Rivers
International Women’s Day: Advocate Profers Solution To Gender Gaps
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), “Women Educators Association of Nigeria (WEAN)”, headquartered in Rivers State, Sylvia Briggs, has profered some solutions to gaps in gender equality in Nigeria.
Briggs, who gave the suggestions in her presentation recently in a programme organised by the Department of Adult Education and Community Development to commemorate the 2026 “International Women’s Day” at the Rivers State University (RSU), emphasised on the need for women to be given their rightful place in society.
According to her, some of the strategies to adopt in seeking to address gender gaps include exposing women to tailored training programmes.
This, she said, can be done by designing adult education programmes that would “cater to the specific needs of women in various sectors, focusing on skills like leadership entrepreneurship and vocational training.”
She said women should be exposed to awareness and sensitisation programmes on what they stand for in the society, and modules should be incorporated in policies to address gender stereotype and biase, while promoting “a culture of equality and inclusivity.”
The CEO further said women should be paired with mentors and role models “who can guide and inspire them, showcasing successful women in various fields.”
She also said women should be given flexible learning schedules such as online courses or part-time programmes to accommodate their care-giving responsibilities, and also be empowered economically with the provision of financial literacy, which should include access to resources such as loans or grants.
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor of the RSU, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who was represented by the Registrar of the school, Dr. Idayingi I. Daminabo, noted that while women are being honoured globally for their strength, resilience and achievements in this year’s International Women’s Day, the honour should cut across all women, not just the trailblazers.
“Let us celebrate not just the trailblazers who paved the way, or continue to empower our women, but also all other women, because when women rise, we all rise together.
“Women never give-up, and have a determined spirit to be go-getters. When a woman is determined, she gets somewhere and tougher.”
While noting that the focus on women doesn’t mean that men are not important, the Vice Chancellor emphasised that the objective is to ensure that society leaves a place for the woman to freely aspire and attain her goals in life.
“Let us give preference to our female child because when you train a female child, you train a nation”, the VC stated.
Also speaking, the immediate past Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Barr. Adata Bio Briggs, thanked the Department of Adult Education and Community Development of the RSU for organising the event to mark the International Women’s Day, noting that globally there’s a call for rights, justice, and action, which, she said, FIDA is passionate about.
While emphasising the importance of education in the fight against gender inequality, she restated the support of FIDA.
“It’s only an educated woman who can navigate the legal protection options available to her. If you’re not educated, it’s going to be very difficult to navigate the legal protection options available to you through the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act to the Child Rights Law.
“So, as we mark today, at FIDA Rivers, we reaffirm our commitment to ensure partnering with institutions like Rivers State University to ensure that justice is accessible to every woman, regardless of her social standing or educational background.
“We’re also committed to ensuring that we extend our advocacy to the remote corners of every community in Rivers State. We’re also committed to taking action against all forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and marginalisation”, she said.
Noting the theme of this year’s event, “Give To Gain”, she said it’s a reminder that “investing in women and girl children is not an act of charity, it’s an act of nation building.
“So, when you give a girl child an education, you give a resilient workforce. So, if every child is educated, you get a workforce that you can count on.”
She, therefore, called on men to give their wives, daughters, and sisters the same rights as they give males around them, and also encouraged women and girls to stand for their rights at all times, knowing that they would always need to demand for it because no one will give it to them.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Head of Department (HoD) of the Department of Adult Education and Community Development in RSU, Dr. Ngozi V. Ben-Osaro, welcomed participants at the event, which included mostly female students of the Department, and urged participants to be the change being pursued in their own little way.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include: the Dean, Faculty of Education, RSU, Prof. Isaac Dokubo; the President, National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Rivers State, Amb. Princess Jetiba Soberekon; the founder, Tender Succour Initiative, Mr. Obinna Anokwu; and the President, The Events Organisation, who is also the Community Development Practitioner, Tender Succour Initiative, Dr. Chime.
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As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.
In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.
Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.
“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.
“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.
He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”
The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.
To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.
The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.
“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.
The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.
International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.
Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor
Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process
Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.
George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.
According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.
The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.
They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.
The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.
GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.
According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.
The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.
The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.
He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.
Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.
According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.
The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.
Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.
He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.
A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.
He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.
The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.
Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.
By: King Onunwor
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