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Nigerian Actress Osas Ighodaro Joins Woody McClain and Hakeem Kae-Kazim in Global Action-Comedy ‘Boyz Trip’

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Nollywood star Osas Ighodaro has been cast in the upcoming action-comedy Boyz Trip, a high-energy South Africa-set film that is already generating buzz for its diverse international ensemble and fast-paced plot.

The announcement comes hot off the heels of principal photography, which is currently underway in Cape Town. Ighodaro joins a star-studded lineup that includes American actors Woody McClain (Power Book II: Ghost), Rome Flynn, Algee Smith and comedian Desi Banks, alongside South African star Siv Ngesi and other international talents.

Also added to the cast in this latest wave are acclaimed Nigerian-British actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim (Hotel Rwanda), record producer and songwriter Honorable C.N.O.T.E., and Peter Lee (Invasion). Earlier this year, the production welcomed Ama Qamata, Thapelo Mokoena, Bohang Moeko, Ama K. Abebrese, Alessandra Fuller and Francisca Aronsson.

Directed by Kyle Scott from his own original story, Boyz Trip follows four college friends who ditch their usual annual reunion for a boys’ getaway abroad. What begins as a fun escape quickly spirals into international chaos, forcing the group to lean on old friendships, questionable skills and sheer luck to survive.

Producer Autumn Bailey-Ford, whose Autumn Bailey Entertainment is producing the project alongside Scott’s KeyScott Entertainment and Canyon View Media, praised the film’s global appeal.

“We are excited to finally round out this cast. This is truly going to be a global project, as we have talent from London, Nollywood, South Africa, Korea, and America all coming together,” she said.

Osas Ighodaro, best known for her long-running role on the popular Nigerian soap Tinsel, brings her signature blend of charisma and screen presence to the project. The addition underscores Boyz Trip’s commitment to bridging Hollywood, Nollywood and African cinema.

 

Woody McClain, who has built a strong fanbase through his work on the Power universe, adds marquee value from the U.S. side.

Hakeem Kae-Kazim, a veteran of major international productions, further strengthens the film’s cross-continental credentials.

 

With filming actively progressing in one of Africa’s most cinematic cities, expectations are high for Boyz Trip to deliver a fresh mix of laughs, thrills and cultural fusion when it eventually hits screens worldwide.

No release date has been announced yet, but the project is shaping up as one of the most anticipated action-comedies of the coming years. Stay tuned for more updates from the set.

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NewsEntertainment

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Sade Adu to Be Inducted Into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

In a landmark announcement that has sent waves of pride across the African music world, Nigerian-born icons Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Sade Adu (frontwoman of the band Sade) have been named to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame revealed the 2026 inductees on April 13 during a live segment of American Idol. Fela, the pioneering force behind Afrobeat, will be honored in the Early Influence category — recognized for artists whose groundbreaking sound laid the foundation for generations of music. He becomes the first African artist ever inducted into the Hall. Sade will enter in the Performer category alongside a star-studded list that includes Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: The Rebel with a Horn

Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti in Abeokuta, Nigeria, in 1938, Fela transformed the music landscape with his explosive fusion of jazz, highlife, funk, and traditional Yoruba rhythms. His band Africa ’70 (later Egypt ’80) delivered marathon live performances laced with sharp political satire, targeting corruption, colonialism, and military dictatorships in Nigeria. Classics like “Zombie,” “Water No Get Enemy,” and “Lady” became anthems of resistance across Africa and the diaspora.

Fela’s influence stretches far beyond Nigeria. His work inspired artists from Paul Simon and Talking Heads to Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Despite multiple arrests, brutal raids on his Kalakuta Republic commune, and even the death of his mother at the hands of soldiers, Fela remained unbowed until his passing in 1997. The Early Influence Award is a fitting tribute to a man whose music predated and shaped what the world now calls “world music” and global Afrobeat.

Sade Adu: The Voice of Smooth Sophistication

Helen Folasade Adu, born in Ibadan, Nigeria, in 1959 and raised in London, brought a sleek, jazz-infused soul sound to global charts in the 1980s. As lead singer of the band Sade, she delivered timeless hits such as “Smooth Operator,” “The Sweetest Taboo,” “No Ordinary Love,” and “By Your Side.” With over 50 million records sold worldwide, the group’s minimalist elegance and Sade’s velvety voice created a genre-defying blueprint that influenced everyone from Maxwell and D’Angelo to modern R&B and neo-soul artists

Sade’s induction in the Performer category underscores her enduring commercial and artistic impact. She joins a select group of international artists who have redefined “rock” in its broadest sense.

