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  • UN Secretary-General reacts to breakdown of negotiations at COP27

    UN Secretary-General reacts to breakdown of negotiations at COP27

    United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has decried the breakdown of trust between the global North and South at the ongoing 27th session of Conference of Parties (COP27) on Climate Change in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

    Guterres in his remark at COP27 briefing on Thursday, said the breakdown in trust between North and South, and between developed and emerging economies was a recipe for mutually assured destruction.

    “This is no time for finger pointing. The blame game is a recipe for mutually assured destruction.

    “I am here to appeal to all parties to rise to this moment and to the greatest challenge facing humanity. The world is watching and has a simple message: stand and deliver,” said the UN scribe.

    Guterres urged the parties to deliver the kind of of meaningful climate action that people and the planet so desperately needed; as global emissions were at their highest level in history and still rising.

    “Climate impacts are decimating economies and societies and growing. We know what we need to do and we have the tools and resources to get it done.

    “And so I appeal to the parties to act in three critical areas. First, the most effective way to rebuild trust is by finding an ambitious and credible agreement on loss and damage and financial support to developing countries.

    “The time for talking on loss and damage finance is over. We need action. No one can deny the scale of loss and damage we see around the globe.

    “The world is burning and drowning before our eyes and I urge all parties to show that they see it and get it.

    “Send a clear signal that the voices of those on the frontlines of the crisis are finally being heard. Reflect the urgency, scale and enormity of the challenge faced by developing countries.

    “We cannot continue to deny climate justice to those who have contributed least to the climate crisis and are getting hurt the most. Now is a moment for solidarity, said the UN chief.

    He also appealed to all parties to forcefully address the huge emissions gap, noting that the 1.5 target was not simply about keeping a goal alive, but it’s about keeping people alive.

    “I see the will to keep to the 1.5 goal – but we must ensure that commitment is evident in the COP27 outcome. Fossil fuel expansion is hijacking humanity.

    “Any hope of meeting the 1.5 target requires a step change in emissions reductions. We cannot close the emissions gap without an acceleration in the deployment of renewables.

    “The Just Energy Transition Partnerships are important pathways to accelerate the phasing out of coal and the scaling up of renewables. This effort must be expanded,” he said.

    Guterres also called for the delivery of the $100 billion in the climate finance for developing countries by the developed world.

    The parties, he said must act on the crucial question of finance as it meant clarity on how the doubling of adaptation finance will be delivered through a credible roadmap.

    “We have agreed solutions in front of us to respond to loss and damage, to close the emissions gap, and to deliver on finance. The climate clock is ticking, and trust keeps eroding.

    “The parties at COP27 have a chance to make a difference here and now. I urge them to act — and act quickly,” the UN boss appealed.

  • UN seeks support for floods victims in Nigeria

    UN seeks support for floods victims in Nigeria

    The United Nations (UN) on Thursday called on the international community to support Nigeria as it faces unprecedented floods, which have impacted more than three million people.

    UN Spokesperson Mr Stephane Dujarric told correspondents at the UN headquarters in New York that the Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale had made an appeal for assistance.

    “More than 100,000 hectares of farms have been flooded, damaging staple food crops such as cassava, rice, and plantain. This will aggravate the already alarming food and nutrition crisis across Nigeria.

    “As floodwaters slowly recede, the priority is to help people to get back to what is left of their homes and regain lost assets and livelihoods.

    “We are working together with the Government, doing the best we can to provide aid, but additional funding is needed.

    Similarly, Dujarric said Niger was also  facing severe flooding, where heavy rains are continuing to claim lives and wreak havoc on homes and infrastructure.

    “Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that more than 330,000 men, women and children are now impacted by floods in all eight regions of the country.

    “Since the rain started in July, 195 people have died and more than 200 people have been injured. More than 36,000 houses have collapsed,’’ he said.

    According to him, the southern regions of Zinder and Maradi have been hit particularly hard, with entire neighbourhoods submerged.

    He said the agriculture sector throughout the country was also impacted.

    “We, along with our humanitarian colleagues, are providing support of the Government, delivering essential items.

    “The 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan for Niger is looking for 552 million dollars; it is only 42 per cent funded,’’ he said.

