Inclusiveness

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Prof. Enase Okonedo, the Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, on Thursday said that inclusiveness would boost productivity in workplaces and the society in general.

Okonedo made the assertion at the second edition of theSociety for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN) International Womens Day Roundtable, in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable had the theme: The Board-Ready Female: Modelling Ethical Leadership and Driving Transformation.

According to the vice-chancellor, when an organisation inclusive opportunities, it increases productivity and brings out the best from workers.

Inclusion boostcompanys reputation,consumers trust and a mixed gender board have fewer incidences of fraud.

Women in the board could prevent risky-over-investment policy, be fast to apply caution and moderate the over confidence of male chief executive officers, she said.

She added that board-ready females would think out of the box, lead by example and have the duty of care and loyalty.

She said that such females should be able to communicate openly, seek information, ask questions, display values, stand on moral grounds and be fair.

The Chairman, GlaxoSmithkline Consumer Nig. Plc., Mr Edmund Onuzo, said that female representation in Nigerias private and public sectors was still low.

He said that there were many women as qualified as men for jobs.

According to him, women are generally disadvantaged because the society was male-dominated.

We live in a male-dominated society where women are expected to be submissive, sadly and strangely, even in workplaces.

Gender diversity is not easy to achieve because it is a male-dominated world; so, any female aspiring to be a board member should be board-ready, must be of good behaviour and must be transformational, he said.

He urged women to embrace digital literacy and networking for greater efficiency.

The Chief Executive Officer of Acccestra Ltd., Mr Isaac Orolugbagbe, said that cultural perspectives were affecting female board membership.

According to Orolugbagbe, 50 per cent of the population are women and cannot be kept away if the country should record the desired impact.

The Company Secretary, First Bank of Nigeria, Ms Irene Netimah, said that tech women had not been given enough opportunities.

She said that there were many competent women ready to make impacts.

Decision makers have to deliberate on some certainissues so that women are not dropped off at the peak of their careers, she said.

A Partner at IA

rs Liang Huili, Wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, has emphasized the need for redoubled efforts to promote gender equality and advance the global cause of womens development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is with the theme The Women in Culture showcased over 50 paintings by Female Artists to depict Nigerias vibrant culture.

According to Liang, it is Important to redouble the cause of promoting gender equality and womens development, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic which took a heavy toll on economy, with greater challenges to women

The female artists association of Nigeria was formed in 2001 to give the women the voice to

female rights against against gender-based violence, rape use our a to celebrate women in in every aspect of life.

So the theme of this

Bringing women into technology will result in more creative solutions and they will have greater potential for innovations that will meet women needs and promote gender equality.

This exhibition titled women in cultural showcases over 50 paintings by 20 women and a mguest artist depicting different cultural themes in vibrant colours, and good finishing.

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Lizzy Okoji
The Federal Government of Nigeria Women Ambassadors Network (FWAN-NET) has urged the incoming administration to beat the 35 per cent affirmative action of women representation to 40 per cent women inclusion in its cabinet.

Dr Eniola Ajayi, the Chairperson, FWASN-NE and Nigerias Ambassador to the Netherlands made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during an event organised by the network to mark the 2023 International Womens Day (IWD).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the women ambassadors celebrated the event in line with the global theme of the 2023 IWD Digital Innovation and technology for Gender Equality.

Speaking to journalist at the event, Ajayi said that the Nigerian women were the bedrock and major contributors to Nigerias economy, hence the reason they must be fully involved in all sectors of governance.

The Nigerian woman has a lot to be happy about not because of any affirmation but because we are the bedrock of the society.

When you look at Nigeria and the kind of economy that we have, the reason our economy keeps bouncing out of recession is because of the strength of our informal sector, which is largely dominated by women.

The Nigerian women are very resilience, very powerful, very resourceful, very successful so there is a lot to celebrate about.

Affirmative action is like 33, 35 per cent. The Nigerian government that is going to take over should be looking at 40 per cent of women in governance.

Because the women are very empathic people, we reach out in leadership through team work, we do not have ego issues, we collaborate, we represent and we produce.

That is the kind of women that we have in Nigeria and there is a lot of them all over this country who can make a huge difference in governance.

