Special Report - Women Times

Polaris Bank Positions Gender Equity as Growth Strategy at IWD 2026

by Women Times on March 26, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special Report Women & Business

5 Wealth-Building Strategies for Nigerian Women-led Businesses

by Women Times on March 25, 2026

By Chinwe Iwobi, Head of Wealth Management, FairMoney Microfinance Bank

In Nigeria, women are the backbone of our economy. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that women own approximately 40% of small and medium-sized enterprises across the country (NBS Country Data Overview 2023). Yet despite their outsized contribution to GDP, women-led businesses continue to face systemic barriers to the capital and financial infrastructure needed to scale.

The cost of that gap is not abstract. When these entrepreneurs are held back, the ripple effect runs deep, from household stability to the education of the next generation. But the narrative is shifting. Nigerian women are proving, consistently, that they are not just resilient; they are sophisticated, high-earning innovators building businesses that deserve serious financial strategy.

Here are five foundational strategies every women-led business should be deploying to build lasting, generational wealth.

1. Separate Business and Personal Finances Without Exception

Mixing personal funds with business cash is one of the most common and most damaging financial habits I see among growing entrepreneurs. It obscures your true profit margins, makes tax planning nearly impossible and, critically, disqualifies you from accessing formal credit when you need it most.

The discipline of separation is not just administrative. It is the first signal you send to the financial system that your business is serious. Open a dedicated business account, maintain clean transaction records, and treat your business finances with the same rigour you would expect from any enterprise operating at scale. Clarity on your numbers is the foundation on which every other strategy here depends.

2. Build Both an Emergency Fund and an Opportunity Fund

Most financial advice stops at the emergency fund, which is three to six months of operating expenses set aside for lean periods. That is necessary, but insufficient. The entrepreneurs I have watched grow most aggressively also maintain what I call an opportunity fund: accessible liquidity specifically reserved to move fast when a prime supplier deal, an expansion location, or a bulk inventory discount appears.

In an unpredictable market like Nigeria’s, the businesses that scale are rarely the ones with the best products alone. They are the ones with the financial readiness to act decisively. Products like FairMoney’s FairSave are designed precisely for this, keeping your funds accessible while earning competitive daily interest so your idle cash is working even when you are not. Build both buffers, and build them before you think you need them.

3. Invest Profits Back into Revenue-Generating Assets

Surplus cash sitting in a current account is a slow leak. Inflation erodes it and opportunity costs compound quietly. The discipline here is to consistently channel profits back into assets that grow your revenue capacity, whether that is new equipment, improved technology, better inventory systems, or staff training.

For capital you do not need immediately, consider locking it into a fixed-term savings product that offers higher interest returns. The psychological benefit is as important as the financial one: ring-fencing that capital removes it from day-to-day spending temptation and ensures it is preserved and grown for a defined purpose. Discipline in capital allocation separates businesses that plateau from those that compound.

4. Diversify Your Revenue Streams Intentionally

Single-stream businesses are inherently fragile. If your sole revenue source is disrupted by market shifts, a supply chain breakdown, or a change in consumer behaviour, your entire operation is exposed. Resilience is built by design, not by accident.

If you are in retail, consider adding a service-based arm. If you are service-led, explore whether digital products or training offerings could create passive income alongside your core work. Beyond product diversification, consider how you accept payments. Building a verified, diverse transaction history through formal payment channels also quietly strengthens your credit profile, an asset that pays dividends when you approach lenders for growth financing. FairMoney’s Business POS infrastructure, for instance, allows entrepreneurs to expand their payment reach while simultaneously building that financial track record.

5. Invest Beyond the Business

This is the strategy most women entrepreneurs delay for too long, and it is the one I feel most strongly about. Relying entirely on your business for your net worth is a high-risk position, no matter how well that business is performing. Businesses face cycles; personal wealth should not.

As your business stabilises, begin systematically moving a portion of your profits into personal investment vehicles such as long-term savings accounts, money market funds, or other instruments that sit entirely outside the business cycle. Automate it if you can, so the decision is made once and executed consistently. The goal is to build a personal financial foundation that remains intact regardless of what your business goes through in any given quarter. True wealth is not what your business is worth on paper. It is what you own independently of it.

