close
Women Times

Chat Room

News

NADF, IDH, and BOA Forge Tripartite Partnership to Empower Women Agrpreneurs in Nigeria’s Cassava Sector

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene

In a move to bridge the financing gap for women in agriculture, the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) and the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).

The collaboration aims to unlock affordable financing and business support for youth, with a special focus on young women participating in the Women in Sourcing and Enterprise (WISE) program within Nigeria’s vital cassava value chain.

Cassava, a staple crop that supports millions of livelihoods across Nigeria, has long faced challenges in scaling sustainable production and processing due to limited access to capital. This partnership seeks to address those barriers head-on, targeting high interest rates, collateral shortages, and the scarcity of women-tailored financial products. By pooling resources, the trio will provide liquidity, co-financing, and on-lending mechanisms to empower “agrpreneurs” – women-led enterprises that drive innovation from farm to market.

“This MoU is more than a signing; it’s a blueprint for inclusive growth,” said Abdullahi Imam, Head of Debt Investment at NADF, during the agreement ceremony. “Through our combined strengths – IDH’s market convening power, BOA’s lending expertise, and NADF’s liquidity support , we’re creating pathways for young women to thrive in the cassava sector. This model has the potential to scale to other crops like maize, rice, and soyabeans, transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.”

Daan Wensing, CEO of IDH, supported the sentiment, highlighting the initiative’s role in fostering resilient markets. “Youth and women are the backbone of sustainable agribusiness, yet they often lack the tools to participate fully. This partnership will generate meaningful opportunities, from sourcing to enterprise development, while bolstering food security and job creation.”

Ayodeji Sotinrin, Managing Director of BOA, emphasized the bank’s commitment to holistic value chain support. “We’re not just funding farms; we’re investing in the entire ecosystem – from primary production to processing and distribution. This aligns with our mission to make agricultural finance inclusive and impactful.”

The effort is embedded within the Nigerian Food Systems Transformation Alliance, a broader platform uniting stakeholders to enhance local sourcing, promote sustainable livelihoods, and combat food insecurity. Initial funding will prioritize WISE participants, offering low-interest loans, training in financial literacy, and mentorship to build creditworthy businesses. Experts estimate the initiative could mobilize millions in capital, potentially creating thousands of jobs and boosting women’s economic participation in a sector where they already contribute over 70% of the labor force but hold less than 20% of formal financing.

This partnership comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s agriculture, which employs nearly 40% of the workforce and accounts for a quarter of GDP. With climate pressures and market volatility on the rise, empowering women agrpreneurs isn’t just equitable – it’s essential for national resilience. As Imam noted, “By closing these gaps, we’re not only uplifting individuals; we’re fortifying the entire food system.”

Stakeholders anticipate the first disbursements by early 2026, with monitoring to ensure transparency and scalability.

read more
NewsPolitics

‘I Didn’t Kill My Husband’ — Christy Akingboye Breaks Silence on Husband’s Death Amid Family Feud and Murder Allegations

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

During a tearful press conference that laid bare the raw wounds of grief, betrayal, and vicious family infighting, Christy Akingboye, the widow of prominent businessman and politician Bamidele Akingboye, vehemently denied any involvement in her husband’s tragic death. “My hands are clean.

I didn’t kill my husband. I loved him and stood by him through everything,” she declared, her voice steady despite the visible toll of weeks of silence and scrutiny.

Bamidele Akingboye, fondly known as OBA, passed away on August 28, 2025, at the age of 60 in their Victoria Garden City (VGC) residence in Lagos. The oil magnate and philanthropist, who had just contested as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Ondo State’s November 2024 election, his fifth political bid,left behind a legacy of maritime ventures, community upliftment, and unyielding ambition. But his death, initially shrouded in mystery, has spiraled into a public scandal, with police investigations, family accusations, and whispers of foul play turning what should have been a time of mourning into a courtroom drama.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Monday, Christy, 58, recounted the 34-year love story that began in faith and blossomed into a partnership of equals. “He was my Sweetheart, my husband, my best friend, my gossip partner,” she said, her eyes welling up. The couple, married since the early 1990s, weathered political storms, business battles, and personal hardships together. Yet, in his final months, Akingboye grappled privately with bipolar disorder, a condition exacerbated by mounting debts, including a N360 million land dispute refund and aggressive bank loan recalls, and the bruising defeat in Ondo.

CCTV footage from the morning of his death captured the heartbreaking truth: Akingboye, in a moment of profound despair, stepped off the balcony of their home. “My son Melvin screamed when he saw the footage. The police officers there saw it too. My husband jumped. It was his illness,” Christy revealed, echoing details from an emotional interview she gave in October.

But sympathy evaporated almost immediately. Enter Samuel Akingboye, Christy’s stepson from her husband’s first marriage, whom she raised as her own for decades. Samuel, now estranged, publicly accused her of orchestrating the death, igniting a firestorm that led to Christy’s detention alongside her biological children at Panti Police Station in September.

In harrowing accounts shared earlier this fall, Christy described the ordeal as a nightmare of dehumanization. “I was stripped, my clothes torn, my dignity shredded,” she alleged, claiming police, at the behest of family members, subjected her and her son to beatings and suffocation by inmates.abdb43 Samuel’s allegations, she insists, stem not from grief but greed, a calculated bid by extended family to seize control of Akingboye’s sprawling estate, including prime properties and business interests. “This is cruel, false, and deliberately orchestrated to smear me and my children,” Christy fumed during the press conference, vowing to pursue justice through legal channels.

The Lagos State Police Command, which treated the case as a potential homicide from the outset, has faced mounting pressure to release Christy and her children, citing insufficient evidence. A source close to the investigation told reporters that forensic reviews corroborated the suicide narrative, with no signs of external involvement. Yet, the family rift persists, with Samuel standing firm on his claims, reportedly backed by other relatives eyeing inheritance shares.

Christy’s emergence from silence marks a turning point, not just for her but for a narrative too often twisted by ambition and loss. As she fights for exoneration, her plea resonates beyond the courtroom: “I only want the truth to prevail.” For a woman who built a life on love and resilience, the battle now is to reclaim her husband’s memory from the shadows of suspicion and to remind the world that even titans fall, not by treachery, but by the quiet cruelties of the mind.

read more
TrendingNews

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.

read more
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?

read more
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.

read more
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.

read more
NewsSpecial Report

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.

read more
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.

read more
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.

 

 

read more
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.”

read more
1 … 23 24 25 26 27 … 82
Page 25 of 82