So, I am looking forward not to 35 per cent but 40 per cent of women representation in the next government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ajayi said.

Ajayi said that the Nigerian women ambassadors had stood out among their male counterparts and that is why the network is driving the message of encouraging younger girls, especially in the digital and technology sectors.

That is why some of us who have found ourselves in this position thought it fit to do this because the motto of our association is For Advancement in Leadership and Diplomacy.

We want Nigerian women to feel empowered and supported, to take their place among the committee of nations.

And I am glad that our male colleagues, knowing the kind of women we are, they came to support us at this event, Ajayi added.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada lauded the women ambassadors on their initiative, noting that the theme for this event is apt, especially as the world keeps becoming more complex and competitive.

Dada said that digital economy had become an integral part of daily lives, as it also served as a powerful tool to advancing gender equality.

Dada said that he was optimistic that the FGN Women Ambassadors Network would offer the necessary support and opportunities for young females to enable them accomplish their potential as diplomats.

With digital technology, women how have access to resources that were hitherto inaccessible or too costly.

Digital economy has enabled women to bring down barriers and access education, and opportunities to start businesses and participate in the global economy.

It has also given them a platform to share their stories and experiences and make their voices heard in matters of policies and advocacies.

Leading to their visibility and recognition in their respective fields, as well as allowing access to financial independence, Dada said

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Liang said that the Women Ambassadors Network initiative is a sure way to achieving 50/50 women representation in governance.

To my Nigerian colleague who set up your own female ambassadors network, it is a great initiative and one that will really help you to achieve your objective to get to 50/50.

I want to share a couple of lessons from the UK and what we have managed to achieve. We have achieved more that 50/50 for our top ambassadors.

We now have female ambassadors to the U.S., the United Nations, to France, to German, Moscow, Beijing, to Brasilia, and Abuja.

Our foreign secretary one thing he did, he designated ambassadors, high commissioners roles that have not yet been filled by women.

And it was to encourage young women to look at the mirror and see themselves in these roles. Very inspiring. Laing said.

NAN reports the Meta (Facebook), and Microsoft were key supporters of the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

LIZ/GY

Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to shun electoral violence and voter apathy that are capable of disrupting electoral process during the March 11 governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

Mrs Theresa Nnalue, NOA Director in charge of Orientation and Behaviour Modification, gave the advice on Wednesday at a -Day Motorised Voters Education in Suleja, Niger State.

The campaign is titled Say No to Violence with the theme Embrace Peaceful Credible Election.

Nnalue, who said that the campaign was to enlighten the citizens on the need for peaceful and violence free elections, urged Nigerians to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during the March 11 poll.

We are here to sensitise the people about the March 11 governorship and state House of Assembly elections and to encourage them to come out en mass to cast their votes in a peaceful manner.

Our message is that let them shun violence, voter apathy and come out and participate in the March 11 governorship and state House of Assembly. Once there is no violence, votes will count.

There is also need for them to vote the right person they believe he or she will cater for their needs and provide them good governance, she said.

According to her, aggrieved parties should not take law into their hands and follow the right process by going to court to get back their mandate.

Nnalue also urged parents to caution their children to make peace and shun violence and trouble making while casting ballots.

According to her, peace is imperative because without peace, there will be no national development. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) has called for partnership with the Chinese embassy in Nigeria to promote trade facilitation and migration matters through media education.

A statement on Wednesday by Dr Ajibola Abayomi, President, JIFORM, said that the call was made during his visit to the Lagos office of the embassy.

He asked for support on capacity building for journalists covering migration, with a view to achieving better understanding of the trade opportunities in China and on migration reportage.

The JIFORM has been promoting purposeful migration of Nigerians to China and several countries over the years.

We are here to seek your support regarding knowledge sharing to improve the capacity of the JIFORM members in the reportage of economic and migration policies involving China.

We are also open to collaboration that will encourage regular migration to strengthen the relationship between us and your embassy as well as promoting better working relationships with the Nigerian government on foreign policies, Ajibola said.

Responding, Jin Ming Yu, the Deputy Consul General, lauded JIFORM for the visit and pledged to review proposals to support media capacity building.

Yu said that many Nigerians over the years have established businesses in China while Chinese nationals had also played important roles in the Nigerian technology and construction sectors.

