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Media Access Vital for Empowering Rural Fulani Women – FUDECO Chairman

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8 months ago

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The Kano State chapter of the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organization (FUDECO), in collaboration with the National Commission for Nomadic Education, has hosted a stakeholder engagement focused on strengthening media access for rural Fulani women. The event, held in Kano, was themed “Consolidating the Outcomes of the IDRC-SPARC GES Research Findings on the Media Empowerment of Pastoralist Women in Kano State.”

In his opening remarks, the Kano State Chairman of FUDECO, Abdullahi Isa, emphasized the critical role of media in shaping societies. He noted that the media serves as a mirror of the society, providing moral and cultural reflections through both mainstream and traditional platforms. He quoted scholars and leaders such as Kofi Anan former UN secretary General and a former U.S. President to support his claim that media is now as vital as air and blood in contemporary life.

Abdullahi Isa pointed out the stark media access disparity between urban and rural Fulani communities. He stressed that Fulani women in remote areas are often left behind in the information flow. “Just recently, a Fulani man asked a question that showed how much media access is missing in our rural areas,” he said, adding that through radio, many people learn values, school requirements, and critical information that prevent societal ills.

He further stated that their research examined how rural pastoralists are using or failing to use media tools to educate themselves, particularly women who, in many cases, have limited exposure.

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Presenting the detailed research findings, Maryam Nuhu Bayero of FUDECO revealed that over the past five years, the organization has worked with stakeholders in states like Taraba and Kaduna on issues including land tenure and media literacy. According to her, research in select communities, encompassing around 35,000 residents across clusters of 15 settlements, showed that these areas maintain seasonal migration patterns with minimal security threats.

She explained that there findings in Dawakin Kudu Local Government in Kano women in the communities are economically active, with about 74% owning domestic animals such as poultry and goats. However, she noted that men retain control over these resources. Only 30% of women own land, and even then, their control is limited. Bayero said that domestic responsibilities dominate women’s roles and that their access to formal education remains extremely restricted. “Empowerment for these women is often defined as the ability to be economically independent through small-scale businesses or vocational training,” she said.

Dr. Muhammad Sale of the Department of Nigerian Languages at Bayero University Kano spoke as a resource person at the event. He reiterated the need for improved communication between the Fulani people and media practitioners. “There is a huge gap between the media and what is happening in our communities,” he said. “We want to be able to provide accurate information to media houses without censorship, and for media professionals to understand our context.”

Also speaking the Emir of Kano Muhammad Sunusi II represented by the Bunun Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ahmad Sadiq, who is also the District Head of Rijiyar Lemo, urged greater unity and mutual respect within communities. He lamented the erosion of traditional values, noting that people no longer inform community leaders when they enter or settle in a community. “We must return to our roots, be our neighbours’ keepers, and ensure that societal norms are upheld,” he said.

The engagement concluded with a unified call for improved access to media for rural Fulani women, greater collaboration between media outlets and pastoralist communities, and sustained efforts to empower women through education, economic participation, and cultural recognition.

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Tinubu’s Peace Move Takes Effect as Rivers Assembly Suspends Fubara’s Impeachment

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3 hours ago

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February 19, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Rivers State House of Assembly has halted its impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, following President Bola Tinubu’s latest intervention in the state’s protracted political crisis.

The Assembly made the decision during Thursday’s plenary, TVC News reported.

The lawmakers had on January 8 initiated impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, citing alleged gross misconduct . The notices of allegation were forwarded to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, with a request to constitute a seven-man investigative panel as required by Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution .

However, the process was halted after a Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo Local Government Area restrained the lawmakers and the Chief Judge from proceeding . Justice F. A. Fiberesima issued an interim injunction barring Speaker Martin Amaewhule, the Clerk of the House, and 31 other defendants from taking further steps toward impeachment .

