NEWS

Stakeholders Step Up Fight Against SGVB In Anambra

Published

1 year ago

June 28, 2025

Aproko

By Franklin Ebuka

Sexual and Gender-based violence (SGBV) is a global pandemic that affects 1 in 3 women in their lifetime.

In Nigeria, 30% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence since age of 15; 7% of women in that same age group reported experiencing sexual violence at some point in their lives, while 1 in 4 women (25%) have experienced spousal violence (emotional, physical, or sexual) by their husband or partner. This is according to National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

In Anambra, the state Police command recorded 38 SGBV cases statewide from January to 21 December 2024. These include emotional, psychological, economic, physical, and sexual violence. However, records from the state ministry of justice show that as at June 26, 2025, there were 76 reported cases of SGBV in the state. These are outside the unreported cases. Giving these unwanted records, there have been National efforts to address sexual violence and abuse.

However, despite these efforts – years of legislation, advocacy, and international funding, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) has continued to surge across Nigeria—leaving survivors traumatized, families broken, and communities scarred.

From metropolitan cities like Abuja and Lagos to rural areas in states across Nigeria, including Anambra state, women, girls, men, and boys continue to face physical, emotional, and sexual abuse—often from those closest to them. Even more disturbing is that the majority of cases go unreported, buried under layers of fear, ignorance, family ties, shame, and societal silence.

This underscores why key principal actors and stakeholders in Anambra have decided to take the fight against SGBV a notch higher.

At an awareness workshop on the existence of Anambra State sexual offenders register, held on Thursday, June 26, 2025 in Awka, these stakeholders concluded that it’s high time more awareness is created on SGBV, with focus on energising multi-sectorial approach to tackling the social problem. They pushed for onboardment of more crusaders and disclosed plans to institutionalise a physical register for sex offenders in the ministry of justice, to complete the digital system and improve accessibility across agencies.

The workshop which assembled key actors from the state ministry of justice, (state Attorney General and commissioner for justice, Director of Public Prosecution, state counsels, etc), Hadis Foundation, media, clergy, security agencies, community based groups, pro bona lawyers, High-Level Multi-Agency Team (HIMAT), Service Providers Accountability Resource committee, (SPARC), data entry personnel and the chief driver/partner, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, was an opportunity to review the synergistic fight against SGBV in the state, vis-a-vis case reporting, data collection and documentation by the ministry of Justice, prosecution successes, challenges and the road ahead.

It also afforded an opportunity for all stakeholders to recommit to the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, which is more than a social issue; but also a public health emergency, a human rights violation, and a barrier to sustainable development.

In her address, the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Professor Silvia Ifemeje, noted that through the support of their strategic partners — especially the Hadis Foundation and its sponsor, the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, the state has made some commendable strides in prosecuting SGBV cases effectively.

The Attorney General, who was represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Barrister
Ngozi Iwuno, mni said their invaluable supports have been instrumental in the successes recorded.

Iwuno said, “We begin by acknowledging the immense support of our partners — especially the Hadis Foundation and its sponsor, the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme — for their strategic partnership, capacity support, and unwavering dedication to the SGBV response architecture in Anambra State”.

“Today, I am pleased to report that Anambra State has made commendable strides in prosecuting SGBV cases effectively. From the last quarter’s report of 47 recorded offenders, 11 convictions, and 12 ongoing cases, we now record 76 offenders, 13 convictions, and 31 ongoing cases for the current quarter. These figures represent not just statistics, but milestones on our collective journey toward justice and accountability”, she added.

The attorney General attributed the prosecutorial successes to a number of factors, which include, the setting up of Specialized SGBV Prosecution Unit by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), staffed with 10 prosecutors trained to handle only SGBV matters; strengthened Data Collection and Reporting Systems; the designation of specialized courts — both at the High Court and Magistracy levels — to handle exclusively SGBV cases; operationalisation of the VAPP Law, 2017 and Robust`Multi-Agency Coordination.

