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Group Seeks More Women In Governance
Women have been called upon by the Association of Corporate Governance Professionals of Nigeria (ACGPN) to venture into governance even as they appeal to President Bola Tinubu and state governors to ensure increased women representation into public offices in their political appointments.
President of the association, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, made the appealed at a media briefing in Lagos on Monday to herald its forthcoming maiden Women In Governance (WIG) 2023 Conference.
Ohuabunwa said the forthcoming conference which is slated for July 13 at Providence Hotel in Ikeja is with the theme: “Inspiring Visionary Governance: The Role of Women”.
He noted that the appointment of women into various public offices by the President and the governors would close the gap of gender inequality and to fulfill their campaign promises.
He decried that several women in politics had emerged as candidates of their various political parties but their male counterparts outweighed them.
The groups statement reads:
“We want to use this forthcoming conference to urge the Federal and state governments to appoint more women ministers, commissioners, heads of agencies with a view to closing the gap.
“Especially as the President and other state governors are preparing to release the names of ministers, heads of agencies and parastatals for political appointments.
“The association is urging them to ensure that at least, 35 per cent women representation in public offices is achieved.,” he said.
Ohuabunwa said the association realised that the greatest resource to drive corporate and organisational success was the human capital, in which this capital resided in both male and female genders.
He, however, said that for a long time, most nations, including Nigeria had failed to optimise this resource, often preferring to fire only one engine (male) while sub -optimising the second equally powerful engine( female).
According to him, every pilot knows the danger of flying a twin engine turbo on only one engine. Thrust is low, stability is compromised and safety is imperilled.
Ohuabunwa said since Beijing, Nigeria and many other nations had become more deliberate in creating conducive opportunities for the women folk to climb to the top of their careers hitherto ‘reserved’ for only the men folk.
He noted that the association had, therefore, decided to convene this women In governance conference as part of the national effort to highlight what the women folk were bringing into governance.
The president said this forthcoming conference was also to x-ray those factors that were delaying or inhibiting their orderly trajectory.
He said highly accomplished women in political governance, public sector governance and corporate governance would present papers and lead discussions, followed by panel sessions.
Ohuabunwa said there would be plenty of opportunities for networking and building partnerships during the conference.
He said the invited Special Guests of Honour, Guests of Honour and Special Guests including the Wives of some state governors like Dr Ibijoke Sanwoolu, legislators, and Economic Diplomats like Dr Stella Okoli.
He said the main speakers would be : Mrs Olajumoke Simplice, Past President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation( CITN); Mrs Ebisan Onyema, Managing Director of Avery Nigeria Ltd; Mrs Omotayo Gbajabiamila, Director, Cabinet office, Lagos State Government.
“Others are Prof. Modupe Osho, former vice chancellor, Afe Babalola University: Mrs Felicia David, Managing Director, Alliance and General Insurance Plc; Mrs Afolake Lawal, Managing Partner, Imperial Law Office, Lagos among others.
Ohuabunwa said the association was set to create a national adoption of good governance principles and the creating of the enabling environment to promote women involvement in governance at all levels of the national endeavour.
News
Atiku hires US lobbying firm for $1.2m to boost image – Report
One of the objectives of the engagement is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
Ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hired a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to strengthen his reputational standing in the United States.
The PUNCH reported that the details of the deal are contained in documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, which show that the agreement was signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji on behalf of the former vice president.
According to the filing sighted on the Department of Justice ’s website on Sunday, the contract is aimed at shaping perceptions of Atiku within U.S. policy circles and countering narratives linked to the Nigerian government.
One of the objectives of the engagement is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
Under the arrangement, the firm is expected to facilitate meetings between the former vice-president and U.S. government officials, including members of Congress, as well as provide advisory services on policy positioning and engagement strategy.
“These activities include lobbying and government affairs engagement with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch officials concerning issues related to democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and U.S. engagement with Nigeria and the broader West African region,” part of the contract reads.
The firm will also undertake “promotion, perception management, and public relations activities designed to enhance understanding among U.S. policymakers and relevant stakeholders” of Atiku’s positions.
News
Kaduna Mando Garage Explosion Not Bomb- Police
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 3:00a.m. on Sunday at the premises of Silver Luxury Travel, a bus company operating at Mando Garage, Kaduna.
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed that an explosion at the Lagos Garage Terminus in Mando area of Kaduna State today wasn’t a bomb explosion, but a CNG-powered luxury bus that ruptured after its gas tank was overfilled.
The incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday with the loud blast drawing attention from commuters, traders, and nearby residents, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 3:00a.m. on Sunday at the premises of Silver Luxury Travel, a bus company operating at Mando Garage, Kaduna.
He said detectives were immediately deployed to the scene after a loud sound was reported, and that the vehicle has been safely evacuated, while normal business activities have since resumed at the motor park.
He noted that no casualties or loss of property were recorded, and normal activities had since resumed in the area.
News
Nigerian Army Debunks Claims of Attack on Bishop Matthew Kukah’s Residence and Sokoto Catholic Cathedral
The Nigerian Army has categorically dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media post alleging an armed attack on the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral.
In an official statement issued on Saturday by the 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the military said no such incident occurred in Sokoto State. The claim, which circulated on Facebook, was described as unfounded and fabricated.
“The safety and security of Bishop Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral remain intact,” the statement read. It added that the Bishop is currently carrying out his Easter duties without any disruption.
The Army noted that it had taken note of the misleading report and, in collaboration with other security agencies, confirmed there was no attack anywhere in the state.
The Division reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of all residents in Sokoto State and its area of responsibility. “Robust security measures are in place to guarantee a peaceful and secure Easter celebration,” it said.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army / Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
Similar clarifications have also been issued by the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, which described circulating videos and reports as attempts to cause panic and destabilise peace in the area. Both the Bishop’s residence, the Cathedral, and related facilities remain safe and operational.
Authorities urged the public to disregard the false information and rely on verified sources during the Easter period.
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