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The court specifically restrained the Chief Judge from receiving, forwarding, considering, or acting on any request or resolution aimed at constituting an investigative panel against Fubara and Odu . The matter was subsequently adjourned indefinitely after parties informed the court that appeals had been entered at the Court of Appeal .

Thursday’s decision by lawmakers to discontinue the impeachment process followed President Bola Tinubu’s fourth intervention in the oil-rich state’s political crisis .

Two weeks ago, Tinubu met with key political actors, including Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike—now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—at the Presidential Villa in Abuja . The closed-door meeting aimed to resolve the lingering power struggle that has polarised the state since Fubara’s assumption of office.

Following the meeting, Wike publicly acknowledged the President’s intervention and directed lawmakers to comply .

“I have told the assembly to do the needful and obey Mr. President, which I know they will not hesitate,” Wike said after inspecting projects in Abuja. “I also believe the governor will carry out his own part to make sure that this is the final time Rivers people will hear this kind of discord” .

The latest intervention marks a significant de-escalation in the crisis, which stems from the political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, over control of the state’s political structure . Observers note that Thursday’s development suggests both parties may have reached a new understanding following the presidential mediation.

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CDS Oluyede Honored with National Award in Sierra Leone

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4 hours ago

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February 19, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has been decorated with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel, one of Sierra Leone’s highest national honours. The award was conferred during a grand ceremony marking the 17th Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

In a statement released on [Date, if available], the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, confirmed that the honour recognises General Oluyede’s pivotal role in securing peace in Sierra Leone during his service with the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).

The statement highlighted that the award serves as a profound appreciation not only for General Oluyede’s personal contributions but also for the sacrifices of all Nigerian officers and soldiers who fought to restore peace and stability to the nation during its civil war.

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General Oluyede’s connection to Sierra Leone dates back to the early 1990s. Between 1992 and 1994, he was deployed as a Platoon Commander, tasked with securing the residence of the then-Head of State. During this period, he was lauded for his exemplary leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to protecting the government in a time of intense turmoil.

Aside from Nigerian CDS, other distinguished personalities from Nigeria, Guinea, United Kingdom, United States and Kenya, among others, were equally awarded medals during the ceremony.

They included former Nigerian CDS, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Lt. Gen. Daniel Opande of Kenya (rtd), Lt. Gen. Ibrahima Sory Bangoura of Guinea, Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers of USA and
Brig. Gen. Edward Butler (rtd) of the UK.

The Armed Forces Day event also served as a solemn tribute to the courage and sacrifice of regional forces. Special recognition was reserved for the Nigerian Armed Forces, whose steadfast commitment under the ECOMOG banner was described as being at the forefront of regional peace enforcement.

The Nigerian contingent was particularly commended for its distinctive bravery, resilience, and dedication to the protection of civilians during Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war, cementing the nation’s legacy as a cornerstone of peace and stability in the West African sub-region.

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Troops Kill Senior Boko Haram Commander, Arrest Drone Supplier in Zamfara Operation

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4 hours ago

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February 19, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, operating in coordination with local vigilantes and hunters, have killed a senior Boko Haram commander during a mission in the Madagali axis of Zamfara State.

Security sources confirmed that the neutralised terrorist, identified as Abdullahi Mafa, was a former hybrid commander of the insurgent group. He was killed in a targeted operation on Thursday following a fierce encounter with security forces along the Visik River corridor.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the troops came into contact with suspected Boko Haram fighters while laying an ambush in the area, leading to a gun battle that resulted in Mafa’s death.

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In a separate but related operation within the same Madagali Local Government Area, troops also arrested a suspected logistics and drone supplier linked to the terrorists. The suspect, Dauda Usman Gubula, was apprehended during a raid at the Madagali Motor Park.

Makama, citing official sources, revealed that security operatives recovered several items from the suspect, including two aerial drones and 20 solar power banks believed to be destined for terrorist use. Gubula is currently in custody as investigations continue.

The military has maintained sustained offensive operations across the region as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle Boko Haram cells and restore normalcy to affected communities.

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