He reiterated the desire to work with JIFORM to promote quality information about trade and investment opportunities between China and Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that JIFORM is a non-profit body of over 300 journalists and other volunteers across Africa covering migration matters. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Fabian Ekeruche

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says two bodies have been recovered at the scene of an accident involving a train and a staff bus in Sogunle area of Lagos on Thursday morning.

Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, Lagos Territorial Coordinator, NEMA, told newsmen in Lagos that the deceased were members of staff of the Lagos State Government

Farinloye said that the state government staff bus was trying to cross the PWD/Sogunle rail crossing while the train, on the rail, was coming into Lagos from Abeokuta.

He said that several other persons injured had been evacuated for proper medical care.

He said that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) flag Officers were reported to have tried to stop the driver of the bus from crossing before the accident.

Emergency responders at the event are the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), NEMA, Police, FRSC, Civil defense , and the Nigerian Railway Corporation team. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Source: NAN News

By Oluwafunke Ishola

A gender expert, Mrs Esther Eghobamien-Msheila says cultural stereotypes and myths are real and should be eliminated to break silence and have a gender-based free society.

Eghobamien-Msheila, Vice-Chairperson, United Nations Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (UN-CEDAW), said this during a webinar on Wednesday in commemoration of International Womens Day.

The webinar organised by Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship Alumni Association (HHHFAA), Nigeria, with the theme: Breaking the Silence on Domestic Abuse.

Eghobamien-Msheila noted that no country in the world has fully eliminated discrimination against women and girls, or achieved full gender equality.

According to her, discrimination persists in all areas of life and transcends national, cultural and religious boundaries, often fueled by patriarchal stereotypes, economic deprivations, threats, among others.

She said that research had shown that GBV has significant lifelong impacts on a persons health and well-being.

Eghobamien-Msheila noted that the economic costs are tremendous and estimated at two per cent of global Gross Domestic Product.

Keeping quiet in the face of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) erodes trillions of dollars from countries, we must work together to break the culture of silence, she said.

Eghobamien-Msheila said that the challenge of providing evidence was a major issue that contributed to the culture of silence by survivors of SGBV in Nigeria.

She said that some NGOs are training survivors of SGBV on using digital tools to gather evidence and upskilling them economically to make them financially independent.

Also, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, said the state government had declared zero tolerance for all form of SGBV crimes.

Vivour-Adeniyi said the state does this through a multidisciplinary approach of enacting laws and policies geared toward preventing and providing support to survivors of SGBV.

According to her, statistics have shown that 70 per cent of survivors economically depend on their abusers, thus making some of them choose to remain in an abusive relationship.

She said that the state government initiated an empowerment programme for survivors to serve as a pathway to new beginnings, financial independence and encourage more survivors to speak out.

Vivour-Adeniyi stressed that the states law protects survivors of SGBV from all forms of discrimination, stigmatisation and ensure that they have access to medical legal and counseling assistance.

Similarly, Dr Funmi Akinola, the Chief Consultant Psychiatrist, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Oshodi, said more awareness and collaboration was required to support survivors of SGBV.

Akinola said that violence could have lifelong impacts on a persons health and well-being, noting that psychological effects are rarely seen but have devastating effects.

According to her, the effects can include physical and mental health conditions such as anger, guilt, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and death.

Akinola said support should be provided to survivors in getting them to a safe house and rebuilding their self-esteem on their road to healing.

Also, Mrs Abosede Oyeleye, President, HHHFAA Nigeria, said violence undermines the safety and dignity of women and girls.

Oyeleye, however, called for increased enlightenment on the need for mutual respect among citizens. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

By Patience Yakubu

Two travel agents, Clement Ekhueorohan, 30, and Courage Chinonso, 38, were on Thursday sentenced to four years imprisonment each by a Kaduna Chief Magistrates Court for visa fraud.

The duo, both residents of Kabala Coastain, Kaduna, were charged with conspiracy, fraud and theft.

Delivering judgment, Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel held that both Ekhurorohan and Chinoso were guilty of defrauding Philip Adetutu and five other victims of N11. 6 million.

The magistrate did not give the convicts an option of fine.

