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International Women’s Day: UNHCR Redoubles Fight Against Sexual Exploitation
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr Filippo Grandi has affirmed the commitment of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to redouble its fight against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment against women.
Grandi made this known in a statement issued by the UNHCR’s Office in Geneva to mark the International Women’s Day and made available to newsmen yesterday in Abuja.
According to Grandi, this year’s International Women’s day comes on the heels of a powerful global movement for women’s rights, equality and justice with the theme: “Time is Now’’ very apt.
He said that the theme also echoes UNHCR’s firm commitment to uphold the rights of women and girls,
He said that in line with the theme, UNHCR would ensure that it works to secure protection and solutions for displaced and stateless people took full account of age, gender and diversity.
“International Women’s Day is also the right moment to redouble our commitment to stamping out sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, these are inexcusable.
“We at UNHCR, have been at the forefront of this fight and will continue to be and there is no place in our organisation for those who do not share and respect our core values.
“I urge victims to speak out and stand for their rights and I appeal to anyone who has witnessed sexual misconduct in the context of UNHCR operations to come forward and report it.
“We will continue to step up our support for victims and will strive to improve even further the ways in which we prevent, report and deal with cases of sexual misconduct”, Grandi said.
“ Societies that benefit from the full potential of women and men alike, and where the rights of displaced women and girls are fully upheld, are not just a distant aspiration.
“It is up to all of us to make them a reality now,’’ Grandi said.
Grandi said that the UNHCR aimed to build on the rich experience, capacities and aspirations of women and girls, and to help them realise their full potential through better access to education, decent work and legal and health services
He said that UNHCR was doing a very concrete work to advance these goals, noting that in Lebanon, women represent over 50 per cent of the outreach volunteers.
He said that in the Central African Republic, three centres were now helping displaced women to improve their literacy skills, address sexual and gender-based violence, and to earn a living for themselves and their families.
Grandi said that in Malaysia, sustained investments in leadership, communication, and gender equality training, had boosted the number of refugee women taking part in community decision-making by 43 per cent.
The UN Chief said in the listed countries and in the rest of its operations across the world, UNHCR was taking action.
Grandi said the agency believed that it had a profound responsibility to make sure that the distinct voices of women and girls were heard and reflected at every step, and in all aspects of its works.
He said that UNHCR has taken long-standing commitments on age, gender and diversity, and had deepened and updated them in a new policy to reflect the lessons learned.
He explained that this was to ensure that the UNHCR was fully accountable to women, girls and all those whom it served.
“The UN Refugees Agency will invest in better monitoring, so that it can mark its progress in pursuing gender equality in its operations toward reaching planet 50/50 by 2030.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Press for Progress’’.
The International Women’s Day was first celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on March 19, 1911.
Two years later, in 1913, it was proposed that the date be moved to March 8, with the original aim of the celebration being to achieve gender equality for women.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol