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The futility of gender equality

Published

1 month ago

March 16, 2026

BY VICTORIA NGOZI IKEANO

Victoriangozii@gmail.com 08033077519

This month of March seems to be a special one for women. Last Sunday, the United Nations organisation (UN), a global body, comprising of all countries in our world marked International Women’s Day, This coming Sunday, the 15th of March, the church will mark ‘Mother’s Sunday’, a day set aside to celebrate mothers. For Muslim faithful, the 30-day period of fasting (abstaining from food, drinks and other ķ things from sunrise to sunset) continues in the month of March. During this period of Ramadan which rolls over to the month of March, Mustim women daily attend gatherings for lectures that are meant to make them understand more, the teachings of Prophet Mohammed (PBOH). For Christians, Lent also continues in this month of March. Lent is the period from Ash Wednesday to the day before Easter “during which ..Christians give up food or activities they enjoy in memory of Christ’s suffering”.

It is noteworthy that both Muslim and Christian faithfuls started their fasting periods same day this year, namely on February 18, 2026. While the Muslim fast will culminate in the Sallah festival on March 21/22, 2026, the Christian 40-day fasting will be rounded off with Easter celebration on April 5, 2026. The bottom line is that believers are at this time shifting their gaze from ephemeral earthly trifles and looking upwards in supplication to the Creator, We are inwardly seeking for lasting spiritual values at this period of Ramadan/Lent. There is reflection on life in general and we are beginning to ask the great questions of life: Why are we here, what is the purpose of life on earth; why is there so much turmoil, disharmony in our world from the small family unit to the larger environment, among countries, in big and small things? Questions, questions, If we genuinely seek in humility with an earnest longing (at these fasting periods and at all times) to be true human beings that radiate peace and blessing to our environment, irrespective of where Life places us here on earth, we shall find answers to these probing questions that assail our hearts. Not immediately, but gradually. It appears I am digressing….

Let us return to the specific topic ,of the status of women against the background of the searchlight being beamed on us on the occasion of the International Women’s Day, celebrated on the 8th of March every year. There are special gatherings, meetings to commemorate the day. At these events lectures, talks, speeches are presented from broad segments of the society. They all generally lament the sorry condition of women in Africa and other developing countries. And they end with a call to empower women socially, economically and politically. Truly, on the surface, the standing of women has improved generally; from centuries ago when they were viewed as ‘sub humans’ more or less, to what obtains now when they enjoy a number of rights that were formerly denied them in bygone days. For example, females now have access to education from kindergarten to university level. Harmful traditional practices against women have generally been eased off although the touchy issue of child marriages still persists in some parts of our country.

Marrying off girls at very young ages of when their bodies are not yet fully mature has negative consequences for both their physical bodies and souls. Apparently indulgence in sexual intercourse upon being married off, accelerates onset of menstruation in them enabling them to get pregnant. But such physical maturity is more or less artificial, setting in before its naturally due time. It is like a fruit whose covering is ripe while the fruit itself inside is not yet ripe. Such a fruit would have little nutritional value.   Children should be left to enjoy their childhood years. They should not be forcefully made to be mothers at a tender age when they are not fully conscious of their task. Nor should children be made to associate/mingle with adults because they both have different outlooks to Life. Nature’s law of homogeneity should be adhered to at all times.

   Economically, women are no longer locked up in the house 24/7. Many now go out to work as salary earners. The informal trade is populated by women. And not a few of them can now be found in boardrooms of local and international conglomerates and other companies. In the political field we have quite a number of women occupying high offices in this regard but women are still clamouring for more insisting that women are still marginalized a lot here. Overall, women say they still suffer a lot of inequality with men to this day. In fact in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day, the United Nations released a report that showed that gender equality is still a dream. “It is 2026 and as yet, no country has achieved gender equality. At the current rate of progress, it could take hundreds of years for women and girls to have the same rights and protections as men”, the UN stated.

