close
Women Times

Chat Room

NewsUncategorized

Nigeria’s First Lady Sounds Alarm on Soaring Maternal and Newborn Deaths

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene, April 7, 2025

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has publicly condemned the nation’s staggering maternal and newborn mortality rates, calling it a pressing crisis that demands immediate national attention. In a passionate address delivered today in Abuja, Tinubu decried the loss of countless lives to preventable causes, thrusting the issue into the spotlight as a top priority for Nigeria’s leadership.

“We cannot continue to accept this tragedy as normal,” Tinubu declared, emphasizing the human toll behind the statistics. “Every mother and child lost is a wound to our nation.” Nigeria remains one of the world’s deadliest places for childbirth, with the World Health Organization estimating that over 50,000 women and 250,000 newborns die annually from complications related to pregnancy and delivery—figures that dwarf those of many peer nations.

Her Excellency’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s healthcare system is under intense scrutiny, affected by underfunding, a shortage of medical personnel, and crumbling infrastructure, particularly in rural regions. She vowed to advocate for solutions, including increased investment in maternal care and better access to emergency services, though specifics of her plan remain forthcoming.

The First Lady’s statement has struck a chord with Nigerians, amplifying voices long raised in frustration. Protests in cities like Lagos and Kano this week, reported by local outlets, have seen women marching alongside men to demand better governance, with healthcare disparities a frequent rallying cry.

Experts say the crisis is rooted in deep systemic issues. “Over 60% of births in rural Nigeria happen without skilled attendants,” said Dr. Chidi Okonkwo, a public health specialist in Enugu. “Add poverty and poor roads, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.” Tinubu’s high-profile intervention could pressure the government to act, but skepticism lingers among those who’ve seen past promises falter.

 

 

 

 

 

read more
News

Celebrating Ramadan: Three Crowns Encourages Acts of Kindness with New Initiative

by Women Times on

Three Crowns, a prominent milk brand from FrieslandCampina WAMCO, has launched its 2025 Ramadan initiative, aptly named “Deeds Beyond Measure.” This initiative aims to inspire Muslims to embrace the essence of Ramadan through acts of kindness, community engagement, and personal growth.

The “Deeds Beyond Measure” campaign includes a series of weekly challenges that promote community benevolence. The initiative kicked off with participants memorizing and reciting Quranic verses, encouraging them to share 30-second videos of their recitations on social media. In addition, participants were urged to organize Iftar gatherings within their communities, fostering a sense of generosity and unity.

In a demonstration of its commitment to supporting Muslim communities during this holy month, Three Crowns implemented a comprehensive Iftar program across major cities in Nigeria, providing nutritious meals to the faithful. Locations included the Alausa Secretariat Central Mosque in Lagos, Bodija Central Mosque in Ibadan, and the National Mosque in Abuja. The program also extended to Mararaba Central Mosque in Abuja, Oja Oba Central Mosque in Ibadan, and Mowe Nasfat Central Mosque in Lagos, among others, reaching deeper into communities and offering nourishing meals in the spirit of Ramadan.

Chioma Igwe, Marketing Manager at Three Crowns, expressed, “As a brand that genuinely cares, we recognize the significance of this sacred period for our Muslim communities. Connecting with them during Iftar and sharing nourishing meals creates joyful moments of gratitude and wellness.”

To further promote balanced nutrition throughout Ramadan, Three Crowns collaborated with a renowned chef to produce a special “30 Days of Ramadan” recipe guide. This guide features delicious and nutritious meals crafted with Three Crowns Milk, assisting Muslim consumers in maintaining a healthy diet while fasting.

Building on the success of last year’s initiative, which focused on heart health and wellness, this year’s program broadens its scope to include community service and spiritual well-being. “Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving back,” stated Igwe. “Through our ‘Deeds Beyond Measure’ initiative, we aim to inspire acts of kindness that promote both physical and spiritual wellness.”

 

read more
NewsUncategorized

Kano Women Protest Over Food Price Crisis

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene, April 5, 2025

In a concerning display of frustration, hundreds of women flooded the streets of Kano today, banging empty pots and hoisting placards with messages like “We Can’t Feed Our Children” to protest the relentless surge in food prices that has pushed millions of Nigerian families to the brink. The demonstration, which began at dawn in the Fagge district, marked a crescendo in public anger over an inflation crisis that has seen the cost of staples like rice, yam, and beans double in the past year alone.

