News

Opinion: Protecting our girls against sexual violence- By Elisha Attai

Published

6 years ago

July 6, 2019

Editor

By Elisha Attai

Across the world, girls face adversities and abuses that affect their self-esteem, education, training, and entry into the workforce. Abuse in all its forms is a daily reality for many Nigerian children and only a fraction ever receive help.

According to UNICEF, 6 out of every 10 children experience some form of violence – one in four girls have been victims of sexual violence. Of the children who reported violence, fewer than five out of 100 received any form of support.

It is important to understand the ramifications of sexual assault, not only as a physical act but also could be verbal or visual sexual abuse or any act that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention. It encompasses a range of acts, including coerced sex in marriage and dating relationships, rape by strangers, sexual harassment (including demands of sex for jobs or school grades), and rape of children, trafficking of women and girls, female genital mutilation, and forced exposure to pornography.

Sexual assault is also not discriminatory to gender; both males and females are affected but studies have shown that the number of female sexual assault victims (and assault perpetrated by males) is far greater than male victims.

Several bodies and agencies have spoken and still speaking against sexual violence.

In March 2017, the United Nation Secretary-General outlined a comprehensive four-pronged strategy to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse across the United Nations system.

The elements of the strategy are to:

(a) Prioritize the rights and dignity of victims.

(b) End impunity through strengthened reporting.and investigations.

(d) Improve strategic communication for education and transparency.

Also, the UNICEF’s child protection program aims to provide preventive and response interventions for children who are victims of, or at risk from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation through strengthened child protection systems. The program works with key state ministries and other partners, to ensure that identified children facing protection risks receive integrated case management and referral to specialized services.

The program works to implement priority interventions including:

– Strengthened legislative and institutional frameworks to protect children that are vulnerable and exposed to violence, abuse, and exploitation.

– Strengthened capacities of Government and key stakeholders, including social welfare and justice services that prevent and respond to violence against children.

– Supporting the development, coordination, and implementation of an inter-sectoral national social norms change strategy to end violence against children including child marriage, FGM/C and other harmful traditional practices.

– Strengthening the birth registration system to scale up the registration of children under age five years, with a focus on children under one.

– Ensuring children in humanitarian situations have timely and sustained access to quality preventive and responsive child protection services.

The public also plays a significant role by enlightening children on a preventive measure to avoid sexual abuse and by not stigmatizing those who have fallen victims but rather supporting them to overcome the trauma.

At the African Women in Leadership Organisation, we reiterate our commitment against sexual violence in all its forms while assisting victims to overcome the trauma

AWLO WHICH IS IN THE VANGUARD OF DRIVING WOMEN’S SUSTAINABLE EMPOWERMENT AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IS HEREBY TAKING OUR EMINENT STANCE ON THE NEFARIOUS ISSUE OF RAPE AS FOLLOWSTHE AWLO CONCEPTUAL STANCE ON RAPE INCIDENCE.:

We consider the rising incidence of rape as a slap in the face of the global empowerment struggle for inclusion of women in the Mainstream, and in Leadership and Governance. It is a hate crime much more than a violation of human rights. It negates every concept of gender parity or narrowing the gender gap, and it is a negative statement on the upliftment of women.

The solution should be sought multi-dimensionally, Psychologically, Spiritually, educationally and legislatively.

We in AWLO consider rape as a height of misogyny and a brutish expression of control, domination, subjugation, and torture. It is also a calculated expression by the misogynist to rob a woman of every self-esteem, and vestige of dignity.

We are aware that this evil practice cuts across creed, race, age, and status and that this is a malaise that negates the restraint and morality often preached by religious creeds. We, therefore, regret that rape continues to expose the fact that the gender inequality problem is beyond the social facade. It is in the depth of human psychology and the solution should not only be by legislation, civil rights activist and jurisprudence, but by scientific inquiry necessitating more research and not just imprisonment.

We understand that some rapists appear normal, but they are not because they are often hijacked by their limbic brain short-circuiting reasoning and limited self-control. There is room for psychiatric test for men in sensitive positions and much more a preemptive measure.

This is food for thought for He-for-She movement because most rape cases are perpetrated by men.

Despite the secular nature of governance, we believe that any religious cleric or official in governance caught in proven rape should immediately be considered a dire risk to the peace and security of our society and should be locked away. We need to uphold the value of society against rape and stop the injustice against women.

Join us on the 25th of July as we all convene in support for the HeforShe United Nation Solidarity Movement for Gender Equality.
Theme: A Pledge to Gender Parity

Venue: Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja Lagos.

Time: 9:00am

News

Ex-CJN Tanko Mohammed is Dead

Published

3 days ago

December 16, 2025

Eric

A former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), is dead. He was aged 71

The former CJN reportedly died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, about two weeks before his 72nd birthday on December 31.