The Bigger Picture

For female entrepreneurs in Nigeria, wealth-building is not simply a personal ambition; it is an economic argument. When women-led businesses scale, communities stabilise, households invest in education, and local economies deepen. The strategies above are not complicated, but they require consistency and the right financial infrastructure to execute well.

The tools exist. The opportunity is real. What remains is the decision to treat your business, and your personal wealth, with the long-term seriousness both deserve.

Special Report

First Hall of Fame Life Coach Launches First Afrocentric Coaching Framework Grounded in Ubuntu Philosophy

by Women Times on March 19, 2026

Laila St. Matthew-Daniel, the first inductee into the Life Coaches Hall of Fame and a respected Advisory Board Member of the Life Coaches Association of Nigeria, has unveiled The Veneer Principle™️ – the world’s first comprehensive Afrocentric coaching framework designed for diagnostic assessment.

This groundbreaking achievement is the culmination of thirty-plus years of dedicated work, tracing back to her Deep Release (Underneath The Veneer) column in City People Magazine (2006–2007), which examined the disparity between outward appearances and inner realities for women navigating mental health, personal challenges, and high achievement.

Laila has been applying these principles informally for years in her role as a leadership trainer, specialising in governance and cultural transformation. “I’ve witnessed firsthand how integrating cultural context and Ubuntu values creates deeper, more sustainable impact in organisational work,” she explains. “Now I’m formalising that methodology so other coaches and consultants can apply it systematically.”

“Most coaching frameworks are built on Western, individualistic models,” she observes. “They don’t account for the cultural context, collective identity, and family dynamics that shape how African and diaspora clients navigate their lives. This framework changes that.”

The Veneer Principle offers coaches and therapists practical tools to recognise and address the often exhausting gap between what clients project outwardly and what lies beneath the surface – with cultural sensitivity at its core. It equips practitioners to identify when clients are performing rather than genuinely being themselves, even when they appear successful and capable. It deepens their understanding of the cultural forces shaping behaviour – code-switching, Ubuntu values, and collective identity – and enables them to work with genuine competence alongside African and diaspora clients navigating multiple worlds. Practitioners gain immediate access to proven diagnostic tools, including reproducible worksheets, pattern recognition guides, and real case studies, all while being encouraged to honour warmth and empathy as professional strengths rather than clinical distance.

“The veneer for many of our clients includes navigating predominantly non-African spaces and balancing traditional family expectations with modern pressures,” says Laila. “Healing is not just individual – it’s relational. Ubuntu teaches us ‘I am because we are.’ That perspective has been missing from most coaching frameworks.”

The Veneer Principle™️ is the first instalment of the broader three-part Underneath The Veneer Methodology, currently in development and set for release soon – extending the framework into a complete system for culturally grounded coaching practice, professional training, and organisational development.

The framework responds to growing demand from two key groups: African and diaspora coaches seeking culturally grounded methodologies that reflect their values, and non-African coaches working with African clients who need greater cultural competence. “I’ve had clients share that cultural understanding isn’t a bonus – it’s a baseline requirement. They need a coach who truly understands the cultural nuances shaping their decisions and outcomes – someone who can meet them in their full context,” shares Laila.

The workbook is available for download on Selar.

About Laila St. Matthew-Daniel

Laila St. Matthew-Daniel is an Executive Coach, Leadership Facilitator, therapist, and the first inductee into the Life Coaches Hall of Fame of LCAN (2025). With thirty-plus years of experience, she is a sought-after speaker and author on leadership and personal development, and the founder of ACTS Generation GBV, an organisation advocating against domestic violence and promoting women’s rights.

News Health Special Report

Wearing padded bras may cause nipple dryness, say experts

by Women Times on November 12, 2025

By Prosper Mene

In the quest for the perfect silhouette, millions of women worldwide turn to padded bras for that seamless, confidence-boosting lift. But what if the very padding designed to smooth and conceal is quietly wreaking havoc on one of the body’s most sensitive areas?

Experts are sounding the alarm: prolonged use of padded bras could be contributing to nipple dryness, irritation, and long-term discomfort, urging a rethink on everyday lingerie choices.

