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Lagos Water Transport Project to Boost Women’s Safety, Says EU Chief

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Lagos, Nigeria – October 17, 2025

The European Union (EU) has praised Lagos State’s new water transport project, called Omi Eko, for making travel safer, especially for women. EU Head Gautier Mignot spoke at a meeting on Friday, saying it will help ease traffic and protect female passengers in the busy city.

“This project will change water travel in Lagos. It will cut road jams and make things safer for women,” Mignot said. He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for leading the €410 million plan, which includes new boats, terminals, and security features.

Omi Eko means “Lagos water” in Yoruba. It’s part of the state’s plan to fight climate change. The EU and partners are giving most of the money: €360 million from Europe, plus €40 million from Lagos and €10 million from companies. It starts in June 2025 and finishes by 2030. The project will clean 140 km of waterways, add 78 electric ferries, and build or fix 25 terminals.

Safety is a big focus because women often face dangers on buses and roads. New terminals will have cameras, lights, safe waiting spots, and easy payments with Cowry Card. “We want everyone to feel secure,” said Oluwadamilola Emmanuel from the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

The project could shorten trips by half and use clean energy to reduce pollution. Soon, waterways might handle 10% of commuters, up from 2% now. Governor Sanwo-Olu calls it a key step for better roads, rails, and rivers. It will create jobs and help the economy grow.

For commuter Ivy Junaid, it’s good news. “Ferries are faster, but safety worries me. Better lights and cameras will help a lot,” she said.

Lagos has 20 million people and bad traffic. This project could inspire other African cities. The EU sees it as a strong partnership with Nigeria.

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‎Peter Obi Meets Commonwealth Leader in London, Pushes for Youth Empowerment

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By Prosper Mene 

‎London, October 17, 2025 

‎Nigeria’s Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, and his wife, Mrs. Margaret Brown Obi, convened with Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, at the organization’s historic headquarters in Marlborough House. 

‎The Thursday meeting, held amid rising global concerns over youth disenfranchisement and democratic erosion, underscored a shared vision for empowering the next generation as the bedrock of sustainable progress.

‎The discussions, which spanned over an hour, delved into critical pillars of development: fortifying democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law, broadening educational access, and harnessing youth potential across the 56-member Commonwealth bloc.

‎With more than 2.5 billion of its citizens under 30, representing over half the world’s youth, the Commonwealth stands at a crucial juncture, where investing in young minds could redefine economic and social trajectories for decades.

‎Mr. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State renowned for elevating the region’s education sector from 26th to first nationally during his tenure, passionately advocated for Nigeria-specific interventions. “For a nation as richly endowed as ours with human and natural resources, meaningful investment in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship is key to unlocking the vast potential of our youth,” he stated in a detailed post on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

‎He highlighted youth unemployment as “one of the most pressing challenges of our time,” urging “intentional and practical action” through skills training, quality schooling, and fostering environments where small and medium enterprises can flourish. Such measures, Obi argued, would not only propel Nigeria’s growth but also amplify its contributions to the broader Commonwealth agenda.

‎Hon. Botchwey, the first African woman to helm the intergovernmental body, acknowledged these sentiments with fervor. Reaffirming her administration’s priorities, education, youth engagement, and job creation, she emphasized building “inclusive societies that uphold democracy, good governance, justice, and equal opportunity for all.” In her view, youth empowerment transcends policy rhetoric: “It is not only vital to sustaining democracy but also indispensable to shaping a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all Commonwealth citizens.”

‎ Botchwey’s reformist zeal, drew high praise from Obi, who lauded her as “a trailblazer whose dedication to education, youth empowerment, and democratic ideals continues to strengthen the global Commonwealth community.”

‎Mrs. Margaret Obi, a steadfast partner in her husband’s public service journey, accompanied him to the meeting, symbolizing the couple’s holistic approach to advocacy. Known for her discreet yet impactful philanthropy, particularly in women’s and community initiatives, her presence reinforced the conversation’s emphasis on equitable opportunities for all demo

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NGO Urges Stakeholders to Invest in Nigeria’s Girl-Child Future Amid Rising Gender Disparities

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By Prosper Mene 

‎The Women in Total Girl Development (WIT-GIRL) NGO has charged parents, educators, government officials, and corporate leaders to prioritize investments in the holistic development of the girl child.

