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‎PANDEF demands probe into alleged harassment, assault of women at Ozoro Festival

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political organization representing the interests of the Niger Delta region, has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the alleged harassment and assault of women during a recent cultural festival in Ozoro, Delta State.

In a statement issued on March 23, 2026, and signed by its National Spokesman, Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, PANDEF described the reported incidents as deeply disturbing and unacceptable. The group urged the Nigeria Police Force to act swiftly, identify the perpetrators, and ensure they face justice without delay.

The controversy originates from the annual Alue-Do festival held in Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area. Viral videos circulating on social media since around March 19-20, 2026, reportedly show groups of men chasing, stripping, molesting, and in some accounts assaulting women in public during the event. Some reports describe the acts as sexual violence, including harassment and alleged rape, sparking widespread national outrage.

The Delta State Government has strongly condemned the incidents as “barbaric” and “totally unacceptable,” directing security agencies to launch a full probe. The state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, emphasized that no cultural practice justifies such acts and called for the perpetrators to be apprehended and prosecuted.

The Delta State Police Command has already begun investigations, with reports indicating arrests, including the community head and festival organizer Chief Omorede Sunday, along with others. Authorities have stressed that allegations are under review, and no cultural justification will override citizens’ rights and safety.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) labeled the events a “national disgrace” and a collapse of societal values, demanding full accountability.

Political parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and civil society organizations, including the Take-It-Back Movement, have made demands for thorough probes and prosecutions without cover-ups.

PANDEF’s intervention highlights the regional dimension, as the Niger Delta body positions itself against any form of violence or rights abuse in its domain, reinforcing calls for law enforcement to prioritize victim protection and deterrence.

 

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Lifestyle

Nigerian Women Shine in Color and Joy as Eid al-Fitr Lights Up the Nation

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The streets of Lagos, Kano, Ilorin, and Abuja came alive with vibrant colors and joyful murmurs as Eid al-Fitr (Eid il-Fitri) dawned across Nigeria. Known locally as “Sallah” in many regions, this celebration marks the triumphant end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual renewal. For Nigerian Muslim women, Eid is more than a holiday; it’s a radiant showcase of faith, family, creativity, and community spirit.

Across the country, women rise before dawn. In homes from the bustling markets of Lagos to the ancient city of Kano, mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts prepare with quiet excitement. The air fills with the aroma of jollof rice, spicy stews, fried plantains, puff-puff, and succulent ram meat grilled to perfection. Kitchens buzz as women orchestrate feasts that will bring extended families together, dishes prepared with love, shared generously, and often spiced with the warmth of reunion after a month of disciplined restraint.

Fashion takes center stage, especially among women. Eid outfits reflect Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry: flowing Ankara prints in bold patterns and vivid hues, elegant lace kaftans, embroidered abayas, and luxurious boubous.

In Northern Nigeria, women embrace modest yet striking styles, long, colorful gowns paired with coordinated hijabs or veils, often in Ankara or brocade fabrics that catch the morning light. Southern and Western regions blend tradition with modernity: adire-dyed boubous, sequinned kaftans, silk turbans, and beaded details that tell stories of heritage.

Many families coordinate looks, mothers and daughters in matching outfits, a tradition that sparks smiles and photos during visits.

After Fajr prayer, women join men and children at mosques or open Eid grounds for the special congregational prayer. In places like Ilorin, the historic Durbar procession adds grandeur, with horsemen parading in colorful regalia while women in their finest attire gather to pray and exchange greetings. “Eid Mubarak,” “Sallah Barkallah,” and warm embraces ripple through crowds. Women often lead in distributing zakat al-fitr (charity) and sweets to children, ensuring the less fortunate share in the joy.

Family visits follow: homes open doors wide, laughter echoes, and plates overflow. Women, often the heart of these gatherings welcome guests, serve meals, and nurture bonds. In many households, grandmothers share stories of past Eids, while younger women blend old customs with fresh trends, like mixing Ankara with contemporary cuts for a modern modest look.

For Nigerian women, Eid embodies resilience and grace. After Ramadan’s discipline, they emerge in full splendor, celebrating not just the breaking of the fast, but the strength found in faith, the beauty of community, and the enduring power of family ties.