The warning comes amid growing awareness of how everyday undergarments interact with delicate skin. Dr. Elyse Love, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, explains that while padded bras offer aesthetic benefits, like preventing nipple show-through on thin fabrics, they can trap moisture and create friction against the nipples. “The added layers can reduce airflow, leading to dryness, chafing, or even exacerbated conditions like eczema in prone individuals,” she notes. This isn’t just anecdotal; medical sources corroborate that ill-fitting or overly restrictive bras, including padded varieties, are a common culprit for nipple soreness and dryness, especially during hormonal shifts or in dry climates.

At the heart of the issue is biology meets fashion. Nipples, rich in nerve endings and sebaceous glands, rely on natural oils and ventilation to stay hydrated. Padded bras, often made with synthetic foams and fabrics, can disrupt this balance by compressing tissue and limiting breathability. A recent health advisory in Nigeria highlighted this exact concern, quoting experts who link constant padding to not just dryness but potential sagging from undue pressure on breast tissues.a00830 “It’s like wearing a cozy sweater on a summer day—comfortable at first, but it builds up heat and irritation over time,” adds Dr. Ayesha Haque, another dermatology specialist.

The ripple effects extend beyond aesthetics. Women report itchy, cracked skin that worsens with sweat or hormonal cycles, sometimes mimicking symptoms of thrush or contact dermatitis.

For active individuals, the problem intensifies during workouts, where motion amplifies chafing. Fitness enthusiasts on forums like Reddit echo this frustration, with many ditching padding for lighter alternatives to avoid the “pokey” discomfort that backfires into dryness. Even broader risks lurk: some padded bras contain trace chemicals like formaldehyde, flagged as potential irritants or carcinogens by consumer watchdogs, though regulators maintain they’re safe in low doses.

Not all experts agree on the severity, some, like lingerie designer Lily Flast of Soutien NYC, argue that well-fitted padded bras are harmless for most and preferable to chafing from unpadded options.

However, the consensus leans toward moderation. “Rotate your bras and prioritize cotton or moisture-wicking materials,” advises the Cleveland Clinic, recommending over-the-counter lanolin creams or petroleum jelly for relief. For those with persistent issues, a dermatologist visit is key to rule out underlying conditions.

As lingerie brands race to innovate, think seamless, ventilated paddings and eco-friendly foams consumers are empowered to demand better. Sarah Thompson, a 32-year-old marketing executive from Lagos, swapped her daily padded routine for wireless alternatives six months ago. “My nipples haven’t felt this soft in years,” she shares. “It’s a small change with big payoffs.”

This story serves as a gentle nudge: comfort isn’t just about the fit—it’s about listening to your skin. Next time you reach for that padded push-up, pause and ask: Is it lifting you up, or holding you back?

News Special Report

Nigeria Mourns: Hajiya Saratu Shagari, Last Surviving Wife of Ex-President Shehu Shagari, Passes at 89

by Women Times on November 10, 2025

By Prosper Mene

The Shagari family, one of Nigeria’s most revered political dynasties, is in mourning today following the death of Hajiya Saratu Shehu Shagari, the last surviving wife of the late former President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari. The matriarch, aged 89, passed away peacefully at approximately 3:00 p.m. local time after a prolonged illness, marking the end of an era for a woman who embodied quiet resilience amid the turbulence of national leadership.

In a heartfelt statement released this evening, Capt. Muhammad Bala Shagari (retd.), the late president’s eldest son and Sarkin Mafaran Shagari, announced the loss: “With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Hajiya Saratu Shehu Shagari, the last surviving wife of former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, GCFR, Turakin Sokoto.” He described her as “an embodiment of grace, humility, and quiet strength; a devoted mother, grandmother, and matriarch who lived a life defined by dignity and compassion.”

Hajiya Saratu’s life was inextricably linked to her husband’s illustrious yet tumultuous political journey. Born into a prominent Fulani family in northern Nigeria, she married Shehu Shagari in the early 1950s, becoming a steadfast pillar during his rise through the ranks of Nigerian politics. Shagari, a founding member of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) and later the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), served as Nigeria’s first democratically elected executive president from 1979 to 1983. His administration navigated the young democracy through economic challenges, including the global oil glut, while championing infrastructure projects and educational reforms.