    Mr Mustapha Ahmed, Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said the flood killed no fewer than 300 persons, injured 500 persons and displaced 100,000 others in 2022.

    NEMA also said houses and farmlands were submerged in Lagos, Yobe, Borno, Taraba, Adamawa, Edo, Delta, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Ebonyi, Anambra, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Imo, Abia States, and the Federal Capital Territory.

  • Terrorism is top priority as Ghana assumes Presidency of UN Security

    Terrorism is top priority as Ghana assumes Presidency of UN Security

    Ghana on Tuesday assumed the Presidency of the United Nations (UN) Security Council for November as debates on violent extremism and terrorism in Africa top its agenda.

    Amb. Harold Agyeman, Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations in New York, said this while briefing correspondents at the UN headquarters on the programme of work and Ghana’s priorities during the month.

    The Security Council, which is composed of 15 Member States, is the organ of the UN authorised by the Charter with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

    Ghana shall preside over the meetings of the Council (adoptions, debates, and consultations) and, under its authority, shall represent the Security Council in its capacity as an organ of the United Nations within this month.

    Agyeman said the two major challenges in Africa are violent extremism and terrorism, noting that most of the programmes will focus on the debates on addressing the challenges.

    He said the debates would focus on addressing those challenges in line with its priority for leadership of the Security Council, which is enhancing global peace and security for sustainable and inclusive development.

    “We will organise two debates on peace and security in Africa. First, we will have a debate on Thursday on“ Peace building and Sustaining Peace: Integrating effective resilience for sustainable peace.’’

    “On Nov. 10, we will have another debate on ‘Threats to International Peace and Security: Counter-terrorism in Africa: An imperative for Peace and Development’,’’ he said.

    The envoy said the event would be convened under the agenda on Sustainable Peace and it would be chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana, Madam Shirley Botchwey.

    “The second event will also take place under the agenda on International Peace and Security, and it will be chaired by the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo.

    “This debate would seek to focus attention on how counterterrorism measures in Africa can best be supported by the work of the Security Council and how the council itself can support such a force,’’ he said.

    He said the permanent representatives of the council would also be having a breakfast meeting with some elders to discuss how best the council would be supported to address his mandate.

    On the programme of event for the month, the Security Council is expected to receive briefing and consultations on Peace and Security in Africa (Piracy Gulf of Guinea), and Peace and Security in Africa (G5 Sahel), among others.

    The General Assembly of the UN, in June 2021, elected Ghana to serve a two-year term on the Security Council from January 2022 to December 2023.

    The agenda of Ghana is to enhance global peace and security for sustainable and inclusive development, particularly in Africa.

    It was the fourth time Ghana was elected to serve on the Security Council and seventh time it will serve as President of the Security Council.

  • Nigeria needs to shift focus from certificates – Pantami

    Nigeria needs to shift focus from certificates – Pantami

    Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami has said a paradigm shift from the clamour for educational certificates and qualifications to acquiring social, soft skills that would ensure one was critically positioned to address challenges in society is needed in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Pantami said this on Monday at a news conference in Abuja to mark the third Digital Nigeria Day (DND) annually obseved on Oct. 24 across the world.

    The DND also doubles as the UN World Development Information Day marked to recognise the importance of Information and communications technologies towards providing new solutions to development challenges.

    The UN day of information is to recognise the role of ICT particularly in the context of globalisation, how it can foster economic growth, competitiveness, access to information and knowledge, poverty eradication and social inclusion.

    Speaking during the conference, Pantami disclosed that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy excelled at the recently concluded retreat that was held for all Ministers.

    He further disclosed that the assessment was based on the output indicators and milestones for the eight ministerial deliverables and the ministry obtained the highest grade in each of the deliverables.

    “Implementation of Broadband Connectivity was 134 per cent, deployment of 4G across the country -127 per cent, digitalising government functions and processes was 99 per cent.

    “Development and implementation of a National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy -103 per cent, while implementation of a Digital Identity Programme was 86 per cent.

    “Improvement and optimisation of revenues from all operators and licensees in the agencies under the ministry’s supervision was 594 per cent,”Pantami said.

    He further said that the active collaboration with the private sector to create jobs amounted to 111 per cent, while empowerment of citizens was 137 per cent.

