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Legislators’ Wives Commit to Champion Women’s Property and Inheritance Rights

Published

1 year ago

September 3, 2025

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Gender Commission Legislators’ Wives Property Inheritance Rights9

The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (PLASGEOC), in collaboration with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025, held an advocacy engagement with wives of state legislators on the promotion of women’s housing, land, and property rights. The event took place at Crispan Hotel, Jos.

Delivering the welcome address, Barr. Nalong Gumut, Secretary of PLASGEOC, emphasized that the engagement was designed to deepen awareness and legislative support for women’s property rights, which are often undermined by cultural practices. “This gathering seeks to provide solutions and legislative actions to alleviate the suffering caused by discriminatory practices that deprive women and girls of access to land and housing,” he said.

In her keynote speech, Acting Chairperson of PLASGEOC and Special Adviser to the Governor, Barr. Olivia Dazyam, described the plight of women in the state as heartbreaking. She explained that although national laws and Supreme Court judgments recognize women’s rights to inheritance and property, cultural barriers still deny them access. She urged the legislators’ wives to use their influence to drive change.
“Land is not just soil, and property is not just structure. For many women, these are the foundations of security, livelihood, and dignity. Your voices as wives of legislators are powerful enough to push for local legislation that reflects our realities here in Plateau State,” she stated.

Barr. Nandi Dale, Information Counselling and Legal Assistance Officer at NRC, presented findings from a 2023 Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey conducted in Shendam, Bokkos, and Riyom LGAs. He revealed that widows and divorced women remain the most vulnerable, often evicted or excluded from inheritance despite statutory protections. “Law reform, awareness, and inclusive dispute resolution are urgent steps needed to protect women’s housing, land, and property rights,” Dale said.

Also speaking, NRC Consultant, Obioma Ngozi Achilefu (Esq.), explained the draft inheritance bill being developed for Plateau State. He stressed that the bill was not intended to uproot cultural values but to correct harmful practices. “The aim of this bill is not to dismantle traditions but to prune customs where they trample on individual rights,” he noted.

In a goodwill message, Mrs. Mercy Naanlong Daniel, Wife of the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, assured the commission of their support. “We occupy a unique position as wives of legislators, and we are ready to partner with the commission. We will encourage our spouses to prioritize policies that protect women’s rights,” she pledged.

Similarly, Mrs. Naanpoe Joseph Bukar, wife of the Shendam constituency representative, commended the timeliness of the advocacy. “This engagement has given me more knowledge on how to support my husband in prioritizing bills that encourage justice and fairness for women in our society,” she said.

During the interactive session, participants shared personal experiences and raised concerns about cultural norms, inheritance conflicts, and challenges with next-of-kin documentation. They emphasized the need for continued awareness campaigns and workshops to equip women with knowledge on property rights and inheritance.

The session ended with a renewed commitment from legislative wives to serve as advocates and partners in promoting women’s housing, land, and property rights across Plateau State.

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Green Hawks Seek First Breakthrough Against Zambia After Brutal World Cup Qualifier Start

Published

32 minutes ago

September 22, 2026

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Nigeria’s Green Hawks will turn their attention to Zambia on Tuesday as the country’s first-ever national netball team continues its historic campaign at the Africa Netball Cup and 2027 Netball World Cup African Qualifiers in Nairobi, Kenya.

The encounter presents Nigeria with another opportunity to measure its progress after a demanding welcome to international netball against three established African sides.

Nigeria began the competition with a 61–40 defeat to hosts Kenya before facing world number six Uganda, who recorded a 68–30 victory.

The Green Hawks then suffered an 82–22 loss to Malawi on Monday, leaving the Nigerian side still searching for its first victory of the tournament.

Against Malawi, Nigeria trailed 21–6 after the opening quarter before the gap widened to 40–11 at half-time.

Malawi eventually completed the contest with a 60-goal advantage and, in the process, strengthened their World Cup qualification campaign.

For Nigeria, however, the tournament represents more than immediate results.

The Green Hawks are competing internationally for the first time, with the Nairobi tournament providing the players with their first sustained exposure to some of Africa’s leading netball nations.

Nigeria’s next opponents, Zambia, therefore offer another test of how quickly the newly assembled side can adjust to competition at continental level.

With matches against Kenya, Uganda and Malawi now behind them, Tuesday’s encounter provides the Green Hawks with another opportunity to translate the experience gained from those difficult fixtures into an improved performance.

The Africa Netball Cup and World Cup African Qualifiers continue in Nairobi until September 26.

Business

Court set to hear suit on turf battle between ICAN, forensic fraud investigators institute

Published

1 hour ago

September 22, 2026

Preport

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday fixed Nov. 24 for hearing in a suit filed by the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) against the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

CIFCFIN is challenging the power of ICAN to train and issue qualifying certificates to forensic professionals.

The matter, which is before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, was initially scheduled for mention on Tuesday but the case was adjourned to enable parties appear properly before the court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CIFCFIN, through its counsel, Shaibu Aruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), sued ICAN as the sole defendant in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1559/2026.

CIFCFIN argued that ICAN cannot offer a “Certification Programme culminating in the award of Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria (CFAN).”

It submitted that this was in line with the combined interpretation of Sections 2(a) – (i),3(1)(a) and 4(a) – (c), 6(2), 12(2), 13, (1) () and (g), 17(1l) (a) and (b) and 22 of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 45, 2022,

Mohammed Arafat, the Head of Legal and Corporate Services of CIFCFIN, maintained in a supporting affidavit that ICAN’s invitation to applicants for a seven-day professional certification programme culminating in the award of Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria (CFAN), is outside its mandate and could confuse the general public.

The plaintiff alleged that ICAN had invited applicants in the fields of knowledge of chartered accountants, compliance managers, bankers, investment analysts, auditors, and anti-corruption agencies staff and other institutions to register for the programme.

CIFCFIN, therefore, prayed the court for an order setting aside and nullifying the award of the qualification or the CFAN certificate, or any other qualification or certificate in the field and practice of forensics in Nigeria by ICAN.

It urged the court to make an order for the defendant to withdraw, retract or cease any publication, gazette notice, or public representation asserting that it has power to certify or license.

CIFCFIN also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining ICAN, its council, etc, from issuing, advertising or recognising CFAN qualification, designation, licence or certification or any title or award identical or similar to those created under the provisions of its Act.

It further sought a declaration that “by the combined provisions of Sections 2(a) -(i), 3(1)(a) and 4(a)- (c), 6(2), 12(2), 13, (1)(0) and (g), 17(1)(a) and (b) and 22 of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 45. 2022, the defendant cannot offer ‘Certification Programme’ culminating in the award of CFAN.”

(NAN)