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Gender-Based Violence: NASS Pledges Stiffer  Legislations

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From Alhasan Bala ,Abuja

 

 

 

 

The National Assembly has pledged to make stiffer legislation or amend existing laws that will strengthen the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria to conform with global best practices.

 

The Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele stated this in Abuja Thursday, when he represented the Senate President, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan at the official launch of the UNSUB web and mobile application, as a response platform for victims of SGBV in Nigeria.

 

The Senate President observed that issues of SGBV have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and across the globe, “saying there is a need for us as a nation to come together, brainstorm and fashion out best ways to tackle the menace.

 

According to the Senate President who is also the Chairman of the National Assembly, “injection of technologies would always minimize the potency of criminal actions and expand the range of management, in the concerted bid to rid the system of these crimes”.

 

He said the theme of this launching, which is “Exploring Innovative Routes to tackling the escalation of SGBV in a pandemic”, is very apt as it captures the essence of creativity in dealing with a malaise, made rife by the pandemic.

 

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu Esq. in his statement noted that perpetrators of rape and other Sexual and Gender-Based Violence will no longer go unpunished following the launch of UNSUB Platform by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with other partners as the platform will ensure accountability for these heinous crimes.

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According to the Ojukwu, UNSUB Platform is designed by a technology company, CANs to support responders to cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence to get justice for the survivors and victims, as well as pave the way for the punishment of offenders in accordance with the law.

 

The Chief Human Rights Officers in Nigeria disclosed that UNSUB Platform is launched in collaboration with CANs, OSIWA, Office of the Vice President, and Embassy of Switzerland to facilitate synergy amongst stakeholders in handling cases of rape and SGBV.

 

“The Commission has observed with admiration the upsurge in efforts by various stakeholders through varying activities all geared towards tackling the global monster of SGBV from their respective corners and there is no doubt that the various efforts have helped in no small measures in addressing the problems of SGBV which is highly commendable”, the Executive Secretary stated.

 

Ojukwu recalled that before the launch of UNSUB Platform, the Commission had carried out a series of advocacy to stamp out the increasing cases of SGBV which he pointed out include an automated 24 hours call center with gender-sensitive attendants that operationalize the UNSUB Platform.

 

The Human Rights Chief Executive Officer said that the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Office of the Vice President have concluded arrangements to include NHRC as one of the response agencies in the national Emergency Communications Centre (ECC) “to avail us the use of 112-toll free number as an added number for reporting SGBV and other human rights abuses all over the country”.

 

He also used the opportunity to appreciate the support of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, SAN for always leading from the front on the fight against rape, SGBV, and other human rights violations.

 

In his remarks, the Deputy Chairman House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matter, Hon. Simon Karu who represented the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. John Dyegh said that they are ready to collaborate with the Commission to ensure that the disturbing issues of rape and other SGBV cases are tackled head-on.

 

The climax of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by NHRC’s Executive Secretary and CANs Managing Partner, Olajide Abiose to ensure a smooth operation of the UNSUB Platform.

 

Abiose said that the UNSUB Platform will serve as a veritable platform to encourage reportage of SGBV cases because “it inspires confidence and allows for anonymous reporting”.

 

Other partners in the fights against SGBV and other related violations who were represented at the occasion include OFFICE OF THE AGF, IGP, NAPTIP, WACOL, FIDA, WRAPA, OSIWA, etc.

 

 

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Author of ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ Languishes in Billion Dollar Debt

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Robert Kiyosaki, the author of the bestselling ’Rich Dad Poor Dad’ book, has accumulated an estimated $1.2 billion debt connected to his aggressive real estate investment.

According to reports, the debt is the estimated amount the 79-year-old author and his business partners borrowed to acquire approximately 1,500 property units as Mr Kiyosaki continues to expand his real estate holdings.

Despite the significant debt, Mr Kiyosaki does not appear apprehensive about the liabilities, maintaining that borrowing money to acquire income-generating assets is a strategy commonly used by wealthy individuals.

