Mother’s Day: Mothers, stakeholders want more women in governance

Published

7 years ago

April 1, 2019

Mother’s Day: Mothers, stakeholders want more women in governance

Mothers and others stakeholders have called for participation of more women in governance and appreciation of their noble roles in nation building.

They made the call in separate interviews with the Nationaltrail in Lagos on Sunday in commemoration of Mother’s Day celebration across the world.

Mrs Agatha Okorie, the 2018 Beauty Queen, Catholic Women Organisation, (CWO), urged men to recognise and appreciate the importance and value of mothers.

“As we mark Mother’s Day today, let us recognise and celebrate our women on this remarkable day. Nigerians should draw their attention to the importance of mothers in the society.

“Without mothers in any society, it will not have its full perfection,’’ she said.

The beauty queen, who is also a police officer, also urged the government to promote standard of women in Nigeria, especially among men.

“ I can count different countries where women are fully represented in different sectors both in the past and the present.

“Nigeria should not be different. We deserve respect and special attention as a weaker sex,’’ she said.

According to Mrs Lizzy Omojuwa-Okiye, the Spokesman for Old Girls Association of Federal Government Girls College, Kazaure, Nigerian women have evolved over the years.

“We are breaking the glass ceiling; we are clamouring for that gender equality. As is contained in the team for the International Women’s Day “Balance for the Better’’.

“Nigerian women have taken up challenging roles to actually say what a man can do, a woman can do it better, ‘’ she said.

Similarly, Mrs Patricia Nwabuwa, a retired Deputy Director and School Principal in Lagos State, said the most challenging issue affecting women was gender inequality and oppression.

“The government should involve more women in politics and give them more slots in political power. They should be given more voice and not to be discriminated against, ” she said.

Nwabuwa also said that this support should began as a girl-child, especially in the rural areas by improving the healthcare of women toward reducing maternal/infant mortality.

“The women deserve adequate justice, healthcare and fair play, fight to stop sexual abuse, early marriages, child trafficking, prostitution and child labour,’’ Nwabuwa said.

A Cleric, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Udoh, Parish Priest of St. Maria Goretti, Abaranje, Lagos, said “no human being is as selfless as a good and ideal mother’’.

“No one can be selfless, understanding and sacrificing as our mothers. Their lives are so demanding that they deserve to be celebrated,’’ he said.

A Civil Servant, Mrs Amaka Ukwedike, urged government to support women by making education more accessible to them to boost their personality.

“The Nigerian woman is stronger than other women across the world because she can survive and withstand tough situations, unlike non-Nigerian women who get special preferences from their government.

“In some countries, women on maternity are taken care of by the government. Violence against them is never tolerated,’’ she said.

Ms Bekky Georgewill, a Marketer suggested that women should be given more attention in governance so that the challenges of gender inequality would be addressed.

Mrs Veronica Okoro, the President of Christian Mothers, St. Joachim and Anne Church, Ijegun, said Nigerian women were overtasked by men who failed in meeting with their economic demands.

“Women have really carried the cross of building the homes economically more than what God designed for them to be helpers, as 95 per cent of women are currently bread winners,’’ she said.

Mr Bamidele Ogunmekan, (KSM) Archdiocesan President, Catholic Confraternity of Christian Fathers, Lagos, noted that all mothers in Nigeria and across had more task in nation building.

“ I call on fathers and children to cooperate with mothers in discharging their very tasking roles as mothers.

“Nigerian Government should also put in place, a special programme that will address issues of mothers, especially in empowering them to play their roles as mothers,’’ he said.

Ogunmekan noted that the Nigerian woman had come a long way and in all ramifications, met international standard.

“A woman is said to have the ability to produce, after carrying the baby for nine months. She is an embodiment of patience; the goddess of life; why should she not be revered,’’ Anthonia Okoase said.

She said no one could pay the debt of mothers to the family, except for occasions as a day like this, “which is a necessity to demonstrate appreciation for their contributions’’.

Nationaltrail reports that Mother’s Day is celebrated across the world at different times and dates.

Catholics and some other churches commemorated it on Sunday March 31, while others observe it on later dates.

“Nigeria’s Biggest Ever Coalition, Civil Groups, Professionals, Labour, Artisans, Declare for Bola Tinubu”

Published

5 days ago

April 14, 2026

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In what is being described as an unprecedented political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, a broad-based national coalition cutting across civil society organisations, professional bodies, labour groups, artisan associations, and other grassroots networks has announced plans to formally endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

The coalition, spearheaded by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, COCSON, now extends far beyond the traditional civic space, bringing together over 1,500 groups from diverse sectors of the Nigerian society. Participants include human rights organisations, medical and legal professionals, trade and artisan unions, community-based organisations, and influential labour leaders, reflecting a wide national spread and multi-sectoral backing.

