News
2027 election: Group honours Etsu Nupe, Minister of Women Affairs, 19 others
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) at the weekend honoured the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and 19 other distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to advancing gender inclusiveness and promoting the Reserved Seats for Women Bill across the country. com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"> [adrotate banner="51"]
NILOWV honored them at its
concluding 2025 Annual General Meeting, National Conference, and Founders’ Day/Awards Night with renewed calls for collective action to strengthen women’s inclusion in politics, governance, and leadership at all levels.
Speaking, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, who received the “Ambassador of Nigerian Women and Champion of Diversity and Inclusion Award”, described NILOWV’s advocacy as “a light at the end of the tunnel for women in Nigeria.”
“Right from the time I heard about this organisation,” he said, “I became very, very comfortable that, yes, there’s light at the end of the tunnel in Nigeria for women. You are doing a very noble job in this struggle; you are actually actively participating and contributing your own quota for the development of human folk in the country.”
He said the inclusion of women in governance was essential to national growth, noting that “if you can govern very well in our homes, there’s nothing stopping you from governing the whole country. Every home in this country is being governed by women effectively and successfully, and so they can contribute even better at the national level. So we should give them the opportunity to also participate in the act of governance.”
The royal father urged women not to relent despite economic and political challenges, assuring that “we will continue to be with you, pray for you, and it shall allow you to achieve your desired objectives by the grace of God. I believe strongly, whatever you can do at your own level, you can equally do even better at the national level. So continue to struggle, and on our own part, will continue to be with you.”
Receiving an award as an “Icon of Gender Inclusiveness and Supporter of the Reserved Seats Bill”, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, challenged women to “first believe in yourself—you can’t win any fight if you don’t win within. You must believe you can for you to drive it.”
“Women constitute about 50 per cent of the population of this country; no man wins election without the woman. Vote yourself, support yourself, and remember—you are not fighting the men; we are complementing one another.”
Dantalle emphasised that the struggle for representation begins from within, urging women to find strength in solidarity.
“When you believe in yourself and in one another, the world begins to believe in you,” he said. “God did not create women to be servants to men but to complement them. You can’t have a better society when women are behind.”
Representing the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Mrs Ola Erinfolami conveyed the minister’s goodwill message, stating:
“…She’s passionate about NILOWV. She prays that God will grant Dame Esther Uduehi many more years and give President Irene Awuna-Ikyegh wisdom to carry on this assignment. God will bless Nigeria, and God will bless all women.”
In a tribute to NILOWV’s Founder, Mrs Esther Uduehi, the President of NILOWV, Mrs Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, lauded her for her lifelong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
While recalling that she founded the League to mentor and foster solidarity among women advocating for their rights after participating in the Beijing Conference 30 years ago, Awunah-Ikyegh described her as “a visionary leader whose seed will not die.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Nikky Onyeri, appreciated the awardees and partners for their support, noting that the League’s vision would be incomplete without legislative reforms that ensure equitable representation.
She called for “concerted support from all quarters for the passage of the Reserved Seats Bill, which is central to deepening democracy and women’s voices in governance.”
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria seeks to economically and politically empower women while fostering solidarity among women advocating for their rights.
For nearly three decades, NILOWV has remained a rallying platform for women’s civic participation, advocacy, and leadership development.
Through partnerships, mentorship, and legislative engagement, the League continues to galvanise national support for women’s inclusion in politics and governance, building on its founder’s vision of equality and empowerment.
The Founders’ Day celebration, which climaxed the three-day national conference, reaffirmed NILOWV’s commitment to transforming women’s voices and votes into instruments of democratic victory and sustainable national development.
Among other recipients were the Conservator General of Nigeria, Dr Ibrahim Goni, and the Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Women Development Centre, Dr Asabe Vilita Bashir, who was honoured as an Icon of Gender Inclusiveness and NILOWV Amazon of Democracy.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
Latest entries
PoliticsApril 23, 2026Yunusa Charges Team to intensify coordination, discipline as YMK Nigeria Steps on PRP Platform for 2027 Presidential Election
PoliticsApril 20, 2026Kogi Central APC Stakeholders Kick Against Imposition of Unpopular Candidate Endorse Obaro
Steel and MineApril 19, 2026Nigeria Deepen Bilateral Ties With India to Develop the Steel and Mines Industry
NewsApril 6, 2026Easter: Nigeria Must Do Better, NGIJ Warns Amid Rising Insecurity
News
Easter: Nigeria Must Do Better, NGIJ Warns Amid Rising Insecurity
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has issued a strongly worded Easter message, condemning worsening insecurity and demanding urgent action from security chiefs. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); [adrotate banner="51"]
In a statement signed by its National President, Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild said Nigeria must confront its security failures without delay.