Muhammad’s death was confirmed in a condolence statement on Tuesday in Abuja by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS).

In the statement titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” the association described his passing as a significant loss for the country.

“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.

“The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, receives with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria. His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large,” NAMLAS said.

The association hailed Justice Muhammad as “a towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.”

According to NAMLAS, throughout his judicial career, Muhammad “exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench—fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law.”

“As Chief Justice of Nigeria, he discharged his responsibilities with wisdom and restraint, leaving behind a legacy of service that will continue to guide generations of legal practitioners,” the statement added.

Beyond his role on the Bench, the association noted the late jurist’s mentorship of young Muslim law students across the country.

“To NAMLAS, the late Chief Justice was more than a jurist; he was a fatherly pillar and a source of encouragement to Muslim law students across the country,” it said.

The association also highlighted that the deceased’s “support, moral guidance, and openness to the aspirations of young Muslim legal minds reflected his deep belief in mentorship, continuity, and the nurturing of future custodians of justice.”

It extended condolences to his family, the Nigerian judiciary, and the nation.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Nigerian Judiciary, the Government and people of Nigeria, and the entire Muslim Ummah”.

The association offered prayers for the repose of his soul, asking that Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him “the highest abode in Jannatul Firdaus.”

News

Gowon is Not Dead, in Good Health, Aide Debunks Death Rumour

Published

4 days ago

December 15, 2025

Eric

Adeyeye Ajayi, Personal Assistant to former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has dismissed recent rumours on social media purporting the death of the ex-leader.

Ajayi described the rumour as false and misleading.

In a statement released on Sunday, Ajayi called on the public to disregard the reports, emphasizing that they are baseless and misleading. He stressed that the rumours only serve to create unnecessary panic and confusion among Nigerians.

He assured that General Gowon is in good health and continues to live an active life. He highlighted that the former Head of State has been attending public functions and engaging with various social and national initiatives.

Ajayi further described General Gowon as a continued voice of reason in Nigeria, noting his ongoing contributions to national dialogue and development.

He urged Nigerians to focus on credible news sources, and exercise caution before sharing unverified information online.

Social media platforms in recent days have seen multiple posts claiming that the 90-year-old ex-leader had passed away. Analysts and observers have warned that such false reports can cause unnecessary anxiety and undermine public trust in information.

Ajayi concluded by urging the public to celebrate the legacy and life of General Gowon while dismissing any unverified reports about his health. He reiterated that the former head of state remains active, healthy, and committed to supporting initiatives for Nigeria’s growth and progress.

News

Accord Party Reaffirms Adeleke As Osun Guber Candidate

Published

4 days ago

December 15, 2025

Eric

The Chairman of Accord Party in Osun State, Pastor Babalola Akande, says the only legally recognised candidate of the party for the 2026 governorship election in the is Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Akande made the clarification against the backdrop of primaries conducted on Sunday by another faction of the Accord Party in Osogbo.

He described the primaries conducted by the factional Accord Party as an unlawful political charade, orchestrated by the opposition.

“Let it be stated clearly, categorically, and without equivocation that all the actors being named in the fictitious primary, are not members of our party.

“Some of them were expelled from the party since 2018 for alleged fraud and other acts inimical to the unity, discipline, and progress of the party.

“Such a character or any other in his shoes, therefore, possess no authority whatsoever; moral, political, or legal, to convene, announce, or participate in any activity conducted in the name of the Accord Party,” he said.

He said the party is not disturbed by crude impersonation and political mischief, stating that the public should, however, know the impersonators are affiliates of the opposition, acting as proxies to undermine the popularity of Adeleke.

“Let me state with absolute finality that Adeleke is the duly nominated and lawful governorship candidate of the Accord in Osun.

“This position is incontestable, irreversible, and firmly grounded in law, haven emerged through due process in accordance with the Constitution of the Accord, the Electoral Act 2022, and established judicial precedents.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Accord hereby issues a formal and stern warning to all concerned.

“Under the Electoral Act 2022, only recognised political parties acting through their duly constituted organs can lawfully conduct congresses or primary elections, after giving proper notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Any primary conducted outside this framework is illegal, null, void, and of no legal consequence whatsoever,” he said.

He said any individual parading himself as a candidate of the Accord without lawful nomination would be committing a clear act of impersonation and electoral fraud, which is actionable both under the Electoral Act 2022 and relevant provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said that Adeleke remained the sole and legally recognised governorship candidate of the Accord in Osun, noting that “no parallel structure, impersonator, and contrived spectacle can alter legal reality”.

He urged residents to ignore the distractions, which he said, were the handiwork of politically displaced actors.

A factional Accord Party in Osun, on Sunday, announced Mr. Clement Bamigbola as its 2026 governorship candidate.

NAN