‎Speaking at a high-stakes event in Akwa Ibom State’s capital, the organization highlighted how empowering girls through education and emotional support isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s national progress.

‎The event, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” drew a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including local influencers, policymakers, and youth advocates. It comes as recent reports from UNICEF and the World Bank underscore Nigeria’s persistent gender gaps: over 13 million children are out of school, with girls disproportionately affected due to poverty, early marriage, and discriminatory policies.

‎In the North, for instance, only 21% of girls complete secondary education, perpetuating cycles of inequality that hinder economic growth.

‎Delivering the keynote address, Professor Valerie Asanwana, a renowned gender equity expert and WIT-GIRL ambassador, painted a vivid picture of untapped potential. “The girl child is not a burden, but a builder. The boy child is not a rival but a partner,” she declared, urging the audience to dismantle outdated narratives. “Support your daughters emotionally, academically, and career-wise. Investing in their education is a secure future for your family and the nation. We must create equal opportunities for both genders, or risk leaving half our population behind.”

‎Prof. Asanwana’s words resonated deeply in a country where gender-based policies continue to sideline women from leadership roles.

‎She decried the underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political and corporate spheres. Women hold just 4% of seats in the National Assembly, calling for immediate reforms. “Unfavorable policies against women in leadership are not just injustices; they are economic sabotage,” she added, citing studies showing that gender-inclusive policies could boost Nigeria’s GDP by up to 30%.

‎WIT-GIRL which was founded in 2018 to bridge educational divides in underserved communities, has already impacted over 5,000 girls through scholarships, mentorship programs, and advocacy workshops. The NGO’s flagship initiative, the “Girl Leaders Academy,” equips young women with skills in STEM, public speaking, and entrepreneurship, fostering resilience amid crises like economic downturns and climate challenges.

‎Event participants shared testimonials: One beneficiary, 16-year-old Chioma from a rural Uyo village, credited the program with derailing her family’s plans for early marriage. “WIT-GIRL showed me I’m the change I lead,” she said, now eyeing a career in environmental engineering.

‎The gathering wasn’t without controversy. Some traditional leaders present pushed back against rapid cultural shifts, arguing for “balanced” investments that include boys. However, a panel of experts, including representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs, countered with data: For every dollar invested in girls’ education, societies see returns of up to $10 in health, productivity, and reduced poverty rates.

‎WIT-GIRL Executive Director, Mrs. Ekaette Udoh, issued a direct challenge: “Stakeholders, this is your moment. Donate to scholarships, advocate for policy changes, and mentor a girl today.

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Half of Conservative Members Want Badenoch Sidelined Before 2029 Election

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By Prosper Mene 

A new poll revealed that half of Tory members believe Kemi Badenoch should be ousted as leader before the next general election in 2029.

The findings which was published exclusively by Sky News and conducted by YouGov, expose deep fissures within the party’s ranks just months after Badenoch’s narrow victory in the leadership contest.

The survey of 652 Conservative members, carried out between September 26 and October 2, shows a near-even split on Badenoch’s future: 46% want her to remain at the helm, while a decisive 50% argue she should step aside. This “brutal” verdict, as described by Sky News’ chief political correspondent John Craig, shows a growing sense of despair among the grassroots, who fear the party faces electoral oblivion without a change at the top.

Just 14% of respondents believe the Conservatives can secure a majority in 2029, with 34% predicting a humiliating second-place finish behind Labour.

Badenoch, who triumphed over Robert Jenrick in the 2024 leadership race, now trails her rival in member preferences. When asked who they would favor as leader, 46% backed Jenrick compared to 39% for Badenoch, with 11% opting for neither. Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, emerges as the clear frontrunner among potential successors, beating out other contenders like former prime minister Boris Johnson (22% support in a successor poll) and shadow housing secretary James Cleverly (20%).

In head-to-head matchups, Jenrick holds comfortable leads, signaling a potential swift challenge if Badenoch falters further.The poll’s timing could not be more inopportune for Badenoch, whose first party conference as leader has been overshadowed by defections and dire polling.

On October 7, twenty Tory councillors jumped ship to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK , the latest in a string of high-profile exits that Badenoch dismissed as “shedding baggage” from the party’s 14-year stint in power.

Reform, which surged to prominence in the 2024 election by capitalizing on voter discontent over immigration and economic woes, now consistently outpolls the Conservatives nationally, with projections suggesting the Tories could be reduced to as few as 17 seats in a hypothetical vote today.

