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Nigerian women beg Tinubu for more political slots

Published

6 hours ago

November 7, 2024

… Promise they won’t disappoint

Miffed by the disparity in political appointments under the current administration, Nigerian women have pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to allocate more slots to Nigerian women.

Organisers of 2024 MMS Women of Fortune Hall of Fame Induction and International Women’s leadership summit, made the appeal at the event in Abuja on Wednesday.

Chairman of the occasion and Chairperson Blue Economy Nigeria Ltd, Lami Tumaka, who made the appeal, equally frowned at the marginalisation and disparity against women in political appointments.

The former NIMASA Director, said that the trust of the induction is for the inclusivity of women in appointive position.

Tagged; “Influencing Policies and Upscaling Capacity in Digital Economy, she explained that the women’s leadership summit is to mobilise Nigerian women.

Asked how the current administration has carried women along, she argued that they have tried but should do more, adding: “I don’t want to talk about this administration so that it won’t look as if I am criticising. I think we are achieving something. We are struggling, fighting to prove that we can do it. We want to sit on that big table like our men counterparts because we have something to offer.

“This administration is not doing badly, but the government can do better. They have done well especially in the involvement of youths. There are so many young people in this women including women. But there are many other women that have something to offer who should be involved. Nigerian women are demanding for more political slots,” she pleaded.

On the reasons behind the event, Mrs Tumaka, said: “The biggest takeaway will be inclusivity and giving equal opportunity not just to the women but also to the physically challenged.
“It is all about inclusivity, it’s gender parity and it’s meant to give competent women more opportunities. Giving them opportunities is not about doing so because they are women but because they are competent, capable and able enough to stand on their own.

“It is also about mentorship for the younger ones, coaching them and government enacting and following up on policies that are gender friendly to encourage women participation in all spheres be it politics.

“We keep talking about reserving certain percentage of political appointments to the women, but it must be based on competent and capacity to bring something to the table.

We want to encourage the participation of women in all spheres of Nigeria economy,” she said.
Similarly, a retired Deputy Director in NIMASA, Mary Hammad, urged Nigerians not to use the behaviour of other women that performed below expectations in their previous appointments to judge the women.

“We should not just pick on the women. We should not use the women undergoing investigation in the Humanitarian Affairs ministry and other places as a yardstick to judge women.

“Men have equally been having issues but it has not attracted attention like the one involving women. It is wrong to deny the women their right and what belongs to them because of the coincidence,” she appealed.

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Inter-state Boundary Resolution: NBC Calls For Peace And Progress

Published

9 hours ago

November 7, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) Surv. Adamu Adaji has called for peace and progress in the resolution of interstate between Abia and Akwa Ibom States.

Adaji made this call at a Stakeholders meeting on the Abia/Akwa Ibom interstate boundary resolution held in Abuja.

The meeting underscores the Commission’s commitment to achieving a peaceful and definitive settlement.

“This meeting is a crucial step toward fostering understanding and cooperation between Abia and Akwa Ibom States,” the Director-General stated.

He acknowledged the complexities involved in resolving the decades long dispute, which has seen repeated interruptions due to local tensions and legal entanglements.

The Director-General highlighted the NBC’s determination to creating a harmonious solution, one that respects the historical and legal boundaries while prioritizing the safety and development of border communities.

The boundary dispute, rooted in the implementation of Decree 23 of 1985, has been marked by instances of hostility, waton destruction of lives and properties, and abductions, notably in regions where the field tracing exercise was stalled in 2014.

The Akwa Ibom State Boundary Committee expressed grave concerns over recent escalations, including fatal incidents affecting the Nkari people of Ini Local Government Area (LGA) and allegations of encroachment into farmlands in Obotme.

In her response, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, called for calm among affected communities, urging boundary community dwellers to avoid retaliatory actions whilst assuring them of ongoing efforts to resolve the matter peacefully.

The Akwa Ibom delegation presented a position paper outlining the state’s stance and a set of recommendations aimed at expediting the resolution process.

These recommendations include strict adherence to delimitation protocols and improved oversight of field team conduct to prevent further disruptions.

Echoing the call for decisive action, Engr Ikwechkwu Emetu, Deputy Governor of Abia State, expressed optimism for the meeting’s outcomes.

He addressed the lingering issues and called for the recovery of essential field documents lost over time, stressing the importance of these materials to accurately demarcate the boundary.

The Deputy Governor also highlighted the need for a distinct categorization of disputes, distinguishing genuine boundary claims from requests for boundary adjustments.

With both states aligning on the urgency of a resolution, the NBC is expected to facilitate constructive dialogue in line with recommendations from previous joint meetings.

The Director-General concluded his address by reaffirming NBC’s role as a neutral body committed to justice and fairness, pledging that the Commission will implement the findings of this meeting to end the dispute and foster lasting peace in the affected areas.

The outcome of the Abuja meeting will be pivotal, with all parties hopeful for an agreement that finally puts an end to decades of contention, allowing both Abia and Akwa Ibom States to move forward in unity and prosperity.

The meeting brought together key representatives from both states to address the persistent boundary dispute affecting Abia and Akwa Ibom communities.

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