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MARF Advocates for Girls’ Rights on International Day of the Girl Child

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The Men Against Rape Foundation (MARF) has issued a call for enhanced commitment to the rights of girls in Nigeria as the International Day of the Girl Child is observed.
In a statement by Executive Director Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe and Director of Strategic Development Dr. Augustine Eigbe, the organization underscored the 2024 theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” and urged unified action to empower Nigerian girls in safe and supportive environments.

MARF highlighted the pressing challenges faced by girls in Nigeria, including gender-based violence, child marriage, lack of educational opportunities, and inadequate healthcare, which hinder their ability to achieve their dreams and contribute to society.

“Girls are the architects of tomorrow, and their vision is essential for our nation’s progress. We must ensure that every girl in Nigeria can dream, lead, and thrive in a world free from violence and inequality,” the statement emphasized.

The foundation called on all stakeholders—government, civil society, and the private sector—to take immediate action in four critical areas:

1. Elimination of Gender-Based Violence: MARF stressed the urgent need to eradicate violence against girls, including sexual abuse, trafficking, and child marriage, emphasizing that safe environments are crucial for girls to pursue their goals.

2. Enhancing Access to Education: Education is a fundamental tool for girls’ empowerment. MARF urged authorities to remove obstacles to quality education, such as poverty and gender discrimination.

3. Empowering Girls in Leadership: The foundation advocated for creating platforms that allow girls to participate in decision-making processes. “Empowering girls to lead is vital for shaping policies that impact their lives,” the statement noted.

4. Investment in Health Services: Increased investment in healthcare, particularly in sexual and reproductive health, is essential for helping girls take charge of their futures.

The statement also recognized MARF’s ongoing initiatives to protect girls’ rights, including campaigns against child marriage and support for survivors of abuse, as well as efforts to promote gender equality in education.
“In celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child, we call on all sectors of society to work together to ensure that every girl in Nigeria is safe, educated, healthy, and empowered to realize her dreams,” MARF concluded.

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Senator Natasha Outlines Strategies to Curb Japa Syndrome at Diaspora Committee Inaugural Meeting

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Senator Natasha leading the Senate Panel on Diaspora at maiden meeting on Wednesday

At the inaugural meeting of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, newly appointed Chairman Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan unveiled a strategic plan to address the “Japa” syndrome—the mass emigration of Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad.
She emphasized that reversing this trend requires creating an enabling environment that encourages Nigerians to stay and invest in their home country.
Speaking in the presence of outgoing Chairman Senator Victor Umeh, Vice Chairman Anthony Harris, and other committee members, Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the urgent need for structural economic reforms to retain Nigerian talent and harness the diaspora’s potential for national development.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged that forcing people to stay in Nigeria is not an option. Instead, she stressed that creating an attractive and stable economic environment would naturally encourage Nigerians to remain and thrive.
“We cannot keep losing our best brains to other countries. However, the solution is not to force them to stay. People stay where opportunities are abundant, security is assured, and governance is functional. Nigeria must provide these conditions to stop the Japa syndrome,” she stated.

To address this, the senator proposed three key strategies to include Establishing a Diaspora Investment and Development Bank
She advocated for the creation of a Diaspora Bank, where Nigerians abroad can invest their remittances into structured projects in Nigeria.
This bank, she said would be managed by trusted professionals, would allow diaspora contributions to be channeled into sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, and technology.
“Diaspora remittances contribute over $21 billion annually to Nigeria’s economy. We must create a system where this wealth can be strategically invested in sectors that will drive economic growth, instead of being consumed on daily expenses alone,” she explained.
The second strategy she is to expand Economic Opportunities and Industry Development
She pointed out that countries like India and Ethiopia have successfully harnessed their diaspora by establishing industries where returning citizens can work and contribute their expertise.
Akpoti-Uduaghan called for the development of high-tech zones, textile hubs, and manufacturing sectors, ensuring that skilled professionals can return home to viable job opportunities.
“Nigeria must take lessons from countries like India, which dominates the global ICT sector, and Ethiopia, which has established over 80 thriving textile industries with the help of its diaspora. We must replicate these models,” she said.
The third strategy she proposed is the creation of a Comprehensive Nigerian Diaspora Database
The senator emphasized the importance of gathering accurate data on Nigerians abroad to properly engage, integrate, and support their participation in national development.
She proposed working with embassies to compile data on Nigerians in America, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa, identifying their skills and potential contributions.
“How many Nigerians are in America? Canada? Europe? We need to know. Data drives decision-making. We must also track how diaspora funds are used to ensure transparency and accountability,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also stressed the need to engage international organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other global NGOs that provide funding, training, and technical expertise for development projects.
She further announced plans to organize a Nigeria Diaspora Business Summit, where Nigerian professionals abroad can showcase their innovations, businesses, and investment opportunities in the country.
“Our goal is to make Nigeria a hub where our citizens, whether at home or abroad, feel confident to invest, return, and build their future,” she concluded.
Former Chairman Senator Victor Umeh praised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s leadership and expressed confidence in her ability to transform the diaspora engagement agenda.
“She is energetic, visionary, and ready to break new ground. I am optimistic that she will drive significant reforms to maximize the potential of Nigeria’s diaspora community,” Umeh stated.
The inaugural meeting marked the beginning of a new era for Nigeria’s diaspora engagement, with Akpoti-Uduaghan vowing to work closely with the Presidency, international stakeholders, and Nigerians abroad to ensure a sustainable and inclusive national development strategy.

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Prof. Abdullahi Breaks Barriers, Becomes Northern Nigeria’s First Female Professor of Mechanical Engineering

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Prof. Umma Abdullahi

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.

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Beyond Borders: Senator Natasha Empowers Women in Husband’s Delta Hometown

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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.

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