close
Women Times

Chat Room

News

𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗶 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Nigerian singer and songwriter Simi (Simisola Kosoko) has broken her silence amid intense online backlash following the resurfacing of several old tweets from her early social media days, particularly around 2012 when she was 23 years old.

The controversy erupted after Simi publicly advocated against rape and sexual assault in recent posts on X (formerly Twitter). She emphasized the prevalence of sexual violence, stating that “almost every woman I know personally has been sexually assaulted at some point,” urged men to hold peers accountable, and called for harsh punishments for rapists, including demands that they be “castrated and burnt alive.” Her comments gained traction amid broader discussions on rape culture in Nigeria, partly linked to a now-discredited rape allegation by TikToker Mirabel, which Simi had initially amplified before the story was exposed as fabricated.

Critics quickly dug up and shared years-old tweets, accusing her of hypocrisy or inappropriate content. Some resurfaced posts reportedly included lighthearted or casual remarks about children from her time assisting at her mother’s daycare, describing kids as “cute,” “adorable,” or “mischievous,” and mentioning wanting to hug, kiss, or cuddle them, which some netizens reinterpreted as concerning in today’s context. Other tweets allegedly involved flirtatious or edgy humor common in early Twitter eras, including references to celebrities.

In response, Simi addressed the issue directly on her social media on Sunday, clarifying that she had been made aware of the old posts and felt compelled to speak out. She stated:

“I haven’t been on twitter today – but someone brought a few of my old tweets to my attention and I can’t not address it.  Nothing I tweeted was from perversion. I’ve always spoken against rape and sexual assault even before you knew I existed. It’s not a costume I’m wearing, it’s who I am.  What I can’t let anyone do is twist my story to fit false narratives.”

She described the tweets as immature jokes or observations from her younger years, unrelated to any depraved intent, and noted that some posts had been deleted due to their sensitivity, particularly for her family. Simi reiterated her unwavering stance against sexual violence, insisting that her advocacy is genuine and longstanding, while acknowledging growth over time.

The situation has divided opinions online, with supporters arguing the tweets are being taken out of context and weaponized to undermine her anti-rape message, while detractors question her past comments and handling of false accusation discussions. The controversy has also reportedly impacted related figures, including her husband Adekunle Gold, with mentions of drops in streaming numbers amid the backlash.

Simi maintains that the core issue, ending sexual violence remains unchanged, concluding variations of her message with a firm call: “Stop raping women.” The episode highlights the challenges public figures face when past online activity collides with current advocacy in the fast-moving world of social media scrutiny.

read more
News

𝗔𝗨 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗻𝘀 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗯𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻, 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned a series of deadly terrorist attacks in Nigeria’s northwestern Zamfara State that left more than 50 civilians dead and saw numerous women and children abducted.

In a statement issued on February 22, 2026, and published on the AU’s official website, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, described the assaults carried out on February 21, 2026 as “heinous and coordinated terrorist attacks.” The violence targeted civilian populations in the region, resulting in widespread loss of life and the forced abduction of vulnerable groups, including women and children.

The AU unequivocally rejected such acts of terrorism and violent extremism, labeling them as grave violations of human rights and significant threats to peace, security, and stability across the continent.

 

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep concern over the killings of more than 50 civilians and the abduction of women and children.

The Chairperson called for the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all abducted individuals.

He urged strengthened, coordinated, and collective action among African nations and stakeholders to protect civilian populations and prevent future atrocities, aligning with the AU’s broader commitment to continental peace and security.

The attacks occurred in areas plagued by ongoing banditry and insecurity in Nigeria’s North West zone. Reports from local sources and international media, including Reuters, indicate that armed men on motorcycles raided villages such as Tungan Dutse in Bukkuyum local government area, setting buildings ablaze, shooting fleeing residents, and carrying out abductions over several hours from late February 20 into early February 21, 2026.

This incident highlights the persistent security challenges in northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently carry out raids for ransom, resources, or territorial control.

The AU’s condemnation shows growing continental alarm over recurring violence against civilians in the region and calls for urgent collaborative efforts to address root causes and support Nigeria’s security responses.

read more
NewsPolitics

FCT Area Council Elections: Senator Ireti Kingibe Condemns Minister Wike’s Imposed Curfew as ‘Authoritarian’

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Senator Ireti Kingibe, the representative of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, has sharply criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over the imposition of a curfew and movement restrictions ahead of Saturday’s area council elections.

