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Female deputy governors seek 35% quota for women in state assemblies

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Nigeria’s female deputy governors have called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt a 35 per cent affirmative action quota for women in elective positions, particularly in State Houses of Assembly, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a letter dated March 27, 2026, addressed to APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and signed by Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Coordinator of the Forum of Female Deputy Governors in Nigeria, the group urged the party to implement structured measures to boost women’s representation.

The letter commended Yilwatda’s leadership and highlighted the current low participation of women in politics.

Currently, Nigeria has only nine female deputy governors, four women in the Senate, 17 in the House of Representatives, and 48 across all 36 State Houses of Assembly. Thirteen states have no female legislators at all.

The female deputy governors proposed the following:

A minimum of 35 per cent female representation in State Houses of Assembly

At least one female member of the House of Representatives per senatorial district

At least one female senator per state

A minimum of 18 female deputy governors nationwide

Support for at least one female governor in each geopolitical zone

They argued that increased women’s participation would strengthen the party’s voter base, bring diverse perspectives to governance, and demonstrate the APC’s commitment to inclusive leadership.

The push aligns with Nigeria’s National Gender Policy, which recommends 35 per cent affirmative action for women in both elective and appointive positions.

The development comes as advocacy for greater gender inclusion in Nigerian politics continues, with similar calls for reserved seats gaining attention in recent years.

No immediate reaction from the APC national leadership has been reported.

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70% female, 30% male students suffer GBV in tertiary institutions — Report

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By Prosper Mene

A new report has revealed alarming levels of gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigerian tertiary institutions, with 70% of female students and 30% of male students reporting they have experienced at least one form of GBV on campus.

The findings come from a National Campus Climate Baseline Survey on Sexual Harassment in public tertiary institutions, conducted by Alliances for Africa (AfA) in collaboration with the Centre for Gender Studies at Kaduna State University (KASU). The survey covered six federal and six state universities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and was unveiled as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.

The report also highlighted that 63% of female staff and 37% of male staff have experienced GBV on campus. Forms of violence include sexual misconduct (such as harassment and “sex for marks”), physical abuse, psychological/emotional violence, and other forms of intimidation.

“These numbers paint a disturbing picture of the campus environment,” a representative from AfA noted during the report’s presentation. The survey shows that GBV affects both genders, though female students and staff remain disproportionately impacted.

Widespread Problem

The baseline survey aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual harassment and broader GBV in higher education. It revealed that such incidents occur frequently, often perpetrated by fellow students, lecturers, and non-academic staff. Many victims reportedly face barriers to reporting due to fear of retaliation, stigma, or lack of effective institutional mechanisms.

Experts say the high prevalence points to deep-rooted issues, including unequal power dynamics, weak enforcement of anti-GBV policies, and a campus culture that sometimes normalizes certain forms of misconduct.

Calls for Action

Stakeholders are urging university authorities, government bodies, and civil society to take urgent steps. Recommendations include:

Stronger anti-sexual harassment policies with clear sanctions.

Establishment of confidential reporting systems and survivor support services.

Mandatory training and sensitization programs for students and staff.

Regular monitoring and evaluation of campus safety measures.

The report calls for a “whole-institution approach” to prevention, emphasizing that safe learning environments are essential for academic success and national development.

Advocates stress that addressing GBV is not just a gender issue but a fundamental human rights and educational quality concern.

As one activist put it: “No student should have to endure violence or harassment simply to obtain an education.”

The full report is expected to guide policy interventions and further research into creating safer campuses across Nigeria.

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Polaris Bank Positions Gender Equity as Growth Strategy at IWD 2026

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Polaris Bank has reinforced its commitment to deepen gender equity as a business and growth imperative during its 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) event, spotlighting sustained investments in women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and leadership development. In line with this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” highlighting a call to action for accelerating gender equality through generosity, collaboration,and investment in women. The speakers emphasized intentional contribution as a catalyst for collective progress.
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Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, underscored the strategic value of the theme, “Gender Equity as a Business Imperative: The Give to Gain Advantage.” He noted that investing in women delivers measurable returns for institutions and economies alike.

According to Lawal, empowering women remains a core pillar of Polaris Bank’s long-term strategy, reflected in its support for women-led businesses through targeted financing, enterprise advisory and capacity-building initiatives.

The Polaris CEO also highlighted the Bank’s sustained advocacy in breast cancer advocacy and screening and early detection, as well as its contributions to girl-child education and inclusive workplace policies.

He added that the Bank’s flagship proposition, *Polaris Pearl*, continues to provide tailored financial solutions and growth platforms for women professionals and entrepreneurs. He called for more deliberate action across sectors, stressing that inclusive systems ultimately drive stronger institutions and societies.

