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UN, Women Radio Tasks Journalists On Gender Balance Reportage

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Adequate and accurate publicity for women has been advocated for, even at the instance of gender discrimination, religious bigotry, cultural and traditional factors among other factors militating against them in the society.

This was the submision at a two day media training for political reporters organized by the Women Radio with support from United Nations Women and the Government of Canada held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on Thursday.

According to the CEO Women Radio, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, female politicians and leaders are not given the adequate media coverage as their male counterparts.

Okewale Sonaiya who spoke on “The 50:50 Strategy: An Inclusive, Responsive and Balanced Reporting ” highlighted the importance of fair and balanced reportage of women in politics especially as we draw nearer to the 2023 elections.

She said: “the media remains a powerful tool in shaping public perception and has a bigger role in emphasising gender-based political issues and as such participation of women in politics through the media should be an integral part of editorials and features” .

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Sonaiya further emphasised on the need for the powerful Nigerian media to “embrace and practice gender equity and social inclusion for a sustainable media environment”.

Participants include journalists with disabilities from Print, Radio, Television and Digital media.

In his lecture, a media expert and CEO of MODISULT Media Concept, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, noted that women are key players in the society either as mothers, wives and daughters in the homes.

Citing reasons why women should be supported for political offices, Arowona said women are honest, trustworthy, authentic, supportive and empathetic. Such are the attribute of good leaders who should hold political offices and can deliver good governance to the masses.

In her presentation, Hajia Binta Abubakar Mora, explained gender disparity, as women are disadvantage in access to resources in comparison to men.

Mora charged media to encourage women with positive reportage, even as 2023 elections draw close.

According to her, “As of October 2017, out of 193 UN countries, 11 had a woman serving as head of state and 12 had a woman as head of government. Only ion nomadic countries are close to equal representation within parliaments with women making up to 41 per cent of their single -house parliament.

“Current trend in Nigerian politics shows that men are dominating the place of authority, with women relegated to the background. We need to make a difference by supporting women both from men and women.”

The founder of Women Communications Centre, an Ilorin-based Non-Governmental Organization, Hajia Nimota Goroso Giwa, said women are part of the struggles in the society in terms of pursuing sustainable Development Goals and are making positive impact in the society.

She thanked the organisers for the deep thoughts and commitments towards ensuring that the voice of women can be heard as well as projecting images of women in leadership positions in Nigeria.

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ADC Reports Surge in Membership Following Kwankwaso’s Defection, Calls Him ‘Game Changer’

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially welcomed former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into its fold, touting his defection as a pivotal move that strengthens a growing coalition for political realignment in Nigeria.

In a statement released for immediate effect, the party described Kwankwaso as a “game-changer,” announcing that he has directed his network of supporters nationwide to join the ADC. According to the party, this call has already triggered a significant uptick in registrations on its online platform over the past 24 hours.

The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, framed the defection as part of a broader recognition among Nigerians of the need for a credible political alternative. The statement emphasized Kwankwaso’s experience in governance, grassroots influence, and capacity to unify as assets to the party’s ambition to “rebuild Nigeria.”

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Notably, the ADC highlighted the presence of several high-profile leaders at the defection event, including the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark; National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; and leading presidential aspirants such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. Their attendance, the party stated, reflects a united front and growing momentum.

The party characterized the surge in online registrations as evidence that Nigerians are aligning with what it called a “different path forward.” In its appeal to Kwankwaso’s supporters and the broader public, the ADC positioned itself as a vehicle for restoring dignity, opportunity, and public trust in governance.

“Change does not happen by chance,” the statement concluded. “It happens when people come together with purpose.”

The development marks a significant realignment in Nigeria’s opposition political landscape, with the ADC seeking to position itself as a converging point for influential politicians and their followings ahead of future elections.

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Foreign Affairs Minister Resigns to Pursue Bauchi Governorship Election

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from his position in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue the governorship of Bauchi State in the 2027 election.

Tuggar submitted his resignation on Monday, in compliance with a presidential directive requiring all political appointees with electoral ambitions to vacate their posts by the March 31, 2026, deadline.

The directive, issued through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It affects ministers, advisers, and heads of federal agencies intending to contest in the 2027 general elections.

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Reports have it that his resignation positions him to seek the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bauchi State gubernatorial race.

Tuggar’s entry is expected to significantly reshape the state’s political landscape, intensifying an already competitive contest for the APC nomination. His background as a career diplomat and serving minister is seen by political observers as a potential advantage, offering national visibility and extensive political networks.

With less than 24 hours remaining before the deadline, additional resignations from the Federal Executive Council are anticipated as other appointees move to formalize their electoral ambitions.

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Kwankwaso Officially Joins ADC

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and ex-Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress.

The former Minister of Defence also registered with the party and received his membership card on Monday at Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Bompai, Kano.

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Present at the event include ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Senator Dino Melaye; and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, among others.

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