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NHRC, WfWI seek collaboration to end human rights violations in Plateau

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Jos Plateau State

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC and the Women for Women International, WfWI have called on citizens of Plateau State to do away with the culture of silence but speak out anytime they see cases of abuses of human rights so that the rising cases of death as the result of sexual and gender violence could be curbed.

The State Coordinator of the NHRC, Mrs. Grace Pam, and the Country Director of the WfWI, Bukola Onyishi appealed while interacting with stakeholders and the media as part of their activities to mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism.

The officials of the NHRC met with Civil Society Organizations to discuss gender laws in Plateau State which are in place to provide succour to survivors/victims of gender violence while those of WfWI parleyed with the media to share their activities on gender-based violence and solicit the journalists support in creating awareness to citizens to understand what violence against women and children entails.

Addressing the CSOs, Pam said, “We are in the period of celebration of activism and activities for the elimination of violence against women and girls. The Commission has been given the mandate to protect, promote and enforce the rights of all humans so we have been working with some of you to ensure the rights of citizens of Plateau State are protected. You know that we have limitations, some times, funding is a problem, and sometimes other issues pose problems in the course of carrying out our mandate but by and large, we have tried our best to make sure the rights of citizens are protected.

“We called you here as stakeholders and people that are passionate about issues of protection of human rights to ensure we work together. You know that there is an upsurge in the cases of violation of rights, particularly of children, that of women is not new to us. Every day in this Commission, we get one complain or the other about the violation of women and children, particularly young girls. You heard about the one who was abused by her madam until she lost her life.

“While we, the women are advocating for the respect of our rights, some of us are at the same time abusing the rights of others, this has to stop, where is the justification of asking for our rights to be respected while trampling on others?

Please let’s respect ourselves and respect the rights of others even as we want others to respect ours.”

However, Barr Yop Rwang of the State Ministry of Justice gave an overview of gender laws in the State as participants discussed the laws and policies, seeking clarifications on grey areas.

Onyishi represented by Anthonia Olehi noted,

“the theme of the 16 Days Activism is Unite Activism to end violence against women and girls, WfWI solicits your support and collaboration to create awareness and sensitized the citizens to understand violence against women. Enlist you to frequently report issues of violence against women thereby challenging social norms and behaviour that condone violence against women and girls…”

 

Meanwhile, Bukola Gbobaniyi of WfWI in a policy brief added,

“… In 2021, violence against women continues to be one of the most pervasive human rights violations. Globally, 1 in 3 women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lives… In addition to intimate partner violence, violence against women and girls (VAWG) can occur on a spectrum and includes physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, threats, coercion, taking away someone’s right to make decisions, and economic deprivation – both inside and outside of the home.

“These forms of violence are intimately linked with women’s overall well-being, including physical health, mental health, financial security, and capacity to participate in their community and society. Women for Women International gathered qualitative data from communities where we operate within Nigeria to detail the prevalence of VAWG along this nuanced spectrum both to inform our programming and toelevate relevant policy recommendations that will support actors across the triple nexus of development, humanitarianism, and peacebuilding to end VAWG…”

She called for continued action stressing, “Though attitudes in the community have been slow to change and the implementation of VAWG legal frameworks have been challenged by inconsistent adoption, insufficient resources, and community stigma, many community members and leaders felt optimistic about the perceived changes thus far and the potential for the future…”

Media practitioners gave input on how sexual and gender-based violence could be curbed and unanimously asked for support groups to be created so that survivors could share experiences and raise voices against violence against women and girls.

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EuroMatch NPFL: “Your Support Means Everything” — Qamar Adegoke Thanks Shooting Stars Fans After Kano Pillars Draw

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Shooting Stars midfielder Qamar Adegoke has expressed his appreciation to the club’s supporters following the Oluyole Warriors’ goalless draw against Kano Pillars in the rescheduled Matchday 3 fixture of the EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League.

Sports247 reports that the encounter, played at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, ended 0–0 as Shooting Stars were unable to convert their home advantage into maximum points.

Despite the frustrating result, Adegoke acknowledged the unwavering support of the club’s fans, praising them for standing by the team through every moment of the campaign.

“To our fans who continue to stand with us, your support means everything.”

The midfielder further stressed the importance of the supporters to the team, appreciating their continued presence and encouragement regardless of the outcome on the pitch.

“Through every moment, you’ve been there, and we truly appreciate you.”

Shooting Stars came into the fixture looking to return to winning ways after being held to another goalless draw by Nasarawa United in their previous home league outing.

However, Kano Pillars proved difficult to break down as both sides battled for supremacy without finding the decisive goal.

For Adegoke, the result will undoubtedly leave the team wanting more, but his message to the supporters underlined the importance of maintaining unity as the season progresses.

The midfielder concluded his message with a rallying call for the team and its supporters to remain together and continue working towards their objectives.

“Together, we keep pushing.”

The Oluyole Warriors will now turn their attention to their next assignment, with the team hoping to build on the positives from the fixture and end their run of home draws.

For Adegoke and his teammates, the backing of the Shooting Stars faithful remains a crucial source of motivation as they continue their EuroMatch NPFL campaign.

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Orbih rejected inducements to abandon my 2015 governorship ambition – Wike 

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the late National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, South South, Chief Daniel Orbih, rejected several inducements and pressure to abandon his support for his 2015 governorship ambition in Rivers State.

Wike disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a night of tributes held in honour of Orbih, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.

The former Rivers State governor said Orbih remained loyal to him during a difficult political period between 2013 and 2014, despite attempts by his political opponents to frustrate his ambition.

Wike recalled that the then Rivers State governor sent people to Orbih with offers aimed at persuading him to withdraw his support.

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“There was nothing in this world that was not done to induce him. My governor then sent people to Dan, offered him everything in this world, but Dan stood firm and said, ‘No, I will not accept, I will not agree,’” Wike said.

He described Orbih as the person God used to pave the way for his emergence as governor of Rivers State in 2015.

“Today I am a Minister of the FCT; yesterday I was a governor. Who did God use for me to become governor? It was Dan,” he said.

According to Wike, Orbih went beyond political support by helping to strengthen his campaign and security arrangements, including donating two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses.

He said the late politician also mobilised political structures across the South South in support of his ambition.

Wike described Orbih as a politician more interested in loyalty and service than personal benefits, saying he never approached him for contracts or favours during his eight years as governor.

“Dan is not a typical Nigerian politician. Throughout my eight years as governor, he never came for one day, either by phone or coming to my house to say, ‘I need this contract.’ Never,” he said.

The FCT minister said Orbih’s loyalty and commitment were qualities that had also been demonstrated by his family over the years.

He credited the late politician with helping to protect the political interests of the South South, saying many politicians who currently occupy elective offices benefited from his efforts.

Wike said Orbih’s contributions to politics and the development of Edo State deserved greater recognition, urging stakeholders in the state to consider giving him a state burial.

He also promised to maintain his relationship with Orbih’s family and support efforts to preserve his political legacy.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Senator Magnus Abe, said Orbih played a major role in introducing him to politics.

Abe described the deceased as a bridge builder whose political influence extended beyond party lines.

Similarly, former Edo State governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, said Orbih contributed to making him a better governor despite their political differences.

Oshiomhole said he often considered how Orbih and the opposition would interpret his decisions before taking major actions while he was governor.

He thanked Wike for helping to reconcile him with Orbih after years of political disagreement, recalling that their reconciliation began at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt.

In his tribute, former PDP presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, described Orbih as a public intellectual, patriot, family man and defender of Edo heritage.

He said the late politician left a lasting impact on the people around him through his public service and commitment to his community.

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