The Guild congratulated Christians across Nigeria and the world on the Easter celebration, noting that the season crowns weeks of sacrifice, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
It also acknowledged that Muslims recently concluded Ramadan and celebrated Eid al-Fitr, describing both religious observances as powerful symbols of discipline and devotion.
NGIJ said the overlapping spiritual journeys of Christians and Muslims highlight a shared national lesson on unity and peaceful coexistence.
However, the Guild warned that the current security reality contradicts those values, as many communities continue to live in utter dread.
It described the recent killings in Jos as a grim reminder of deep cracks within the nation’s security architecture pointing out that the violence goes beyond headlines, insisting that it reflects systemic failure.
NGIJ condemned the bloodshed in the strongest terms possible and criticised what it called the growing helplessness of authorities. It argued that routine condemnations and post-attack visits by the relevant authorities saddled with the responsibility of securing lives and properties no longer satisfy public expectations.
The statement stressed that repeated promises without visible results only deepen public frustration and grief.
NGIJ maintained that every Nigerian deserves safety at home, in places of worship, and in public spaces while stressing that government must treat that responsibility as a non-negotiable duty.
The Guild urged security chiefs to respond with urgency, intelligence, and clear results. It insisted that those unable to guarantee safety should step aside for more capable leadership.
NGIJ also clarified that its position reflects a moral duty rather than political bias while noting that Easter symbolises sacrifice, accountability, and renewal, adding that real change requires courage and action.
It warned Nigerians against yielding to fear or division despite the tense climate and encouraged citizens to protect unity and resist forces that thrive on chaos.
The Guild reaffirmed its commitment to investigative journalism, promising to pursue truth and hold power accountable. It also pledged to amplify the voices of victims often ignored in national discourse.
NGIJ concluded that hope must translate into action, urging the nation to confront its challenges with urgency.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
Latest entries
- PoliticsApril 23, 2026Yunusa Charges Team to intensify coordination, discipline as YMK Nigeria Steps on PRP Platform for 2027 Presidential Election
- PoliticsApril 20, 2026Kogi Central APC Stakeholders Kick Against Imposition of Unpopular Candidate Endorse Obaro
- Steel and MineApril 19, 2026Nigeria Deepen Bilateral Ties With India to Develop the Steel and Mines Industry
- NewsApril 6, 2026Easter: Nigeria Must Do Better, NGIJ Warns Amid Rising Insecurity
Legislative
NGIJ Targets Stronger Democracy Through Partnership with NILDS
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has sought a strategic partnership with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to enhance legislative reporting, strengthen democratic accountability, and promote evidence-based journalism in Nigeria. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); [adrotate banner="51"]
The proposal was made during a courtesy visit by the NGIJ delegation, led by its President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, to the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar O. Suleiman, was represented at the meeting by the Director of Legal Services, Professor Ibrahim Danwanka. Also in attendance were the Special Adviser to the DG on Media, Mr. Muhammad Abdulkadir and the Director of Information, Mr. Emmanuel Atakpo.
Speaking during the visit, Aliagan described the engagement as a strategic step toward building synergy between investigative journalism and legislative research institutions. He commended the leadership of Professor Suleiman for transforming NILDS into a leading centre for legislative studies and democratic governance in Africa.
“This visit is not merely ceremonial—it is deeply strategic. NGIJ and NILDS share a common vision of strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, and deepening good governance in Nigeria,” Aliagan said.
He explained that while NILDS advances democratic governance through research and legislative capacity development, NGIJ complements these efforts through investigative journalism and public-interest reporting.
Aliagan highlighted the Guild’s activities across the country, particularly its Governance Assessment Visits conducted in Kogi, Bayelsa, Ondo, Kwara, Osun, and Kaduna states, noting that such engagements have improved public discourse and strengthened accountability at the subnational level.
“Our mission is to promote ethical investigative journalism, strengthen transparency in governance, and build capacity for data-driven reporting that connects citizens with democratic institutions,” he said.
The NGIJ President also proposed collaboration in areas such as training on legislative processes, joint research and publications, policy dialogues, data sharing, and fellowship programmes for journalists and researchers.
He further informed the Institute of the Guild’s plan to host the Dele Giwa Memorial Annual Lecture on Investigative Journalism in June as part of activities marking Democracy Day. The Guild requested that Professor Suleiman serve as keynote speaker and sought approval to use NILDS’ auditorium for the event.
“We are confident that your presence and intellectual contribution will greatly enrich the discourse and lend national significance to the event,” Aliagan added.
Responding on behalf of the Director-General, Professor Danwanka welcomed the proposal and described the initiative as timely and beneficial to national development. He commended NGIJ for its commitment to accountability journalism and its recognition of the Institute’s growing impact.