“We’re not begging for charity, we just want prices we can afford,” said Fatima Ibrahim, a 42-year-old trader and mother of five, her voice rising above the chants of the crowd. “How can I feed my family when a bag of rice costs more than I earn in a month?” Her words captured the desperation felt by many in Kano, Nigeria’s second-largest city, where women, often the backbone of household economies, bear the heaviest burden of the nation’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.

Organized by a coalition of grassroots women’s groups, including the Kano Mothers’ Network, the protest drew participants from across the city’s sprawling markets and low-income neighborhoods. Demonstrators marched toward the Government House, calling on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to press the federal government for urgent action—subsidies, price controls, or relief programs—to ease the strain. By midday, the crowd swelled to nearly a thousand, with some carrying wilted vegetables to symbolize their dwindling resources.

Nigeria’s inflation rate, hovering above 30% according to recent estimates, has been fueled by a mix of global supply chain disruptions, naira depreciation, and local factors like flooding that devastated farms in 2024. For women like Ibrahim, who rely on daily market sales to survive, the impact is immediate and devastating. “If I don’t sell, we don’t eat. But now, even selling isn’t enough,” she said.

The protest also spotlighted a gender divide in economic hardship. Women, who dominate informal trade and small-scale farming in northern Nigeria, have been hit hardest by rising costs, yet their voices are rarely heard in policy debates. “We manage the home, we feed the children, why are we ignored when the system fails?” asked Halima Sani, a protest organizer.

Governor Yusuf’s administration responded cautiously, with a spokesperson promising that officials were “actively engaging stakeholders” to address the crisis. However, no specific measures, such as the emergency food distribution requested by protesters—were outlined by the time the crowd dispersed under the late afternoon sun. The lack of immediate action drew sharp criticism from demonstrators, who vowed to return if their demands go unmet.

Today’s march in Kano joins a wave of similar protests led by women across Nigeria, from Lagos to Maiduguri, signaling a growing movement against economic policies that many say favor the elite over the struggling majority.

 

 

read more
News

Women in Tech Take Center Stage at Lagos Innovation Summit

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene, April 5, 2025

The Lagos Innovation Summit transformed into a celebration of female ingenuity today as Nigerian women in tech dazzled attendees with cutting-edge solutions, challenging the male-dominated landscape of the country’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Held at the sleek Eko Convention Centre, the event drew over 1,000 participants—investors, policymakers, and tech enthusiasts—who witnessed a powerful push to bridge the gender gap in an industry where women have long been sidelined.

The star of the day was 29-year-old Chidinma Okeke, a software developer from Enugu, whose app “FarmLink” earned her the coveted “Innovator of the Year” award. The platform, launched just 18 months ago, connects rural farmers—over 70% of whom are women—to urban buyers, cutting out exploitative middlemen and boosting incomes. “I built this for the women who feed us, who deserve more than they’ve been given,” Okeke told a packed audience, her words met with roaring applause. By linking small-scale producers to Lagos’ sprawling markets, FarmLink has already lifted profits for hundreds of farmers, proving tech can be a lifeline for Nigeria’s agricultural backbone.

Other standout innovators included Aisha Bello, whose AI-driven telemedicine platform is expanding healthcare access in northern villages, and Funmi Adeyemi, who unveiled a blockchain-based microloan system tailored for female entrepreneurs. Their presentations underscored a broader theme: Nigerian women are not just joining the tech revolution—they’re steering it toward solutions that uplift their communities.

The summit, now in its fifth year, has never seen such a strong female presence, with women making up nearly half of the 50 showcased startups—a stark contrast to the 15% representation reported in Nigeria’s tech sector by recent industry surveys. Organizers credited deliberate outreach, including mentorship programs and grants from partners like the Tony Elumelu Foundation, for the shift. “This is a milestone,” said summit director Tolu Adesina. “These women are breaking ceilings and rewriting the narrative.”

Yet, challenges persist. Okeke and her peers spoke candidly about securing funding in a venture capital scene where less than 5% of investments go to female-led startups, according to 2024 data. “We’re proving our worth, but the system still doubts us,” she said, a sentiment echoed in X posts praising the summit while lamenting the broader gender bias in tech financing.

Government officials, including Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology Olatunbosun Alake, pledged support, hinting at a forthcoming “Women in Tech Fund” to be unveiled later this year. For now, the summit’s energy—fueled by Okeke’s win and the buzz of innovation—left attendees optimistic. “We’re not here to participate in the future,” Okeke declared in her closing remarks. “We’re here to build it.”

