Nation
NGO Backs NURTW On SGBV Policy Dev In Kaduna
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative (EWEI), says it will support the Kaduna State Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to develop policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
EWEI’s Technical Adviser, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning, Ms Jelilat Abioye, said this in Kaduna on Friday, at a one-day seminar to review existing policies and laws that address SGBV issues in the state.
Abiyoye explained that developing the GBV policy would help protect the members and their passengers against any form of sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence.
According to her, the measure is part of EWEI’s efforts to create safe spaces for everybody, especially women and girls in public places.
“When there is an existing policy on GBV, it will be easier to punish perpetrators of SGBV and get justice for survivors.”
Abiyoye, who is one of the facilitators at the seminar, educated members of the union on strategic advocacy, which she said was critical to mobilising stakeholders to support the development of the policy.
The NURTW State Secretary, Special Duties, Mr Hassan Ibrahim, commended EWEI for the support, describing it as timely, considering the rising incidence of rape, domestic violence and other GBV.
Ibrahim pledged the commitment of the union to work with EWEI to develop the policy from drawing from the union’s constitution, bylaws, and other government instruments to strengthen prevention of SGBV in motor parks.
He disclosed that the union’s constitution encourages women’s participation in the activities of the union and makes provision for their empowerment and protection against SGBV at home and/or motor packs.
“If a member has a problem with his wife and she reports the issue to us, we will look into it and if the husband is found wanting, he will be sanctioned.
“Our constitution and bylaws guide our code of conduct with specific sanction ranging from expulsion, suspension, fine to other forms of punishment for any act that disgraces the reputation of the union.
“These provisions have helped us significantly in checking excesses of our members, particularly gross misconduct that tarnishes the image of the union and other social vices,” he said.
On her part, the State Coordinator, Kaduna Civil Society SGBV Coalition, Bukola Ajao, commended NURTW for making specific provisions to protect the interest of women in the constitution.
Ajao, who took the participants through existing laws and policies that addresses SGBV issues in the state, also commended the union for making provisions to punish misconduct, including SGBV.
She said that the development of the SGBV policy for the union would consider provisions in various policies and laws in the state that address SGBV concerns.
She identified some of the legal instruments as Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, Penal Code Law, Child Welfare and Protection Law and other related government policies.
Earlier, EWEI’s Programme Officer, Gender, Mr Mendie Jeremiah, said support was under the NGOs “We for Them” project, being implemented with support from the African Women’s Development Fund.
Jeremiah explained that the project was designed to mobilise 4,500 critical stakeholders to curb sexual and gender-based violence in public places in Kaduna state.
He said EWEI is working with the NURTW and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, in implementing the two-year project, 2022 to 2024.
The Arewa /Northern Community in Rivers state has appointed Alhaji Shuaibu Wada Madawakin Tilda as the Acting Dan Buran Rivers State.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Cabinet Council.
The appointment follows the dethronement of the former occupant,
Alhaji Musa Saeedu.
A statement from the Palace of the Sarkin Arewa/Northern Community (Sarkin Hausawan) in Rivers State and signed by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Hussaini Isah said the dethronement is with immediate effect.
The statement further disclosed that the decision follows an allegation of acts of insubordination and conduct considered contrary to the values, discipline, and traditions of the Northern community perpetuated by the Fmr Dan Buran.
The statement advised the public to discontinue to recognising and addressing Alhaji Musa Saeedu as the Dan Buran of the State, adding that he no longer holds the title and remained suspended.
Responding via telephone interview, Alhaji Musa Saeedu said he will not make any comment regarding the matter.
The Alliance Française of Port Harcourt opened its doors to more than sixty French language teachers from Port Harcourt and across Rivers State at the weekend for an afternoon dedicated to celebration, creativity, and community spirit.
The event which was Supported by the Embassy of France in Nigeria, forms part of the global celebrations marking the Journée Internationale du Professeur de Français (French Teachers Day) a day officially set aside to observe worldwide every 20 November.
The Tide Entertainment reports that every year, French teachers around the globe are honoured for the passion and dedication they bring into their classrooms.In 2025, the theme chosen “Chanter, jouer, enseigner: la francophonie en musique” (Sing, Play, Teach: Francophonie in Music) invited the entire community to explore the joy of teaching through song, performance, and artistic expression.