Adding fuel to the fire, 64% of Tory members endorse an electoral pact with Reform UK to avoid splitting the right-wing vote – a non-starter for Badenoch, who has repeatedly ruled out any alliance with Farage, whom she accuses of harboring ambitions to “destroy” the Conservatives. Nearly two-thirds (73%) would even welcome a post-election coalition with Reform in a hung parliament.

Farage himself polls strongly among Tory members, with 53% viewing him favorably despite Badenoch’s opposition.Despite the personal favorability hit – 70% of members hold a positive view of Badenoch, against 29% unfavorable – the broader mood is one of pessimism. This echoes wider public sentiment: an Ipsos poll from early October found only 22% of Britons expect Badenoch to become prime minister, with 63% deeming it unlikely. Even among 2024 Conservative voters, nearly half (48%) share this skepticism. The party’s net favorability languishes at -36, its lowest on record, as Reform’s anti-establishment appeal continues to erode Tory support.

Badenoch’s allies, including Jenrick himself, have rallied to her defense, with the shadow justice secretary insisting she is the “right person” to lead despite the numbers.

For Badenoch, the message from her own members is unequivocal: adapt or be replaced.

 

 

 

 

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Sports Journalist Shares Pain of Cyberbullying After Viral Super Eagles Photos

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By Prosper Mene

‎CAF-accredited sports journalist Ikio Annabel has revealed the devastating toll of online harassment that followed a seemingly innocent moment of professional triumph. What began as a proud snapshot posing alongside Super Eagles players Ola Aina and Victor Boniface has spiraled into a nightmare of body-shaming and memes, leaving the young reporter feeling shattered and isolated.

‎Annabel, a rising voice in Nigerian sports journalism known for her passionate coverage of the national team, shared the photos on X (formerly Twitter) just a day earlier, on October 13, 2025.

‎Captured during a training session ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the images showed her beaming alongside the athletic stars, full-back Ola Aina and Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface in what she described as a “dream come true” for any football enthusiast in her field.

‎But the internet’s response was swift and merciless. Within hours, the posts exploded in virality, amassing thousands of views, shares, and comments.

‎Instead of congratulations, Annabel was met with a barrage of cruel insults targeting her appearance. Netizens dubbed her everything from “unfit” to “embarrassing,” with her face photoshopped into derogatory memes that spread like wildfire across platforms. “They called me names I can’t even repeat,” she recounted in a heartfelt thread posted early Tuesday morning. “It broke me completely.”In her candid post, Annabel traced the emotional wreckage back to a lifetime of building self-assurance. “I spent years hating the way I looked, then finally started loving myself,” she wrote, her words laced with vulnerability. “And just when I thought I was unbreakable, Nigerians broke me again.”

‎ The onslaught didn’t just sting, it silenced her. Once outgoing and vocal in press conferences, she withdrew into a shell of quiet despair, haunted by the relentless notifications. “I became extremely quiet, withdrawn. The insults kept coming, wave after wave.”The impact rippled into her professional life with heartbreaking clarity.

‎Returning to the Super Eagles camp for coverage, Annabel found herself gripped by, insecurity. “During my first session back, I subconsciously did everything physically possible to look ‘beautiful’—makeup, outfits, poses,” she shared. “But the trauma reared its head anyway. I felt exposed, judged before I even spoke.”

‎Annabel’s story lays bare the darker side of social media’s double-edged sword: a tool that amplifies voices but can also weaponize anonymity to inflict real harm. As a woman in the male-dominated world of sports journalism, her experience underscores a broader crisis.

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Delta Police Rescue Kidnapped Woman, Bust Drug Dealers in Major Operations

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By Prosper Mene

The Delta State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped woman from the clutches of armed assailants and dismantled a notorious drug trafficking ring, arresting two suspects and seizing a massive haul of illicit substances.