 

 

 

read more
NewsUncategorized

Middle-Class Women Push Through Nigeria’s Economic Tightrope in 2025.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene, April 4, 2025  

Amaka Okoli, a 34-year-old mother of two, used to type numbers in a Lagos bank. Today, she maneuvers a 16-seater bus through the city’s chaotic streets, a job she took up last year to keep her family afloat. “The bank salary couldn’t match the rising cost of everything,” she says, wiping sweat from her brow. “Driving pays better now.”

Okoli is one of countless middle-class Nigerian women redefining survival in an economy that grew 3.4% in 2024—its fastest pace in three years, but still feels like a squeeze for many. While the Bola Tinubu administration touts GDP gains driven by services and reforms like ending the petrol subsidy, the reality for women like Okoli is a daily grind of rising costs, stagnant wages, and shrinking opportunities.

For Nigeria’s middle class, loosely defined as households earning between ₦150,000 and ₦500,000 monthly—2025 has brought both resilience and reckoning. Women, often the backbone of these families, are adapting in remarkable ways. The Ladies on Wheels Association of Nigeria, a network of female commercial drivers, has swelled from six members in 2018 to over 5,000 today, spurred by economic necessity and a rejection of traditional roles. “We’re not waiting for handouts,” says Fatima Yusuf, the group’s coordinator. “We’re taking the wheel—literally.”

Yet, the numbers tell a tougher story. Food inflation, though slightly eased from its 2023 peak, hovers above 30%, devouring household budgets. The World Bank’s recent $1.08 billion loan, approved this week, promises to bolster education and nutrition, but only 15% of employed Nigerians—mostly men—work in the formal sector. Women, who dominate the informal economy (over 95% according to UN Women), see little direct relief. “I sell clothes online now,” says Chidinma Eze, a former teacher turned entrepreneur. “School paid ₦80,000 a month. I make triple that, but every profit goes to food and fuel.”

The naira’s float, a hallmark of Tinubu’s 2023 reforms, has stabilized somewhat, but exchange rates remain punishing for importers like Aisha Bello, a fabric trader in Kano. “Dollar costs mean I’ve lost customers,” she laments. “Middle-class women used to buy my lace for weddings. Now, they patch old dresses.”

This is the current situation of middle class women in Nigeria’s economic turmoil.

 

 

read more
EmpowermentNewsUncategorizedWomen EmpowermentWomen in Nigeria

New Initiative to Empower 48,000 Women in Nigeria’s Katsina State Amid Economic and Security Challenges.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

A beacon of hope emerged for women in northern Nigeria today as the Women Initiative for Northern Nigeria Development unveiled an ambitious plan to support 48,000 women across 16 local government areas in Katsina State. The initiative, announced on April 3, 2025, aims to bolster economic opportunities in a region long hampered by insecurity and scarce resources, offering a lifeline to women seeking financial independence.

The program targets some of Katsina’s most underserved communities, where banditry, poverty, and limited infrastructure have disproportionately affected women’s livelihoods. By providing training, resources, and access to markets, the initiative seeks to bridge the economic gap that has left many women in the region struggling to support their families. Specific details on funding and implementation timelines are yet to be fully disclosed, but organizers say the effort will prioritize sustainable growth.

The move aligns with broader national commitments to uplift Nigerian women, syncing pledges made by President Bola Tinubu and other leaders during last month’s International Women’s Day events. In March, Tinubu emphasized dismantling systemic barriers and expanding women’s access to finance and governance roles, a vision this initiative aims to put into action. Katsina, a state in Nigeria’s northwest, has been a focal point for such efforts, given its high rates of poverty and gender disparity.

Local women’s advocates have welcomed the announcement, though some caution that success hinges on addressing the region’s security challenges. “Economic empowerment is vital, but it’s hard to thrive when you’re living in fear,” said Amina Yusuf, a community leader in Katsina. “This must go hand in hand with peace.”

The Women Initiative for Northern Nigeria Development’s plan marks a significant step toward gender equity in a region where opportunities for women have historically been limited. As the program rolls out, all eyes will be on Katsina to see if it can deliver on its promise of transformation amid the area’s complex realities.

 

 

 

 

read more
NewsPoliticsTrendingUncategorizedWomen in politics

INEC Rejects Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially rejected a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing its failure to meet constitutional requirements.

 

In a statement released on Thursday, INEC disclosed that the petition, submitted by some constituents of Kogi Central, did not satisfy Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

This section mandates that a recall petition must be supported by signatures from more than half of the registered voters in the constituency. With Kogi Central having 474,554 registered voters, the petition required at least 237,278 valid signatures to proceed. However, after a thorough verification process, INEC confirmed only 208,132 signatures, equating to 43.86%—falling short by 29,146 signatures.

