First Lady Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, the wife of the Osun State Governor, was honored with the Excellent Award at the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Residents Doctors of the University of Osun Teaching Hospital. The event took place on December 16, 2023, at His Grace Event Centre in Osogbo, Osun State.
This award recognizes her outstanding commitment and dedication to the advancement and well-being of women, children, and youths in the state. Notably, this marks her eighth Merit Award in the year 2023.
In a statement by her media aide, Nwaru Caroline Oluchi, the Governor’s wife dedicated the award to her team, acknowledging their significant contributions to the development of the state. She expressed gratitude to the Resident Doctors of the University of Osun Teaching Hospital for the recognition bestowed upon her.
Erelu Adeleke assured the women, children, and youths in the state of her continuous immense contribution for the benefit of everyone. This recognition reflects her ongoing efforts and impact on the well-being and development of the people in Osun State.
In a Christmas address to Nigerians, the honorable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Muhammed Bello Mattawale, MON, expressed warm greetings and advocated for peace during the festive season.
The statement, signed by the Director of Press & PR, Henshaw Ogubike, conveyed the minister’s wishes for a joyous celebration, emphasizing the need to thank Almighty God and count blessings as Nigerians.
Dr Mattawale highlighted Christmas as a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity. He stressed the values of love, peace, and goodwill toward all, encouraging Nigerians to remember the essence of the season and work towards fostering unity, understanding, and harmony in communities and the nation.
The minister expressed hope that the Christmas celebration would bind Nigerians as one, aligning with Christ’s teachings of peace, love, and harmony. He conveyed confidence that through love and unity, the nation could overcome common enemies such as terrorism and other criminalities.
Acknowledging the sacrifices of the brave men and women of the armed forces, Dr Mattawale urged Nigerians to keep them in their thoughts and prayers during the festive season. He praised their dedication, resilience, and commitment to duty, describing them as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the nation.
In conclusion, the Minister of State for Defence wished Nigerians a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year, invoking God’s blessings on the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle MON, the Honorable Minister of State for Defence, extends warm congratulations to the recently promoted officers across the Nigeria Armed Forces.
Acknowledging their dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to national security, Dr. Matawalle applauds the exemplary service these officers have provided to the nation.
This was contained in a congratulatory statement signed by the Director of Press and Publicity of Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike
In his congratulatory address, Dr. Matawalle remarked, “The promotion of these officers stands as a testament to their steadfast dedication and commendable service to our beloved nation. Their achievements embody the core values of discipline, bravery, and professionalism, defining the essence of the Nigeria Armed Forces.”
Highlighting the pivotal role of the newly promoted officers in combatting prevailing security challenges, the Minister emphasized, “As you assume higher ranks, the nation entrusts greater responsibility to your capabilities. I urge each of you to intensify your efforts and foster inter-service collaboration to effectively address the security concerns confronting our nation.”
Matawalle charged the officers, “The Nigerian populace looks to you, our newly promoted Generals, to bring an end to the insecurity afflicting certain regions. Your leadership, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment will be instrumental in restoring peace, unity, and prosperity across our nation.”
Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle MON reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to providing the Armed Forces with requisite resources and support. He expressed firm belief in the capacities of the newly promoted officers to lead with integrity, fortitude, and exceptionalism.
Barr. Prada Uzodimma, daughter of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, has revealed plans to introduce the Prada Uzodimma Imo Indigenes Law Scholarship Grant (PUIISG). This scholarship program aims to sponsor Imo indigenes studying law at any state or federal university in Nigeria. The announcement was made during the award ceremony for the 2023 beneficiaries of the Prada Uzodimma Law School Scholarship Grant (PUSG).
The PUSG, launched in 2021 in partnership with Principle Legal Consult, provides financial support to indigent law school aspirants across Nigeria. It covers the cost of law school for selected beneficiaries. In 2022, the program expanded to include 10 beneficiaries, and this year, the number increased to 15.
Barr. Prada Uzodimma emphasized that both the PUSG and PUIISG are initiatives born out of a passion to support indigent aspiring lawyers in realizing their dreams. While the PUSG focuses on law school expenses, the PUIISG is tailored for indigent Imo indigenes pursuing undergraduate law degrees at any state or federal university in Nigeria.
The scholarship programs aim to provide opportunities for less-privileged young people to become lawyers, focusing on indigent students rather than the smartest ones. Barr. Prada Uzodimma urged well-to-do Nigerians to support these initiatives, emphasizing the impact of sponsorship on the vulnerable dreams of aspiring lawyers.