The back-to-back operations, carried out on October 12, underscore the command’s commitment to curbing violent crime and narcotics distribution in the region.The harrowing ordeal began in the early hours of Saturday in Ovian Aladja, a bustling community in Udu Local Government Area. According to police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe, armed men stormed the residence of a local businessman, whose identity remains protected for safety reasons while the family slept. The intruders unleashed a brutal assault, robbing the household of valuables before abducting the man’s wife, a mother of three.A distress call to the Ovian Aladja Divisional Police Headquarters prompted an immediate response from Divisional Police Officer (DPO) CSP Friday Ekundayo and his team. “The DPO mobilized operatives without delay, launching a high-stakes pursuit that traced the kidnappers to a dense forest near the Iyara community,” Edafe detailed in a statement released Tuesday. Through relentless tracking and tactical pressure, the police forced the suspects to abandon their hostage and flee into the underbrush. The woman, found unharmed but shaken, was promptly reunited with her family. A vigorous manhunt is underway for the fleeing perpetrators, with authorities vowing no stone will be left unturned.

Delta State Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda hailed the rescue as a testament to the force’s vigilance. “This operation highlights the bravery of our officers and the power of community intelligence,” he said. “Kidnapping remains a scourge on our society, but we will not relent in our pursuit of justice.”

In a parallel crackdown just hours later, the command’s elite Crack Squad turned its sights on a shadowy drug syndicate operating in Effurun GRA, the heart of Warri’s commercial district. Acting on credible tips, officers raided a suspicious Sienna vehicle at approximately 5 a.m., apprehending two long-time traffickers: Igwe Samson, 33, and Abalum Sunday, 39, both residents of the area.

The bust yielded a staggering trove of narcotics, including 450 bottles of codeine syrup, 188 bottles of bargadine, 208 sachets of 100mg tramadol, 100 sachets of 500mg tramadol, 300 sachets of swinol, 50 sachets of Rohypnol, and a hefty bag of suspected cannabis.

Investigators revealed that the duo had been peddling these substances for nearly two years, sourcing supplies from Onitsha in neighboring Anambra State and conducting nocturnal deliveries to dodge patrols. The vehicle itself was confirmed stolen, adding vehicle theft to their rap sheet.”Preliminary interrogations point to a broader network,” Edafe noted. “We are now tracing their suppliers and buyers to dismantle this operation at its roots.”

The arrests come amid rising concerns over drug abuse fueling other crimes, including cultism and robbery, in Delta’s urban centers.CP Abaniwonda praised the Crack Squad’s precision while issuing a stern warning to the youth: “Crime and drug peddling destroy lives and communities. We urge young people to channel their energies into positive pursuits. Let this be a lesson, the long arm of the law will catch up.”

 

 

 

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‎Mother Forgives Daughter-in-Law for Son’s Death ‎

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By Prosper Mene

Hajia Aisha Bello, a 62-year-old widow from Kano, has publicly announced her forgiveness of her daughter-in-law, Fatima Abubakar, who confessed to fatally stabbing her son, Aminu Bello, during a heated domestic dispute last year.

“I’ve forgiven my daughter-in-law who killed my son,” Hajia Aisha said in an emotional interview with local media, her voice steady despite the tears. “Allah teaches us mercy, and I choose peace over endless pain for my grandchildren’s sake and my own.”

‎The tragedy occurred on an evening in November 2024, when 35-year-old Aminu, a local trader and father of three, returned home to find Fatima, 28, in a rage over ongoing family tensions. Witnesses reported hearing shouts about financial strains and infidelity rumors before a kitchen knife was allegedly grabbed in the heat of the moment.

‎Aminu succumbed to his wounds en route to the hospital, leaving behind a shattered family. Fatima was arrested immediately and charged with culpable homicide not punishable by death under Nigerian law. During her trial, she broke down, citing postpartum depression and years of marital strife as factors in the impulsive act.

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‎Hajia Aisha’s path to forgiveness was far from easy. For months after the incident, she grappled with rage and isolation, refusing visits from Fatima while caring for her young grandchildren. “Every night, I saw my son’s face, pleading for help,” she recounted. But turning to her Islamic faith and counseling from community elders, she began to see the bigger picture. “Fatima is not a monster; she’s a broken woman, like many of us. She was married young, bore children too soon, and carried burdens alone,” Hajia Aisha explained. Her decision echoes the cultural values in northern Nigeria, where reconciliation through forgiveness often mediated by Sharia principles and preserve family ties and prevent cycles of vengeance.

‎Now, with Fatima released on bail pending sentencing, the two women have tentatively begun rebuilding. Hajia Aisha has welcomed her daughter-in-law back into the family home to co-parent the children, who range in age from 2 to 7. “The little ones need their mother, and I am their grandmother. Hatred would orphan them twice over,” she said. Local women’s groups have rallied around the family, offering therapy sessions and vocational training for Fatima to address underlying mental health issues.