The historic convention is scheduled to hold on May 17, 2026, where leaders and representatives of the various groups are expected to converge in what organisers say will be the largest endorsement gathering in Nigeria’s history. The event will serve as the official platform for the coalition to collectively declare support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

In a major demonstration of grassroots mobilisation, the coalition also revealed plans to submit a compiled total of 20 million signatures of Nigerians who have endorsed the President’s candidacy. The signatures, gathered through extensive nationwide engagement, are being positioned as a clear indication of public support cutting across regions, professions, and social strata.

Organisers of the event stated that the decision to back President Tinubu is driven by what they described as tangible strides in economic reforms, governance, and national stability. They emphasised that the inclusion of non-traditional actors such as artisans, market groups, and labour unions underscores a broader national consensus that transcends the usual civil society framework.

Political analysts say the scale and diversity of this coalition mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, where support structures are no longer confined to political parties and elite stakeholders but are increasingly driven by a fusion of grassroots and professional constituencies.

As momentum builds towards the May 17 convention, observers are keenly watching how this expansive alliance will shape political narratives and influence voter sentiment in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

Further details on the convention and breakdown of participating groups are expected to be unveiled in the coming days.

News

How ISWAP killed Army Col. Six others in Borno.

Published

5 days ago

April 14, 2026

Our Reporter

☆☆☆As Troops Foil Series of Ambushes.

Troops of the Nigerian Army under operation Hadin Kai have foiled a series of ambush by suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (I SWAP) terrorist along the Monguno in Borno state.

Islamic state of West Africa province (ISWAP) have attacked the Nigerian army from Monguno 242 Battion Barrack in Borno State on their way to reinforce the camp.

A serving Nigerian Army Colonel was reportedly killed in an ambush by insurgents in Monguno, Borno State, during a reinforcement mission

Source added said that colonel I.A. Muhammad was ambushed by ISWAP and killed along with four other soldiers.

Community confirmed that the troops who were on a fighting patrol as part of operation,came under fire from suspected terrorists

As of the time of felling this report, there has been no official statements from the Nigerian Army regarding the accident.

News

Dogara Felicitates Dangote at 69, Applauds His Enduring Impact on Africa

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

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Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has joined Nigerians and the global business community in celebrating Alhaji Aliko Dangote on his 69th birthday. In a detailed tribute, Dogara described Dangote as “a visionary whose life’s work has become a cornerstone of Africa’s economic transformation.”

Dogara emphasized that Dangote’s entrepreneurial journey is one of resilience and foresight. From humble beginnings, he built the Dangote Group into Africa’s largest conglomerate, with investments spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers, and the landmark Dangote Refinery. These ventures, Dogara noted, have not only revolutionized industries but also created millions of jobs, strengthened Nigeria’s economy, and reduced dependence on imports. “Alhaji Dangote is not just an entrepreneur; he is a nation-builder whose vision has redefined what is possible for Nigeria and Africa,” Dogara said.

He pointed out that the Dangote Refinery, in particular, represents a turning point in Nigeria’s energy sector, offering the promise of self-sufficiency in petroleum products and positioning the country as a major player in global energy markets. “This singular achievement underscores his commitment to solving Africa’s most pressing challenges through bold and innovative solutions,” Dogara remarked.

Beyond his industrial empire, Dogara praised Dangote’s philanthropy through the Dangote Foundation, which has invested heavily in healthcare, education, and humanitarian relief. From building hospitals and funding scholarships to providing aid during crises, Dangote’s generosity has touched countless lives across the continent. “His philanthropy reflects a deep commitment to humanity. He has shown that true greatness lies not only in building industries but also in uplifting lives,” Dogara added.

Dogara also reflected on the inspirational power of Dangote’s story, stressing that his rise from modest beginnings to global prominence serves as a beacon of hope for young Africans. “His journey proves that with hard work, faith, and determination, Africans can build enterprises that rival the best in the world. He remains a shining example of African excellence,” he concluded.

As Dangote celebrates his 69th birthday, his legacy continues to resonate far beyond Nigeria’s borders. His life stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, enterprise, and compassion—an enduring reminder that Africa’s future can be defined by innovation, resilience, and generosity