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Armed Forces of Nigeria Surpass UN Benchmark with 27.9% Female Participation in Peace Support Operations

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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the Armed Forces of Nigeria has attained 27.9 per cent female participation in peace

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the Armed Forces of Nigeria has attained 27.9 per cent female participation in peace support operations as against the 17 per cent benchmark recommended by the United Nations.

Musa made this known at a one-day gender Mainstremming Conference with the theme: “Building Capacity Through Gender Mainstremming to meet Security Challenges” organised by the Defence Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the Nigerian military had received encomium from notable international organisations, such as the UN and the Africa Union for adopting commendable gender mainstreaming policies in all its operations conducted within and outside the shores of Nigeria.

“As available record reveals that Armed Forces of Nigeria have been able to attain 27.9 per cent female participation in peacekeeping operations, surpassing the 17 per cent recommended benchmark by the United Nations.

These deliberate efforts by the military is in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, mandating countries to develop own action plans to identify, evaluate and control efforts to achieve the objectives of Women, Peace and Security.

“The UN Security Council Resolution 1325 was mooted to ensure women and societal security needs are safeguarded through increased emphasis on prevention, protection and participation of women in military operations,” he said.

The CDS said the conference was also tailored at fashioning out the right ambience for the armed forces in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating operational and administrative doctrines that would promote and enhance their capacity to combat the myriads of security challenges.

He said the asymmetric nature of current security challenges bedeviling the nation brings to bear the need for the military and other security agencies to adopt a more realistic gender mainstreaming strategy to defend and protect women and children during crisis.

He urged the participants and stakeholders to be open minded by engaging in constructive discussions that would further improve the existing gender policies and gender mainstreaming in the military.

Musa reiterated that the armed forces under his command would remain focused in championing gender based doctrinal policies both in its operations and other engagements.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, commended the Federal Government for its continued efforts towards promoting gender mainstreaming in the nation’s armed forces.

She said the challenges had far reaching consequences, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society such as women and children.

According to her, the Nigerian Armed Forces continued to play pivotal roles in both preventing and responding to those security challenges while upholding human rights and safeguarding the national security.

“Gender mainstreaming is crucial to the peace process during and after conflict because it sits at the heart of our Sustainable Development Goals.

“Study after study has demonstrated that when we strengthen women’s resilience and leadership, everyone benefits, including men and boys.

Women are more likely to foster inclusive modes of governance and coexistence, more likely to build peace and silence against, and more likely to invest in sustainable development and a cornerstone of peaceful, prosperous communities and societies.

“Women’s active participation and leadership at all levels is essential to building an inclusive, responsive, and accountable armed forces that reflects the diversity of the community service and better response to their needs,” she said.

The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Atkinson, said the role of women in policy making in the defence, insecurity and operational frontline had grown and become steadily more important.

Atkinson said the UK and Nigeria had adopted and domesticated UNSCR 1325, which made the role of women in peace and security fundamental to the future of the nations’ defence and security.

She said that Nigeria had shown its commitment to the resolution in many ways such as in the protection of survivors of sexual violence, supporting the call to action to ensure the rights and wellbeing of children born of sexual violence in conflict.

According to her, inclusive military and security organisations are key to helping them meet the standards set out in these agreements.

“But I think it’s important too that we understand and pay tribute to the women at the grassroots who are working with their communities and upwards through the system to bring peace and security, reconciliation and support both the women and the men in their communities.

“We must make sure that gender considerations are fully integrated into policy, practices and operational environment and the armed forces can lead the way,” she said. (NAN)

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Bichi rep Reaffirms Commitment to Education as Bichi Nursing College Matriculates students

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The member representing Bichi Federal Constituency and the chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to education.
Bichi stated this at the Maiden Matriculation of Flagship College of Nursing Sciences, Bichi.

He said that his foundation is focusing on education as one of its core pillars of social intervention.

He added that since inception the foundation has been employing and paying salaries to teachers to cover gaps in primary and secondary schools in Bichi Federal Constituency.

Bichi said, “Our Education Committee is working tirelessly to ensure that our teeming youths are given opportunities to excel. In line with our ‘Bichi First’ guiding principle, we will not rest until all eligible sons and daughters of Bichi Federal Constituency have a formal education and are empowered to live a decent life. May Allah SWT guide us!
“Our Foundation, since its inception, has been intervening in all strata of education, ranging from employing and paying salaries to teachers to cover gaps in primary and secondary schools in Bichi Federal Constituency, to providing basic items and stipends to students, thereby easing the pressure on parents. We are also establishing new schools, renovating and equipping the existing ones.