Delivering keynote insights, Tomi Somefun, the immediate past MD/CEO of Unity Bank described gender equity as a critical lever for organizational performance, urging institutions to move beyond rhetoric to structured action.

She emphasized that enabling women to contribute fully is not a social obligation but a pathway to better decision-making, innovation, and long-term resilience.

Also speaking, Belinda Nkechi Indinmachi, a social entrepreneur challenged the GenZs to adopt a more strategic approach to value creation, noting that purposeful contribution and long-term thinking are essential for sustainable career and business growth. She encouraged professionals to view “giving” as an investment that yields tangible returns over time.

In her remarks, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking, Abimbola Ozomah, reiterated that the Bank’s focus on women empowerment extends beyond symbolic observance. She noted that initiatives such as the Polaris Women Connect platform are deliberately designed to prepare female professionals for leadership through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and exposure to industry leaders.

Earlier, Bukola Oluyadi, Group Head, Customer Experience & Value Management, set the tone for the engagement, highlighting the importance of collaboration and intentional support systems in driving collective success.

The event also showcased Polaris Bank’s measurable impact in advancing women’s economic participation, including the disbursement of over ₦1 billion in funding to female entrepreneurs, alongside continued investments in financial literacy and enterprise development.

Polaris Bank reaffirmed that its commitment to empowering women remains anchored on deliberate action and inclusive growth strategies that position women as key drivers of economic transformation.

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Interswitch Commits to Women’s Empowerment with ‘Give to Gain’ International Women’s Day Initiative

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Interswitch, the leading African technology company dedicated to creating solutions that enable individuals and communities to prosper across the continent, commemorated International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “Give to Gain.” The company launched a thoughtfully curated internal initiative reaffirming its commitment to empowering women within its workforce and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

As part of the celebration, Interswitch hosted a virtual session exclusively for the women of The Switch. The session featured Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, Deputy Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited, who spoke on the topic ‘Give to Gain – Give Value, Gain Visibility.’ Participants gained practical insights on leadership development, value creation, and the strategic importance of visibility in career progression.

Franklin Ali, Group Chief Human Resource Officer at Interswitch, emphasized the significance of creating deliberate opportunities to support women’s professional growth.

“At Interswitch, we believe empowering women goes beyond celebrating milestones like International Women’s Day. It requires creating meaningful platforms where women can learn, share experiences, and gain the visibility needed to grow as leaders. Through initiatives like ‘Give to Gain,’ we encourage our women to recognise the value they bring and confidently amplify their impact within the organisation and beyond,” he stated.

During the session, Dayo-Olagunju highlighted how intentional value creation and visibility are vital to shaping women’s professional journeys. Drawing from her experience in the financial services sector, she shared perspectives on how women can strategically position themselves for greater influence, build impact within their organizations, and turn consistent value delivery into meaningful career growth.

This initiative exemplifies Interswitch’s belief that empowering women involves creating opportunities for learning, mentorship, and open dialogue. By facilitating conversations with accomplished leaders, the organization continues to invest in the personal and professional development of its female employees.

In addition to the leadership session, Interswitch distributed customized care packages to female staff across its offices. The gesture served as a token of appreciation for the resilience, dedication, and excellence demonstrated daily by women in the organization.

Beyond the session and care packages, Interswitch supports women through a range of internal policies aimed at promoting wellbeing and work-life balance. These include access to high-quality creche facilities, a comprehensive maternity leave policy, and an exclusive spousal allowance initiative—further reinforcing the company’s commitment to creating a supportive environment where women can thrive both professionally and personally.

This year’s International Women’s Day initiative underscores Interswitch’s recognition of the vital role women play in driving the company’s growth and success. Women across technology, operations, product development, finance, and leadership continue to lead innovation and enhance service delivery.

Through initiatives like this, Interswitch reaffirms its dedication to building an inclusive workplace where talent is nurtured, contributions are valued, and every employee is empowered to grow and succeed.

 

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Female Engineers Seek Stronger Support for Women in STEM

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By Prosper Mene

Female engineers in Nigeria are intensifying calls for greater investment, mentorship, and policy support to boost women’s participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, warning that low representation is holding back national innovation and economic growth.

Speaking at the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN)’s International Women’s Day celebration in Abuja, APWEN President Chinyere Igwegbe urged government and industry stakeholders to invest more in women and girls in STEM. “When we empower women, we do far more than support individuals; we unlock innovation, strengthen economies, and transform communities,” she said, quoting former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Igwegbe highlighted APWEN’s long-standing work in mentorship, scholarships, STEM outreach, and advocacy, but stressed that more deliberate action is needed. “Opening doors must be accompanied by support to enable leadership and excellence,” she added.

The event, themed “Give to Gain: Empower Her, Empower All,” featured recognition of outstanding women engineers for their contributions to mentorship and leadership. Speakers including Valerie Agberagba (Deputy President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers) emphasised mentorship, access to finance, and supportive policies, while Oghale Ojeabure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company noted that women make up less than 20% of the workforce in technical roles.

