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Reserve Seat Bill: House Expresses Commitment to Women’s Participation

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The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says the Reserve Seat Bill is a commitment to enhance women’s political representation and address gender disparity in governance.

Kalu, at a Special Dialogue on Reserved Seats Bill Under SheThePeople Platform, on Thursday in Abuja, said that the bill was not an act of tokenism.

He was represented by Dr Sam Hart, his Chief of Staff, at the dialogue which was hosted by Emerge Women Development Initiative in partnership with the Entrepreneurship Centre for Women Development (ECWD).

Its theme was, “Deepening the Conversation, Accelerating Women’s Representation in Governance”.

The deputy speaker stressed the need to examine provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and ensure that they promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“This bill is not just a piece of legislation, neither is it an act of tokenism.

“It is proof of our collective commitment to change the narrative and to disrupt the status quo that has long sidelined women from decision making tables,” he said.

Kalu stressed the need to examine the electoral laws, party politics and societal norms that hinder women’s representation and create an inclusive and equitable society.

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He reaffirmed the commitment of the legislature to advocate for policies that will see women, not as tokens, but as equal partners in governance, urging all stakeholders to commit towards gender equality.

Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, advised women to keep pushing for the passage of the bill.

“Start talking to the party people. Let there be a law that if you do not meet certain quota, you are not going to run for elections, not just in elective but also at appointment.

“So, they should make it possible that at least 35 per cent are women, so that they could also be able to bring 35 per cent or more that will be party executives.

“This will also have women that make primaries, which will help them contest during elections,” she said.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, said that the bill would deepen democracy, enrich governance with inclusivity, and ensure that decision-making reflects the full diversity of the nation.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim was represented by Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, Deputy National Women Leader, All Progressive Congress (APC).

She said that the bill would also enhance Nigeria’s global standing and position as a credible leader in advancing gender equality across Africa and beyond.

Mrs Mary Ikoku, Founder, SheThePeople platform, said that the reserved seats for women will ensure inclusive representation and reflect the diversity of Nigerian society.

“We are not asking for favour. What we are asking for are just constitutional rights of women and girls to have rights to leadership,” she said.

Meanwhile, Aisha Yesufu, a renowned political and human rights activist, during a panel discussion, urged the National Assembly to pass a bill to enable the country thrive and promote gender equity.

The Ninth Assembly has come and gone and history has recorded that it was its members that vehemently rejected the bill.

“For the Tenth Assembly, I have this to say: sign the bill on reserved seats for women if you want to be remembered,” she said.

Other activities included a panel discussion on Building a Strong Case for the Reserved Seats Bill: Strategies for Advocacy and Lobbying for Passage. (NAN)

 

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Dangote Cement Deploys AI, Telematics to Enhance Transport Safety

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Dangote Cement Transport has scaled up series of impactful, and technology backed programmes designed to improve performance, governance and compliance to road safety.

A statement from the Branding and Communications Department of the company said the enhanced programmes cover key operational areas, including performance metrics, strengthened governance standards, and improved accountability frameworks.

It further noted that the programmes also extend to comprehensive driver training and competency development, technology-enabled safety systems, journey management protocols, and regular recertification processes.

Other components include mandatory drug screening, strategic partnerships and collaborations, as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, sustainability programmes, and community impact programmes, among others.

The statement signed by the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, recalled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had recently commended the company for its proactive safety programmes, which have contributed to reducing road traffic crashes across the country.

The statement quoted Head of Transport of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Murilo Silva, as saying that the company has upscaled its transport management systems through the deployment of automated inspection technologies and artificial intelligence-driven solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and road safety.

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Mr. Silva said the company has since deployed enhanced GPS and telematics systems for real-time monitoring of driver behaviour during transit, strengthening oversight and operational safety across its fleet.

He added that, in a bid to combat driver fatigue, the company has increased its wellness campaign, while also engaging in a series of stakeholder fora with third-party truck operators and drivers to reinforce safety awareness, compliance, and responsibility on the road.

Mr. Sliva said the company’s collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is already yielding positive results, noting that the partnership has continued to strengthen safety standards across its operations.

He added that FRSC officials are actively involved in the training and screening of drivers at the Dangote Articulated Vehicle Driving School in Obajana, where they provide technical guidance, enforce compliance with best practices, and support the development of highly competent and safety-conscious drivers.

According to him, the percentage of drivers undergoing structured training, drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic recertification, has increased significantly, describing the growth as “astronomical.”

According to him, between the first quarters of 2025 and 2026, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, recorded significant improvements in its safety compliance measures, with drug and alcohol testing increasing by 245.2 per cent, pre-trip vehicle inspections rising by 489.1 per cent, and driver training programmes expanding by 128.4 per cent.

Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, had commended the company for setting new standards in road safety management and urged it to sustain the reforms that have continued to improve safety across Nigeria’s transport sector.

The Corps Marshal stated that comparatively between 2025 and 2026, road crashes involving trucks belonging to the Dangote Cement Plc declined by 56 per cent, while fatal cases decreased by 36 per cent and injuries dropped significantly by 52 per cent.

He said the improvement has shown that the company has implemented its Gap Analysis, and company policies worthy of emulation by all logistics companies in Africa.

“We have always said that if Dangote Cement get its right, Nigeria and Africa, will get it right. This is a plus for Nigeria,” he said.

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Yusuf Muhammad Kawu Emerges as APM Candidate for Nassarawa Constituency

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Ambassador Yusuf Muhammad Kawu has officially secured the ticket of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Nassarawa Federal Constituency in Kano State.

In a statement released to his supporters and the general public, Kawu expressed gratitude and optimism, describing his emergence as a reflection of his commitment to serve with dedication, integrity, and a clear vision for progress.

“This victory is a testament to my commitment to serve our people with dedication, integrity, and a clear vision for progress,” he said. He further appealed to constituents for their support and votes in the forthcoming election, pledging that their mandate would be his responsibility and their pride.

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Kawu emphasized that his candidacy is driven by a desire to build a stronger and more prosperous Nassarawa Constituency, promising inclusive representation and development-focused leadership.

The Allied Peoples Movement, though relatively smaller compared to Nigeria’s dominant political parties, has been steadily gaining ground in various constituencies, positioning itself as an alternative platform for candidates seeking to challenge the status quo.

As campaigns intensify ahead of the general elections, Kawu’s emergence sets the stage for what could be a competitive race in Nassarawa Constituency.

 

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Veteran Broadcaster And Ex-MD ARTV, Radio Kano Adamu Getso Dies At 75

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Former Managing Director of Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV) and the Kano State Radio Corporation, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso, is dead.

The veteran broadcaster reportedly passed away on Saturday at the age of 75 after a prolonged illness.

A native of Getso town in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, the late media administrator was widely respected for his significant contributions to broadcasting, public communication, and information dissemination in Kano State.

During his distinguished career, Getso served as Managing Director of Abubakar Rimi Television during the first tenure of former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso between 1999 and 2003. He later headed the Kano State Radio Corporation during Kwankwaso’s second tenure as governor.

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The late broadcaster earned widespread recognition through his role in anchoring popular Hausa-language programmes, including Hukuma da Jama’a (Government and the People) and Aiki Sai Mai Shi, which focused on government policies, public affairs, and development programmes.

Colleagues and admirers described him as a dedicated professional who used the media as a platform for public enlightenment and civic engagement.

His contributions to the growth of public broadcasting in Kano and his commitment to promoting government-citizen communication earned him respect across the media industry and beyond.

Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, and other relatives.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.

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