As a legal practitioner and humanitarian, Barr. Prada Uzodimma is dedicated to shaping the futures of young people. Her commitment to education and philanthropy aligns with the goal of providing opportunities for those with limited resources to pursue legal careers.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle, MON has stated that the Nigerian Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) would explore new innovations and technologies with NEANY of the US in fighting terrorism and other forms of criminalities in Nigeria.
Dr. Matawalle said that the collaborative discussions was centered on potential partnership between NEANY and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to establish assembly lines for the production of advanced military equipment to help in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.
This was made available by Henshaw Ogubike mnipr, Director ( Press & Public Relations), Ministry of Defence.
The Minister who is currently on a working visit to the USA, undertook an official 2-day tour of NEANY Company in the US.
“The tour is aimed at promoting innovative technologies that would enhance the Nigerian military’s efficiency in addressing contemporary security challenges,” he said.
While NEANY, is a leading Military equipment manufacturing company in the US, DICON is a Government leading Military manufacturing equipment and hardware in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Matawalle, the new found partnership would afford Nigeria the opportunity to learn the innovative ways of Military hardware production.
The Minister during the course of the tour of NEANY facilities said that the focus of Nigeria was on advancing Nigeria’s armed forces capacity and capabilities to be able to face the fight against insecurity and other criminal activities
Part of the facilities the Minister inspected included the rapid deployment mobile RADAR system, unmanned water vehicle, drone ground control station, and compact biometric search-scan system, among others.
“The comprehensive tour of NEANY’s facilities, has provided me with an insights into cutting-edge military and intelligence hardware capabilities and a high-tech equipment of the United States.
Matawalle emphasized: “This tour marks a pivotal step in fostering collaboration and integrating cutting-edge military technologies to strengthen Nigeria’s defense capabilities. We are committed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of modernizing our armed forces to effectively address evolving security threats.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni has passionately appealed to Doctors and other Health Workers to remain in Nigeria and carry out their professional callings emphasizing the government’s commitment to revitalizing the country’s health sector.
Dr. Kana made the appeal during his address as the Chairman of the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Medical Association ( NMA) National Executive Council Meeting in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press & PR of the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, mnipr.
Speaking on the current ” jappa,” syndrome of Nigerian Doctors and other health workers, Dr Kana called on his colleagues not to leave the country to other countries to practice their professions as the present government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR was committed to the improvement of the health sector.
“On jappa syndrome, please I am appealing to our Doctors and other health workers not to leave our dear country. We don’t have another country. When you leave Nigeria now, you will still come back home, so let’s stay and salvage it together,” he said.
“Government will continue to recruit Doctors and privatise health care as part of its social responsibility,” he added.
He said that the essence of the meeting was to plan and strategize on how to manage the health care delivery system in Nigeria.
Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Medical Association, Dr. Uche Rowland Ojinmah, highlighted the meeting’s theme, “Achieving Universal Health Coverage in a Depressed Economy,” emphasizing the NMA’s aspiration for a Nigeria where citizens encounter zero out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare services.
Additionally, Dr. Ojinmah stressed the urgency of addressing the security threat posed by the kidnapping of doctors and healthcare workers, identifying it as a critical issue demanding immediate attention in the healthcare sector.
Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle MON, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, highlighted Nigeria’s intent to bolster bilateral security ties with the US in combating terrorism and addressing criminal activities within Nigeria.
This commitment was reiterated during the Minister’s productive meeting at the United States Capitol with Congresswoman Betty McCollum and distinguished members of the US Congress.
Underlining the enduring friendship between Nigeria and the USA, the Minister emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to eradicate terrorism in collaboration with the United States, emphasizing security provisions.
Dr. Matawalle further emphasized that this partnership will significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to confront urgent security issues, especially in combating terrorism.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum, leading the United States House Committee on Defence Appropriation, affirmed the US’s resolute support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and other security threats. This support includes intelligence sharing, training, and the production of military hardware.
McCullum stressed that these discussions signify both nations’ shared dedication to fostering regional and global security.
This meeting, she highlighted, marks a pivotal moment in strengthening diplomatic ties and collaborative efforts between Nigeria and the United States. She emphasized that this enhanced partnership would substantially contribute to Nigeria’s security stability.
ElectHER, a pan-African organization committed to enhancing women’s participation in economic and public life recently presented two pivotal reports at a high-profile event in Abuja, Nigeria.
This is a significant move towards fostering gender equality in Nigeria’s political sphere.
The event which held at the Discovery Museum, featured an art exhibition portraying women’s experiences in Nigeria through various mediums, including paintings, poetry, and AI-generated art. Simultaneously, panel discussions explored women’s electoral representation and delved into the impact of security infrastructure and electoral violence.