She however noted that inadequate funding for the Ministry of Justice and allied agencies, limited number of State Counsels willing to specialize in SGBV cases due to a lack of adequate incentives and emotional toll and poor working conditions for data and support staff, still pose a challenge.

In spite of these challenges the Commissioner of Justice stated that the state government remains unshaken in its commitment to the fight against SGBV. She disclosed that the state is in the process of institutionalizing a physical register for sex offenders at the Ministry to complement the digital system and improve accessibility across agencies.

She urged every stakeholder from the bench, the bar, the police, the health sector, or civil society to build on the gains recorded by expanding sensitization of the Sexual Offenders Register across communities, strengthening institutional coordination and survivor support and investing in the human and financial resources required to sustain these successes.

The Sexual Offender Register, managed by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is only accessible online currently. The register serves as a tool to document and track cases of sexual violence and abuse, including those reported, arraigned, or convicted under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. The register includes information on convicted offenders, as well as those who have been arraigned or reported, with varying levels of access depending on the user and the nature of the information.

Earlier, in her opening remark, the coordinator of RoLAC programme in Anambra state, Josephine Onah harped on the need for sustained multi-agency collaboration in the areas of sensitisation on SGBV, sex offenders register and availability of support service, data collection and reporting, survivors and family support, as well as. Onah, who regretted that perpetrators of Gender Based violence have continued to exploit societal lapses to perpetuate their evil, stressed that the offenders need to be named and shamed. She called on all the stakeholders to step up action towards eradicating the social scourge.

On her part the Anambra state coordinator of Service Providers Accountability Resource Committee (SPARC) and Director of Davina Care Foundation, Yohanna Rachel, who lamented the lack of support from some key stakeholders like the church, noted that a synergistic collaboration, logistics supports and cooperation of victims families will help close the gaps in the fight against gender based violence.

It’s important to note that Anambra state provides enhanced services: a specialized reporting system, counselling and medical support, sexual assault referral centres (SARCs), and a new family court to expedite legal processes. The Ntasi Centre (sexual assault referral centre) at Enugu‑Ukwu General Hospital launched in 2019 to provide medical/forensic support to sexual assault survivors.

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is an umbrella term for harmful acts of abuse committed against a person because of his or her sex or gender. It is forcing another person to do something against his or her will through violence, coercion, threats, deception, cultural expectations, or economic means.

The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase II” is funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA. The overall goal is to contribute to the consolidation of the rule of law and anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria.

The time to break the silence is now. In the words of Iwuno, “Together, let us move from commitment to consistency, from awareness to action, and from silence to justice”.

Related Topics:against SGVB Anambra Stakeholders

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HEALTH

After Oko Hostel Tragedy, Sen. Uche Ekwunife Calls for Tougher Building Safety Enforcement (See details)

Published

8 hours ago

July 29, 2026

Vincent Okoye

The Most Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has expressed deep sadness over the tragic collapse of a student hostel in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, which claimed lives and left several others injured.

In a statement issued following the incident, Senator Ekwunife extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, describing the loss of lives as a painful tragedy for the bereaved families, the Oko community, and Anambra State as a whole.

She also expressed concern for those who survived the collapse and are currently receiving medical treatment, praying for their quick and complete recovery.

While commending the efforts of rescue workers, security personnel, healthcare providers, volunteers, and community members involved in the emergency response, the former senator urged them to sustain the search-and-rescue operation until every missing person is accounted for.

Senator Ekwunife further called on the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the cause of the building collapse. She stressed that establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident is crucial not only for ensuring accountability but also for preventing similar tragedies in the future.

She also advocated stricter monitoring and enforcement of building regulations across Anambra State, emphasizing that adherence to approved construction standards and professional guidelines must be treated as a critical public safety responsibility rather than a mere administrative requirement.

According to her, stronger enforcement by relevant regulatory agencies would significantly reduce the risk of building failures and help safeguard lives and property.