In a related development ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, the Managing Director of Emma-Tob International Academy, Deborah Omolola, called for stronger support to increase the number of women practising engineering in Nigeria. She pointed out the stark gender imbalance in Nigerian institutions, where the female-to-male student ratio in engineering is approximately 1:9, compared to 48.5% female engineers in Algeria according to UNESCO data.

“We need more female engineers in practice. The world is evolving, and in this digital era, women have proven that their contributions to technological advancement and innovation are indispensable,” Omolola said. She commended bodies such as ANWEP, COREN, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers for their ongoing efforts.

Female engineers are pushing for practical solutions: improved STEM infrastructure in schools, scholarships, industry partnerships, hands-on outreach programmes for girls, and workplace policies that address bias, work-life balance, and career progression. Students at the APWEN event highlighted persistent barriers such as inadequate laboratories and poor teaching tools.

Stakeholders, including former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and past NSE President Kashim Ali, echoed the need for investment in science education and infrastructure to tackle broader national issues like insecurity and poverty while harnessing women’s proven leadership abilities.

As Nigeria aims to position itself as a hub for innovation, female engineers say stronger, sustained support, from government, academia, and the private sector — is not just a gender issue, but a strategic imperative for national development.

“STEM for all means removing barriers and ensuring every voice counts,” said past APWEN leader Dr Ini Usoro. “A child from a small village should have the same chance to explore science as one from a big city.”

The calls come amid ongoing initiatives like APWEN’s FunSTEM programmes, school outreach, and grants aimed at doubling female participation in engineering.

 

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𝗞𝗮𝗻𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀, 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a rare and joyous medical event, a woman identified as Hafsatu Yusuf has given birth to quintuplets, three boys and two girls — at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.

The delivery took place around 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. According to reports, both the mother and the five newborns are in stable condition and are receiving specialised medical attention at the hospital. Quintuplets are extremely uncommon and often require intensive monitoring due to the higher risks associated with multiple births.

Hafsatu’s husband, Malam Salisu Nufi’u, a tricycle rider popularly known as an Adaidaita Sahu operator, expressed profound gratitude to God for the safe delivery. He described the government’s swift intervention as timely and critical for his family.

In response to the high-risk nature of the birth, the Kano State Government has taken full responsibility for the medical care of Hafsatu Yusuf and her quintuplets. This includes covering all treatment and monitoring costs to ensure the well-being of the mother and babies.

A statement from the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Na’isa, confirmed the development and highlighted the government’s broader commitment: “We will continue to support the general public, particularly the less privileged, to ensure they have access to quality healthcare services.” The intervention aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen maternal and child health services, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and improve access to care for vulnerable residents.

 

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Brave Grandmother and Vigilant Neighbours Foil Kidnapping Attempt on Three-Year-Old Boy in Ondo

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By Prosper Mene

A courageous grandmother and quick-thinking community members have thwarted an attempted child theft in Ogbagi Akoko, Ondo State, rescuing a three-year-old boy from suspected kidnappers.

The incident occurred on Saturday, March 22, 2026, when Mrs. Olanireti sent her young son, Alex Ayobami, on a simple errand to his grandmother, Mrs. Olawale, who lives behind her shop on Ioso Street.

A concerned resident, identified as Oni, noticed suspicious activity around the child and immediately raised an alarm. Mrs. Olanireti rushed to the scene, where she found two men attempting to flee with little Alex on an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle.

In a dramatic intervention, the boy’s grandmother, Mrs. Olawale, fearlessly held onto the motorcycle to prevent the suspects from escaping. Neighbours quickly mobilised, blocking the men’s path and ensuring they could not get away.

The two suspects, identified as Adefarati Idowu and Adepoju Babatunde, were apprehended on the spot through the combined efforts of the community and responding police officers. The child was rescued unharmed.

Ondo State Police Command spokesman, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the details in a statement on Wednesday, describing the case as a suspected conspiracy and attempted child stealing.

“The vigilance and prompt information by neighbours foiled the kidnap attempt,” Jimoh said. He added that the case has been transferred to police headquarters for discreet and thorough investigation, with efforts underway to uncover any possible wider criminal network.

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the bravery of the community members, particularly the grandmother’s bold action.

The police have urged parents and guardians to remain extra vigilant, especially when sending young children on errands, and called on the public to report any suspicious activities immediately.

 

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Nigerian Singer Asa Mourns the Loss of Her Mother to Sudden Brain Tumour

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By Prosper Mene

Award-winning Nigerian singer-songwriter Bukola Elemide, popularly known as Asa, has announced the heartbreaking death of her mother following a sudden brain tumour.