Full Class of 2026 and Ceremony Details

Other notable inductees across categories include Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons (Early Influence), alongside producers and influencers such as Rick Rubin and Arif Mardin. The induction ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It will be broadcast later on ABC and Disney+.

Nigerian fans and music industry figures have hailed the double induction as long overdue recognition of African creativity on the global stage. Fela’s inclusion, in particular, is being celebrated as a victory for Afrobeat’s global legacy and a powerful symbol of cultural pride.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, based in Cleveland, Ohio, continues to expand its definition of “rock ’n’ roll” to embrace the diverse roots of popular music — from Afrobeat pioneers to smooth soul icons.

For Nigeria and the wider African continent, this is more than an award — it is validation that the music born on these shores has shaped the soundtrack of the world.

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Relationship

Akin Faminu & Kiky Festus Become Mr. & Mrs. Faminu in a Sophisticated Ivory Civil Ceremony

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Love just got a stylish upgrade. Internet personality Akin Faminu and Kiky Festus have officially said “I Do,” sealing their romance in an intimate, ivory-themed civil ceremony that’s already winning hearts across social media.

The couple, now proudly Mr. and Mrs. Faminu  exchanged vows in a refined and luxurious setting during the last weekend of March. Dubbed the second of four wedding events (#HookedOnTheFaminus), the civil ceremony was intentionally intimate yet dripping with elegance, proving that less can truly be more when love and style align perfectly.

Kiky radiated timeless beauty in a bespoke ivory two-piece set by Mazelle Bridal, featuring delicate embroidery and a flattering silhouette. She completed the look with Manolo Blahnik heels, a chic fascinator veil, flawless makeup by Highlights by Sophie, and hair by Adefunkeee. Her ring from Boz Diamonds caught the light with every joyful moment. Akin matched her effortlessly in a crisp white Deji & Kola dinner jacket with bow tie, tailored black trousers, Christian Louboutin shoes, and accessories from Boj Jewelry. The pair’s coordinated styling by The Style Infidel turned the entire affair into a masterclass in modern bridal fashion.

Close friends and family filled the registry with warmth and celebration, with the event flawlessly executed by LH Events. From heartfelt vows to a sweet, viral kiss that has fans swooning, the ceremony was captured beautifully by cinematographer Niyi Fagbemi and videography team The Nuptial Symphony.

Social media exploded with love for the newlyweds. Clips of the couple sharing tender moments have racked up views, with well-wishers flooding comment sections with messages like “Mr & Mrs Faminu!!! What an amazing intimate ceremony 🥹” and “This is your sign to believe in genuine love again.” Many praised the low-key luxury and the couple’s obvious chemistry, calling it a fashion-forward celebration done right.

As they step into married life, Akin and Kiky have already given us major #CoupleGoals  and with more wedding festivities still to come, the Faminus love story is only just beginning.

Congratulations to the newlyweds! ❤️

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NewsEmpowerment

Juliet Ehimuan Launches RISE: Empowering Women Executives to Claim Enterprise Leadership

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

the Civic Centre in Victoria Island transformed into a powerhouse of purpose and precision as Dr. Juliet Ehimuan, Founder and CEO of Beyond Limits and former Director of Google West Africa, officially launched the inaugural cohort of the RISE Executive Leadership Programme for Women.

More than 100 senior female executives and entrepreneurs gathered for the opening workshop of this six-week intensive programme, designed to propel accomplished women leaders from functional excellence into enterprise-wide stewardship. RISE — Reflect. Ignite. Strategise. Excel. — addresses a persistent leadership gap: while women hold nearly half of entry-level corporate roles globally, they occupy just 28% of C-suite positions, according to McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace 2024 report. In Nigeria’s corporate landscape, particularly in financial services and tech-driven sectors, the need for targeted acceleration at the senior level has never been more urgent.

Dr. Ehimuan, anchoring the day as Lead Faculty, set a tone of unapologetic ambition and clarity. “To live the life you want, you need to define it,” she told the room. “Your life purpose is your gift to the world, and your gift to the world is to be your greatest self.” She urged participants to focus relentlessly on the “what” — the vision and goals — trusting that the “how” would follow.