Senator Ekwunife concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, divine comfort for their grieving families, and speedy healing for those injured in the unfortunate incident.

The statement was signed by Tony Ezike, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator Uche Ekwunife.

FOREIGN NEWS

Boat Trip Ends in Horror as 20 Die, Majority Nigerians

Published

6 days ago

July 23, 2026

Aprokorepublic

A boat accident in the Republic of Cameroon has claimed at least 20 lives, including 18 Nigerians travelling to a community in Adamawa
State.

The boat, said to have been travelling from Garoua in Cameroon to Yola in Nigeria, capsized after encountering a violent storm late
Monday night, it was learnt on Tuesday evening.

Witnesses said the boat, which was carrying more than 50 passengers, was also heavily loaded with iron rods and other building materials
meant for Dasin, a village in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

They recounted that the boat was caught in a severe storm around midnight, causing it to overturn. Initial estimates indicated that about
30 people might have died, but local authorities have so far confirmed that about 20 victims have been killed.

Among the deceased, the 18 identified as Nigerians have been buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore LGA, according to reliable sources,
while search and rescue operations continue for passengers who are yet to be accounted for.

Divers from both Cameroon and Nigeria are said to be involved in the search, while many survivors are receiving treatment at hospitals in border communities.

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NEWS

“I Pray For It” — Gov. Sule Drops Bombshell on 2027 Ticket

Published

6 days ago

July 23, 2026

Godwin Chi

Nasarawa Governor Backs Christian-Christian Presidential Ticket governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has expressed hope that Nigeria will one day produce a Christian-Christian presidential ticket that can win at the polls.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Sule dismissed claims that the ruling APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket amounted to religious exclusion.

He argued that Nigeria was overdue for a Christian-Christian pairing, noting that past Muslim-Muslim tickets had succeeded electorally.

“I pray that one day Nigeria will have a Christian-Christian ticket, and it will win. That’s what I pray to see,” Sule said.

He recalled the 1993 election in which Chief Moshood Abiola ran on a Muslim-Muslim ticket, stressing that such arrangements had historically delivered victory.

Sule added that opposition voices like Rabiu Kwankwaso’s concerns were expected, but insisted no APC governor had ever described the party’s ticket as divisive.

Citing Sections 14 and 15 of the constitution, Sule emphasized that federal character provisions guarantee inclusiveness across ethnicity and geography, but do not reference religion.

He highlighted his own deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, a Christian, as evidence that competence, not religious balancing, guided his choice.

“Our state is different from Nigeria. You cannot take a particular state. Take Enugu, for instance, it has a Christian-Christian arrangement. Take Bayelsa, it’s Christian-Christian,” he explained.

Sule maintained that political arrangements vary by state realities, but reiterated his belief that a Christian-Christian presidential ticket could succeed nationally.

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Gbasgbos

Shock Proposal? Senator Pushes Bill to Recognize Native Doctors’ Role in Connecting With Ancestors

Published

7 days ago

July 23, 2026

Aprokorepublic

Garba Maidoki, senator representing Kebbi south, has called for the inclusion of traditional medicine in a bill seeking to overhaul
Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory framework.

He argues that indigenous healing practices remain relevant, particularly in rural communities.

The senator spoke on Tuesday during debate on a bill seeking to repeal the Food, Drug and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act and the
Food and Drug Act, and replace them with a single legal framework for regulating food, medicines and other products that affect public health.

‘MOST RURAL DWELLERS RELY ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE’

Speaking in support of the bill sponsored by Sadiq Umar, senator representing Kwara north, Maidoki said the legislation should also
recognise traditional medicine.

“I rise to also support this motion ably sponsored by Senator Suleiman Sadiq. This motion, as my colleague said, is apt, is timely,
and is in good faith to modernise the practice of food and drug registration in Nigeria,” he said.

“But Mr. President, I want to bring to your attention that even though this is modernised, we have not seen anything on this bill
concerning traditional medicine.