The 43-year-old artist shared the sad news in an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday, where she paid a deeply moving tribute to the woman she described as her “reason to be, my queen, my everything.”

“A sudden brain tumor came without warning and took you too soon,” Asa wrote, while sharing photos of her late mother.

In the heartfelt message, the “Femi Mo” and “Jailer” hitmaker remembered her mother as a generous, kind-hearted woman with her own “quiet swag,” who was extremely shy yet funny.

“You were generous. The kindest soul… My biggest fan. You couldn’t hold a note to save your life, but you sang every one of my songs with your whole heart,” she added.70a079

Asa concluded the tribute with gratitude and love: “Your strength, your love, your spirit will remain with me forever. Rest now, Mum.” 💔🕊️

The announcement has triggered an outpouring of condolences from fans, colleagues, and fellow artistes. Singer Tiwa Savage wrote, “May her soul rest in perfect peace.” Johnny Drille offered, “I’m so so sorry Asa. I pray God comfort you and your family through this season.” Other messages of support came from influencers like Enioluwa and gospel singer Prospa Ochimana.

Asa, known for her soulful voice and introspective lyrics that often touch on love, identity, and personal struggles, has not yet disclosed further details about the timing of the passing or funeral arrangements.

The music community and fans continue to send prayers and love to the singer and her family during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Mama.

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Miss Nigeria apologises to Omotola, disowns presenter in viral clip

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By Prosper Mene

The Miss Nigeria Organisation has issued a public apology to Nollywood veteran Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde following a tense and awkward encounter with a young presenter that went viral over the weekend.

The incident occurred during the red-carpet segment of the 46th Miss Nigeria Patrons & Board Dinner held in Lagos on Sunday. In the circulating video, the inexperienced presenter approached the 48-year-old actress and asked her to introduce herself while live on camera. A visibly frustrated Omotola responded curtly, told the presenter “Don’t touch me,” and briefly attempted to walk away before relenting. The clip sparked widespread reactions online, with many criticising the presenter’s approach as disrespectful to a respected industry icon.

In a statement released on Tuesday via Instagram and shared widely, the Miss Nigeria Organisation, chaired by actress Rita Dominic, distanced itself from the presenter and offered a heartfelt apology.

“First and foremost, we wish to publicly extend our sincerest apologies to Omotola for the discomfort she experienced. She is a deeply valued member of the Miss Nigeria community and a close friend who has spent decades opening doors for young creatives,” the statement read.

The organisation made it clear that the individual in the clip was not an accredited or invited media representative for the exclusive private event.

“We wish to state categorically that the person featured in the video was not officially invited or accredited to cover or conduct interviews at the Patrons & Board Dinner. The event is a closed, high-profile gathering, and all media interactions were strictly managed by our designated team,” it emphasised.

The Miss Nigeria team described Omotola as a “cultural icon” and reiterated their respect for her contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry over the years.

Social media users have been divided, with some defending Omotola’s reaction as understandable given her stature, while others felt the presenter was simply nervous or inexperienced. The swift response from the organisers appears to have calmed some of the backlash.

As of Tuesday evening, Omotola herself had not publicly commented on the apology.

This development comes as Miss Nigeria continues preparations for its 2026 edition, with the organisation keen to maintain its reputation for elegance and professionalism at its events.

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𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝗳𝘁: 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘅𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀’ 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗶𝗻-𝗟𝗮𝘄

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The family of the late Nigerian boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju has become embroiled in a public dispute, with the boxer’s mother accusing his widow of contributing to family tensions and making unfounded claims online.

Segun Olanrewaju, popularly known as Boxer Success, tragically passed away in March 2025 after collapsing during a professional bout in Ghana. His death sparked an outpouring of support, including public donations intended for his widow, Adebusola, and their two young children (aged three and two at the time).

Earlier reports highlighted the widow’s allegations against her in-laws. She claimed she was physically assaulted, harassed, denied proper mourning rites for her husband, and driven out of the family home. She also accused family members of questioning her fidelity and the paternity of her first child, as well as excluding her from decisions regarding her late husband’s affairs and related funds.

In response, the boxer’s mother, Mrs. Agnes Olanrewaju, has now spoken out publicly to counter these claims. She denied any maltreatment or neglect toward her son’s wife during their relationship, stating that she had provided support and worked to maintain peace in the family. She alleged that tensions had been building between the two families even before her son’s death, claiming the widow had left the matrimonial home prior to the incident. The mother further accused the widow of escalating the situation by making accusations against the family on social media.

Expressing deep grief, Mrs. Olanrewaju appealed to the public to hear her side of the story. She called for calm and urged the widow and her family to allow her to mourn her son in peace without additional distress.

The ongoing rift has also involved disputes over donated funds and assets left for the children’s welfare, leaving the young family members caught in the middle of the conflict.

 

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