    Pantami said the assessment was carried out by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UK and KPMG, among others, in partnership with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

    He also recalled that the ICT sector contributed 14.07 per cent in the first quarter of 2020, 17.92 per cent in second quarter of 2021, while 18.44 per cent was contributed in the second quarter of 2022.

    According to him, at each time, these numbers were the highest ever contribution of the ICT sector to the Gross Domestic Product.

    Pantami said:`’Furthermore, the quarterly revenues also generated for the Federal Government rose from N51.3 billion to N408.7 billion, through spectrum sales and taxes from the sector.

    “We now have a Nigeria Startup Act, which is a principal legislation and is a major achievement that will significantly enhance the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Nigeria.’’

    The minister added that some of the policies that had boosted revenues in the sector included National Digital Economy Policy & Strategy 2020-2030 (NDEPS), as well as Roadmap for the Implementation of the NDEPS.

    Other policies, he said, were SIM Card Registration Policy, Nigeria National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 and the National Policy for the Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Telecommunications Sector, among others.

    Pantami said that over 863,372 citizens benefited from digital skills programmes, while the ministry had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Microsoft to train five million Nigerians on high global digital skills demand.

    “On assumption of office on Aug. 1, 2019, the official broadband penetration figures stood at 33.72 per cent and today it is 44.65 per cent, representing close to 13 million new broadband users.

    “Similarly, there were 13,823 4G base stations and we now have 36,751, representing a 165.86 per cent increase and the percentage of 4G coverage also increased from 23 per cent to 77.52 per cent.

    “The cost of data has crashed from N1,200 per Gigabyte to about N350, making it easier for Nigerians to connect to the Internet,’’ he said.

    The minister said that the ministry had developed an IT clearance portal to support inoperability, eliminate duplication and ensure value for money in the implementation of ICT projects in the country.

    According to him, the quarterly savings from the IT Projects’ Clearance Process rose from N12.45 million to N10.57 billion.

    He also said that steps were being taken to create a pool of Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDEs) to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s digital economy.

    Pantami said: “Privacy concerns are also being addressed through the newly established Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB).

    “The drafting of the data protection bill has reached an advanced stage, Digital Identity enrolments have been successful, with issued National Identification Numbers (NINs) rising from less than 40 million to over 90 million.’’

    Pantami said in promoting indigenous content, the ministry had developed a policy for promoting indigenous content in the telecom sector to complement similar efforts that focused on the information technology sector.

    He said it would reduce capital flight, amongst other things.

    Pantami also advocated paradigm shift from the clamour for educational certificates and qualifications to acquiring social, soft skills that would ensure one was critically positioned to address challenges in the society.

    Mr Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said that the DND would be a week-long programme from Oct. 25 to 27.

    Inuwa said the conference would hold in a hybrid manner with an application platform where participants could register and also be broadcast live.

    Inuwa said that Nigeria was ready for a digital economy, as well as transformation, hence everyone should key in.

    The theme of the conference would be “Digital Transformation: A Path to Sustainable Digital Economy.’’

