Nollywood’s DNA, probing whether their breakthroughs signal lasting change or a gilded anomaly.

Osiberu, 38, a former ad exec turned filmmaker, embodies the hustle Nollywood demands. Her 2025 hit, shot on a shoestring $80,000 budget, blends Lagos street grit with a heroine who’s “not here to be saved,” she tells me over Zoom. “Audiences crave real women, not props for male egos.” Her gamble paid off—The Shadow Runner outdid 2024’s top Nollywood earner, a male-led action flick, by 30% in global views. Abudu, 60, takes a different tack: her polished productions, backed by Netflix’s deep pockets, elevate Nigerian narratives to Hollywood sheen. Widow’s Fire, starring Genevieve Nnaji as a steely matriarch, has sparked X threads praising its “quiet power,” with 4 million views in its first week. Together, they’re flipping Nollywood’s script—once dominated by tales of rich men, juju curses, and docile wives—into a showcase for complex female leads who fight, grieve, and win.

But the shine belies the struggle. Industry data from the Nigerian Film Corporation shows women directors snag just 22% of available funding, often dipping into personal savings or crowdfunding. “Men get the big checks; we get skepticism,” says Funke Akindele, another rising star whose 2024 comedy grossed $1 million locally but stalled internationally for lack of marketing cash. Male producers, who control 70% of Nollywood’s purse strings, still balk at “risky” female-led projects, insiders say, citing a 2025 survey where 60% admitted preferring “proven” male talent. Abudu’s Netflix deal—rumored at $10 million over three years—makes her an outlier, not the norm. On X, fans hail “Nollywood’s queens,” but critics like @LagosFilmGuru

snipe: “It’s elite women winning, not the industry changing.” Even Osiberu admits the grind: “For every script I shoot, I pitch ten that get ignored.”

The stakes are high as streaming giants like Amazon and Disney+ circle Nollywood, drawn by its $1 billion annual haul. Female directors could ride this wave to parity—Osiberu’s next project, a sci-fi epic, has Amazon’s interest—but systemic hurdles loom. Training programs like the Women in Film Nigeria Initiative, launched in 2024, aim to boost numbers, mentoring 50 aspiring directors this year. Yet, with no government subsidies and a piracy-riddled market eating 40% of profits, progress crawls. Abudu, ever the optimist, sees a tipping point: “Every hit we make cracks the ceiling.” This dives into their victories—raw talent meeting global appetite while exposing the fault lines: an industry hooked on cheap, male-centric formulas, and a funding gap that keeps most women on the sidelines.

 

 

 

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Nigeria’s First Female Mechanic Empowers a New Generation.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene

Sandra Aguebor never fit the mold. Growing up in Benin City in the 1970s, she traded dolls for engines, dreaming of a life under the hood rather than in the kitchen. Today, at 50-something, she’s not just Nigeria’s first female mechanic—she’s a trailblazer who’s handed wrenches to hundreds of women, defying norms and rewriting futures through her Lady Mechanic Initiative (LMI).

Aguebor’s journey began at 13, sparked by a recurring dream she says came from divine inspiration: Jesus teaching her to fix cars. Her father balked; her mother beat her for tinkering instead of cooking. “They thought I was mad,” she recalls with a wry smile, her hands still stained with grease. But in 1983, she stepped into a local garage in old Bendel State, a teenage girl among men who’d fixed Peugeot 404s for generations. “They laughed at first, then they taught me,” she says. Six years later, she was a pro.

The road wasn’t smooth. “I had to work five times harder than the men,” Aguebor told CNN in 2020, recounting the skepticism and outright dismissal she faced. After stints at Edo Line and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, she launched Sandex Car Care Garage in the mid-90s. Success brought attention—and demolition. When authorities razed her first workshop, she turned her car into a mobile repair unit, proving grit outlasts concrete.

In 2004, Aguebor channeled that grit into the Lady Mechanic Initiative, a mission to empower vulnerable women orphans, trafficking survivors, former sex workers with the skills to fix cars and reclaim their lives. “I wanted to teach them how to fish,” she says, echoing a philosophy of independence. Over two decades, LMI has trained more than 1,000 women across five states, from Lagos to Kano. Graduates like Joy Amuche, now a mechanic in Edo, credit Aguebor with their transformation. “She made me who I am,” says Mary Sunday, another alumna.

The impact is tangible. Clients flock to LMI-trained mechanics, drawn by their precision and determination. “They’re better than some men who take the job for granted,” Aguebor notes, pride in her voice. Her vision stretches further: to mentor 100,000 women across Africa by 2030, smashing gender ceilings one oil change at a time.

Yet, challenges linger. Nigeria’s bureaucracy has uprooted her garage more than once, and cultural resistance still brands mechanics’ work as “unladylike.” Aguebor shrugs it off. “The obstacles became my opportunity,” she told Al Jazeera in 2015. Recognized with awards from Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and a national merit honor, she’s no longer an oddity but an icon.

Today, as she patrols her bustling Lagos workshop, Aguebor sees more than engines. She sees women like herself—defiant, skilled, and free. “My Nigeria is where women do what men say we can’t,” she declares. For her and her trainees, every revved engine roars a truth: stereotypes don’t stand a chance against a woman with a wrench.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Eldest Daughter of Late Oyo Governor, Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi, Passes Away in UK at 42.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene 

The family of the late former Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, is mourning the loss of his eldest daughter, Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, March 27, 2025, in the United Kingdom. She was 42 years old.

