Nation

Insecurity: We Are Unsafe In S’West, Afenifere Alerts

Published

3 years ago

February 12, 2021

The Pan-Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere, has raised the alarm that the people in the South-West are now completely unsafe following the spate of insecurity in the region.

Its spokesperson, Yinka Odumakin, who spoke with newsmen in Akure, yesterday, expressed concern over the kidnapping, killings and other criminalities in the region.

This is coming as reports of resultant to self defence by the people in the region gained traction.

Odumakin said, “The Fulani orchestrated insecurity has taken over the South-West and people cannot sleep with their two eyes closed, our women are being raped and people are being killed on a daily basis, including Obas on the street.

“Our governors are not giving lawful orders. Even the President aides are saying you can’t chase herders out of the forests.

“We are completely unsafe. Look at a whole noble laureate, last weekend he was trying to ask the president what to do about herdsmen, three days later they took over his house in Abeokuta.

“And somebody was saying that Soyinka’s house was unfenced. Go to London, go to America, you will see a lot of unfenced houses. Will they go and be keeping cows there because they are fenced”.

Odumakin added that “Gen Theophilus Danjuma has already told us two years ago that if we are not ready to defend ourselves, they will kill us one by one.”

Meanwhile, a security expert told newsmen in Akure that that the “nation’s intelligence community was worried that individuals were beginning to arm themselves for safe defence.

Consequently, he said that, “the Nigeria Police was making efforts to mop up such illegal arms in circulation lately.

“We have been getting briefings on the issue of the massive influx of illegal and even prohibited arms and ammunition into the South-West lately.

“We know, of course, that there are serious security issues that have often thrown all off balance.

“In the last three months or so, we have been monitoring all possible entry points to know where this major security concern of the influx was coming from.

“This is not to indict relevant agencies responsible for the manning of entry points.

“But clearly, individuals in the South-West have tilted towards self-defense even to the extent of arming themselves with prohibited weapons and this is an unpleasant situation.

“That is not allowed legally. But from all indications, that is the route people are gravitating towards; self-defense.

“From our preliminary observations, at least, four of every 10 families in the South-West are prepared for self defence.

“Invariably, we are sitting on a keg of gun power because no one knows where the first trigger will be pulled.

“That is why we are engaging all stakeholders secretly, especially the press to be circumspect in its reportage by adding ethnic coloration to criminality and crimes anywhere.

“Under the situation or scenario that has just been given, there could be unintended consequences arising from mistaken behaviour on the part of those who are illegally armed for self-defense”.

The state police spokesperson, Tee Leo lkoro, kicked against the people resorting to arming themselves for self-defense.

Ikoro also claimed ignorance of the proliferation of arms in the state, saying that “l will also call the divisions to know what they know about the incident.”

Nation

VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Nation

Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.