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UNESCO, Japan Inaugurate Project to Empower Women In Nigeria States
The United Nation Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in collaboration with the Government of Japan has inaugurated a project to empower women and girls in marginalised communities in three states within one year. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
Informavores gathered that the project tagged: “Japan-UNESCO project on Empowerment of Women and Girls in Marginalised Communities for Better Well-being through Education and Advocacy’’ was inaugurated virtually on Tuesday.
The project would be implemented in three states including Delta, Gombe and Bauchi by UNESCO with funding from the Government of Japan.
Mr Dimitri Sanga, officer-in-charge of UNESCO, Abuja Regional Office, said that the collaboration between UNESCO and Japan was necessary to fast-track growth and improve the lives of women and girls in the three states.
Sanga said that the project would help create a healthy society to actualize the 2030 agenda as the intervention targeted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) one, three, four and 16.
He said that the project was aimed at creating awareness and strategies on addressing the impact of COVID-19 and providing training on preventive measures to women and girls through second chance education and advocacy.
He added that the project would also increase awareness on gender-based violence amongst young women facing marginalization.
He said that it would also provide psycho-social rehabilitation in support of long term recovery of women and girls survivors of Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
According to him, the project would also build the capacity of community media and balance gender-based violence reportage, development of COVID-19 preventive messages and advocate for the rights of women and girls.
He noted that the partnership between UNESCO and Japan in this regard would help alleviate poverty and improve the lives of citizens which ultimately would contribute to peace, stability and inclusive growth.
Sanga urged the Gombe State Government to key into the project by providing the necessary support to ensure proper implementation for the benefits of women and girls in the state.
Mr Shinozawa Takayuki, Chargé d’ Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria said the collaboration was to promote gender equality and socio-economic empowerment of women and girls in the three states.
Takayuki said that the large number of out-of-school children which had mostly affected women and girls compounded by the lockdown due to COVID-19 had contributed to the increase of SGBV, hence the intervention.
“Unfortunately, reported cases of gender-based violence in marginalised communities have increased.
“It is in recognition of this that the Government of Japan is partnering with UNESCO to empower women and girls in Bauchi, Delta and Gombe states,” he said.
Takayuki said that the intervention would provide psychological support and rehabilitation for women and girls, SGBV survivors and second chance education for women and girls.
“The project will raise awareness on SGBV among the public and protect women and girls from such violence,” Takayuki said.
He added that the project would alleviate the increasing social tension worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his remarks, the Gombe State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr Julius Ishaya, expressed the appreciation to UNESCO and Japan.
Ishaya stated that the choice of Gombe State for the implementation of the project was apt in view of the decade-long impact of insurgency on the state being geographically-centered in the North east.
According to him, the Gombe State Government had been doing a lot to promote girl-child education and welfare of women in the state and would welcome and support any partnership to strengthen those achievements.
NAN also reports that in the three states, 690 women and girls including SGBV survivors, 300 learners for second chance education would benefit, while 150 survivors per state would be given psycho-social rehabilitation services.
Also, 45 facilitators would be trained on COVID-19 prevention, while 45 media persons would be given training on SBGV reportage amongst other trainings for Non-Governmental Organisations and community groups.
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Kogi Government Clarifies Arrest of Defamation Suspect, Insists On Due Process
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has dismissed reports alleging the unlawful detention of one Abdulhamid Deflowerboy, describing them as deliberate attempts to distort facts and incite public sentiment.
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In a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government stated that Abdulhamid was lawfully invited by security agencies following a petition against a “clearly defamatory” publication authored by him against the State Government.
Fanwo emphasized that the suspect voluntarily honoured the police invitation, confessed to authoring the false publication, and was subsequently arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction which ordered his remand. He stressed that contrary to claims on social media, Abdulhamid is not being detained illegally but is facing prosecution in line with Nigeria’s laws on defamation.
“Defamation is a criminal offense in Nigeria, not an expression of free speech,” the statement read. “It has the potential to destroy reputations built over decades and plunge innocent individuals into disrepute. Sadly, Abdulhamid allowed himself to be used by disgruntled political elements who are yet to come to terms with the fact that the era of politics of patronage is over in Kogi State.”