  • Nigerian beauty Queen moves to promote UN SDGs through pet project

    Nigerian beauty Queen moves to promote UN SDGs through pet project

    Miss Evelyn Chigozie, a Nigerian Beauty pageant Queen 3, has moved to promote the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through her pet project.
    The queen, who is also the current Miss Africa United Nations, a contest which she won sometimes in May at the 10th edition of the UN pageant, identified her pet project as “SDGs family and business showcase”, in Abuja on Friday.
    Chigozie while unveiling her pet project said that the cardinal objective of the SDGs showcase was to domesticate the UN SDGs, uphold profound family and ethical cultural values.
    Others are to recognise and encourage corporate brands who are achieving the SDGs through their personal projects, launch the one goal-one family initiative and empower people together for a new world.
    The beauty queen said that the pet project sought to enhance SDG achievements to boost child rights, give access to school, healthcare, reduced malnutrition and safe water.
    Chigozie stated that the SDGs showcase project was also to promote girl child education, saying no to pornography, molestation, rape, reduce maternal mortality, women empowerment and others.
    She called on those who are bold enough to promote the UN SDGs to join the SDGs showcase project 2022 to win amazing prices, including access to grants, endorsement deals and opportunity to launch into the movie and creative industry.
    “Each participant will be interviewed, trained, equipped, empowered and mentored to become role models, ambassadors and choose a specific UN SDG goal to execute which she said would improve the lives of those in their communities.
    She added that this would further create massive awareness of the UN SDGs and contributed to the domestication and quantum achievement of the goals in almost every Nigerian home.
    According to her, the showcase represents a humanitarian platform, where families, businesses and the government can demonstrate their passion for nation building in line with the UN SDG goals.
    She said that the project was a joint initiative and value-driven humanitarian project of Africa United Nations diamonds pageant that combined a unique blend of SDGs, Pageantry, entertainment and humanitarian.
    She added that it was an effective tool for promoting and domesticating the UN SDGs, mobilizing supports, enhancing social entrepreneurial skills.
    According to her, it will connect participants with business linkage opportunities and access to grants to make lasting impact in their community.
    She said it would achieve the target for 1,000 youths, women and girls as beneficiaries for cash and kind over an eight-year period of 2022 to 2030 from the proceeds of the SDGs Showcase.
    Chigozie however, commended the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, the National Assembly especially the  President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
    She also commended the Senate and House Committee Chairmen on SDGs among others on their numerous outstanding efforts to ensure that Nigeria meets her SDGs.
  • Russian attacks on Ukraine could be war crimes – UN

    Russian attacks on Ukraine could be war crimes – UN

    UN Human Rights Office in Geneva on Tuesday said the spate of recent deadly Russian attacks on Ukraine could be classified as war crimes.

    The UN spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani said “attacks targeting civilians and objects indispensable to the survival of civilians are prohibited under international humanitarian law.

    “The location and timing of the strikes when people were commuting to work and taking children to school is particularly shocking.’’

    In addition to putting civilians in harm with strikes on city centres, 12 energy companies and other important infrastructure were hit, the office said.

    Shamdasani said attacking power plants just before winter hits particularly vulnerable people who are unable to flee because of their age or illness.

    Ukrainian authorities on Tuesday spoke of 19 dead as a result of the attacks on Monday.

    The UN Human Rights Office called on Russia to refrain from further escalation and to do everything in its power to avoid civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.

  • ITU elects first female scribe

    ITU elects first female scribe

    Member States of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have elected Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin of the USA as the organisation’s next Secretary-General.

    The organisation, which made this known on their website on Thursday said Bogdan-Martin won the position with 139 votes, out of 172 votes cast, which made her the first woman to lead ITU.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports  ITU was established in 1865 and it became a UN specialised agency in 1947.

    The election took place during ITU’s Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-22) in Bucharest, Romania, with representatives of Member States voting during the meeting’s morning session.

    ​Bogdan-Martin was endorsed by her country’s government as a candidate to make the digital future inclusive and accessible for everyone, especially in developing countries.

    US President, Joe Biden, in a Sept. 20 statement backing her candidacy, said: “Ms Bogdan-Martin possesses the integrity, experience, and vision necessary to transform the digital landscape.”

    Bogdan-Martin, in her acceptance speech, said the world was faced with significant challenges like escalating conflicts, climate crisis, food security and needed to be provided with a strong and stable foundation for growth.

    The Secretary-General-elect, whose four-year term would commence on Jan. 1, 2023, pledged to continue driving the institution to be innovative and increasingly relevant for Member States

    She also said that there would be a better positioning for all to embrace the digital environment and make progress on achieving UN SDGs and connecting the unconnected.

    Bogdan-Martin said: “Whether it’s today’s children or our children’s children, we need to provide them with a strong and stable foundation for growth.
    “The world is facing significant challenges – escalating conflicts, a climate crisis, food security, gender inequalities, and 2.7 billion people with no access to the Internet.

    “I believe we, the ITU and our members, have an opportunity to make a transformational contribution. Continuous innovation can and will be a key enabler to facilitate resolution of many of these issues.”

    She, however, had held leadership positions in international telecommunications policy for over two decades.