Yet, Hajiya Saratu’s role extended far beyond the public eye. As First Lady, she maintained a low-profile grace, focusing on family, philanthropy, and Islamic charity work. She supported women’s education initiatives in Sokoto State and quietly advocated for family welfare during her husband’s tenure. Following the military coup that ousted Shagari on December 31, 1983, led by then-Major General Muhammadu Buhari, the couple retreated to their hometown of Shagari village in Sokoto State. There, Hajiya Saratu cared for her family through years of house arrest and political exile, until Shagari’s death in 2018 at age 93.

Tributes have begun pouring in from across Nigeria’s political spectrum. A grandson, Bello Bala Shagari, shared on social media: “We lost our matriarch, the only surviving wife of our late grandfather, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”

Political figures, including representatives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have expressed condolences, hailing her as a symbol of enduring dignity in public service.

Details of funeral arrangements, expected to follow Islamic rites, will be announced shortly by the family. The burial is anticipated in Shagari village, drawing dignitaries from across the nation to honor a life that bridged Nigeria’s transition from colonial rule to independence and beyond.

Hajiya Saratu’s legacy of unwavering support, faith, and modesty, serves as a reminder of the unsung heroes behind the headlines.

News Special Report

IGP Egbetokun Lets Women Officers Run All Police Offices on December 4

by Women Times on November 5, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has given the go-ahead for women officers to take full control of all police management offices on December 4, 2025.

This one-day event, called “Women in Blue Leadership Day,” is a major move to support women in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and show they can lead just as well as men.

The order came from Police Headquarters in Abuja. It tells every zone, state, and local police station to let female officers run things for the whole day. They will make decisions, manage staff, and handle daily police work in place of male officers.

“This is a real chance to show what our women can do,” IGP Egbetokun said. “They have worked hard for years. On December 4, everyone will see their skills and get inspired.”

The plan fits with other changes Egbetokun has made since 2023, like better training and fighting corruption. Women now make up about 15% of the police force, but very few hold top jobs. This day gives them a chance to prove themselves.

Officers like Deputy Commissioner Aisha Bello, who fights cybercrime in Lagos, and Superintendent Fatima Yusuf, who works against terrorism in the Northeast, will take charge. “This day shows our hard work matters,” SP Yusuf said. “We want to open doors for more women.”

Across the country, the day will include talks, school visits, and online meetings. Women leaders will speak about stopping violence against women and girls and encourage young people to join the police.

Why It Matters

Supporters say this will help the police do better. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala praised the IGP on social media: “Great job! When women lead, everyone wins. #WomenInBlue.” Groups that fight for women’s rights are happy too.

Still, problems remain. Some women face unfair treatment at work. The police promise to check these issues and make real changes after the event.

On December 4, women in the NPF will show Nigeria that strong leadership comes in every form.

Empowerment Special Report

Ekiti First Lady Unveils Empowerment Fellowship to Boost Female Students’ Leadership and Education

by Women Times on October 31, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the First Lady of Ekiti State, today unveiled the Ekiti Female Students Empowerment Fellowship (EFSEF).

The program, launched at the Ekiti State Government House, seeks to support 500 outstanding female students across secondary and tertiary institutions in the state, providing scholarships, mentorship, and skill-building workshops to foster the next generation of female leaders.

The fellowship came at a pivotal moment for gender equity in Nigeria’s Southwest, where Dr. Oyebanji has long championed initiatives for vulnerable girls. “Education is the greatest equalizer, but for our girls, it’s often the hardest path to tread,” Dr. Oyebanji said during the unveiling ceremony. “This fellowship is more than financial aid, it’s a commitment to dismantling barriers, igniting ambition, and ensuring that every female student in Ekiti has the tools to lead, innovate, and thrive.”

The EFSEF, funded through a partnership between the Office of the First Lady, the Ekiti State Ministry of Education, and private sector donors, offers:

Full scholarships covering tuition, books, and exam fees for selected students from low-income families.

Mentorship pairings with accomplished women leaders, including alumni from the University of Ibadan and Ekiti State University, to guide participants in career development.

Workshops on digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and gender-based violence prevention, building on Dr. Oyebanji’s previous efforts like the distribution of school supplies to 400 vulnerable pupils in 2023 and advocacy for sex education in curricula.

