NationalUpdate Woman
Anti-rape foundation, AI, demand justice for 14yr Abuja Premier Academy student that died of rape
Amnesty International Nigeria and
Men Against Rape Foundation have raised concern that one year after
14-year-old Keren-Happuch Aondodoo Akphagher a student of Premier Academy, Abuja, died from sepsis after she was raped families and friends are yet to get justice.
In a joint statement by Amnesty International Nigeria, Men Against Rape Foundation and the Akphagher family issued in Abuja on Monday they wondered why the perpetrator and all those suspected of complicity in the cover-up of the heinous crime remain neither prosecuted nor punished.
“A year on, so many questions are left unanswered: Why has Premiere Academy failed to provide the CCTV footages of 15 and 16 June 2021, which could aid in unravelling the reason why Keren could not walk to class on 16 June 2021?
“How come Premiere Academy retrieved and exhibited the CCTV footage of 19 June 2021 but claimed that the footages of 15 and 16 June 2021 have been deleted by the default setting of their system, despite the allegation of rape having been raised with the school on the 22 June 2021?
“Why has the Nigeria police refused to give official copies of the medical and autopsy reports to the family of Keren?”
According to the Statement, Despite Premiere Academy’s claim that they will cooperate with all institutions of government to investigate Keren’s death, they also asked to know why the school refused to cooperate with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) which is investigating the school over alleged failure of service delivery to Keren.
“Why did Premiere Academy file an application at the Federal High Court Abuja, seeking to stop the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from investigating the circumstances, which led to the death of Keren?
“Why have the Ministries of Women Affairs and Education not lived up to their responsibilities by intervening in the case to ensure that justice is served? What is the life of a Nigerian girl worth?”
The statement also recalled that on 7 December 2021, the House of Representatives passed a resolution urging the Nigeria Police to thoroughly investigate Keren’s death and the allegations of harassment and threat to life of Keren’s family and Lemmy Ughegbe, the human rights defender seeking justice for Keren.
“Over 6 months since these resolutions were passed, there have been no compliance.
“As a state party to several regional and international human rights treaties, Nigeria has an obligation to ensure that women and girls can live free from violence.
“Having ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Nigeria is obliged to act with due diligence to prevent, investigate, punish and provide remedies for acts of violence against women and girls regardless of whether these acts are committed by private or state actors. “As a state party to the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, Nigeria undertakes to adopt and implement appropriate measures to ensure that women and girls are protected from all forms of violence, including sexual violence. “Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees that “no person shall be subject to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment.”
The family of Keren-Happuch Aondodoo Akphagher, Men Against Rape Foundation and Amnesty International in the statement called on the Nigerian authorities to ensure that: An immediate, impartial, effective and independent investigation is initiated on the circumstances leading to Keren’s death and that all those found culpable are prosecuted in fair trial and punished with no recourse to the death penalty.
The statement also sought for Adequate protection for Keren’s mother, Vivien Akpagher, her family and Lemmy Ughegbe and all other human rights defenders involved in this case.
“Effective remedies including reparations and guarantees of non-repetition are provided to all affected persons.”
NationalUpdate Woman
Prof. Abdullahi Breaks Barriers, Becomes Northern Nigeria’s First Female Professor of Mechanical Engineering
By Lamara Garba
In a historic feat that has inspired the academic community, Prof. Umma Abdullahi has become the first female professor of Mechanical Engineering in northern Nigeria.
Prof. Umma, now in her mid-40s, was among 66 senior academics recently promoted to the esteemed rank of professor, as approved by the management of Bayero University, Kano.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to her unwavering dedication, relentless passion, and steadfast determination to defy the odds and shatter glass ceilings in a male-dominated field.
Born and raised in the Sharfadi quarters of Kano Municipality, Prof. Abdullahi’s journey to academic excellence is a story of providence, perseverance, and determination. After completing her Remedial Science Programme, she initially applied to study Geography. However, fate had other plans, leading her to Mechanical Engineering—a field that became her passion and, ultimately, her claim to fame.
A 2005 graduate and a mother of six, Prof. Umma’s achievement is even more remarkable considering she successfully balanced the demands of family life as a housewife with the rigors of an academic career. Despite these challenges, she remained focused, driven by a fierce determination to succeed.
Prof. Abdullahi’s rise to prominence serves as a beacon of hope for women and girls, particularly in northern Nigeria, where cultural and societal norms often limit opportunities for women.
Interestingly, Umma is the youngest of 21 siblings. Her story underscores the transformative power of hard work, determination, and a refusal to accept societal limitations.
