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Omo-Agege, Lalong, AbdulRazaq, Owoseni Others Laud Women FM on Fifth Anniversary, Uphold Women’s Rights

Published

5 years ago

December 18, 2020

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

It was no different from a one on one meeting when some of the society’s best gathered via virtual to celebrate the fifth edition of the Voice of Women (2020) Conference, a programme of the Women FM 91.7

The 2020 edition of the Voice of Women (VOW) Conference, which was anchored by veteran broadcaster, Ambrose Somide, featured series of topics bordering on gender relationships, and had Men Voices Against Gender Based Violence as its general theme. This year’s edition took a different turn as instead of women, men and boys took centre stage and lent their voices against gender-based violence, especially against the female folks. It was an all men affair, but in favour of the women!

From the panel of discussants, keynote address makers, special guests responders and others, men spoke glaringly against violence against women, and projected various avenues women could escape violence. Some of the projected solutions were rooted in education, technology, law, security among many others.

Kick starting the event, the Governor of Plateau State, who doubled as the Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mr. Simon Bako Lalong, gave a passionate opening speech, where he eulogised the womenfolk while congratulating the Toun Okewale Sonaiya-led Women Radio for their steadfastness all through the five years it has existed as a specialised Radio station. He lauded the theme of the event as “not only appropriate, but timely considering the prevailing challenge we face on this subject.”

Governor Lalong noted with sadness that most of the violations women suffer are largely from people they trusted including friends and family members, and of course leaders who are supposed to protect them. He moved for the mindset of boys and men.

“Sometimes It is sad to note that some of our women and girls were violated and molested by people who were sometimes friends and family members. On other occasions, the violation was perpetrated by leaders who are supposed to protect them. This is a sad development that we must end without further delay.

“As we advocate for a safe Nigeria for our women and girls, we must change the mind-set of our men and boys to not only appreciate that women and girls deserve protection, but have rights and freedoms enshrined in the constitution as any of us. We must also make them understand that any violation of the rights of women and girls is a serious crime that carries weighty punishment under the law,” he said.

He noted that the NGF, which he leads has ‘declared a state of emergency on the increasing rate of sexual and gender based violence in the country’ and ‘resolved to ensure that member States promulgate laws with stiffer penalties against perpetrators of sexual based violence.

Speaking on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Through Legislation in his address, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who was represented by Mr. Otive Igbuezor, identified that violence against the female folks is rooted in gender inequalities measured via social, economic and political yardsticks, saying that perpetrators must be brought to justice. He also called on women to stand up for women.

While acknowledging that gender-based violence also affects boys and men, he stated emphatically that women and girls are the ‘disproportionately’ affected. Omo-Agege was of the opinion that no man has any right to assault any woman except for self defence.

“As a Nation, we must resolve to have zero tolerance for these abhorrent acts of violence against our mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, aunties and friends. We must move quickly to address the legal and cultural challenges facing our womenfolk. But more importantly, addressing gender-based violence against women would require collective effort of every individual, especially men who are the most perpetrators, to stand up for the protection of women. Men should take more responsibility, intervene and do what is right to keep women safe. No man has a right to assault a woman for whatever reason, except of course in self-defense. It is a matter of inalienable right of persons to liberty.

“The time to hold perpetrators accountable has come. Religious leaders, community leaders, and traditional leaders should challenge men to stand up as protectors and not abusers of women. We can no longer look the other way while women are being abused next door or turn deaf ears to the cry of many women across our country for freedom from violence and sexual abuse,” the Deputy Senate President said.

In the same vein, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, who spoke through his chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ojekaiye, condemned violence against women, saying one of the ways to bring an end to the scourge is to introduce political inclusion for women and girls. He said his administration is achieving the standard as 56 per cent of his cabinet members are women.

The traditional stool was not left out in speaking out against gender-based violence as the Sarkin Yakingagi Sokoto, Alhaji Sani Umar Jarbi lent his voice, saying without women, humanity cannot achieve anything, and as a result must be handled with utmost care. He noted as well that there would be no progress without women engagement and gender equality.