“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution. Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the matter,” INEC stated via its official X account, @INECNigeria.

The recall effort stemmed from controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate on March 6, 2025, for alleged “gross misconduct” following a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Some constituents, citing her suspension and dissatisfaction with her conduct, initiated the recall process, submitting the petition to INEC on March 24. The commission had initially acknowledged receipt of the petition, accompanied by six bags of documents purportedly containing over 250,000 signatures.

Despite the petitioners’ claims, INEC’s verification revealed discrepancies, including the cancellation of approximately 35,000 signatures during the administrative review. The constituents, led by spokesperson Salihu Habib, expressed frustration but vowed to persist, asserting that the validated 43.86% still reflected widespread discontent with the senator. “We will liaise with INEC within the full ambit of the constitution to demand transparency,” Habib said in a statement, hinting at potential further action.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, celebrated the decision as a victory for democracy. In a post on Social Media, she praised INEC, stating, “INEC Nigeria, you did well. Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan Proudly Kogi Central.” In a subsequent statement, she took a swipe at her detractors, including former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, claiming, “God has put to shame anti-democratic forces plotting my recall, including one of the most wanted persons by the EFCC.”

INEC emphasized that the review adhered to its 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall, ensuring fairness and due process. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, defended the commission’s impartiality on Channels Television’s Politics Today, dismissing allegations of bias. “The petitioners failed to meet legal requirements. There’s no partisanship here,” he said.

The rejection marks the end of this recall attempt, though questions linger about whether the process could be reinitiated. Oyekanmi noted that the law does not explicitly limit repeat petitions, leaving room for speculation about future political maneuvers in Kogi Central.

 

 

 

 

 

read more
NewsTrending

Nigerian Women Rally for Gender Equality Amid Tariff Concerns.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

As Nigeria goes through a shifting economic landscape with the looming implementation of new U.S. tariffs set to begin on April 5, women across the country are raising their voices to ensure their perspectives are not sidelined. Today, a coalition of women’s rights organizations gathered in Abuja to demand greater inclusion in economic policy discussions, highlighting how trade changes could disproportionately affect women-led businesses and households.

The rally, organized by groups such as Women Advocates for Economic Justice (WAEJ) and TechHerNG, comes just days before the U.S. is expected to impose a 10% tariff on Nigerian exports, with a specific 14% rate targeting Nigeria, according to recent reports. These tariffs, part of President Donald Trump’s trade policy, are anticipated to impact key sectors like agriculture and textiles—industries where women play a significant role as producers and entrepreneurs.

“We cannot afford to be silent when decisions that affect our livelihoods are being made,” said Amina Yusuf, a spokesperson for WAEJ. “Women make up a large portion of Nigeria’s informal economy, and these tariffs could push many families deeper into poverty. We need a seat at the table.”

The demonstration saw hundreds of women march peacefully through the capital, carrying placards with messages like “Protect Women’s Work” and “Equality in Trade.” Participants called on the Nigerian government to prioritize gender-sensitive policies as it prepares to send a delegation to Washington to negotiate against the trade measures, as announced by Lesotho’s Trade Minister earlier this week in a similar context.

Economic analysts suggest that the tariffs could exacerbate existing challenges for Nigerian women, who already face limited access to credit, land ownership, and political representation. With Nigeria ranked 179th globally for women’s representation in parliament, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, advocates argue that the lack of female voices in decision-making amplifies these vulnerabilities.

The rally also spotlighted the resilience of Nigerian women amid adversity. Folake Adebayo, a textile trader from Lagos, shared her story: “I employ 15 women to weave and sell fabrics. If these tariffs raise costs or cut our exports, we’ll struggle to survive. The government must listen to us.”

In response, the Ministry of Women Affairs issued a statement acknowledging the concerns and promising to collaborate with trade officials to address gender impacts. However, activists remain skeptical, pointing to past unfulfilled commitments, including President Bola Tinubu’s unmet pledge to ensure 35% female representation in his cabinet.

As the April 5 deadline approaches, today’s rally is set on a broader call for empowerment and equity.

 

 

 

read more
NewsTrendingWomen in Nigeria

Pregnant Woman’s Death in Lagos Hospital Sparks Anger Over High Fees.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

A pregnant woman named Kemi died in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, after a private hospital reportedly refused to treat her because her family couldn’t pay a ₦500,000 deposit. The tragic story, first shared by Kemi’s husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, in February, went viral on April 2, 2025, after @Drweloveu posted about it on X, leading to widespread anger.