But what exactly do we mean by gender equality’? Does it mean that we should be equal to men in all respects, that we should rub shoulders with them in all ramifications? This is a tall dream, impossible and can never happen for the simple reason that men and women are different in nature. They are cut out for different kinds of activities/roles by Nature. This is evident from their physique — men with their muscular build and women with their supple, broad hips. Thus women are suited to fine, negative kinds of activities and men coarse, hard, positive (gra gra) types. Should a woman for example be engaged in a man’s kind of activity she would not be able to perform it as good as a man and vice versa. For instance a woman deployed as an infantry soldier, that is being in the war front as a foot combatant soldier to defend the country against its enemy of whatever kind, cannot excel in that job because of her nature, Instead a man with his coarse nature will do a better job of it. Should a female indulge in a male kind of activities over a long, long period then she will gradually coarsen her natural feminine qualities; and overtime she becomes a distorted soul. That is, a woman with male features. This also applies to men that overtime undertake feminine kinds of activities. Such distorted souls whether male or female, are the origins of LBGQT (Lesbian, bisexual, gay, queer, transgender) persons.

   Women and men are split species, so they complement each other; they do not compete against each other. In performing activities assigned them by Nature and for which they are thus naturally suited, both of their activities being complementary become a complete whole that is then of full value. Thus a woman does not literary speaking stand before or behind a man but BESIDES the man, working and walking hand in hand, complementing each other’s work/activities to produce what is complete which is then of full value to the society. Therefore, gender equality in the true sense of the word is a mirage.

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SANKARA NIGERIA LIMITED PARTNERS LOVOL TO EMPOWER AFRICAN YOUTHS THROUGH MECHANIZATION TRAINING IN KADUNA

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2026

Becky Hassan

In a bold step toward tackling youth unemployment and advancing agricultural mechanization in Nigeria and across Africa, Sankara Nigeria Limited, in partnership with LOVOL, has successfully launched an intensive training programme aimed at equipping young people with modern mechanical and technical skills.
The initiative, which focuses on contemporary mechanized systems and agricultural equipment maintenance, is designed to build a new generation of skilled technicians capable of driving Africa’s agricultural transformation. The programme provides hands-on training in modern mechanical practices, particularly in the operation, servicing, and maintenance of advanced farming machinery.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Nafiu Danladi Sankara described the opportunity as both impactful and timely, noting that the programme represents a strategic investment in human capital development. According to him, the collaboration between Sankara Nigeria Limited and LOVOL underscores a shared commitment to empowering African youths with practical knowledge that fosters self-reliance and reduces dependence on white-collar employment.
He emphasized that the training is not limited to Nigeria alone but extends across Africa, reflecting a broader vision to create a continent-wide network of competent technicians who can support the growing demand for mechanized farming solutions.
“This initiative is about more than training; it is about creating opportunities, restoring dignity to labour, and building a future where young people can stand on their own through acquired skills,” he stated.
The technical workshop, which drew participants from different parts of the region, was held in Kaduna State, specifically in Zaria, at Unguwa Kaya Junction, New Jos Road, KM 2.
Participants in the programme expressed appreciation for the quality of training and the exposure to modern equipment, noting that such initiatives are critical in bridging the skills gap in the agricultural and mechanical sectors.
The programme also received warm support from the host community in Zaria, located in the historic Zazzau Emirate, where participants were welcomed with remarkable hospitality. Organizers and trainees alike commended the people of Zaria for their generosity and encouraging reception, which contributed to the overall success of the exercise.
As Nigeria continues to seek sustainable solutions to unemployment and food security challenges, initiatives like this stand as a testament to the role of private sector collaboration in national development. By equipping young people with relevant, market-driven skills, Sankara Nigeria Limited and LOVOL are not only transforming lives but also laying a solid foundation for economic growth and agricultural modernization across the continent.