In a special broadcast on national television and radio stations on Thursday, Minister Wike declared Friday a work-free day across the FCT to facilitate preparations for the polls. He further announced severe restrictions on human and vehicular movement from 8 p.m. on Friday until 6 p.m. on Saturday, effectively creating a roughly 22-hour lockdown in the nation’s capital.

Reacting swiftly, Senator Kingibe, in a statement released on Friday through her Special Assistant on Media, Matilda Duncan, described the measure as “authoritarian, ill-considered, and unacceptable in a democratic society.” She argued that the unilateral decision, made without broad consultation with key stakeholders represents “a direct affront to democratic governance and the constitutional rights of residents.”

The senator emphasized that while maintaining law and order is important, security concerns cannot justify such “executive overreach.” She noted that the FCT has no apparent serious security threats warranting the restriction, pointing out that this is the first time in the capital’s history that such a sweeping curfew has been imposed for a local election.

“People do not understand the reason for this restriction. Many residents have various activities and responsibilities in the evening, and such a curfew unnecessarily limits their freedom in a democratic society,” Kingibe stated. She highlighted the negative impact on small businesses and the broader economy, warning that residents’ rights, freedoms, and economic well-being should not be compromised by arbitrary actions.

Kingibe has called on Minister Wike to immediately review and suspend the curfew, stressing that FCT residents are citizens of a democratic republic, not subjects under authoritarian rule.

The development comes amid preparations for the area council polls, which are seen as a test of electoral readiness ahead of future national exercises. Critics have raised concerns about the measure’s proportionality, while supporters of the minister’s directive argue it aims to ensure peaceful voting.

As the elections approach on Saturday, February 21, 2026, all eyes remain on whether the restrictions will proceed as announced or face further pushback from stakeholders.

read more
NewsHealth

‎ ‎𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 – 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

recent study provides new insights into why chronic pain often lasts longer in women than in men, pointing to biological differences in the immune system rather than psychological factors.

The research which was published on February 20, 2026, in the journal Science Immunology, the research, titled “Monocyte-derived IL-10 drives sex differences in pain duration” was led by Geoffroy Laumet, an associate professor of physiology at Michigan State University, along with first author Jaewon Sim and colleagues.

The study reveals that a specific subset of immune cells called monocytes plays a key role in resolving pain by releasing an anti-inflammatory molecule known as IL-10 (interleukin-10). These IL-10-producing monocytes help “switch off” pain signals by communicating with sensory neurons. In males, these cells are more active, leading to faster pain resolution. This heightened activity is driven by higher levels of male sex hormones, particularly testosterone.

In contrast, females have less active IL-10-producing monocytes, resulting in delayed recovery and more persistent pain. The researchers observed this pattern consistently in mouse models of inflammatory pain  and in human data from patients recovering from traumatic injuries, where men resolved pain more quickly and showed higher circulating levels of these monocytes and IL-10.

Experiments further confirmed the hormonal link: Blocking male sex hormones in mice reduced the activity of these pain-resolving monocytes, while treatments that boosted them (such as the lipid mediator resolvin D1) accelerated pain relief in both sexes.

For years, women have reported more frequent, severe, and prolonged chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, migraines, and musculoskeletal issues, yet their experiences were sometimes dismissed. This study validates those reports with evidence of a clear biological mechanism, shifting focus from pain initiation to why it persists.

The findings could pave the way for targeted, non-opioid therapies that enhance pain resolution, especially for women. As Laumet noted in related coverage, the difference lies in the immune system’s ability to shut down pain signals, not in perception alone.

This research bares the importance of considering sex differences in pain management and medical research to develop more equitable treatments.

read more
News

𝗜𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅-𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

28-year-old Nigeria-born man, Adeleke Adelani, has been sentenced to nine years in prison in the Republic of Ireland for forcing his ex-girlfriend to take abortion pills, resulting in the unlawful termination of her pregnancy.

The incident occurred on Valentine’s Day 2020 (February 14) in Letterkenny, County Donegal. Adelani, who had researched home abortion methods online beforehand, invited his former partner to his home under the pretense of discussing their situation. The woman was approximately nine weeks pregnant and reportedly wanted to keep the baby.

Instead, Adelani threatened her, stating he would “beat that kid out of you” if she refused. He forced her to swallow five misoprostol 200mg tablets (abortion medication typically used under medical supervision), instructed her on how to take them, and then locked her in a bedroom. He had obtained the pills from Dublin. Parts of the ordeal were recorded on his phone, including audio where he said, “Take this, I’m dead serious, I’m forcing you. I don’t care, take it.”