The government accused unnamed political actors of sponsoring misinformation in a bid to undermine the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, whom it said has earned the people’s trust through “massive investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, power, and civil service welfare.”
While reiterating its commitment to youth empowerment through ICT, enterprise, and education, the government expressed disappointment that some young people still allow themselves to be exploited by desperate politicians.
The Commissioner drew comparisons with a previous case involving political activist Austin Okai, who was forgiven only after publicly apologizing for similar actions.
“Justice must never be based on ethnic considerations. To ask that Abdulhamid be released because he shares ethnic ties with the Governor is to insult the principles of fairness and equality before the law. What is good for the goose is good for the gander,” Fanwo stated.
He further noted that Abdulhamid’s case should serve as a lesson to other youths that those who incite wrongdoing rarely show up to defend their pawns when the law takes its course.
The government assured the public that the case will follow due process and urged the media to verify facts and avoid sensationalism in reporting issues that border on legal and reputational matters.
“We have chosen to speak out in order to clarify the facts and ensure that members of the public are not misled into defending wrongdoing out of ignorance or emotion. When you make wild allegations against the State Government, be prepared to defend them because others also have the right to defend their integrity,” he concluded.
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Good Governance: KONGONET Chairman Calls for Citizen Participation In Governance
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Chairman, Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina has called on government at all levels to embrace inclusivity in planning and service delivery to boost good governance.
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Ambassador Muraina also called on civil society organisations and development partners to work together in deepening citizen participation in ensuring that governance remains transparent, responsive and true reflective of people’s needs.
Ambassador Muraina made the call while speaking at the 2025 KONGONET Annual General Meeting held in Lokoja on Thursday.
He said that the annual general meeting with the THEME: Synergy for Socioeconomic Development: Uniting State And Non-State Actors for A Greater Impact In Kogi State, is targeted at ushering in quality service provision and positive engagement.
He maintained that together, “We can build more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous Kogi State for generations to come”
“I want to sincerely appreciate each and every one of you for your support in the last five years of my leadership. Your unwavering support, collaboration, and commitment have been instrumental in sharing the positive trajectory of our collective efforts in Kogi State.
“Over these years, our partnership has yielded remarkable achievements in bringing about impactful synergy between the state and Non-State Actors
“We have been able to strengthen relationships with government ministries, departments, and agencies which have translated into impactful programmes that benefit our citizens”
He solicited for extension of same cooperation to the incoming KONGONET executive.
The Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC), Nda Eri who also spoke at the event, commended KONGONET in its task to enhance good governance through engagement with relevant stakeholders.
He assured of more logistics support from the state government in promoting the mission and vision of KONGONET
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving MDAs in recognition of their roles in promoting good governance in Kogi.
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Kogi (PDCRC) Boss Lauds Governor Ododo’s Administration for GBV Initiative
By Our Reporter
The Director General of the Kogi State Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC), Hon Idris Onogo Esq, has praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration for its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and children in the state.
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Hon. Idris made this commendation today while addressing Newsmen in Lokoja.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under the leadership of the Commissioner, Hon (Haj) Fatimah Momoh, demonstrates Governor Ododo’s administration’s dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment for all citizens.
The committee’s mandate includes providing psycho-social support to survivors, ensuring that cases are handled with care and professionalism, and promoting a culture of respect and dignity for women and children.
Governor Ododo’s leadership has been marked by a series of initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare and well-being of Kogi State citizens. The GBV initiative is just one of the many efforts by his administration to address the social and economic challenges facing the state.
By establishing this committee, Governor Ododo’s administration has shown its commitment to upholding the rights of women and children and providing support to those affected by GBV.
Bar Idris’s praise highlights the significance of this initiative and reveals the administration’s efforts to create a more just and equitable society.
The Kogi State Public Defender’s Office and other stakeholders have expressed optimism that this initiative will yield positive results and contribute to a safer and more supportive environment for women and children in the state.
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