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NNPCL Must Account for N210trn by April 29 – Senate

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2026

Our Reporter

…Orders Ojulari-led management to produce Kyari, others before committee

From Taiye Hassan
The Senate, on Wednesday, through its Committee on Public Accounts, fixed April 29, 2026, as the deadline for the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to appear before it and account for the alleged N210 trillion flagged in audit reports covering 2017 to 2023.
The committee directed the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Engineer Bayo Ojulari, to appear alongside the immediate past GCEO, Mele Kyari; former Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajia; Dr. Bala Wunti; and the company’s external auditors on the scheduled date without fail.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North).
Chairman of the committee, Senator Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), stressed that the N210 trillion in question, as contained in the audit reports, must be fully accounted for by the company’s management, particularly the immediate past leadership led by Kyari.
According to him, the responses so far provided by NNPCL to the 19 audit queries were unsatisfactory, noting that Nigerians deserve clear, detailed, and transparent explanations.
“This committee, and by extension the Senate, is not satisfied with the blanket explanation given by NNPCL on the N103 trillion it claimed represents liabilities. Liabilities comprise components such as retention fees, legal fees, and audit fees, and the specific amounts spent on each must be clearly stated and justified,” he said.
Wadada also demanded a detailed breakdown of the N107 trillion which the company claimed was expended on Joint Venture (JV) cash calls, as well as funds allegedly owed by some defunct banks whose identities were not disclosed.
“Consequently, it is hereby resolved that NNPCL is given an additional two weeks to appear before this committee unfailingly. The deadline for compliance is Wednesday, April 29, 2026,” he added.
Earlier, a member of the committee, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), called for the invocation of the National Assembly’s powers to compel the appearance of NNPCL management, citing repeated failures to honour invitations.
“We must treat this matter with the utmost seriousness. The essence of democracy rests significantly on the strength and authority of the legislature. Unfortunately, in recent times, there appears to be a growing reluctance by individuals to honour invitations from the National Assembly, leaving members feeling helpless in compelling appearances before committees,” he said.

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APC Group To Kwara Political Actors: Shun Violence, Hate Speech

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A frontline political group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State have charged political actors across the 16 local government areas of the State to shun violence, rancour and hate speech before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

The APC group, under the aegis of the Asa Progressive Movement (APM), has, therefore, sued for peaceful, issue-based campaigns, devoid of acrimony and name-calling, ahead of the elections.

The Movement made this call in Afon, headquarters of the Asa local government at the endorsement programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term, as well as the governorship ambition of former Kwara State APC Chairman, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa.

In a communique signed by the APM Coordinator and the Secretary, Engineer Daud Oladipupo Babatunde and Comrade Yusuf Mutiu Akorede respectively, the Movement said: “We are committed to a peaceful, issue-based campaign and we, therefore, urge all political actors to shun violence, hate speech, and any conduct capable of heating up the polity.

“We call on all well-meaning sons and daughters of Kwara State, regardless of party affiliation, to join this movement for the restoration and advancement of our dear State.

“The 2027 election is about the future of our children and we must rise above petty sentiments.

“We pass a vote of confidence in Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa and in the leadership of our great party, the APC, for presenting to the people a competent, credible, and compassionate candidate.

“All structures of the Movement, from the State to the polling unit levels, are hereby directed to commence immediate and intensive mobilisation for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the candidature of Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa. Every member is now an ambassador of these two projects.”

The communique reads further: “Our decision is predicated on Hon. Bolarinwa’s proven track record of service as former Councillor, former Council Chairman, former member of the Federal House of Representatives, former State Chairman of the party, who led the party to 100 percent victory in the 2019 elections, and former Board Chairman of the NBC; his desire to tackle the lingering problems of insecurity, youth unemployment, and agricultural revival; and his integrity, accessibility, and capacity to unite the diverse peoples of the State.

“The APM unanimously endorses Tinubu for second term and Bolarinwa as our preferred candidate for the office of Governor in the 2027 general elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”