Nation
Enugu #End SARS Panel Of Inquiry Submits Report
The 9-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry constituted by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on October 28, 2020, to ascertain victims of the last year’s peaceful #EndSARS protests in the state, hijacked along the line by miscreants, and recommend compensations, on Monday, submitted their report to the governor, at the Government House, Enugu.
Submitting the report, the Panel’s Chairman, Justice Fredrick Obieze (Rtd.), commended Ugwuanyi for his magnanimity in constituting the body, disclosing that the governor was among the few governors in the country who deemed it important to set up an administrative panel of such magnitude, immediately after the nation-wide #EndSARS protests.
He informed the governor that members of the panel devotedly discharged their responsibilities in line with the terms of reference, and expressed optimism that their recommendations, would go a long way to mitigate the pains occasioned by the ugly incidents of the protests.
Receiving the report, Ugwuanyi expressed delight that the panel has completed its assignment and thanked the members for their diligence, dedication and commitment.
The governor who stated that the state government will expeditiously and dutifully study the report, accept and implement as appropriate, appreciated the people of Enugu State, Civil Society Organisations, members of the press, and victims of the mayhem for their patience and cooperation during the pendency of the assignment.
“It is my hope that the findings and recommendations of this panel as well as the consequential government action will mitigate the pains of the loss of lives of private citizens and security personnel, their grievous bodily injuries and destruction of properties of private persons and security infrastructure occasioned by the hijacked #EndSARS protests”, he said.
Also present at the event were the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Festus Uzo, Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, and members of the panel.
The members include Professor Frank Ezugwu (Provost, ESUTH College of Medicine); Professor Agozie Ogbodo (Dean, Faculty of Law, Godfrey Okoye University); H.R.H. Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu (Traditional Ruler of Ibagwa Nike); Professor Ngozi Ejionueme (Head, Department of Marketing, ESUT),
Rev. Emmanuel Edeh (CAN Chairman in Enugu State), among others.
By: Canice Amadi, Enugu
The Alliance Française Port Harcourt in conjunction with the Embassy of France Nigeria over the weekend joined the globe to campaign against the 2025 gender- based violence (GBV) with the theme: “16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Voice”
The event which took place at the event Hall of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt was in collaboration with the Female in Gaming Network, ( FIGN) and partnership with Nexal a body that seeks to promote online safety and responsible digital behaviour.
The Tide reports that the project which was aimed at promoting digital safety and girls inclusion in Gaming, with the initiative tagged ‘Gameover Gender- Base Violence’was part of the global campaign against gender- based Violence.
The activity which experienced a flavour of festivity was full of fun and excitements as participants took part in tournaments on popular digital games such as Mario kart and EAFC 25, with an intent to creating safer and more inclusive digital spaces.
The Director of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal said that these activities were designed to encourage inclusion of girls, team work and fair play on online gaming spaces, saying that the gaming world reflects these inequalities, where female players are often under represented.
According to her the main objectives of the initiative was to provide a supportive environment for girls and female in gaming network.
“GameOverGBV” is a project created to reshape this landscape by offering an innovative inclusiveness of girls on online digital Gaming community and digital environments that provide opportunities for creativity, learning and connection, but also fight against Gender-Based Violence Digital Gaming,”she said
She however, explained that the Digital Game, sport competitions, was launched to strengthen social and digital skills through games, workshops, and raise awareness among all young participants about respect, equality and digital citizenship.
The Tide News reports that in Port Harcourt, the competition brought together 100 young participants from three major universities: University of Port Harcourt, ( UNIPORT),Ignatius Ajuru University of Education(IAUE) and Rivers State University (RSU)as well as students from four selected secondary schools, Oginigba comprehensive Secondary.School, Vine lnternational, Virgo predicanda lnternational, and Excellent Montessori Secondary school.
“This is an approach where girls and boys can learn, play and collaborate in a more respectful and safe space for young women, while ensuring a safe, enjoyable and respectful digital environment. It also expose young women to cyberbullying, exclusion, sexist comments and online hate,” Mrs. Lacal said.
Earlier, a game developer Sophia Nei and her. team had engaged participants in an interactive session with the theme: “Can Video Games Be Safe Spaces For Girls?”
However, Mrs Nei and her team educated the girls on the benefits and violence on online digital gaming and urged them ( participants)to learn to say ‘No’ to Online hate, sexist and cyber bullying, while encouraging them(students) to stand up for themselves by reporting such issues to the appropriate authority.
Highlight of the competition was the awarding of prizes to winners by the Director of Alliance Française, Mrs Marina Lacal.
