News
Lend Your Voice To Affirmative Action, Women Urge Tinubu
Women, yesterday, urged President Bola Tinubu to lend his voice and political will to enforce the affirmative action by the 10th National Assembly for inclusion of women in sustainable development.
The women made the call during the 2024 Voice of Women (VOW) conference and award in Abuja.
The theme of the conference was “National Dialogue of Grassroots and Urban Women: Achieving Women’s inclusion for a Sustainable Nigeria”.
Toun Sonaiya, Convener VOW 2024 and Chief Executive Officer, Women Radio 91.7FM, highlighted the need for more women in positions of power, authority and leadership to ensure gender equality and increase women empowerment.
“I call on President Bola Tinubu to lend his voice and political will to getting the 74 extra seats bill passed by the 10th National Assembly.
“There is need to be deliberate and intentional, using your coice and political will to do more and enable Nigerian women’s inclusion to global standards,” she said.
Sonaiya appreciated the president for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) loan.
She urged parents to encourage girls to take advantage of the initiative to enable them access financial support.
“Our journey as women towards an inclusive and sustainable Nigeria is far from over, but our focus on the bigger picture must remain unwavering for future generations of women,” she said.
Also, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, harped on the need for deliberate safety net policies and programmes that would alleviate the challenges affecting women.
Akpoti-Uduaghan cited cultural norms, sexual harassment, violence and other divisive tendencies as challenges that have affected women.
On the part of women entrepreneurs especially those at the rural communities she stressed the need for specific programmes targeted at grassroots women for a sustainable Nigeria.
“We must intentionally build partnerships with grassroots. We need to harness the potentials of women in rural communities.
“We must dismantle systemic barriers limiting women in grassroots from attaining leadership,”she said.
Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, stressed the need to increase women’s representation and connect with rural women, who play critical role nation building.
Onyenjeocha, said: “Our power as women lies in our collective ability to support each other.”
Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, represented by Patience Ekeoba, National Programme Officer, UNWomen, advocated the need for programmes and initiatives to improve gender equality.
“We must acknowledge that women’s empowerment is not merely a matter of equality, but a foundation for sustainable development, inclusive governance and resilient society.
“Women at every level of society have the unique ability to shape lives, especially women at the grassroots.
“They are able to redefine norms. They are able to create systems of governance,” she said.
Highlights of the event included conferment of awards on notable Nigerians for their commitment towards women empowerment.
Other activities were panel discussion on “Garnering support for females in leadership and governance amongst grassroots women to achieve a sustainable and inclusive Nigeria”.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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