The court described the act as extremely premeditated, involving serious physical and emotional violence. Adelani pleaded guilty to unlawfully ending the life of a foetus (under Irish law) and to assault causing harm.

In sentencing at Letterkenny Circuit Court on February 19, 2026, Judge John Aylmer handed down 11 years imprisonment (with the final two years suspended) for the unlawful termination charge, resulting in an effective nine-year term. He also imposed a concurrent sentence for the assault. Adelani is already serving a separate seven-year sentence (with 18 months suspended) for another offence, and the new term runs consecutively in parts.

The judge noted the premeditated nature and that Adelani knew the victim wished to continue the pregnancy. In mitigation, Adelani submitted a letter of apology and mentioned participating in prison rehabilitation programs.

read more
News

Nollywood Actress Rosy Meurer Fires Back at Critics Over Husband’s Reconciliation with Ex-Wife Tonto Dikeh

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Gambia-born Nollywood actress Rosy Meurer has strongly defended her marriage to businessman Olakunle Churchill amid intense online trolling sparked by his recent public reconciliation with ex-wife, actress Tonto Dikeh.

In a series of candid posts on her Instagram story, Meurer addressed the barrage of criticism and direct messages she has received, asserting her right to speak up about her personal life. The drama intensified following Churchill’s reunion with Dikeh and their son, King Andre, which included shared photos and public interactions that reignited speculation and backlash toward Meurer.

Meurer dismissed claims that she was ever friends with Dikeh or served as Churchill’s personal assistant before their marriage. She emphasized that her relationship with Churchill is built on genuine love, not interference.

“You think I will live in bondage and be quiet and die inside? Na love I love, I no kill person,” she wrote in Pidgin English. “And if (God forbid) circumstances happen that I am no longer comfortable in marriage, I will leave without you fools being the reason behind it.”

The actress further stated that she refuses to remain silent while others control the narrative about her life and marriage. “If I don’t speak up for myself no one will,” she added, urging critics to mind their own business.

The ongoing saga has drawn widespread attention in Nigeria’s entertainment circles, highlighting the challenges celebrities face from social media scrutiny in matters of personal relationships. Meurer’s bold response underscores her determination to prioritize her well-being over public opinion.

Churchill and Meurer, who have children together, have previously faced rumors and controversies linked to his past with Dikeh. This latest development appears to have prompted Meurer to set the record straight and reclaim her voice in the conversation.

read more
News

‎𝗞𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗿𝗲-𝗘𝗸𝘂𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘆, 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has voiced strong concern over the rising trend of indiscriminate and unsubstantiated accusations of corruption leveled against the entire judiciary, describing them as a “troubling pattern” that threatens public confidence and the rule of law.

In her address during the swearing-in of 14 new Federal High Court judges in Abuja on Wednesday, the CJN emphasized that while the judiciary welcomes responsible critique and remains committed to addressing proven misconduct through the National Judicial Council (NJC), broad-brush attacks without specific evidence unfairly tarnish the reputations of honorable judicial officers and weaken the institution as a whole.

“In recent times, there has been a troubling pattern of broad, sweeping attacks against the Judiciary,” Justice Kekere-Ekun stated. “It has become fashionable in some quarters to deploy blanket allegations of corruption against the institution as a whole. Such sweeping generalizations wound deeply.”

She reiterated that judges are human and not immune to error, but stressed the importance of specificity: allegations must be backed by proof, channeled through proper mechanisms, and not used recklessly to delegitimize the courts. The CJN warned that when public trust in the judiciary erodes due to unfounded claims, the foundation of the rule of law itself is put at risk.

The Chief Justice reaffirmed her administration’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and swift disciplinary action against any verified wrongdoing, while calling on critics to adopt a more measured, evidence-driven approach to discussions on judicial integrity.

The ceremony also served as an opportunity to charge the newly appointed judges, Suleiman Amida Hassan, Muhammad Barau Saidu, Igboko Chinelo Conchita, Onuegbu Chioma Angela, Galumje Edingah Ibrahim, Vera Eneabo, Abubakar Musa, Usman Salihu, Aisha Yunusa, and others, to uphold the Constitution faithfully, exercise impartiality, and recognize the profound societal and economic impact of their rulings.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s statements reflect ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s public discourse around the judiciary, where concerns over delays, perceived inefficiencies, and isolated corruption cases persist, even as reforms continue under her leadership.