 

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Davido and Chioma Mark Twins’ Second Birthday with Intimate Atlanta Bash

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By Prosper Mene 

Afrobeats sensation David Adeleke, known worldwide as Davido, and his wife, Chioma Rowland Adeleke, celebrated the second birthday of their twins with a heartfelt, low-key party at their Atlanta residence.

The private gathering, held on October 12, blended family warmth, cultural pride, and touches of extravagance, drawing an intimate circle of friends and 30BG crew members.

The twins, born on October 9, 2023, turned two amid a pink-themed setup featuring vibrant decorations, fun games, and a spread of traditional Yoruba delicacies.

Chioma took the lead in the kitchen, preparing favorites like amala, ewedu, gbegiri, and okro soup, infusing the event with Nigerian flavors. Videos shared online captured Davido proudly introducing the dishes to American guests, emphasizing the importance of preserving their heritage.

True to the couple’s commitment to privacy, no photos or videos of the twins surfaced, protecting the young siblings from the public eye, a stance they’ve maintained since birth. The celebration follows their lavish first birthday bash in the same city on October 13, 2023, and comes after Davido’s recent online tribute to the “J2,” as he affectionately calls them.

Davido’s aide, Israel DMW, posted clips of the festivities on social media, captioning them “My Oga’s very lowkey two years birthday party for the twins 12/10/2025.

However, the singer swiftly rebuked the posts, urging discretion with a direct message: “No low key again, delete.”

The moment caused lighthearted buzz online, with fans praising the family’s boundary-setting.

It also serves as a reminder of resilience, following the tragic loss of their son Ifeanyi in 2022, which Davido has described as a profound heartbreak before the twins’ arrival brought renewed blessings

Social media erupted with well-wishes, from fans gushing over the “aesthetics” to others noting the event’s wedding-like elegance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CJN Welcomes Admission into International Association of Judges

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By Prosper Mene 

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has hailed the admission of the National Association of Judges of Nigeria (NAJN) into the prestigious International Association of Judges (IAJ), calling it a “moment of pride and privilege” for the country.

The NAJN, representing Nigerian judges at the global level, was officially admitted during the 67th Annual Meeting of the IAJ in Baku, Azerbaijan. This makes Nigeria the 93rd member of the association, which spans 92 national groups across five continents and was founded in Salzburg, Austria, in 1953.

The IAJ, a non-political organization, unites national judges’ associations to promote judicial independence, the rule of law, and human rights protection. Before approving NAJN’s membership, the IAJ reviewed challenges facing Nigeria’s judiciary but commended ongoing reforms under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership to boost efficiency, transparency, and autonomy.In a statement by her media aide, Mr. Tobi Soniyi, the CJN said: “This admission demonstrates international recognition and confidence in the Nigerian judiciary.

It is a call to action for us to uphold the highest standards of judicial integrity and continue our reform efforts.”The development aligns with wider initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s legal system amid global scrutiny.

Each member association, including NAJN, has two representatives on the IAJ’s Central Council, which meets annually in different countries.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s commendation shows the judiciary’s commitment to global best practices, potentially opening doors for collaboration on judicial training and human rights advocacy.

 

 

 

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First Lady Remi Tinubu Boosts 500 Plateau Women with N25 Million Grant

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By Prosper Mene 

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women in Plateau State with N25 million in business grants. Each woman received N50,000 to grow their small businesses, such as trading, farming, and crafts, under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).

The grant handover took place at Rayfield Government House in Jos, with Mrs. Helen Mutfwang, wife of the Plateau State Governor, representing Senator Tinubu. “This money is not a loan but a tool to help you expand your businesses and support your families,” Tinubu said through her representative. “When we empower women, we strengthen communities and the nation.”The 500 women, selected from all 17 local government areas in Plateau, can use the funds to buy more goods, hire help, or improve their businesses.

A beneficiary, Amina Dung, a vegetable seller, said, “This N50,000 will help me stock more produce and support my children.”The program, backed by a N1 billion TEF fund, aims to support 18,500 women across Nigeria. It has already reached states like Bauchi and Ondo, helping women grow their businesses and fight poverty.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang praised the initiative, saying it brings hope to Plateau women facing economic and security challenges.The RHI and TEF will monitor the women’s progress and provide training to ensure the grants make a lasting impact.

 

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