The Director-General, National Associations of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Amb. Ayo Olukanmi, who took the first shot among the panel of discussant, in his assessment, recommended the He for She initiative, which he said is prolific, and asked for a radical socialisation of boys and education of men to sensitize them towards respecting women’s spaces.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Netherlands Business School, Prof. Lere Baale, added his voice on the call to end violence against women, saying that education remains the viable option to empower women. Using 17 parameters, among which is marketing, he described the superiority of women over men.

“Empowerment of women is a global imperative considering the fact that they account for about half of the world’s human potential. They should be given the best of education for the world to realise its full potential,” Baale submitted.

The event dovetailed into a one minute video commercial which showcased the journey of Voice of Women conference from inception in December 2015 to date.

But for the anti-corruption activist and Founder, Follow the Money, Hamzat Lawal, the message is simple, “let’s be good people’. He maintained while speaking on ‘What Should the Role of Men and Boys Be in a Social Nigeria’ that things just have to be put in their right places, and then the people we enjoy peace and security.

Lemmy Ughegbe, founder of Make a Difference Initiative echoed the voices of earlier speakers, adding that ‘education is the greatest vaccine to gender-based violence’.

Speaking on Law and Security as an avenue of tackling gender-based violence, a former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State and now, Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Security, Fatai Owoseni, canvassed for the straightening of the capacity of law enforcement agencies.

Mr Eric Onuoha was also on hand to lend his voice, saying violence against women can be adequately addressed through technology, especially with the rising influence of social media.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman, Women Radio, Dr. Tunde Okewale, who was represented by Mr. Abayomi Sonaiya, appreciated all the guest speakers and participants for their their contributions, acknowledging that with the voices raised, the lots of women will get a lot much better. He promised a greater event when the sixth edition is held on December 17, 2021

The 2020 VOW conference was sponsored by Action Aid Nigeria in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, and broadcast live via Zoom, AIT, Facebook, Women Radio and YouTube.

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Gunmen Abduct Ex-Power Minister Adelabu’s Sister, Her Two Sons in Ibadan

Published

3 days ago

June 3, 2026

Eric

Suspected gunmen have abducted the sister of a former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The family of former minister and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) confirmed the abduction, disclosing that Mrs. Olaide John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons were kidnapped by the gunmen on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

According to a statement issued by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, the victims were kidnapped at about 7:30am while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school.

Mrs. John-Paul, the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, reportedly retired voluntarily from her career at First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 before relocating to Ibadan with her children.

She was said to be making arrangements to join her husband, who had earlier relocated to the US.

The family expressed deep concern over the development but stated that security agencies had already commenced efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.

“We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest,” the statement partly read.

While appealing for calm, the family urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing rescue operations.

“We are deeply distressed by this unfortunate incident, but remain hopeful that the victims will be rescued safely. We appeal to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and support ongoing efforts with prayers,” the statement added.

The family also called on anyone with useful information that could aid the rescue operation to promptly share such intelligence with security agencies through the appropriate channels.

It assured that it would continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities and provide updates as investigations and rescue efforts progress.

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Adeboye Proposes 90 Days Ultimatum for Security Chiefs to Eradicate Terrorism or Resign

Published

3 days ago

June 3, 2026

Eric

The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called on the Federal government to issue a 90-day ultimatum to security chiefs to end terrorism in Nigeria or step aside.

Adeboye made the appeal in a video shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, expressing deep concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation.

He emphasized the need for urgent and decisive action, stressing that security chiefs must be held accountable for tangible results in the fight against terrorism.

According to him, while citizens can only advise the Commander-in-Chief, it is within the government’s power to set clear expectations and timelines for security leaders.

“If I were to make a suggestion, I would say the government should act swiftly and direct the service chiefs to eradicate terrorists within 90 days or resign,” he said.

The cleric also urged authorities to go beyond targeting terrorists alone, insisting that their sponsors must equally be identified and dealt with, regardless of their social or political influence.

“When issuing directives, it should be made clear that both terrorists and their sponsors must be eliminated, no matter how powerful they are,” he added.

