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FIDA, Ford Foundation Strengthen Community Action Against Gender-Based Violence in Plateau

Published

1 year ago

November 1, 2025

vicky

FIDA , harmful norms, gender based violence

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, with support from the Ford Foundation, has intensified its campaign against gender-based violence (GBV), urging traditional, religious, and community leaders to sustain efforts toward ending the menace.

The call was made during a two-day Shared Learning Forum held in Jos, Plateau State, which brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, state actors, male advocates of gender justice, and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the forum, Rita Lasoju, Assistant Manager, Programmes and Partnership at FIDA and Project Lead, said the gathering aimed to foster shared understanding and collaboration on GBV prevention strategies that challenge harmful traditional and religious norms.

“The objective is to strengthen community-driven initiatives and promote shared learning among gatekeepers who play key roles in addressing GBV within their communities,” Lasoju stated.

She explained that the platform also enabled participants to share success stories, lessons from interventions, and ways to deepen coordination between community stakeholders and government institutions for long-term results.

Delivering a welcome address on behalf of FIDA’s Country Vice President and National President, Eliana Martins, the Plateau State Chairperson, Na’ankus Fyaktu, said the forum is part of an ongoing project titled “Engagement, Coordination and Sharing of Lessons on GBV Prevention between Religious, Traditional and Government Leaders in Nigeria.”

According to her, since the project’s inception between October 2024 and May 2025, FIDA has organized several dialogues that have empowered community gatekeepers to challenge discriminatory practices and advance gender equality in their localities.

“The second phase of this forum builds on earlier achievements by consolidating gains, strengthening networks, and assessing changes in behaviour and attitudes among community influencers,” Martins said.

“Our goal is to build gender-sensitive, inclusive, and protective communities where women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination.”

Presenting a performance monitoring report, Jovita Chechet, FIDA’s Senior Impact Assessment Officer, emphasized the importance of documentation and reporting in tracking progress and sustaining community action against GBV.

Meanwhile, community and religious leaders, including HRH Bala Haruna, District Head of Nabor; Rev. Ikpisu Andrew of CAN; Kabir Abubakar of JNI; Inspector Venkat Moses of the Nigeria Police; and Nene Dung of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, reaffirmed their commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence.

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NJC recommends new judges across five states, two appellate courts

Published

2 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 28 candidates for appointment as judicial officers across five states and two appellate courts.

The recommendations were made at the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC’s deputy director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.

Of the 28 candidates, 24 were recommended for appointment as judges of the High Courts of Kano, Ebonyi, Edo, Adamawa and Ogun states.

One candidate was recommended for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal, while another was recommended as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal.

Two other candidates were recommended for appointment as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.

The council also included Ijeoma Agugua in the shortlist of candidates for appointment as substantive chief judge of Imo State.

The candidates recommended for the various courts include Tijjani Zololo for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal.

For the Kano State High Court, the recommended candidates are Hassan Nafisan, Ahmad Halima, Bature Abdullahi and Umar Musa.

Amaga Dickson was recommended for appointment as a judge of the Ebonyi State High Court.

The candidates recommended for the Edo State High Court are Osawaru Benson, Omoruyi Taiye, Adamaigbo Dorathy, Usiobaifo Festus, Oiwoh Pius, Amune Majebi and Imuekemhe Emile.

Those recommended for the Adamawa State High Court are Sa’ad Aminu, Musa Ibrahim, Giwa Sadiq, Mijinyawa Musa, Ibrahim Japhet, Bakari Aliyu and Ahmadu Yakubu.

For the Ogun State High Court, the recommended candidates are Oke Olakulehin, Obienu Adebimpe, Daudu Fatimat, Kadiri Rafiat and Osho Oludotun.

Ishaku Abubakar was recommended for appointment as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, while Dimas Elsha and Pembi David were recommended as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.

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Nigeria Get Second Chance as CAF Reportedly Considers Flying Eagles for 2027 U-20 AFCON

Published

4 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles could be handed a lifeline in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering including the team in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

The development follows Ghana’s reported removal as hosts of the continental competition, potentially creating an opening for Nigeria to secure a place in the tournament.

Sports247 reports that CAF has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the Flying Eagles on standby for a possible invitation to the 2027 U-20 AFCON.

Nigeria initially missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.

Burkina Faso secured the region’s automatic qualification ticket, while Ghana were expected to occupy the second available place as hosts of the continental tournament.

However, Ghana’s reported failure to meet CAF’s hosting requirements has thrown the arrangement into uncertainty, with the continental governing body expected to appoint a new host.

The situation could work in Nigeria’s favour, with the Flying Eagles potentially considered for the place initially reserved for Ghana as tournament hosts, having finished runners-up in the WAFU Zone B competition.

Although CAF is yet to make an official announcement confirming Nigeria’s inclusion, the reported development has raised hopes of a second opportunity for the seven-time African champions.

The 2027 U-20 AFCON will carry additional significance as it will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

According to CAF’s qualification format, the four semi-finalists will represent the continent at the global tournament.

Nigeria’s possible inclusion would therefore provide the Flying Eagles with another opportunity to compete for continental honours and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.

The West African giants have a proud history at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having finished runners-up on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005.

For now, Nigeria will await CAF’s final decision, with the reported development offering renewed hope after their disappointment in the WAFU Zone B final.