Folajimi said Kemi was in labor and needed urgent care, but the hospital demanded ₦500,000 upfront. Unable to pay, they were sent to a general hospital in Epe, but Kemi passed away on the way. A video shows Folajimi begging Kemi to stay awake, saying, “Kemi, look at me. Stay strong for our kids.” Official reports confirm the hospital’s deposit policy, though the full details of Kemi’s death are still being investigated, according to Tribune Online.

This incident has upset many people because Nigeria already has a high rate of maternal deaths, over 800 per 100,000 births, according to health data. Many women die from issues like bleeding or infections that can be treated if care is given on time. Users across social media platforms, have few opinions on how to avoid issues like this through insurance, users like @Ne0_0fficiall

said health insurance could have saved Kemi. “I used my insurance in Lagos and paid nothing for treatment,” they wrote. @Oyshia_oy

added that ₦54,750 can cover a pregnant woman for two years with insurance.

The story shows big problems in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Many hospitals lack enough staff or equipment, and a 2019 study showed that some healthcare workers aren’t well-trained for emergencies like Kemi’s. The government has a health insurance program to help, but many people don’t use it because they don’t know about it or it’s not working well.

People on X are calling for change. @Oluwamidunsin suggested pregnant women register at government hospitals for cheaper care. @Drpenking, a doctor, shared how he once paid for a patient’s treatment but wasn’t paid back, explaining why some hospitals ask for money first. @Drweloveu’s group, Love for Health, is asking for donations to help others in need, sharing a Zenith Bank account (1229255323).

Kemi’s death has made many Nigerians demand better healthcare so no more mothers die because they can’t pay hospital fees.

 

 

 

 

read more
Gist MeLifestyleNews

Nigerian Women Rewrite the Rules of Travel and Adventure.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

In today’s world where travel can be daunting for those holding Nigeria’s often-stigmatized passport, two Nigerian women are boldly redefining what’s possible. Through media innovation and fearless exploration, Pelumi Nubi and Omolewa Adesuyi

 

 

Pelumi Nubi, a Lagos-based travel influencer, launched her much-anticipated YouTube travel show this week, offering an unfiltered look at solo travel across Africa. Her journey is no small feat: Nigeria’s passport ranks among the world’s least powerful, granting visa-free access to just 45 countries, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index. Add to that safety concerns tied to regional instability, and the odds seem stacked against her. Yet, Nubi’s mission is clear. “I want to show people, especially those with the Nigerian passport, that traveling is possible,” she said in an interview with The Guardian. Her debut episode, featuring a trek through Ghana’s bustling markets and Senegal’s coastal villages, has already garnered thousands of views, striking a chord with young Nigerians eager to see their continent through her lens. Nubi’s work blends practical tips, like navigating visa rejections, with a celebration of African culture, making her a beacon for aspiring travelers.

On a parallel path, Omolewa Adesuyi is rewriting the script for adventure. The 29-year-old motorbike enthusiast embarked last month on an ambitious ride from Nigeria to South Africa, a 12,000-kilometer journey through diverse terrains and border checkpoints. Documenting her trip on Instagram and TikTok, Adesuyi has captivated followers with footage of dusty savannahs, roadside encounters, and her own grit in the face of mechanical breakdowns and cultural curiosity. “People see a woman on a bike and assume I’m lost or crazy,” she posted recently, laughing off the skepticism. Her ride isn’t just about mileage—it’s a statement against gender norms in a country where women are rarely seen in such rugged pursuits. By amplifying her story on global platforms, Adesuyi is showcasing the tenacity of Nigerian women to an audience far beyond Africa’s borders.

Both women are part of a broad wave of Nigerian female trailblazers gaining traction in 2025. Their efforts come at a time when Nigeria’s travel industry is grappling with economic hurdles—high airfares and a weakened naira—yet their ingenuity shines through. Nubi’s show, funded through crowdfunding and small sponsorships, sidesteps traditional media gatekeepers, while Adesuyi’s self-reliant journey relies on her savings and a growing online fanbase. Together, they’re proving that limitations can fuel creativity.

Their stories resonates beyond personal triumph. For many Nigerian women, who face societal expectations to prioritize family over ambition, Nubi and Adesuyi offer a powerful counter-narrative.

 

 

 

 

 

read more
1 … 60 61 62 63 64 … 77
Page 62 of 77