    Throughout her career, Bogdan-Martin  had brokered innovative and visionary partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and other UN agencies to accelerate digital inclusion and connectivity.
    As Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau in recent years, Bogdan-Martin had emphasised the need for digital transformation to achieve economic prosperity.

    She also emphasised the need for job creation, skills development, gender equality, and socio-economic inclusion, as well as to build circular economies, reduce climate impact, and save lives.

    Her current term as Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau ends on 31 Dec.
    Among her campaign priorities, Bogdan-Martin  pledged to lead ITU into a new era of global and regional partnerships.

    She added that the organisation must evolve and sometimes break from old ways to stay relevant.
    At the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, Member States will also elect candidates to the posts of Deputy Secretary-General, as well as Radio-Communication Bureau Director.

    Other positions are : Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau and Telecommunication Development Bureau Directors, respectively.

    The voting for ITU’s senior leadership will be followed by elections for the 12-member Radio Regulations Board and for regionally allocated Member State places on the 48-seat ITU Council.

    This governs ITU between quadrennial Plenipotentiary Conferences.

    The union is the UN specialised agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), driving innovation together with 193 Member States.

    ITU has membership of over 900 companies, universities, international and regional organisations.

  • 2023: UN seek protection for women for effective participation

    2023: UN seek protection for women for effective participation

    The United Nations (UN) Women has called for protection for women to enable them exercise their franchise before and during the 2023 General Elections.

    Mr Peter Mancha, the Programme Manager, Women, Peace and Security (WPS) UN Women, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Gombe on Tuesday.

    Mancha made the call on the sidelines of a one-day training for journalists in Gombe.

    The training is under the three-year Programme on WPS in Nigeria (Phase II) being implemented in Gombe State by UN Women in partnership with the Government of Nigeria and funding support from the Norwegian Government.

    ”Women play critical roles in the electoral systems in the country, hence more protection for them would enable them exercise their rights during the elections.

    ”It is important for all stakeholders to put necessary measures in place to ensure peaceful conduct of elections for women to vote and be voted for during the 2023 elections.

    “No election will be successful if women are excluded because they have the voting population and play major roles during election,” he said.

    Mancha also called for more support to enable more women participation in the 2023 general elections, adding that women inclusion in politics and leadership positions remained critical to national development.

    “When it comes to decision-making and strategic positions, there is a connection between women in governance and peace and security.

    “When women are included in governance or elected, they are able to create a balance and ensure that the needs of men and women are considered,” he said.

    The UN Women official said women in Nigeria have potential that could be harnessed to help solve the challenges bedeviling the country.

    Mancha said mainstreaming gender in all sectors of life was key to achieving sustainable peace and development for the benefit of citizens, adding that there was a huge gap in terms of women representation in all sectors.

    This, he said, is the gap the UN Women is working to bridge in the country.

    Newsmen reports that no fewer than 40 journalists based in Gombe State were trained on how to use their platforms to promote women’s engagement in peace and security.

    Newsmen reports that on March 15, UN officials gathered with government and civil society representatives to draw attention to the scourge of violence against women worldwide who are involved in politics, which is increasingly seeing women parliamentarians, human rights defenders and electoral observers silenced, and intimidated.

    The event brought together Vice-Presidents, Government Ministers and senior officials from more than 20 UN Member States,  some of whom spoke from personal experience about the barriers to running for office as a woman candidate.

    Speaking at the event, the head of the UN Women, Ms Sima Bahous, said that violence silences women, renders them invisible, pushes them from public space.

    This, Bahrous said, in turn directly hinders progress on the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which aims to lift people out of poverty and create a more equal, sustainable world.

    Bahous pointed to hate speech as one of the drivers used to discredit women in the public sphere and noted that such violence is particularly difficult on young women, who may respond by simply shunning political activism altogether.

    “Only when women are safe from violence and there is accountability, only then, can we make progress.”

    The UN women said today, women occupy only 26.1 per cent of parliamentary seats globally, compared to 13.1 per cent in 2000, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

    The share of women parliamentary speakers, in charge of managing day-to-day business in legislatures, has also increased from 8.3 per cent in 2005 to 24.7 per cent in 2021.

    Also, the UN deputy chief noted that concrete action is needed to address violence against women and girls.