The faculty lineup read like a who’s who of African boardroom power. Opunimi Akinkugbe, Founder of Bestman Games and former Nigerian Ambassador to Greece, emphasised the power of authentic authority: “Authority is not claimed; it is recognized. People trust what feels real, and at the top, authenticity is not optional.”

Bolaji Agbede, Executive Director at Access Holdings, challenged the women to own their identity without apology. “For us as women, we need to spend time knowing who we are, and we need to be unapologetic about it… nurturing, in its most powerful form, is not about comforting people; it is about helping them discover their greatness and creating the strategic ecosystem that allows them to rise.”

Bolanle Austen-Peters, Founder of Terra Kulture and BAP Productions, drove home the importance of executive presence and communication: “Preparation is the foundation of presence. How you carry yourself communicates your authority long before you utter a word… And when you speak, make eye contact. That is where credibility is won.”

The programme’s broader faculty includes heavyweights such as Bola Adesola (Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria), Funke Opeke (Founder, MainOne), Ndidi Nwuneli (President and CEO, The ONE Campaign), Bonita Stewart (Co-Founder and Managing Director, BAG Ventures USA; former Vice President, Global Partnerships at Google), and Ibukun Awosika (Founder, The Chair Centre Group).

Following the high-energy in-person launch, participants will move into a four-week virtual phase focused on navigating stakeholder ecosystems, strategic decision-making in ambiguity, and building organisational culture that scales. The programme culminates in May 2026 with a landmark closing networking evening featuring additional fireside conversations with Bola Adesola, Ibukun Awosika, and other trailblazers.

For organisations, RISE serves as a strategic succession-planning tool to strengthen the female leadership pipeline. For the women themselves, it is a deliberate investment in expanded influence, executive authority, and long-term impact.

Reflecting on the vision behind the programme, Dr. Ehimuan said: “Executive leadership demands continuous growth and the courage to lead with competence and conviction. RISE exists to ensure accomplished women are positioned to define the next chapters of global business.”

Applications for future cohorts and corporate sponsorship details are now open via Beyond Limits at beyondlimits.global/rise.

In a country where women are increasingly driving economic transformation, the launch of RISE signals a bold new chapter — one where the next generation of African leaders is not waiting to be invited to the table, but is being equipped to own it.

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News

Malta Guinness Taps Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Rachael Okonkwo as Brand Ambassadors to Celebrate Nigeria’s Multidimensional Youth

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a move to connect deeper with Nigeria’s vibrant youth culture, Malta Guinness has named popular lifestyle creator Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Nollywood actress Rachael Okonkwo as its newest brand ambassadors.

The appointments, which follow the recent launch of the brand’s “Nourishing Goodness Every Side of You” campaign, highlight the diverse talents and hustles that define a new generation of Nigerians.

The campaign, unveiled alongside the ambassador signings on March 27, 2026, in Lagos, is an ode to individuals who refuse to be defined by a single lane. It celebrates range, creativity, resilience, and the many sides of personal excellence – from fashion and media to acting and storytelling. Malta Guinness, long known for more than just refreshment, is positioning itself as a brand that truly sees and supports the multifaceted lives of young Nigerians.

Enioluwa Adeoluwa, a dynamic media personality and content creator celebrated for his confidence, fashion flair, and authentic storytelling, perfectly embodies the campaign’s spirit. Rachael Okonkwo, beloved for her powerful on-screen presence and deep connection with audiences, brings her own rich layers of artistry and relatability to the partnership.

Marketing Manager at Guinness Nigeria, Garima Khandelwal, explained the brand’s vision behind the choices: “Malta Guinness has always stood for more than just refreshment. Enioluwa and Rachael represent a generation that is dynamic, creative, and constantly evolving, and their stories resonate with the brand’s spirit. Our ambassadors embody the energy, resilience, and creativity of Nigerian youth.”

Brand Manager Rahmotallahi Adeniyi added that the partnership is about authenticity: “This partnership goes beyond visibility. It is about working with individuals who genuinely reflect the multidimensional nature of Nigerian youth. We wanted ambassadors who live this reality every day; people who are not defined by one path but are constantly creating, building, and expressing themselves in different ways.

