The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has urged men to actively join the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and support the promotion of gender equality across communities.

The appeal was made on Monday during a one-day training organised for Male Feminist Network (MFN) champions at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) headquarters in Kano.

The training, which attracted 70 participants, was organised for members of CAN, Kano State chapter. The programme was supported by the Ford Foundation through the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development.

Speaking at the event, MFN Project Officer, Mr Sani Sa’idu, said the initiative was aimed at equipping men with the knowledge and skills to challenge gender-based violence and promote inclusive and respectful communities.

Sa’idu, who spoke on the topic “Gender, Feminism, Masculinities and GBV Awareness”, said the training was designed to build a movement of men committed to equality and the elimination of GBV.

“The aim of this training is to build a movement of men who are committed to equality, challenging harmful stereotypes and ending gender-based violence,” he said.

He added that the programme sought to empower men to become allies in the struggle for women’s rights and to advocate for inclusive and safe communities.

Also speaking, Apostle Samaila Joshua Asake, PhD, Chairman of the Youth Wing of CAN in Kano State, commended CITAD for taking the initiative to faith-based organisations.

Asake said engaging men, especially within religious institutions, was critical to addressing gender-based violence and fostering positive masculinity.

Similarly, the Secretary of CAN in Kano State, Rev. Ayuba Apollos Sabo, praised CITAD for organising the training and called for sustained collaboration to address social challenges.

“The church has a key role to play in promoting values of respect, justice and protection of the rights of women and girls,” Sabo said.

CITAD also used the occasion to call on men across communities to actively join efforts aimed at ending gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.

The governor of Kano, Abba Yusuf, has finally met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday.

According to Daily Trust, the meeting is still ongoing.

According to the report, Mr Yusuf, who dressed in white babbarriga and red cap, entered the villa at about 4:10 pm.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Government offices in Abuja and across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were, on Monday, deserted as workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) withdrew their services following an indefinite strike declared by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC).

The strike comes after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCTA management to resolve long-standing labour and welfare issues. Union leaders accused authorities of deliberately ignoring repeated engagements and failing to address grievances that have lingered for years.

JUAC, in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Saleh, ordered all categories of staff across FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals to comply fully with the strike directive until their demands are met.

Among the issues fueling the industrial action are: unpaid wage awards and outstanding promotion arrears; delayed promotions and what unions described as the “illegal retention” of retired directors and permanent secretaries beyond their statutory tenure; failure of the administration to remit pension contributions and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions; and worsening working conditions and alleged intimidation of staff.

The unions also raised the alarm over what they termed a “colossal failure” in the 2024 promotion examinations, claiming that about 77.5 percent of candidates were unfairly failed.

Union leaders said the strike became inevitable after management’s “silence and lack of commitment” to resolving the issues. They accused the FCTA of deliberately frustrating workers while extending privileges to retired officials who should have exited service.

Copies of the strike notice were reportedly forwarded to the Minister of State for the FCT, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, and the Director of Security Services.

As of Monday morning, it was observed that government offices in Abuja city centre and area councils were shut down, with workers absent from duty posts. The strike is expected to paralyse administrative activities across the territory until the government addresses the demands.

JUAC has vowed not to call off the action until all entitlements are paid and the welfare of workers is secured.