Bisola, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s public and private sectors, reportedly succumbed to a brief illness. Until her untimely death, she served as the Special Adviser to Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Her passing marks another significant loss for the Ajimobi family, coming five years after the death of her father in 2020.

A statement from Bolaji Tunji, a former aide to the late Governor Ajimobi, confirmed the tragic news. “Yes, it has been confirmed,” Tunji told journalists in Ibadan, though further details surrounding her death remain undisclosed at this time.

Bisola was married to Kolapo Kola-Daisi, a respected Ibadan-born politician and bank executive, since 2010. The couple, who celebrated their engagement and wedding in grand ceremonies in Ibadan, Nigeria, on November 5 and 6, 2010, respectively, are survived by their three children. In a heartfelt social media post, Kolapo expressed his grief, writing, “The world has lost a shining star. Bisola was not just my wife; she was my partner in everything. Her spirit will live on in our children.”

Known for her contributions to governance, business, and philanthropy, Bisola carved a notable legacy in Nigeria. She served as the Managing Director of Grandex Nigeria Ltd., a leading retail and wholesale chain established in 1984, and founded Florence H., a luxury boutique that solidified her presence in the fashion and retail industry. Additionally, she supported her mother Florence Ajimobi’s ABC Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on uplifting disadvantaged communities in Ibadan.

The news of Bisola’s passing has elicited an outpouring of condolences from across Nigeria. Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, described her as “a woman of grace, intellect, and dedication, who upheld the values of excellence and service.” He extended his sympathies to her husband, mother, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, and the broader Kola-Daisi and Ajimobi families, praying for strength to bear the loss.

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State chapter, also expressed shock and sadness, noting Bisola’s connection to their matron, Florence Ajimobi. “Her daughter was a shining example of her mother’s values and legacy,” the group said in a statement. “We pray that God grants the Ajimobi family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Bisola’s death has reverberated through Nigeria’s social and political spheres, with many reflecting on her vibrant life and sudden departure. A close friend of American reality stars Khloe Kardashian and Malika Haqq, she was also known for her luxurious lifestyle and strong presence in Nigeria’s high society.

As of now, the Kola-Daisi and Ajimobi families have not released an official statement regarding funeral arrangements. Nigerians, both at home and abroad, continue to mourn the loss of a woman whose life exemplified service, entrepreneurship, and familial devotion.

Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi’s legacy is expected to endure through her contributions to her community and the lives she touched. May her soul rest in peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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News

Nigerian Women Rise Up: Kaduna Case Ignites Fight Against Gender-Based Violence.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

 

In the bustling city of Kaduna, a courageous woman’s stand against years of marital rape and domestic abuse has become a rallying cry for Nigerian women demanding an end to gender-based violence. Today, her story—first brought to light by local journalist Joy Funmilola Oke—has galvanized activists, community leaders, and survivors, shining a harsh spotlight on a crisis that too often lurks in the shadows.

The woman, whose identity remains protected for her safety, filed for divorce this week after enduring a nightmare of physical and sexual assault at the hands of her husband. According to sources close to the case, the abuse unfolded in plain sight of their children, a detail that has fueled public outrage. “This isn’t just one woman’s fight,” said Aisha Mohammed, a Kaduna-based women’s rights advocate. “It’s a wake-up call. How many more must suffer before we act?”

The case is far from isolated. Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission reported over 1,600 cases of gender-based violence in Kaduna State alone last year, though activists say the true number is likely higher, with many incidents unreported due to stigma or fear. The Kaduna woman’s decision to break her silence has struck a chord, inspiring a wave of solidarity. Today, dozens of women gathered outside the local courthouse where her divorce proceedings began, holding signs reading “No More Silence” and “Justice for Survivors.”

Local journalist Joy Funmilola Oke, who first shared the story, emphasized its broader implications. “This is a pattern—wives beaten, raped, dehumanized in their own homes,” she wrote in a widely circulated post. “It’s not ‘culture’ or ‘marriage.’ It’s violence, and it’s time we named it.” Her reporting has amplified the survivor’s voice, drawing support from across Nigeria and beyond.

Women’s groups are seizing the moment to push for change. The Kaduna chapter of the Nigerian Feminist Forum announced plans for a sensitization campaign, targeting rural communities where patriarchal norms often shield abusers. “We need education, enforcement, and empathy,” said Fatima Usman, the group’s coordinator. “This woman’s bravery shows us what’s possible when we refuse to stay quiet.”

The legal battle itself is a test case. Nigeria’s laws, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015, offer protections on paper, but enforcement remains spotty. The survivor’s husband has reportedly denied the allegations, claiming they’re a ploy to tarnish his reputation. Legal experts say her case could set a precedent—if she wins. “The courts must send a message,” said Barrister Ngozi Eze, a human rights lawyer in Kaduna. “Impunity has thrived too long.”

Public reaction has been swift and fierce. On platforms like X, hashtags like #KadunaSurvivor and #EndGBVNigeria trended today, with users praising the woman’s resolve and calling for systemic reform. “She’s not just fighting for herself—she’s fighting for every woman trapped in silence,” one post read. Yet, challenges loom. Advocates warn that without sustained pressure, her story risks fading into the noise of Nigeria’s myriad crises.

For now, the unnamed survivor stands as a symbol of resilience. Her children, removed from the home for their safety, are with relatives as the case unfolds. “I want them to grow up knowing this isn’t normal,” she told a confidante, her words shared anonymously. In Kaduna, her fight is just beginning—but for Nigerian women, it’s a charge they’re ready to lead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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