The wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nonye Soludo has called for sustained collective action, practical solutions, and stronger social systems to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria and around the World.

Mrs Soludo, who is founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, delivered the message in a statement marking the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November.

The day also begins the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

She stressed that efforts to end GBV must move beyond symbolic gestures, saying the global campaign “demands more than words or hashtags.”

According to her, meaningful progress requires decisive measures, narrative change, and a stronger commitment to protecting women and girls in every sphere of society.

The Governor’s wife said;  “In a world where many women and girls still feel unsafe within institutions designed to nurture and support them, we must move beyond rhetoric to real action.

“Eliminating gender-based discrimination is everyone’s responsibility, at home, in schools, workplaces, places of worship, and everywhere human relationships exist. Every woman deserves to be valued, protected, and empowered to flourish.”

Empowering Women

Mrs. Soludo underscored the importance of empowering women and girls through quality education, accessible healthcare, employment creation, and strengthened social institutions.

These interventions, she said, “are critical to preventing violence and ensuring equal opportunities.”

A key part of the campaign, she noted, is breaking the culture of silence surrounding abuse.

Mrs. Soludo urged survivors and communities to speak out, report incidents to appropriate authorities, and support victims seeking help.

The First Lady explained that ”the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has recognised these challenges and is implementing transformative policies aimed at improving safety, inclusion, and opportunity for women and girls across Anambra State.”

“It is truly time to find practical solutions and change the narrative for good,” she said, reaffirming that GBV can be eradicated if the right concerns are raised and decisive measures are taken.

Confidence Okwuchi

The Nigerian media has been urged to strengthen its watchdog role as the country navigates one of the most challenging periods in its history.

Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo made the appeal while receiving members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kano Correspondents Chapel.

Gwarzo said “the press must remain alert, courageous, and proactive in highlighting the country’s security situation.”

He stressed that journalists carry a national responsibility to consistently draw government attention to any issue affecting citizens across Nigeria.

“The media must wake up to be more vigilant and dedicated in appraising the challenges facing our nation. Nigeria is grappling with huge security problems, and journalists must do more to ensure the government confronts these threats head-on,” the Deputy Governor said.

Gwarzo expressed concern over the country’s slow adoption of modern technology in tackling insecurity, noting that criminal groups, including bandits, were increasingly using sophisticated tools to carry out attacks.

“While other nations deploy advanced technology to address security challenges, Nigeria is lagging behind. Bandits are using sophisticated systems, yet government responses lack the same technological strength. The media should mount pressure to ensure authorities act decisively,”  he said.

Gwarzo warned that widespread fear has become a national reality, with citizens travelling or going about their daily lives uncertain of what may happen next.

He said this reinforces the need for journalists especially correspondents across the states to amplify public concerns and hold leaders accountable.

“It is our collective responsibility to confront these challenges. The media remains a strong partner, and together we can safeguard our communities,” he said.

The Deputy Governor commended the Kano NUJ Correspondents Chapel for maintaining a constructive relationship with the state government.

Chairman of the Chapel, Murtala Adewale, pledged continued collaboration while upholding the principles of responsible journalism for the good of the state and the country at large.

Confidence Okwuchi

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, North Central Nigeria, Professor Wahab Egbewole, has called for a united national front against insecurity in Nigeria.

Professor Egbewole made the call during a press briefing at the University Auditorium , as part of activities marking the University’s 50th anniversary.

The VC said the celebration was taking place “at a defining moment in Nigeria’s history,” with renewed threats from terrorists and kidnappers across the country, including Kwara State.

He cited recent remarks by U.S. President, Donald Trump threatening to visit Nigeria “guns-a-blazing”, noting that Nigeria must welcome international support but reject actions that undermine the nation’s sovereignty.

Professor Egbewole emphasised that unity across ethnic, religious, and political divides was crucial to tackling insecurity.

He urged Nigerians to support the government and security agencies to combat crime.

Professor Egbewole urged Nigerians to put ethnic, religious, and political differences aside to save the country from recurrent origins of violence.

He said all hands must be on deck to ensure the success of the Nigerian project, saying we should all say NO to all forms of extremism across religious, ethnic and political fault lines that define the nation.

According to him, while partnership with world powers is welcome in defeating the monsters of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity ravaging Nigeria, to which Nigerians, regardless of sectional or sectarian orientations, are victims and casualties, it is another thing entirely for the sovereignty of Nigeria to be compromised, a violation of international law.

He said; “It is in this regard that I urge the American government to assist the Nigerian government with technology and equipment, both software and hardware, to defeat the monsters that make our lives ‘nasty, brutish and short.’

According to him, “if you are emotionally attached to your tribe, religion or political leaning to the point that truth and justice become secondary considerations, your education is useless. Your exposure is useless, if you cannot reason beyond petty sentiments, you are a liability to mankind,” he said quoting former Nigerian Senate President, Chuba Okadigbo.

Confidence Okwuchi