A focus on STEM fields, with priority given to girls pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to address underrepresentation.

Eligibility targets female students aged 12–20 with strong academic records and demonstrated community involvement. Applications open November 1, 2025, via the official Ekiti State website, with selections announced by December 15.

Dr. Oyebanji’s passion for female education echoes her recent engagements, including an inspiring lecture at the University of Ibadan on October 6, 2025, where she urged students to view leadership as “action, responsibility, and vision.”

Earlier this year, she rallied against gender-based violence in schools and pushed for wider HPV vaccination coverage, vaccinating over 266,000 girls since May 2024 to protect adolescent health.

Guest speakers at the launch, including Prof. Joseph Ayodele from Ekiti State University, praised the initiative for creating “psychosocially safe environments” that enhance learning. Prof. Ayodele noted, “When girls feel supported, they not only excel academically but also build the confidence to challenge societal norms.”

Local stakeholders, such as the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency, hailed the fellowship as a “holistic approach” integrating health, education, and empowerment. One beneficiary preview, 16-year-old Aisha from Ado-Ekiti, shared, “This means I can dream bigger—maybe become an engineer without worrying about fees.

With Ekiti State already boasting renovated school facilities and digital literacy training for thousands, EFSEF aligns with national goals for gender equality under the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It also responds to calls for inclusive education, as seen in Dr. Oyebanji’s 2024 address at Venite University, where she encouraged female students to engage in agriculture for food security.

News Special Report

Tinubu Reverses Maryam Sanda’s Pardon Amid Public Backlash

by Women Times on October 29, 2025

By Prosper Mene

In a response to widespread public outrage, President Bola Tinubu has revoked the presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, a woman convicted of killing her husband.

Sanda, who faced a death sentence, will now serve a total of 12 years in prison, meaning she has about six more years left to complete her term.The decision came just days after the initial pardon list sparked fierce criticism across Nigeria.

Maryam Sanda, 37, was sentenced to death by hanging in January 2020 by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. She was found guilty of culpable homicide in the 2017 stabbing death of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, the son of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Haliru Bello. The case drew national attention due to its tragic details and the high-profile family involved. Sanda has been held at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre since her conviction, where she has spent six years and eight months so far.

The controversy began earlier this month when President Tinubu approved clemency for 175 convicts, including Sanda, on the advice of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy. Her family had appealed for mercy, citing her good behavior in prison, remorse, and the needs of her two young children. The pardon was seen as a compassionate act, but it quickly ignited a firestorm of anger from victims’ families, opposition leaders, and ordinary Nigerians who viewed it as a slap in the face to justice.

Public reaction was swift and intense. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the pardons, calling them a “grave setback to Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign” and an “affront to justice,” especially since the list included people convicted of drug trafficking and other serious crimes. The African Democratic Congress and human rights groups, like the Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law, also slammed the decision as a “mockery of justice.”6040e7 Social media exploded with hashtags and posts demanding accountability, with many arguing that freeing a convicted murderer undermined trust in the legal system.

Facing the mounting pressure, President Tinubu acted quickly. On Wednesday, October 29, an official gazette announced the reversal, signed off by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Sanda’s full pardon was scrapped, and her sentence was commuted to 12 years instead, based on “compassionate grounds” like her role as a mother and model prisoner behavior. The updated list also removed 68 other names tied to crimes such as kidnapping, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal arms possession. Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi confirmed the changes followed consultations with the Council of State.

In a statement, the presidency thanked Nigerians for their “constructive feedback” and stressed the administration’s dedication to fair justice reforms.bf7075 To prevent future missteps, Tinubu ordered the Advisory Committee’s secretariat moved from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Justice for better oversight. He also issued posthumous pardons to historical figures like environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and poet Mamman Jiya Vatsa, honoring their legacies without stirring controversy.

The reversal has brought some relief to critics, but questions linger about the pardon process. Bilyaminu Bello’s family, despite earlier forgiveness from the victim’s father, welcomed the tougher stance as a win for accountability. Women’s rights advocates praised the balance of mercy and punishment, noting it protects Sanda’s children while honoring the victim’s memory.