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“So, I’m a billion two in debt,” the author said on the ‘Get Rich Education’ podcast recently, adding that people “should not do what I do, right? But I studied it since 1974… If you’re going to learn to use debt, you’d better take some education.”

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Mr Kiyosaki’s ex-wife and business partner, Kim Kiyosaki, revealed that the debt did not reflect the amount her ex-husband personally owes.

She stressed that it is connected to the real estate properties owned by them and their business partners, adding that Mr Kiyosaki’s personal share of the liabilities is small.

Vanity Fair estimated Mr Kiyosaki’s share of the debt at around $30 million to $60 million.

“We have a lot of apartment houses with our partners. So technically, yes, we have all this debt,” the ex-wife told Vanity Fair.

Speaking to the magazine, Mr Kiyosaki stated, “If it all comes to hell, you can talk to my attorney. Firewalls—that’s the way the rich play the game.”

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Maulud: Best Choice Specialist Hospital Congratulates Kano Governor, Muslims Globally

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The Chairman of Best Choice Specialist Hospital, Kano, Auwal Lawal Muhammad (Dan Malikin Garo), has congratulated the executive governor of Kano State Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the good people of Kano State and Muslims across the world on the occasion of the Maulud celebration commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

In a statement he personally signed, Lawal commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his efforts towards fostering unity among the people of Kano State.

According to the statement, the chairman was amazed on how governor Yusuf placing emphasis on the development to the state particularly in matters concerning religion, saying such initiatives would help reduce divisions, promote mutual understanding and strengthen peaceful coexistence across the state.

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He urged Muslims to use the occasion of Maulud to strengthen their relationship with Allah through increased devotion and prayers for peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria and Kano State.

The Chairman of Best Choice also praised the Governor for his efforts to improve the healthcare sector in the state.

He cited the renovation and upgrading of healthcare facilities, provision of modern medical equipment, as well as the training and development of healthcare workers as some of the administration’s efforts towards improving healthcare delivery in Kano.

Auwal Lawal further commended Governor Yusuf for his dedication, compassion and commitment to the wellbeing of the people, noting that his efforts continue to have a positive impact on the lives of residents across the state.

He prayed for continued peace, unity and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria, while wishing the Governor and the people of Kano a blessed Maulud celebration now and beyond.

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Kenyan Newspaper Links Editor’s Abduction to President Ruto

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Alex Kiprotich, an associate editor of The Standard, a Kenyan newspaper, has been abducted by armed men.

The newspaper’s CEO, Chaacha Mwita, in a statement, said Mr Kiprotich was abducted along Gilgil-Nakuru Road shortly before 9:20 p.m. while travelling to Nakuru on Tuesday.

Mr Mwita said this is the second time in as many months that Mr Kiprotich had been targeted.

According to him, on June 27, 2026, armed men in a Toyota Probox, a vehicle model linked to enforced disappearances of government critics in Kenya, tried to seize him from his car as he drove to work in Nakuru.

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He got away by locking his doors and driving off.

The Standard CEO linked the failed abduction attempt on Mr Kiprotich to President William Ruto’s government.

“That attempt came days after President William Ruto publicly criticised this Group over its coverage, and our own investigations traced the vehicle to the National Police Service’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau,” said Mr Mwita. “No one has ever been held to account for it. Tonight, that threat has been carried out.”

The Standard CEO added, “We do not believe this is a coincidence. Mr Kiprotich has been at the forefront of our editorial output, including reporting that has scrutinised the conduct of the state, and tonight’s abduction bears all the hallmarks of a targeted attack on a journalist for doing his job.”

“If that is confirmed, this is not simply a crime against one man. It is an assault on the Constitution of Kenya, on the freedoms of expression and of the media guaranteed under Articles 33 and 34, and on the right of every Kenyan to independent information.

“We say this plainly and without equivocation: the Standard Group holds the state responsible for Alex Kiprotich’s safety and his life, and for anything that happens to him while he remains missing. Protecting the life and liberty of every citizen is the state’s first duty, not an afterthought, and Mr Kiprotich’s safety now rests entirely in its hands.”

The government of Mr Ruto has not reacted to the latest allegation.

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