As the sun sets on this blessed day, the celebrations continue into the night and often the next, with music, dances in some communities, and more feasting.

Eid Mubarak to all. May peace, prosperity, and happiness fill every home.

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SportNews

𝗙𝗜𝗙𝗔 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

FIFA has introduced a landmark rule mandating female representation in coaching roles for all women’s football competitions under its governance.

The new regulations, approved by the FIFA Council on Thursday, March 19, 2026, require every team participating in FIFA women’s tournaments to include at least one female head coach or assistant coach on the bench. Additionally, teams must have a minimum of two female staff members in their backroom setup overall.

This policy applies immediately and covers all levels of FIFA-organized women’s competitions, including youth events such as the upcoming U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups, the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, senior national team tournaments, and club-level events. It will also extend to the next FIFA Women’s World Cup, scheduled for 2027 in Brazil.

The move aims to boost the number of women in high-level coaching positions and address longstanding gender imbalances in the sport. For context, at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, only 12 out of 32 head coaches were women.

FIFA’s decision is part of broader efforts to promote gender equality and increase female representation in leadership roles within women’s football. The regulations were described in reports as a step toward reshaping the future of the game by ensuring greater visibility and opportunities for female coaches.

This requirement is expected to encourage national associations, clubs, and federations to invest more in developing and hiring qualified women coaches, potentially creating a pipeline for more diverse technical staffs in the years ahead.

The announcement has been welcomed as a progressive step in advancing women’s football, though implementation details, such as compliance monitoring and potential sanctions will likely be clarified in the coming weeks.

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𝗠𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲 – 𝗕𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗢𝘀𝘂

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Nollywood actress and reality TV star Beverly Osu has sparked widespread discussion after boldly declaring that her professional portfolio is substantial enough to have made her a billionaire, lamenting the low pay in the entertainment industry.

In a recent episode of the podcast ChaCha’s Couch, Osu expressed deep frustration over her financial realities despite years of hard work across modeling, acting, and reality television.

She emphasized that her body of work, including high-profile roles and appearances—should have positioned her as a billionaire, not just in Nigeria but across Africa.

“I have worked so hard, my portfolio is enough to make me a billionaire not just in Nigeria but in Africa,” Osu stated. “I am a very humble person but I know that my portfolio is enough to make me a billionaire. So, I am fighting for better wages. I have tried to be humble about it, but you know I like to eat the humble pie very well, but my portfolio is actually enough.”

The actress accused the industry, particularly Nollywood, of underpaying experienced talents, which she argued undermines the quality of productions and discourages dedication. She highlighted how the pay structure often fails to reward longevity and extensive contributions, leaving even accomplished figures like herself struggling financially relative to their achievements.

Osu’s comments are coming amid ongoing conversations in Nigeria’s entertainment sector about compensation disparities, with many actors and creatives echoing calls for fairer pay structures to reflect the value of their work.

Her viral statements have drawn mixed reactions online, with some sympathizing with her plight and others debating the realism of her billionaire claim given the industry’s economics.

Beverly Osu rose to prominence after appearing in the 2013 Big Brother Africa reality show and has since built a career in Nollywood films, brand endorsements, and modeling.

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NewsLifestyle

I use𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗻, 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗜𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀

by Women Times on

Nigerian-American actress and media personality Idia Aisien has candidly opened up about her past relationships, revealing how she once spent millions of naira financially supporting men she dated, only to face betrayal and heartbreak in return.

In a recent emotional interview on Toke Makinwa’s show Toke’s Moment, Aisien shared that she used to provide substantial financial assistance to partners during their tough times, operating under the belief that early support would foster loyalty and influence how they treated her in the long run.

The actress recounted a particularly painful incident involving an ex-partner: she gave him millions to invest in his business, hoping to help him during a difficult period. Instead, she later discovered he had secretly used the money to fund a lavish vacation for another woman, reportedly flying a “popular lady” to Dubai.