As the first female professor of Mechanical Engineering in northern Nigeria, Prof. Umma Abdullahi is an inspiration to students, colleagues, and the broader community. While pursuing her Ph.D. at the Islamic University in Malaysia, she completed her program in just 24 months—a feat not achieved in the previous 30 years. Her success highlights the transformative impact of education in challenging societal norms.
Prof. Abdullahi’s historic achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a victory for women’s empowerment and a celebration of human potential. As she continues to make strides in her field, she is poised to inspire a new generation of women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
In a region where women’s participation in STEM fields is limited, Prof. Abdullahi’s accomplishment is groundbreaking. She serves as a role model, mentor, and a shining example of what dedication, perseverance, and a passion for learning can achieve.
Looking ahead, Prof. Abdullahi remains committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of women in STEM. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to motivate others, challenge societal norms, and push boundaries.
Speaking shortly after receiving her letter of promotion, Prof. Umma Abdullahi expressed gratitude to her parents, siblings, and beloved husband—an academic whose financial and emotional support played a crucial role in her success.
NationalUpdate Woman
Beyond Borders: Senator Natasha Empowers Women in Husband’s Delta Hometown
Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has extended her empowerment programmes beyond her Senatorial District to Abigborodo community in Delta State, her husband’s ancestral home in a demonstration of commitment to inclusive development and grassroots empowerment.
At the event held on January 1, 2025, hundreds of women received business tools such as deep freezers, sewing machines, and grinding machines to promote entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance.
Renowned for her impactful performance in Kogi Central, Senator Natasha described the initiative as part of her broader mission to empower women and stimulate sustainable development.
“This effort reflects my belief in strengthening families and fostering prosperity through women’s empowerment, irrespective of location,” she stated.
Her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel, emphasized that the initiative aligns with Senator Natasha’s vision of driving economic growth and skills development across Nigeria.
Community leaders and beneficiaries praised the programme as a life-changing intervention, pledging to make the most of the tools provided.
Senator Natasha’s outreach in Delta State reinforces her dedication to inclusive governance and sustainable development, ensuring women are equipped to thrive economically and socially.
NationalUpdate Woman
Kogi First Lady Champions Holistic Development, Focuses on Women, Health, Drug Abuse Prevention
In a New Year message brimming with hope and purpose, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, the First Lady of Kogi State, has unveiled a comprehensive vision to address critical societal challenges, prioritizing women empowerment, healthcare access, and the fight against drug abuse.
Beyond traditional celebrations, Mrs. Ododo’s outreach during the festivities set a remarkable tone for 2025, emphasizing grassroots impact and sustainable development.
Her activities spanned visits to hospitals, donations of essential supplies, and dialogues with vulnerable groups, signaling a commitment to inclusive governance.
A highlight of her engagements was her visit to the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital in Iruvochinomi, where Mrs. Ododo distributed antenatal kits, pharmaceutical drugs, and food items to over 120 patients.
The donations were not only a gesture of care but also a strategic intervention to ease the financial burdens faced by families seeking medical assistance.
During the visit, Mrs. Ododo emphasized maternal health, urging women to prioritize antenatal care and security awareness. Healthcare professionals, including Dr. Jibrin Umar of the Association of Resident Doctors, commended her efforts while calling for long-term government investment to address workforce shortages in the sector.
Mrs. Ododo’s engagements also spotlighted the rising menace of drug abuse among youths. Speaking at Hajia Nana Hawawu Oziohu Memorial Hospital in Upogoro, she called on parents, especially mothers, to play active roles in monitoring and guiding their children.
“Drug abuse is eroding the foundation of our society. As mothers, we must be vigilant, supportive, and proactive to ensure our children remain on the right path,” she implored.
Her advocacy for stronger family values resonated deeply, reinforcing the need for collective efforts to tackle substance abuse through education and rehabilitation programs.
Beyond healthcare and drug prevention, Mrs. Ododo reiterated her resolve to empower women economically and socially, describing them as the backbone of societal progress. She acknowledged the support of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose “Renewed Hope Initiative” has uplifted Nigerian women, including those in Kogi State.
Mrs. Ododo pledged to expand access to skills acquisition programs, financial literacy training, and microfinance opportunities, providing women with tools for economic independence and stability.
As Kogi State enters a new year, the First Lady’s initiatives reflect a clear roadmap for growth anchored on unity and inclusivity. She appealed for continued support for her husband, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to deliver more democratic dividends.
Grateful beneficiaries described her interventions as timely and life-changing, underscoring the transformative power of compassionate leadership.
Mrs. Ododo’s New Year outreach serves as both inspiration and challenge—reminding stakeholders that real development is rooted in collective effort, care, and accountability. Her actions affirm that 2025 holds the promise of a stronger, healthier, and more empowered Kogi State.
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