    Violence against women active in political life, she said, is a form of gender-based violence that manifests physically, psychologically and sexually, both in-person and online.

  • FAO officials to arrive Nigeria today for food security agenda

    FAO officials to arrive Nigeria today for food security agenda

    In order to improve the governance of the food system in the country, United Nations (FAO) assistant director-general, Abebe Haile-Gabriel and the deputy director of the office of emergencies and resilience, Shukri Ahmed will visit Nigeria today  Monday for the food security agenda.

    The high-level mission is slated to last until October 1, 2022, and is expected to strengthen solidarity and amplify the voice of humanitarian actors in advocating for support to stem food insecurity in the country.

    According to a statement by the FAO office in the country, the delegation will give its blueprint in building the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to multiple shocks and FAO’s corporate strategic direction in agrifood systems transformation globally and specifically in Africa.

    The visiting delegation has been scheduled to meet with selected senior government officials in the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Humanitarian Affairs, UN Heads of Mission, and development partners in Abuja.

    They will also make a field visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, where they are expected to interact with FAO project participants and government officials in the state.

    The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is an international organization that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security.

    Its Latin motto, fiat panis, translates to “let there be bread”. It was founded on 16 October 1945. The FAO is composed of 195 members.

  • NOA partners EU Initiative to improve Gender Violence advocacy

    NOA partners EU Initiative to improve Gender Violence advocacy

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in partnership with the European (EU)-United Nations (UN) Spotlight Initiative, said it was committed to ending violence against women, girls and children in Ebonyi.

    Dr Desmond Onwo, NOA’s Director in the state, said this at the closing of a two-week Advocacy Dialogue with the traditional, religious leaders, youths and community stakeholders on Violence Against Women and Girls in Onicha, Ebonyi.

    Onwo, represented by Mr Victor Okike, Assistant Director, Head of NOA, Onicha Local Government Area, said such acts were worrisome.

    He said the programme was to seek support to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in the area, Ebonyi and Nigeria in general.

    Onwo noted that the targeted issues included sexual assault, rape, girl-child labour, Female Genetial Mutilations (FGM), beating of women, denying of women and girl-child of her husband and father’s inheritance and denying children right to school.

    According to him, the programme in partnership with EU-UN Spotlight Initiative and UNICEF, is pertinent to end all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.

    “We are here for the closing ceremony of the two weeks advocacy dialogue with various stakeholders in Onicha, soliciting and mobilising support to eliminate violence against women, girls and children.

    “The programme is organised by NOA with the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative.

    “We have met with the traditional rulers, religious leaders, women groups, surveillance groups and the youth for the elimination of those harmful social norms around GBV, Child Marriage and FGM in Ebonyi State,” he said.

    Mr Godwin Igwe, who spoke on behalf of the Spotlight Initiative, also added that the programme was apt to engage all the stakeholders in the state.

    Igwe, Director, Child Development Department, Ebonyi Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, said the ministry had been an implementing partner of EU-UN Spotlight in the state.

    He said there was need to abolish those harmful norms against women and children in the communities, noting that protecting their rights was paramount to the growth of mankind.

    “Child labour and marriage destroy the potential of a girl-child. Give her education. Say no to sexual violence,” Igwe said.

    Mrs Ijeoma Mike-Ajanwachukwu, the representative of Ebonyi Ministry of Justice, also called for the need to protect the rights of women.

    Mike-Ajanwachukwu decried the situation, saying that Women’s life ended in the kitchen and urged the stakeholders to support the campaign against such attitude, to protect women.

    “Stop the beating of women, rape and all forms of violence, FGM, sexual assault, and denying of inheritance or property. We have roles to play to end every form of violence against women,” she said.

    A traditional ruler, Chief Okike Onu, said the people were ready to support the campaign to ensure that women, girls and children were protected in the area.

    Onu expressed worry on the spate of violence against women, not only in the area, but society in general and urged all hands to be on deck to check it.

    On FGM, the traditional ruler said it was no more in practice in the area.

    He said that they would still take the enlightenment campaign to the grassroots.

    “The FGM was in practice here but it has been reduced.

    “In fact, it is no more in practice. Yes, we have law againtst it and if violated, a fine will be collected from the offender,” Onu said.