“Concerning traditional medicine, sir, most of our rural dwellers, most of them rely mostly on this traditional medicine.

“And I think it is high time that we have a law that also allows traditional medicine to be implemented.

“Holistically, if this is done, we will also reduce the cost of importation of drugs from foreign nations, and we will rely mostly on our
own indigenous herbs and medication by our own native doctors.”

Maidoki said incorporating traditional medicine into the legal framework would reduce dependence on imported medicines.

He added that the bill’s sponsor, a pharmacist, should work towards integrating traditional practitioners into the country’s healthcare
system.

“I think if this is done, the pharmacist Senator Suleiman will be able to incorporate these people and make this holistic,” he said.

The lawmaker said some ailments are better treated with herbal remedies than orthodox medicine.

“Even some of us that are senators, sometimes we rely, we go to herbal medicine to help us with one ailment or the other, which sometimes
the modern medicine has no answer. Like if your ancestors decide to talk to you, you need a native doctor to intercede on your behalf,” he added.

Maidoki’s remarks elicited laughter in the senate chamber.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio responded in a light-hearted manner.

“Thank you, Distinguished Senator Garba. The native doctor will intercede between you and the ancestor,” he said.

“It’s actually baffling that this was part of the African religion, but when the white people came, they now told us that we don’t need
our ancestors, but I think from what you are saying, you are still using your ancestors.”

The bill later passed second reading after receiving the support of lawmakers.

If enacted, the legislation will repeal two existing food and drug laws and establish a unified regulatory framework covering food,
medicines, vaccines, medical devices and other products that affect public health.

Aprokorepublic

NEWS

One Condition: Oluremi Reveals What She’ll Wear If Husband Is Re-Elected

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Godwin Chi

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has promised to embrace traditional Igbo attire by wearing an Akwete wrapper if her husband, President Bola Tinubu, secures a second term in office.

She made the remark during her maiden visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Abia State on Tuesday, where she also announced a ₦2 billion donation to support the revitalisation of the weaving industry.

“If God brings my husband in a second time, I’ll be wearing a buba and wrapper made from Akwete. I am going to be wearing that because it is very soft breathable cotton,” she said, praising the generational skill transfer among local weavers.

The First Lady commended the women of the cooperative for preserving the craft and urged Nigerians to patronise locally made textiles as a way of boosting indigenous craftsmanship and rural livelihoods.

She explained that her visit was informal, aimed at spending time with the women rather than delivering a scripted speech.

Tinubu also expressed gratitude to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, describing him as “a good man,” and recalled her earlier efforts to connect with his wife to learn more about the weaving tradition.

Her pledge highlights the administration’s broader push to promote Nigerian-made products and preserve cultural heritage, while offering direct financial support to strengthen the weaving industry.

Aprokorepublic

FOREIGN NEWS

A New Era? US and Saudi Arabia Near Landmark 30-Year Nuclear Agreement

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

The United States is set to announce a landmark 30-year nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, aimed at establishing a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom, according to reports from US media outlets.

The deal, expected to be unveiled Wednesday, comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The New York Times cited US officials confirming that the Trump administration would formally sign and announce the agreement, which is projected to generate billions of dollars for the US nuclear industry.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the pact could allow US companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia.

However, the proposal has drawn opposition from US lawmakers across party lines and Israeli officials, who fear the program could be diverted toward developing nuclear weapons.

While the deal will be submitted to Congress, its approval is not required for implementation. Washington has also sought to link the nuclear agreement to broader strategic goals, including Saudi Arabia’s potential normalization of ties with Israel and a US-Saudi defense pact.

Saudi Arabia has long insisted on its right to pursue a civilian nuclear program, similar to the UAE, which signed a nuclear deal with Washington in 2009 but does not enrich uranium.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in Manila, declined to confirm the deal but assured that Washington would not enter any agreement that risks nuclear proliferation.