News Event Special Report Women in Nigeria

Nigeria Police Force Gears Up to Honor 70 Years of Women in Policing

by Women Times on October 29, 2025

By Prosper Mene

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is preparing to mark a historic milestone by celebrating 70 years of women’s contributions to law enforcement. The event, announced by Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, honors the courage and dedication of female officers since their first enlistment in 1955.

Scheduled for December 3-4, 2025, the two-day commemoration will bring together serving and retired policewomen to reflect on their transformative impact on national security.

Over the decades, women have joined the ranks of the NPF in growing numbers, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. From handling administrative duties to leading tactical operations and investigations, female officers have proven their mettle in diverse roles. Their entry in 1955 marked the beginning of a gradual shift toward gender inclusivity, helping to build a more balanced and empathetic police service.

IGP Egbetokun praised the women as “pillars of integrity, empathy, and excellence,” crediting them with enhancing the force’s operational success and public trust. He highlighted how their compassionate approach has redefined policing, fostering stronger community ties and improving responses to sensitive issues like gender-based violence. This anniversary underscores the NPF’s progress in empowering women to rise to leadership positions.

The celebration will feature a lineup of engaging activities designed to educate and inspire. Highlights include a national lecture on the evolution of women in policing, an exhibition showcasing historical artifacts and milestones, and interactive panel discussions with veteran officers. These sessions will explore challenges faced and lessons learned, offering insights for future generations.

A community outreach program will cap the events, focusing on mentoring young women interested in law enforcement careers. This initiative aligns with the IGP’s vision for ongoing training and development, ensuring female officers receive the tools to excel. By promoting professionalism and inclusivity, the NPF aims to attract more diverse talent to its ranks.

This 70th anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of women’s enduring role in safeguarding the nation. The NPF’s commitment to their advancement not only strengthens the force but also inspires broader societal change.

Women right abuse Special Report

Danish Aid Worker Shares Powerful Transformation of Akwa Ibom Girl Once Branded a Witch

by Women Times on October 24, 2025

By Prosper Mene

October 24, 2025

A young girl from Akwa Ibom State, once beaten, starved, and abandoned on the streets after being falsely accused of witchcraft, is now living a healthy and happy life. Danish humanitarian Anja Ringgren Lovén, founder of the Land of Hope foundation, shared emotional before-and-after photos of the girl on social media, showing her remarkable recovery.

In the first photo, taken years ago, the girl appears extremely thin, with visible injuries and a look of deep fear. She had been attacked by community members who believed she was a witch. Left with no food or shelter, she survived alone on the dangerous streets of Akwa Ibom. But in the recent pictures, she is completely changed, her face glows with a bright smile, her body is strong and healthy, and she stands confidently in clean clothes at the Land of Hope children’s home.

Anja Ringgren Lovén explained that the girl was rescued several years ago by her team. “She was accused of being a witch and suffered terrible abuse,” Lovén wrote. “People who should have protected her turned against her. But today, she is proof that love and care can heal even the deepest wounds.” The foundation gave the girl medical treatment, regular meals, counseling, and a safe place to live. She now attends school and plays with other children who were also saved from similar situations.

Witchcraft accusations remain a serious problem in parts of Akwa Ibom and other Nigerian states. Many families, facing poverty, illness, or the loss of a loved one, blame children for bad luck or strange behavior. According to child rights groups, thousands of boys and girls have been abandoned, tortured, or killed because of these false beliefs. Some children are sick with diseases like malaria or HIV, but instead of getting medical help, they are called witches and cast out.

Land of Hope has been fighting this injustice since 2008. The organization runs a large rescue center, school, and clinic in Akwa Ibom. They have saved and rehabilitated hundreds of children, teaching them, feeding them, and helping them rebuild trust in the world. Lovén and her team also work with local leaders and families to change harmful beliefs and promote education and healthcare. “We don’t just save children—we work to stop the fear that hurts them,” Lovén said.

The girl’s story is one of many successes. Like Hope, the famous boy rescued in 2016 whose photo went viral worldwide, this girl is now thriving. Her transformation has touched hearts online and renewed calls for stronger laws to protect children in Nigeria. Land of Hope continues to ask for support to help more children escape abuse and build a brighter future.