Nation

UNESCO Trains 27 Prosecutors On Freedom Of Expression, Journalists’ Safety

Published

12 months ago

May 22, 2023

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has trained 27 prosecutors on the investigation and prosecution of crimes against journalists and the protection of freedom of expression.
The three-day capacity building workshop of 17 to 19 May, held in Abuja, focused on the freedom of expression, the safety of journalists and access to information.
It also provided the participants with practical and theoretical tools to carry out their responsibility of promoting and upholding the rule of law.
The training was supported through the Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists which was part of UNESCO’s Judges Initiative aimed at reinforcing capacities of judicial actors.
The Officer-in-Charge of UNESCO Office, Abuja, Philippe Delange, observed that between 2006 and 2020, over 1,200 journalists were killed around the world.
Delange said according to the UNESCO Observatory of killed journalists, about nine out of ten cases of the killings remained judicially unresolved.
Represented by Magdalene Anene-Maidoh, he said such crimes had repercussions on the victims and their families and hindered freedom of expression, which was fundamental to democracy and human rights.
“A free, independent, pluralistic media, working in safe conditions, can serve as a watchdog for democracy, ensuring free flow of information and the exercise of the public’s right to access information.
“Journalists, when free to investigate, analyse and diffuse news are essential for ensuring openness, accountability and transparency.
“As such, UNESCO directly contributes to the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, especially Sustainable Development Goal 16.10.
“The goal seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels,’’ he said.
The official said the UN Plan of Action was established within the UN System to address these issues by bringing together UN agencies, national authorities, judicial actors, media and civil societies.
He added that judicial actors had the role of reinforcing the “Prevention, Protection and Prosecution ‘’of crimes committed against journalists.
Delange further stated that the workshop provided the platform to discuss, exchange good practices and perspectives and refresh memories on international and regional standards on freedom of expression and the safety of journalists.
“This is also to ensure that those accounted as responsible for attacks against journalists were prosecuted and tried”, he said.
Delange said the workshop would strengthen the rule of law and human rights in Nigeria as well as support the role of prosecutors in protecting and ensuring an environment conducive to freedom of expression.
The Tide source reports that the participants were drawn from Lagos, Enugu, Anambra, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kano, Plateau, Gombe, Delta and Rivers States.
The event had in attendance the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Muhammed Abubakar, and stakeholders from the Ministry of Information and Culture, among others.

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.