He also ordered the convicts to restitute N2.1million each as compensation to the victims.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp. Chidi Leo, told the court that the convicts between March and Oct. 2022, in Ungwan Rimi area of Kaduna, obtained N2.1million each from Adetutu and 5 other victims to procure a French, Australian and Malta visa/ tickets for them.

Leo said that after fraudulently collecting the money from the victims, the duo failed to fulfil their own part of the bargain and all efforts made to collect the money from them failed.

The offence, he said, contravened the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Leaders of Atunluse Initiative

By Segun Giwa

A socio cultural organisation, Atunluse Initiative, has inaugurated local government coordinators across the 18 LGAs of Ondo State.

This is as the Chairman of the Organisation, Otunba Akinsola Akinbobola, charged coordinators and members of the organisation to dream big ahead of the coming projects.

Akinbobola stated this on Thursday in Akure, during the inauguration of the coordinators.

He explained that the inauguration would have taken place in the last quarter of 2022 but was postponed till after the general elections.

Akinbobola, who was a former Special Adviser on Political and Mobilisation to the immediate past Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, urged the coordinators to see the task ahead as a personal assignment and a test of their capacity.

He said that the task ahead was beyond the current political schemes, saying with hard work and prayers, its achievable .

Let us dream big and work towards achieving the dream in line with the mission and vision of Atunluse Initiatives.

Our mission is to ensure a better life for everybody, a society where affordable and quality education, good health care, good roads, constant electricity with safety of life and property will be available for all.

Its important for you to take into cognisance that while youre building Atunluse, you are also building yourself through the big Atunluse platform, he said.

Also, the Director General of the Organisation, Elder Sikiru Adetona, while congratulating the coordinators, charged them to be hard working and remain focused in the face of challenges.

See yourselves as God chosen and endeavour not to disappoint yourselves and the organisation; you are our ambassador in your respective local government areas; I therefore urge you to work assiduously to achieve the set goals.

Many are called, but few are chosen; once again, I congratulate you all for being among the few that were chosen, he said.

The Co-ordinator of Atunluse Initiatives, Mr Shalom Olaseni, enjoined others to spread the gospel of Atunluse Initiatives in every nook and cranny of the state.

Olaseni urged them not to hesitate in contacting and intimating him periodically on the progress of their assignment.

I urged you all to work in unity with other grassroots leaders in your local government areas, to make Atunluse great, urging them to do the job like their personal job.

Akure South LG Co-ordinator, Mr Alaba Asekunowo, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, promised to work hard and spread the gospel of Atunluse Initiatives across local governments.

We are ready to take the organisation to the nooks and crannies and we are also ready to work for ourselves; we will take this responsibility beyond the expectations of the leadership of group, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Taiye Agbaje

Abuja, March 8, 2023 (NAN) Some indigenes of Plateau living in the U.S., on Wednesday, have urged all political parties and candidates in the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections to abide by the signed Peace Accord and accept the outcome of the elections.

This is contained in a statement issued by Plateau State Association USA, Inc. (PSA-USA), signed by its National President, Dr. Barth Shepkong and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

In the upcoming gubernatorial and house of assembly elections, we encourage voters to remain peaceful and patient as they cast their votes.

We urge all political parties and candidates to abide by the signed Peace Accord and fully commit to supporting all efforts that ensure that only the Nigerian people decide who wins the election(s).

It is imperative for Nigerias stability and democratic
consolidation that the process is conducted and concluded safely and credibly.

We encourage all actors to calm tensions and avoid violence of any sort proactively, he said.

Shepkong said the association would support and partner with whoever won the election in the state as we continue to advocate for good governance.

Working with Plateau State citizens in the Diaspora will help create a sense of belonging and cement our passionate interests in contributing significantly to our states socioeconomic and political development.

According to him, PSA USA will continue to partner and advocate for a fair democratic process that reflects the will of our people and our collective goal for a #BetterPlateau.

Elections are a fundamental part of a functioning democracy, and all Nigerians deserve the chance to choose their future freely and fairly.

Finally, the future belongs to all of us. Lets work together to make it what we want.

Its time we separate tribe and religion from politics, remember, change begins with you and I. Let us consciously work in building a better society, he said.(NAN)(www.nanmews.ng)

Source: NAN News