Enioluwa shared his excitement, noting the brand’s genuine relatability: “I love the fact that Malta Guinness has always been a brand that feels very real and relatable. It celebrates people as they are, and that’s something I deeply connect with. For me, it is about showing up fully, in all the different things I do, and I’m excited to be on this journey with a brand that understands that.”

Rachael Okonkwo echoed the sentiment: “This means a lot to me. I’m drawn to anything that reminds people to believe in themselves and their abilities. Malta Guinness’ message aligns with who I am and what I stand for.”

To kick off their roles, the new ambassadors joined the Malta Guinness team for an exclusive plant tour, gaining an inside look at the craftsmanship and care that goes into every bottle – a hands-on experience that brought the “Every Side of You” message to life.

As the campaign rolls out, fans can expect more culturally resonant content, storytelling moments, and activations that spotlight the richness of Nigerian youth experiences. For Malta Guinness, this latest chapter reinforces its longstanding role as a brand that doesn’t just refresh – it nourishes every side of who you are.

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NewsLifestyle

Zikoko’s HERtitude Turns 5: Nigeria’s Favourite Women-Only Gathering Returns with ‘Main Character Energy’

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Zikoko, Nigeria’s leading youth culture platform, has officially announced the fifth edition of its flagship women-only event, HERtitude, set to take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Lagos.

Marking half a decade since its launch in 2022, HERtitude has grown into one of the most anticipated dates on the Nigerian women’s calendar. More than 7,000 women have attended previous editions, transforming the gathering into a cultural staple where participants build meaningful connections, celebrate their individuality, and enjoy unapologetic fun in a safe, women-centred space.

This year’s theme, “Main Character Energy,” promises to amplify the event’s signature vibe. Attendees can look forward to a mix of beloved highlights and fresh experiences, including a fashion show, dance competition, immersive beauty, hair, and wellness activations, as well as live performances and an interactive “Aunty Z” Q&A session tackling real-talk topics around life, money, career, and relationships.

“Five years in, we’ve watched the HERtitude community grow into something bigger than an event,” Zikoko noted in its announcement. “While a lot has changed, the heart of HERtitude hasn’t: women showing up for themselves and each other.”

HERtitude was created to celebrate Nigerian women across all walks of life – from culture and business to media and everyday hustle – and continues to position itself as more than just a party. It is a space for women to “dress like the moment, take up space unapologetically, and meet your community,” according to the official event site.

OPay returns as Platinum Sponsor for the 2026 edition, adding extra value to what organisers describe as “the biggest gathering of hot babes” yet. Tickets are now available at hertitude.zikoko.com, with special discount codes such as BESTIE15 and EASTER20 currently live to make the experience more accessible.

As HERtitude enters its second half-decade, the event continues to stand out for its intentional focus on sisterhood, self-celebration, and creating memories that extend far beyond a single day on the Island. For many Nigerian women, it has become the ultimate annual reminder: you are the main character.

Tickets and full details are available now at hertitude.zikoko.com.

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TrendingLifestyle

Nollywood Actor Jide Kene Achufusi Shares Romantic Pre-Wedding Portraits with Fiancée Ifeoma

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Nollywood star Jide Kene Achufusi, popularly known as Swanky JKA, has set hearts racing after unveiling his stunning pre-wedding photos with his partner, Ifeoma. The couple, who are set to tie the knot later this year under the hashtag #JideIfe26, treated fans to a series of elegant portraits that perfectly blend tradition, style, and undeniable chemistry.

In the photos, the 34-year-old actor cuts a dashing figure in a forest green Agbada adorned with tonal embroidery, paired with a sleek black beaded cap and polished brown Oxfords. Seated beside him, Ifeoma radiates grace in a one-shoulder lilac structured corset top featuring a dramatic ruffled organza sleeve, complemented by a floral lace mermaid skirt in soft blush tones. She completed her look with a full purple gele and a delicate gold pendant.

Shot against a clean sage green studio backdrop, the images highlight the couple’s effortless connection — from Ifeoma’s hand resting gently on Jide’s shoulder to their relaxed, loving poses. The color palette of deep forest green and soft lilac creates a sophisticated, editorial vibe that feels both timeless and modern.

Achufusi, born Jideofor Kenechukwu Achufusi on October 17, 1991, in Enugu State (with roots in Anambra), rose to fame through modelling before making his mark in Nollywood with standout roles, including in Living in Bondage: Breaking Free. He first hinted at the upcoming wedding on Instagram with a simple “first look” post, quickly followed by the full pre-wedding reveal that has since gone viral.