Adeboye recalled that a former Nigerian president had once issued a similar three-month directive to security chiefs to end the Boko Haram insurgency but failed to enforce the order after the deadline expired.

Reflecting on his interaction with the late president, Adeboye noted that although initial efforts were made, the lack of follow-through undermined the directive’s effectiveness.

He maintained that his current recommendation is informed by that experience, urging the government to ensure strict enforcement if such a timeline is adopted.

His comments come amid renewed concerns over persistent terrorist attacks, banditry, and kidnappings across the country, with increasing public pressure on authorities to take stronger action against insecurity.

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TAS Pushes Sustainability Training Drive to Bridge Africa’s ESG Implementation Gap

Published

3 days ago

June 3, 2026

Admin

As global conversations around sustainability, governance and responsible development continue to intensify, attention is increasingly turning to Africa’s need for practical capacity building to translate environmental, social and governance (ESG) awareness into measurable action.

This was the central focus of Train Africans on Sustainability (TAS), an initiative founded by Dr. Orlando Odejide, which is working to equip Africans with the knowledge, skills and tools required to actively participate in the global sustainability agenda.

According to sustainability professionals involved in the programme, TAS was created in response to a growing gap across the continent between awareness and implementation of sustainability principles. While understanding of ESG frameworks and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has expanded in recent years, many individuals and organisations still face challenges in applying these concepts due to limited access to structured, practical training.

The initiative is designed to close that gap by shifting participants from awareness to action through hands-on, context-driven sustainability education. At the core of the programme is Odejide’s vision of training 50,000 Africans, aimed at building a new generation of sustainability-focused leaders and professionals capable of driving long-term change across the continent.

TAS operates as a capacity-building platform focused on sustainability, ESG principles and SDG implementation. It targets a wide audience, including young professionals, corporate organisations, public sector institutions and individuals seeking to strengthen their understanding of sustainability and its real-world application.

A defining feature of the programme is its emphasis on practical implementation. Participants are exposed to how sustainability functions within organisations, how ESG frameworks can be integrated into business operations and how sustainability performance can be measured and reported. The training is also tailored to African contexts, ensuring that global sustainability concepts are adapted to local economic, environmental and institutional realities.

The importance of such education has become increasingly evident as Africa faces mounting environmental, social and economic pressures alongside rapid population growth and development demands. Decisions made today, stakeholders note, will have long-term implications for future generations.

Sustainability education, therefore, is seen as a critical tool for balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social inclusion. It helps translate broad global frameworks into practical approaches for decision-making, innovation and long-term planning. Industry practitioners associated with TAS say one of the key barriers to sustainability adoption is not lack of interest, but uncertainty about implementation, a gap the programme aims to address through structured learning and practical guidance.

Since its launch, TAS has recorded steady participation, with 548 registered participants and 212 individuals certified as 2030 Agenda for SDGs and ESG (IWA48) Champions. Beyond certification, many participants are applying their learning within their workplaces and communities.

Some graduates are now leading sustainability-focused discussions within organisations, while others are aligning projects and initiatives with the SDGs. This shift from passive awareness to active engagement is viewed as a key indicator of the programme’s growing influence. Reports of participant-led initiatives and awareness campaigns are increasingly visible across professional platforms, particularly LinkedIn.

Looking ahead, TAS is focused on expanding its reach across more African countries, strengthening partnerships and improving the quality and depth of its training programmes. The long-term ambition is to establish the initiative as a leading sustainability capacity-building platform across the continent through collaboration with private sector organisations, government institutions and development partners.

The programme also provides multiple avenues for participation. Individuals can enrol to build sustainability competencies and join a growing professional network focused on sustainable development, while organisations can partner to train employees, sponsor access programmes or collaborate on ESG-related projects.

Through this collaborative approach, TAS aims to bring together stakeholders across sectors in support of a shared goal: advancing sustainable development across Africa. By prioritising education, capacity building and practical implementation, the initiative is positioning itself as a driver of sustainability transformation on the continent.