 

read more
NewsHealthPolitics

Oby Ezekwesili Shows Up at National Assembly Protest, Says Senate’s Trying to Make Election Rigging Easier

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili was right there with the protesters today outside the National Assembly gates in Abuja, making it clear she’s not letting this slide. The crowd has been out for days now, pushing hard for the Electoral Act Amendment Bill to lock in mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results, no ifs, no buts.

Ezekwesili, who’s never one to mince words, told journalists straight up that the Senate is pushing an “ambiguous” clause that basically hands INEC the power to decide when or if results get uploaded electronically. She said: “If the Senate gets away with a provision that is ambiguous, that gives power of discretion to determine the ifs and the buts, instead of making the clause mandatory, that every vote must count in this country, then we are weakening the core principle of electoral transparency.”

She’s calling it what a lot of people are thinking: this could open the door wide for manipulation before 2027. The only way votes actually count, she stressed, is if transmission is compulsory and happens in real time from every polling unit straight to the IReV portal.

She wasn’t alone, former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung and activist Omoyele Sowore were also there, along with groups like Situation Room, ActionAid, and labour folks under the Movement for Credible Elections. The protesters want the House version of the bill to win out in the end, because it reportedly keeps e-transmission mandatory, while the Senate seems ready to water it down or make it optional.

This comes right after the Senate already cut the time for INEC to publish election notices and rejected mandatory real-time uploads earlier this month. People are calling it everything from a “coup against democracy” to straight-up “programming rigging into law.”

Ezekwesili put it bluntly: the fight is about whether our votes will count or not. With 2027 not far off, the pressure’s on the lawmakers to sort this out without killing the transparency most Nigerians are demanding.

read more
NewsSport

‎ ‎𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 ‎ ‎

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are gearing up for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco with a pair of high-stakes friendly matches against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the two sides will clash in a double-header in Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital. The first encounter is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, followed by the second on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

These friendlies fall within the FIFA Women’s International Window (February 24 – March 7, 2026), providing the Super Falcons—reigning WAFCON champions and 10-time winners, an ideal opportunity to sharpen their tactics, test squad depth, and build momentum ahead of the continental showpiece.

The matches revive a classic African women’s football rivalry. The Super Falcons previously defeated Cameroon 2-0 in a pre-tournament friendly before last year’s WAFCON (also in Morocco), underscoring Nigeria’s dominance in recent head-to-heads.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi emphasized the federation’s commitment to thorough preparation, stating that these games are crucial for ensuring the team is in top form to defend their title.

 

read more
News

𝗙𝗚 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘅𝘆𝗴𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹, 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the nation’s healthcare system by ensuring a stable, secure, and sustainable supply of medical oxygen, with particular emphasis on its life-saving role in maternal health and emergency care.

This development was highlighted on Tuesday, as the government stressed that reliable oxygen access is essential not only for routine treatments but also for addressing critical conditions such as obstetric emergencies, postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia, and other complications that contribute to Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rates.

Medical oxygen is classified as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization (WHO) and plays a pivotal role across healthcare levels, from primary facilities to tertiary hospitals. In maternal and neonatal care, it is vital for managing hypoxaemia during childbirth complications, caesarean sections, and newborn respiratory distress. Similarly, in emergency scenarios, including severe pneumonia, sepsis, trauma, and surgical procedures, uninterrupted oxygen supply can significantly reduce mortality.

The push aligns with ongoing national efforts, including the National Strategy for the Scale-up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities (2023-2027), which focuses on building resilient oxygen ecosystems through infrastructure expansion, coordination via state-level oxygen desks, and integration into broader health guidelines. Recent initiatives have included partnerships with organizations like the United for Oxygen (U4O) Coalition to shift from merely expanding infrastructure to guaranteeing reliable delivery in facilities.

Officials emphasized that medical oxygen has evolved into a core element of health security, especially for pandemic preparedness, child health, and reducing preventable deaths. Nigeria continues to face challenges with inconsistent supply chains, particularly in rural and underserved areas, but government actions aim to enhance local production, maintenance of equipment like oxygen plants and cylinders, and equitable distribution.

Stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, have called for actionable steps to ensure oxygen availability translates into tangible health outcomes, ultimately saving lives in maternal, child, and emergency contexts.

read more
1 … 6 7 8 9 10 … 77
Page 8 of 77