“In the area of sponsorship, our scholarship scheme covers full sponsorship to our students enrolled in Colleges, Polytechnics, and Universities across the nation. We are also sponsoring Postgraduate Students abroad to make them competitive and skilled, with the added advantage of foreign exposure and networking opportunities.

“”Therefore, our dear Matriculating students, as you embark on this academic journey, I urge you to remember that nursing is a noble profession that requires dedication, compassion, and a strong commitment to caring for others. You are not just students; you are future leaders in the healthcare sector.

“We want you to remember that, in the rural areas and villages, your services are greatly needed. So, please put in your very best effort to acquire the right skills to help reduce infant and maternal mortalities and address the shortage of skilled birth attendants and midwives in our communities.
“In addition, our esteemed students in training, I advise you to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you within this institution. Work hard, be diligent, and strive for excellence in all you do.
“Let me assure you that we, as partners in progress, will continue to collaborate with institutions like yours to ensure that students receive the best possible academic and professional experience.
He congratulated the Management and entire community of the College, especially the founder of the school, Engr. Dr Rabiu Suleiman Bichi.
He said, “The establishment of this institution is a testament to the power of vision and determination of the founding fathers and promoters.
“To the Management and staff, I charge you to provide our students with the best possible education and training. Equip them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in their chosen profession. I do not doubt that your collective expertise and dedication will make this institution a model of excellence in nursing education.

“I congratulate all matriculating students once again. May this ceremony mark the beginning of a successful and fulfilling academic journey for you.”

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Skyline University Nigeria Marks Eight Years of Academic Excellence, Prepares for 4th Convocation

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The Vice Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN), Professor Ajith Kumar V. V, has announced that the institution will hold its 4th Convocation Ceremony, celebrating eight years of academic excellence, innovation, and social impact.

Prof. Ajith made this known during a press briefing held ahead of the ceremony held at the university’s campus in Kano, where he reflected on the university’s remarkable progress since its establishment in 2018. “This event marks another milestone in our journey of delivering quality education, enriching minds, and shaping the future of young Nigerians,” he stated.

According to the Vice Chancellor, Skyline University Nigeria was founded with a mission to provide world-class, value-based education that empowers students with the knowledge, skills, and moral grounding needed to lead in a globalized world. “From our humble beginnings with two schools the School of Science and Information Technology (SSIT) and the School of Arts, Management and Social Sciences (SAMSS) we have now expanded into five schools, including the Schools of Legal Studies, Basic Medical Sciences, and Postgraduate Studies,” he added.

Prof. Ajith explained that the university currently offers a wide range of programs, including degrees in Law, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, and Physiotherapy, as well as Master’s and Ph.D. programs designed to promote professional and academic advancement.

Highlighting the institution’s achievements, the Vice Chancellor emphasized Skyline’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through the RMK Empowerment Program, which trained 1,000 teachers under the Teachers’ Empowerment Certification Program, 100 youths and women in hospitality, and 50 entrepreneurs under the Digital Literacy and ICE Program. “We are also partnering with the World Bank’s IDEAS Project to train 1,000 Nigerian youths in ICT, web design, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity,” he revealed.

On international partnerships, Prof. Ajith announced that Skyline University signed four new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the 2024–2025 academic year with prestigious global institutions, including Keele University in the United Kingdom and Sheridan College in Canada. “These collaborations focus on student exchange and joint academic development, reinforcing our commitment to global learning and internationalization,” he said.

He further disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had granted approval for seven new part-time undergraduate programs, including B.Sc. International Relations, Economics, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Mass Communication, and Computer Science & Information Systems. “This expansion provides flexible learning opportunities for professionals seeking advancement without compromising work or family life,” Prof. Ajith explained.

According to him, all programs under the School of Basic and Medical Sciences also received full accreditation during the academic year, reaffirming Skyline University’s status as a fully accredited institution by the NUC.

On student development, Prof. Ajith listed several events organized to enhance learning experiences, including CEO Lecture Series, Guest Lectures, the First Career Fair, and Skyline TEDx, where students showcasedspeaking skills and thought leadership shared stage with invited international guest speakers.

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Just In: Last Surviving Widow of Late President Shehu Shagari, Hajiya Sutura, Passes On at 89

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Late President Shehu Shagari

 

 

The last surviving wife of Nigeria’s first democratically elected President, Hajiya Sutura Shehu Shagari, has passed on.

In a statement signed by Captain Bala Muhammad Shagari, the son of the former President, he announced that the last surviving spouse of late President Shagari passed away today at 3:00 PM.

Captain Bala Shagari described late Hajiya Sutura as a woman of humility and trustworthiness, and a good mother and grandmother.

Nigerian Tracker reports that late President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, who ruled Nigeria from 1979 to 1983, died seven years ago on December 28, 2018, at the age of 93.

 

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