“If there is any institution journalists need to collaborate with, it is NILDS.
Legislative reporting requires specialised knowledge that many journalists currently lack,” Danwanka said.
He explained that NILDS was established by an Act of Parliament in 2011 and later expanded in 2017 to include broader responsibilities covering democratic institutions and civil society organisations.
According to him, the Institute has grown significantly under Professor Suleiman’s leadership, expanding from four departments to eleven, with increased staff strength and wider national, regional, and continental visibility.
Danwanka noted that NILDS currently provides research and capacity-building support not only to Nigeria’s legislature but also to parliaments across West Africa and other parts of the continent, including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana, and Togo.
“Legislature is a specialised field. Even experts from other disciplines must acquire knowledge of its processes to report it accurately. That is where NILDS comes in,” he said.
He assured the NGIJ delegation that all requests presented during the visit, including collaboration proposals, the use of the Institute’s facilities, and the invitation to the DG would be communicated for necessary action.
Danwanka also acknowledged NGIJ’s commendation of the appointment of Mr. Abdulkadir as Special Adviser on Media, describing the recognition as thoughtful and well-deserved.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing optimism about establishing a formal framework for collaboration, with a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance through knowledge-driven journalism.
“This engagement marks the beginning of a sustainable partnership that will advance legislative excellence and investigative journalism in Nigeria,” Danwanka said.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
Latest entries
- PoliticsApril 23, 2026Yunusa Charges Team to intensify coordination, discipline as YMK Nigeria Steps on PRP Platform for 2027 Presidential Election
- PoliticsApril 20, 2026Kogi Central APC Stakeholders Kick Against Imposition of Unpopular Candidate Endorse Obaro
- Steel and MineApril 19, 2026Nigeria Deepen Bilateral Ties With India to Develop the Steel and Mines Industry
- NewsApril 6, 2026Easter: Nigeria Must Do Better, NGIJ Warns Amid Rising Insecurity
News
NGIJ urges unity, cautions politicians against divisive rhetoric ahead of 2027
The Nigeria Guild of Investigative Journalism (NGIJ) has called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence and warned political actors against exploiting religious and ethnic divisions as the country gradually approaches the 2027 general elections. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js"> [adrotate banner="51"]
In a statement issued on Friday to mark the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebration, and jointly signed by its National President, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild congratulated Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan.
The Guild noted that this year’s Ramadan coincided with the Christian Lenten season, describing the alignment as a “rare and powerful symbolism” that underscores shared values across faiths.
According to the statement, both periods called for reflection, sacrifice, discipline, and compassion, stressing that such common ideals should serve as a foundation for national unity.
“For weeks, across mosques and churches, Nigerians prayed, fasted, gave to the needy, and sought a better version of themselves. If we can endure hardship together in pursuit of spiritual growth, then we can certainly live together in peace,” the Guild said.
However, NGIJ expressed concern over rising tensions in the country, warning that differences are increasingly being weaponised, particularly along religious and ethnic lines.
The Guild emphasised that the lessons of Ramadan and Lent should not end with celebrations but must be reflected in citizens’ daily conduct, urging Nigerians to embrace patience, empathy, and truth in their interactions.
While addressing the political class, the organisation cautioned against early signs of divisive campaigning ahead of the 2027 elections, including the spread of misinformation and fear-based rhetoric.
“We are already seeing early signs of the familiar playbook, divisive rhetoric, calculated misinformation, and appeals to fear rather than reason. That path is dangerous and ultimately destructive,” the statement read.
NGIJ urged politicians, political parties, and aspirants to focus on issue-based campaigns, particularly on the economy, security, and governance, rather than resorting to identity politics.
It warned that power gained through division could undermine national stability, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford another election cycle that deepens societal fractures.
The Guild also reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and responsible journalism, pledging to continue challenging false narratives and exposing misinformation.
“A peaceful and informed society requires citizens who think critically and reject manipulation,” it added.
The statement concluded by describing Eid al-Fitr as not only a moment of celebration but also a test of collective responsibility, urging Nigerians to choose unity over division in the interest of national progress.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
Latest entries
- PoliticsApril 23, 2026Yunusa Charges Team to intensify coordination, discipline as YMK Nigeria Steps on PRP Platform for 2027 Presidential Election
- PoliticsApril 20, 2026Kogi Central APC Stakeholders Kick Against Imposition of Unpopular Candidate Endorse Obaro
- Steel and MineApril 19, 2026Nigeria Deepen Bilateral Ties With India to Develop the Steel and Mines Industry
- NewsApril 6, 2026Easter: Nigeria Must Do Better, NGIJ Warns Amid Rising Insecurity