“I used to give men money. They will say their business is bad. I will give them a couple of million,” Aisien explained, highlighting a pattern in her past where she overcompensated financially in relationships. The betrayal left her feeling deeply hurt, as the very funds meant for his growth were diverted to someone else.

Aisien, who is known for her roles in Nollywood and her work as a model and TV presenter, described the experience as part of broader lessons learned from toxic and abusive relationships in her past. She emphasized personal growth, noting that such experiences have made her more cautious, particularly around people who fail to keep promises.

Aisien, daughter of champagne magnate Joe Aisien and jeweler Emmanuella Aisien, has previously spoken about navigating elite expectations, healing from personal challenges, and her journey in the entertainment industry. Her latest interview underscores her ongoing commitment to authenticity and empowering others through shared experiences.

Aisien’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of mutual respect, transparency, and balanced dynamics in relationships, regardless of financial status.

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NewsLifestyle

𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 64% 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 – 𝗨𝗡

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The United Nations has sounded a warning alarm on the persistent global gender inequality in legal rights, revealing that women worldwide hold only 64% of the legal rights enjoyed by men. This sobering statistic, highlighted ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, signals a “justice gap” that continues to expose women and girls to discrimination, violence, and exclusion across nearly every aspect of life.

According to a new report by the UN Secretary-General titled “Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls”, no country in the world has achieved full legal equality between men and women. The findings, released by UN Women, point to systemic failures in justice systems that are meant to protect rights and uphold the rule of law.

Key revelations from the report include:

In 54% of countries, rape is not defined based on consent, meaning many instances of sexual violence may not be legally recognized as crimes.

Child marriage remains legally permitted in nearly three-quarters (about 75%) of countries.

In 44% of countries, laws do not mandate equal pay for equal work, allowing women to be legally paid less than men for the same roles.

These discriminatory laws affect fundamental areas such as work, property ownership, mobility, family rights, safety, and economic participation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized, “When we are not equal under the law, we are not equal,” urging immediate action to make justice a reality for women and girls everywhere.

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous called for urgent reforms, noting that while progress has been made, such as domestic violence legislation in 87% of countries and strengthened constitutional protections in over 40 nations over the past decade, overall rights are regressing in many places amid rising conflicts and weakening rule of law.

At the current pace of change, closing legal protection gaps could take 286 years, according to UN estimates. Advocates stress that true equality requires not just laws on paper but robust enforcement, cultural shifts, and accountability to ensure women and girls can live safely, speak freely, and participate equally in society.

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NewsSport

Five Iranian Women Footballers Granted Asylum in Australia, Says Donald Trump

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a development amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, five members of Iran’s national women’s football team have reportedly been granted asylum in Australia, according to statements from US President Donald Trump.

The players, part of the Iranian squad competing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup hosted in Australia, left their team hotel and sought protection following their elimination from the tournament. Sources indicate the athletes are now in a safe house under Australian Federal Police protection, fearing severe repercussions upon return to Iran.

The incident gained international attention after several players remained silent during Iran’s national anthem before a match, an act interpreted as protest amid heightened tensions from the US-Israel war with Iran. Iranian state media labeled the team “wartime traitors,” raising alarms over potential persecution, arbitrary detention, or worse if they returned home.

President Trump weighed in forcefully on Truth Social, initially warning that Australia would be making “a terrible humanitarian mistake” by forcing the players back, where they “will most likely be killed.” He urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to grant asylum, offering: “The US will take them if you won’t.”

In a follow-up post, Trump announced he had spoken with Albanese, stating the Australian leader was “on it” and that “five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way.” Trump praised the handling of the “delicate situation.”

The five players reportedly include Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi, with some linked to support from figures like Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, who confirmed their alignment with opposition movements.

Australia’s government has remained cautious, with officials citing privacy reasons for not commenting on individual cases. Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite emphasized no “preferential treatment” or “special circumstances” apply, though human rights groups and Iranian-Australian communities have urged protection for those at risk.

Protests erupted outside the team’s accommodations, with supporters chanting “save our girls” and surrounding buses in calls for the players to stay.

While details of the asylum grants remain unconfirmed by official Australian channels, Trump’s announcements have amplified global scrutiny on the players’ fate.

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

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