A Day that brings teachers together for the French teaching community in Port Harcourt, this celebration is much more than a ceremony, it is a rare moment to step away from the classroom and reconnect with the simple joy of sharing, learning, and creating together.
The Alliance Française transformed the occasion into a space buzzing with music and entertainment. Teachers from primary schools, secondary schools, universities, and adult learning centers gathered to exchange ideas, reconnected with colleagues, and discover each other’s talents in an atmosphere filled with warmth and friendship.
Honouring Creativity with the theme “Our Teachers Have Talent!”This year, the Embassy of France launched a national contest titled “Nos profs ont du talent!” (“Our Teachers Have Talent !”), participants were invited to either interpret or create a Francophone song.For a month, from 13 October to 13 November 2025, teachers from across the country submitted their performances online, filling the digital space with francophone music.While winners of this nationwide competition were announced.
According to the the Director, Mrs Marina Lacal, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, excitement and anticipation were added to the celebrations, saying that in Port Harcourt, the festivities went even further. Port Harcourt experienced a Unique Celebration that went beyond the online competition, Alliance Française Port Harcourt created something special, an event where teachers met physically, shared moment of joy, and present their musical talents live.On stage, teachers sang the songs they love and those they have created, showcasing the creativity that animates their classrooms every day.
She explained that that off stage, they( participants )shared stories, network with colleagues, laughed together, and celebrated their unique contribution to the promotion of the French language in Rivers State.This gathering is also a moment of recognition. Every day, French teachers open doors for thousands of learners, children discovering their first French words, teenagers preparing for exams, university students shaping their future careers, and adults embracing new opportunities.
“Today, the spotlight shines on them. More Than an Event, A Tribute to Their Dedication The 2025 celebration in Port Harcourt was a heartfelt tribute to the teachers who make French come alive, those who inspire, guide, and encourage learners with unwavering commitment,” Mrs. Lacal said
The Director explained that It recognises their resilience, their creativity, and their essential role in building bridges between cultures.By offering them a moment of relaxation, fun, artistic expression, and professional networking, Alliance Française Port Harcourt reaffirms its mission to support educators, strengthen the teaching community, and celebrate the vibrant energy of the Francophonie in Nigeria.
Climax of the exciting event was the presentation of prizes to winners of the competition.
The Chairman Advisory Committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts, Khana Local Government Area, Hon. Lexy M. Mueka has expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area Dr. Thomas Bariere for his support and vision in promoting entertainment as a tool for peacebuilding and youth engagement.
Hon Mueka made this known to the Tide Entertainment during a recently concluded concert tagged “OGONI ARISE CONCERT” held at the No. 6 Field, Old Port Harcourt Township.
According to him, the concert was not just an event but a movement aimed at reawakening the cultural consciousness of the Ogoni people and inspiring the younger generation to use their talents positively.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event, organized by Triple 3 Entertainment under the auspices of the office of the Chairman Advisory committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, was a vibrant celebration of peace, unity, and cultural renaissance among the Ogoni people.
“Conceptualized as a platform to promote social harmony, empower young creatives, and showcase the rich artistic heritage of Ogoniland, the Ogoni Arise Concert succeeded in bringing together community leaders, entertainers, and the general public in a rare show of solidarity. The event featured electrifying performances by indigenous and regional artistes, dance troupes, comedians, and cultural ambassadors, all united under one message — Ogoni is rising again,” Hon. Mueka said.
“The Ogoni Arise Concert was designed to remind us of who we are — a people of strength, creativity, and unity. We wanted to show that entertainment can be a bridge for peace, a voice for our youth, and a celebration of our identity,” he added.
The event also featured a special Award Presentation Ceremony recognizing distinguished Ogoni sons and daughters who have made remarkable contributions in areas such as leadership, humanitarian service, creative excellence, and cultural promotion. The awards added a touch of prestige and purpose, reinforcing the concert’s theme of celebrating excellence while inspiring future generations.
Security at the event venue was top-notch, turnout of attendance impressive, and the atmosphere electric throughout the night.
Meanwhile, guests and participants had described the event as “historic, well-organized, and truly uplifting.”