ElectHER’s founder and CEO, Ibijoke Faborode unveiled the reports: “ElectHER’s Gender Assessment Report of the 2023 Elections” and “Silenced Voices, Stolen Choices.” The former scrutinizes the role of women in the 2023 general elections, while the latter addresses gender-based violence and barriers obstructing women’s political participation.
Faborode expressed concern over the decline in female representation, stating, “In the 2023 elections, out of 1553 women who contested for political seats, 72 women were elected, representing a huge loss for female candidates. Compared to the last election cycle, we have a retrogression.”
ElectHER’s Gender Assessment Report for the 2023 General Elections
The report sheds light on the dynamics influencing women’s participation in the 2023 elections. It revealed that women were relatively more successful in securing nominations under smaller political parties. Out of 1553 women who contested, only 72 were elected, indicating a significant gender disparity.
The report presented case studies of notable women candidates, illustrating enablers like grassroots mobilization and women’s networks. However, it also outlined challenges such as gender-based electoral violence, poor campaign financing, and the influence of patriarchy and godfatherism.
Recommended strategies include advocacy for affirmative action, gender quotas, training, media campaigns, and election observation to address the gender gap in Nigerian politics.
Silenced Voices, Stolen Choices; Examining Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections
This report delves into the severe impact of gender-based electoral violence on women’s political participation. Despite no legal barriers in the Nigerian constitution, the study identified cases of violence, including false allegations, physical violence, cyberbullying, sexual abuse, and verbal insults.
The report recommended specific actions for the Nigerian government, political parties, civil society, and the media to address and mitigate violence against women in political processes.
At the event, Mr. Zissimos Vergos of the EU delegation to Nigeria emphasized the national significance of addressing women’s underrepresentation in politics. Vanessa Gregory of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund called for an ongoing dialogue on gender inclusion, emphasizing its importance beyond election periods.
Rukayat Shittu, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, acknowledged the challenges highlighted in the reports and urged stakeholders to implement the recommendations for a more inclusive political landscape.
ElectHER, in collaboration with partners and support from the European Union, remains dedicated to advancing women’s representation across Africa through research, policy innovation, capacity development, and resource mobilization.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle MON, together with Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, led a high-level delegation to extend the Federal Government’s condolences to the victims of the recent accidental bombing in Agabi Local Government, Kaduna State, carried out by the Nigerian Army.
Condemning the tragic incident, the Minister emphasized that despite this setback, the fight against insurgency and terrorism remains unwavering.
“We will not waver in our determination to defeat these criminals. Our resolve to combat banditry and other criminal acts in our country will persist until we achieve success,” he affirmed.
He said that Mr. President has directed that he lead a high level delegation to pay condolence visit to the good people and government of Kaduna State over the sad event as well as the concerned families of the victims both those that died
Accordingly, the Minister visited the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna where the injured victims were receiving treatment and the Government House to express Federal Governments’ condolence to the goo.
Accompanying the Honourable Minister were top Military leaders, including Gen Christopher G. Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, and Lt Gen TA Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, among others.
Matawalle assured the State Government of the Federal Government’s comprehensive support for the victims’ families and announced the establishment of a panel of inquiry to investigate the incident’s cause and prevent future occurrences.
In response, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mal Uba Sani, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, expressed profound sympathies to the affected families and pledged steadfast support to them. She highlighted the need for Federal Government’s assistance in caring for the victims, acknowledging the State Government’s limitations in meeting their needs alone.
Despite the tragic incident, the State Government has maintained peace, engaging clerics to facilitate dialogue with affected communities and ease the tension caused by this unfortunate event,” she said.
MMC Conference Delegates in London including the Director General of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Engr. O. S. Nkom, Director General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, (NGSA), Dr. Abdulrazaq Garba and Director Department of Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade of MSMD.
Caption for Picture 1. The Coordinator, FCT Chapter of Women In Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN), Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji (2nd from Right) poses with some members of the WIMIN in UK on the sidelines of the 2023 MMC Conference, in London, recently.
Caption for Picture 2.Director, Minerals and Miners Centre (MMC), Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji addressing the audience at the 2023 Conference of the Centre, in London, recently.
Caption for Picture 3.MMC London Event 2023: Director General, MCO, Engr. O. S. Nkom; Director, MMC, Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji; Director, Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (Nigeria), and the DG, NGSA, Dr. A. A. Garba.
Caption for Picture 4.Director General, Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Dr. Abdulrazaq Garba speaking at the Minerals and Miners Centre (MMC) Conference in London, recently.
Caption for Picture 5.2023 MMC Conference, London.