The announcement comes as the US war with Iran continues to destabilize the region, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels threatening to blockade Saudi ports, a move that could disrupt global oil supplies.

Aprokorepublic

Gbasgbos

Nigeria Remains Africa’s Population Giant as New 2026 Figures Emerge

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

Nigeria has retained its position as Africa’s most populous country, with an estimated population of 242.4 million people in 2026, according to new figures from Worldometer.

The estimate places Nigeria ahead of Ethiopia (138.9 million) and Egypt (120.1 million), which rank second and third respectively.

Africa as a whole remains the world’s fastest-growing continent, with its population projected to surpass 2.5 billion by 2050, driven by youthful demographics, high fertility rates, and improved healthcare.

Nigeria’s last official census was conducted in 2006, when the population stood at 140.4 million. Since then, growth has been tracked through projections, with the World Bank estimating a 2.1% growth rate in 2025.

The country’s median age of 18 years and fertility rate of 4.2 children per woman continue to fuel rapid expansion.

Africa’s Top 10 Most Populous Countries (2026)Nigeria – 242.4 million, Ethiopia -138.9 million, Egypt, 120.1 million, Democratic Republic of Congo, — 116.5 million,Tanzania — 72.6 million, South Africa — 65.5 million, Kenya — 58.6 million, Sudan — 53.3 million, Uganda — 52.8 million, Algeria — 48 million.

Experts say Africa’s rising population will reshape markets, investment flows, and labour dynamics, with Nigeria expected to remain a central driver of the continent’s economic growth in the coming decades.

Aprokorepublic

Gbasgbos

ICPC Uncovers 908 Ghost Workers — Guess Which Agency Tops the Fraud List

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has uncovered 908 ghost workers across several federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), recovering about ₦942 million allegedly siphoned through fraudulent payroll schemes.

ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu disclosed that the discovery followed a probe launched in 2024 after irregularities were detected in pension payments.

The investigation revealed widespread payroll manipulation, with fictitious names inserted into salary systems to divert public funds.Aliyu alleged that some senior officials enrolled relatives and associates on government payrolls, pocketing their salaries.

In one case, a suspect reportedly placed his wife, son, and mother-in-law on the payroll while also collecting salaries of 12 other workers.

The investigation covered at least 50 federal MDAs, with the Nigeria Police Force recording the highest number of ghost workers at 570.

Other affected institutions include:

National Water Resources Authority — 80 ghost workersFederal Ministry of Works — 56

Ministry of Foreign Affairs — 24

Ministry of Defence — 19

Ministry of Power — 17Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment — 17

Federal Ministry of Health — 15

Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation — 12

Aliyu added that the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Interior were also implicated, though the number of ghost workers in those institutions is still under review.

The ICPC says investigations are ongoing, with efforts focused on strengthening payroll integrity and ensuring accountability across government agencies.

Aprokorepublic

Gbasgbos

After Weeks of Speculation, Ogun Assembly Reaches Verdict on Oluomo

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

The Ogun State House of Assembly has officially exonerated former Speaker Olakunle Oluomo of embezzlement allegations tied to his removal from office in 2024.

During Wednesday’s plenary at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, lawmakers adopted a resolution that commuted Oluomo’s impeachment to a resignation.

The decision followed the presentation of a report by the Committee of the Whole House, delivered by Deputy Speaker Mrs. Lateefat Ajayi.

The report stemmed from a motion Oluomo submitted on March 31, requesting either exoneration or evidence to substantiate the allegation.

After reviewing available records, the House concluded that embezzlement was not part of the removal notice served on him and could not be proven.

Ajayi’s motion for adoption was seconded by Mr. Yusuf Amosun and unanimously approved by voice vote.

The Assembly cited Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), affirming Oluomo’s right to fair hearing.In its resolution, the House withdrew the embezzlement allegation, stating it would no longer form part of the reasons for his removal.

Lawmakers further resolved to overturn the impeachment and record his exit as a resignation, describing the move as necessary for unity and harmony among members.

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