Fans and colleagues have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, praising the couple’s beautiful union. The portraits are already being hailed as a masterclass in traditional Nigerian elegance.

Congratulations are pouring in for #JideIfe26.

Love truly looks good on them!

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TrendingEntertainment

AMVCA 2026 Best Lead Actress: 8 Nollywood Queens Ready to Claim the Crown

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has set the Nollywood stage ablaze with its nominations, announced on March 29, 2026. While every category promises fireworks, the Best Lead Actress race stands out as one of the most fiercely contested in recent memory. Eight exceptional women, spanning veteran powerhouses, established screen queens, and breakout talents — have been nominated for their transformative performances in 2026’s biggest films.

From Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman’s layered portrayal in The Serpent’s Gift to Genoveva Umeh’s gripping turn in the multi-nominated thriller The Herd, these actresses are not just competing; they are redefining what it means to carry a story on screen. The AMVCA ceremony is scheduled for May 9, 2026, and voting is already underway.

Here are the eight nominees who have Nollywood talking:

1. Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman – The Serpent’s Gift (Directed by Kayode Kasum)

The versatile star earns her Best Lead Actress nod for a deeply emotional performance exploring grief, resilience, and family legacy in Eastern Nigeria. Ejiofor-Suleiman is having a banner year, also picking up a Best Supporting Actress nomination for The Herd — making her one of the most decorated names on the list.

2. Bimbo Akintola – To Kill a Monkey

Veteran actress Bimbo Akintola brings her signature intensity and nuance to this highly anticipated project, reminding audiences why she remains one of Nollywood’s most respected leading ladies.

3. Ifeoma Fafunwa – The Lost Days

Theatre powerhouse and filmmaker Ifeoma Fafunwa delivers a compelling lead performance that has critics praising her raw authenticity and emotional range.

4. Ariyike Owolagba – Something About the Briggs

Rising talent Ariyike Owolagba shines in this family drama, proving she belongs among the elite with a breakout role that showcases both vulnerability and strength.

5. Sola Sobowale – Her Excellency

The legendary Sola Sobowale, known for her commanding presence, takes on a role that plays to her strengths — regal authority mixed with quiet intensity. A perennial favourite, her nomination adds heavyweight prestige to the category.

6. Scarlet Gomez – Behind the Scenes

Scarlet Gomez brings fresh energy and depth to the category with a performance that has been described as magnetic and unpredictable in this behind-the-curtain drama.

7. Genoveva Umeh – The Herd (Directed by Daniel Etim Effiong)

Genoveva Umeh stars as Derin, a young bride thrust into a tense hostage situation in the critically acclaimed thriller The Herd — which leads the nominations with nine nods overall. Whether this is her first major lead nomination or the continuation of a strong run, Umeh’s inclusion signals the rise of a new generation of Nollywood stars.

8. Gloria Anozie-Young – Mother of the Brides

Gloria Anozie-Young rounds out the list with a heartfelt performance in this wedding-season favourite, blending humour, drama, and maternal strength in a role that resonates deeply with audiences.

This year’s Best Lead Actress category is remarkable not just for the calibre of talent but for its balance: seasoned icons like Bimbo Akintola, Sola Sobowale, and Gloria Anozie-Young sit alongside emerging voices such as Genoveva Umeh, Ariyike Owolagba, and Scarlet Gomez. Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman and Ifeoma Fafunwa bridge both worlds with their proven track records and fearless choices.

As voting continues and the countdown to May 9 begins, one thing is certain — whoever takes home the trophy will have earned it among an extraordinary field of women who elevated Nollywood storytelling in 2026. The conversation is already heating up: Who is your favourite to win?

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NewsHealth

The #SMEARIT Campaign Ignites Nationwide Advocacy For Cervical Cancer Prevention And Early Detection

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a country where cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, a bold, fun, and powerful movement is changing the narrative. The #SMEARIT Campaign, spearheaded by the Exquisite Magazine Cancer Care (EMAC) Foundation, is lighting up social media feeds and communities across Nigeria, turning awareness into action and saving lives through early detection and prevention.

