Stephen Olufemi Oni Ilorin

The wife of the Kwara State Governor and Chairperson Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has called for a united and sustained action against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), stating that no religion or culture justifies abuse, oppression, or harmful practices.

Amb. AbdulRazaq, who is also the Founder, Ajike People’s Support Centre, made the call while addressing a high-level advocacy engagement in Ilorin on Tuesday, urging communities, government agencies, and civil society groups to collaborate in promoting dignity, justice, compassion, and respect for human life.

She explained that the engagement was to strengthen advocacy and partnerships to challenge harmful social norms, while ensuring structural support and safe shelters for survivors of gender-based violence.

She said: “Gender-Based Violence is not only a violation of rights; it is also a barrier to development, peace, and social cohesion.

“Yet, beyond physical acts of violence, we must confront the harmful social norms that enable it, norms that excuse abuse, silence survivors, normalize inequality, and teach our children that violence is acceptable or private.

“I commend the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum for its consistent leadership in championing the protection, dignity, and wellbeing of women, children, and vulnerable persons across the country.

“I also extend sincere gratitude to the Ford Foundation for its partnership, technical support, and commitment to social justice, equity, and community-driven change.”

On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Oluwakemi Afolashade, outlined the state government’s interventions, which included emergency response centres, confidential reporting channels, and survivor support systems designed to guarantee safety and dignity.

Mrs Afolashade added that more than 1,000 traditional rulers across the state had been trained to enhance community-level prevention and response.

She described the engagement as a call to action, urging traditional and religious leaders to support the enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and to ensure that survivors are referred to appropriate authorities without fear or stigma.

The Commissioner gave the hotline numbers of the Ministry – 09035509221 or 08069710318 – to call whenever there are cases of domestic or sexual violence, abuse or neglect, among others.

The Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Snr. Apostle Shina Ibiyemi, emphasised the role of moral leadership, noting that religious and traditional leaders wield significant influence over community behaviour and must use it to protect women, children, and other vulnerable persons.

In the same vein, the Imam Imale, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulhamid, said parents and community leaders should take the responsibility of taking proper care of women and the girl-child.

The Commissioner for Social Development, Dr. NnaFatimah Imam, said that preventing gender-based violence requires community ownership, adding that government efforts must be supported by families, community leaders, and faith-based institutions.

Dr. Imam, commended faith-based organisations, including the Women’s Wing of CAN and the Federation of Muslim Women Associations, for their advocacy and sensitization efforts.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed sadness over the death of a gallant Forest Guard, Mr. Omotosho Olawuyi Samuel, who fell during a courageous encounter with some kidnappers in Koro community of Ekiti Local Government Area.

The Governor commended the bravery and patriotism of the Forest Guard and local vigilantes who launched an assault on the fleeing kidnappers.

Meanwhile, the Governor has announced a N10m support for the family of the operative as a token of government’s gratitude for his sacrifice — apart from him going down as a hero of the people’s collective war against banditry.

He commiserated with the family of Mr. Samuel and his comrades who bravely fought along with him.

“He is our hero, and we ask God to give succour to his family,” according to a statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

Fabian

Former Kaduna State Governor and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has weighed in on the Senate’s decision to reject the inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the proposed electoral reforms.

Speaking in an interview with Trust TV, El-Rufai was asked to react to reports that some members of his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Peter Obi, staged a protest at the National Assembly on Monday over the issue. In his response, he stressed that electoral reforms must be approached transparently and without undue external influence.

El-Rufai expressed confidence that the Senate’s electoral committee would eventually recommend the reinstatement of the provision for real-time electronic transmission of results.

He noted that many senators are experienced public officials who have previously served as governors, ministers, and legislators, and are genuinely committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. However, he argued that their efforts are being overshadowed by the actions of the Senate leadership, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

According to El-Rufai, the controversy should not be blamed on the Senate as an institution but on its leadership. He alleged that the presiding officer was acting under external pressure and not in line with the collective will of the majority of senators.

He further predicted that when the Senate reconvenes, lawmakers would be forced to unite, resist such pressure from the leadership, and ensure that the proposed reforms are not undermined.

In a strongly worded remark directed at Akpabio, El-Rufai said:
“I do not consider him distinguished. We have known each other since the 90s. He knows how far we’ve been through, and I think I am qualified to call him a scumbag—and he knows why.”