Cervical cancer is preventable. Yet, every year, thousands of Nigerian women are diagnosed, with many losing their lives due to late detection. According to the World Health Organisation, over 300,000 women die globally from this disease annually, the majority in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria where access to screening and vaccination remains a challenge. The culprit? Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). But here’s the good news: with HPV vaccination, regular screening (Pap smears, HPV testing, or Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid – VIA), and timely treatment of pre-cancerous cells, cervical cancer can be stopped in its tracks.

Enter the #SMEARIT Campaign – a creative, stigma-busting initiative that has been igniting nationwide advocacy since its launch.

Founded by Dr. Tewa Onasanya, the driving force behind Exquisite Magazine and the EMAC Foundation, the campaign uses a simple yet unforgettable challenge to get everyone talking: Smear lipstick on your face, snap a photo or video, post it on social media with #SMEARIT, tag @emac_cervicalcancerfoundation, and challenge your friends to do the same. Men are encouraged to join the movement too –by holding up a #SMEARIT sign – because prevention is everyone’s business.

“Cervical cancer is preventable, yet too many women lose their lives due to late detection. Through this free screening initiative and the #SmearIt campaign, we are encouraging women to get screened, learn about HPV prevention, and spread awareness. Early detection saves lives,” says Dr. Tewa Onasanya.

The campaign has partnered with brands like Amali Cosmetics to offer free cervical cancer screenings in key areas such as Jakande, Lagos, especially around Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (January) and World Cancer Day (February 4). These efforts include education sessions, HPV vaccination drives, and on-ground screenings that have already reached thousands of women. The goal? To normalise conversations, break down myths (no, it doesn’t only affect certain women, and screening isn’t painful or scary), and make prevention accessible nationwide.

How You Can Join the #SMEARIT Movement Today:

Smear your lipstick (or hold the sign if you’re a guy) and take a fun selfie or video.

Post it with #SMEARIT and tag @emac_cervicalcancerfoundation.

Challenge 5–10 friends to join – the more, the merrier!

Visit www.smearitafrica.com to find screening centres near you, book a free or low-cost test, or learn more about the HPV vaccine.

Whether you’re in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or any corner of the country, your small action creates a powerful ripple. Awareness leads to screening. Screening leads to early detection. Early detection saves lives – and entire families.

Cervical cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. With #SMEARIT, Nigeria is rising to eliminate it.

Small action. Powerful impact. Cervical cancer is preventable.

 

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News

UNICEF, Kano Govt Roll Out MAMII to Cut Maternal, Child Deaths

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board (KSPHCMB) to intensify efforts against the persistently high rates of maternal and child mortality in the state.

The collaboration was announced during a state-level training workshop on the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) held in Kano on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Field Operations and Emergency, Judith Leveillee, who addressed participants at the training, described the situation as requiring urgent and coordinated intervention. The programme targets 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across more than 200 wards where the need is most acute.

“Only about 50 percent of pregnant women in the state receive care from skilled health providers, while just 36 percent deliver with the assistance of skilled birth attendants,” Leveillee said. She added that under-five mortality stands at 158 deaths per 1,000 live births, calling the figures “a major public health concern that demands sustained action.

Leveillee praised the commitment of both the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Kano State Government for aligning with national health priorities. She assured that UNICEF will continue to support the rollout of MAMII alongside the Community-Based Health Worker programme in the selected wards.

The Director General of KSPHCMB, Salisu Ahmad Ibrahim, represented by the Director of Family Health, Aliyu Zubair Maidutse, reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to delivering quality, people-centred healthcare services.

“We are confident that adopting the MAMII approach will improve efficiency and service delivery across primary healthcare facilities,” he stated.

Nana Sanda Abubakar, Director of Community Health Services at NPHCDA, commended the initiative and stressed the importance of strong collaboration, capacity building, and strategic coordination.

“Sustained partnerships are vital for improving health outcomes and expanding access to essential services,” she noted.

The training equipped stakeholders with practical skills in client-centred case management to accelerate service delivery and achieve better health results.

MAMII is a federal government-backed innovation aimed at strengthening primary healthcare, boosting skilled birth attendance, and reducing preventable deaths among mothers and newborns, particularly in high-burden states like Kano.

Officials expressed optimism that the partnership will translate into measurable declines in mortality rates through improved access, community engagement, and data-driven interventions.

The initiative forms part of broader national and international efforts to address Nigeria’s maternal and child health challenges, with Kano identified as a critical focus area due to its population size and prevailing indicators.

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