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Sanusi Celebrates 9 Female Bank CEOs, advocates more women’s empowerment

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Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Emir of Kano and former Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has underscored the significant progress made in Nigeria’s banking sector following a deliberate policy introduced in 2012, which resulted in the appointment of nine female CEOs.
Sanusi, speaking at the 2024 Annual Conference of the Nkata Ndi Inyom (NNII) in Abuja, pointed to the accomplishments as a testament to the success of initiatives that increased women’s representation in leadership roles within the financial industry.
He also noted the rising number of female directors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which reflects broader advancements in gender equality.
The achievement in the banking sector Sanusi indicated has underlined the importance of empowering women through education.

“My days in the Central Bank, the female bankers decided to make me an honorary woman. And this was after we declared 2012 the year of global investing, and pushed through policies for compelling banks to make sure at least 50% of new recruits were female, to make at least 40% of senior management female, and to make at least 30% of the board female.
“We started this in 2012 and I think the result is that by last year, we now had at least nine female bank CEOs in this country, and the banking industry has the highest number of female directors of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
“I say this because the woman holds the key to development, and as a UN Secretary General advocate for SDGs, have always said that if we’re looking for a single silver bullet that goes through most, not all the problems that we are facing in development, it is to educate the girl Child.
“You can think of all the issues, starting from lack of antenatal care, malnutrition, lack of immunization out of school, children, child marriage, all of those issues are addressed simply by providing the infrastructure and the support for the girl child to be educated up to the age of 18 to 20.”
He said it is essential for addressing key societal issues such as poverty, malnutrition, and maternal mortality.
He argued that supporting women, particularly during pregnancy and early child-rearing, has intergenerational benefits that can help mitigate some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
The former Central Bank Governor also took a swipe at Nigeria’s political culture, urging a return to values of integrity and service.
He criticized the transactional nature of modern politics, which often prioritized material wealth and titles over personal character, and emphasized the vital role of mothers in shaping future generations.

Sanusi concluded by urging the conference participants to use the gathering as a platform to redefine leadership in Nigeria, emphasizing that sustainable national progress depends on empowering women and prioritizing their well-being.
Former Senate President, Pius Anyim echoed similar sentiments, urging the restoration of justice and fairness as foundational values for Nigeria’s development. Drawing from Igbo proverbs, he emphasized the critical role of women in shaping society and decision-making.
Anyim pointed out that societies cannot achieve peace or progress without fairness, and he called on leaders to focus on values that contribute to national growth.
He concluded by stressing that only by embracing justice and fairness can Nigeria achieve lasting peace and progress.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives
Benjamin Kalu, emphasized the essential role of women in promoting unity, development, and inclusivity in Nigeria.
Kalu highlighted the 10th National Assembly’s commitment to advancing gender equality, inclusive governance, and sustainable development.
He praised the efforts made to tackle gender-based violence, insecurity, and economic disempowerment and encouraged collaborative solutions.
Kalu concluded by urging a redefinition of leadership to restore core values and drive Nigeria’s growth.
Senator Rochas Okorocha urged Nigerian women to step into leadership roles, advocating for a collective renewal of the nation’s mindset.

“Transformation can only take place with the renewal of our minds,” Okorocha said. He praised the resilience and leadership of Igbo women, describing them as the “pillar of support” behind many great 1¹1Nigerian men. “Every great man has an Igbo woman supporting him. She is not just a woman; she is the strength a1nd the soul of leadership,” of of and tax, urging them not to give up on their transformative potential.
Founder/President General Worldwide of the foundation, Iyom Josephine Anenih called on Nigerian women to take collective action in addressing national issues such as insecurity, underdevelopment, and lack of peace.
She emphasized the shared challenges women face across ethnic and regional lines and highlighted their responsibility in nurturing future leaders.
Anenih advocated for collaboration with men to achieve peace and progress while urging immediate, sustained action beyond mere dialogue. She underscored Nigeria’s potential as a global leader, stressing that women must lead efforts to restore the nation’s greatness.

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NationalUpdate Woman

Breaking the Silence: Dr. Valda Martins Champions Menstrual Hygiene Awareness with New Book

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For many young girls, the arrival of their first period is met with confusion, fear, and even shame.
Dr. Valda Martins, a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, knows this feeling all too well.
She vividly recalls her own experience, how a lack of information left her terrified and unprepared. Now, she is determined to change that narrative.
At the launch of her new book, Menstrual Hygiene Among Women, Dr. Martins made a passionate call for increased awareness and sensitization on menstrual hygiene.
She emphasized that poor menstrual hygiene is not just a personal issue but a public health crisis, contributing to rising cases of cervical cancer, infections, and school absenteeism among young girls.

“The day my first period arrived, I trembled in fear, convinced it was an issue of blood from the Bible story. That trauma became my inspiration. No girl should feel such shame or confusion again,” she shared.

Beyond awareness, Dr. Martins pointed out poverty as a major barrier to proper menstrual hygiene.
With Nigeria’s economic challenges, many girls and women struggle to afford sanitary pads, forcing them to resort to unsafe alternatives that can lead to infections and long-term health complications.
Her book launch was not just about pages of research, it was a mission to dismantle myths, empower girls, and push for policy changes.
Through her NGO, Succeeding Against All Odds (SAAO), she has interacted with over 6,000 girls in Niger State and the FCT, Bwari Area Council, discovering that 90% of them lack basic knowledge of menstrual hygiene.

“This revelation birthed a mission—first, a solo effort, and later with my incredible team at SAAO. For seven months now, we’ve also expanded to mental health because a girl’s well-being is holistic.”

Dr. Martins stressed that poor menstrual hygiene directly affects a girl’s mental health and academic performance. Girls missing school due to menstruation lose valuable learning time, deepening gender inequality in education.
The former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hamisu Jankaro, praised the book as a must-read for every teacher and girl in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Barrister Merio Mann, also lauded the initiative, calling it a step beyond mere advocacy.

“This is more than just distributing sanitary pads. This book ensures that the conversation about menstrual hygiene reaches homes, schools, and policymakers. It’s a guide for parents, teachers, and even shy guardians who struggle to discuss menstruation with their daughters.”

Dr. Martins aligned her advocacy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 10: Reduced Inequality

She believes that making menstrual hygiene education a right, not a privilege, will improve school enrollment, reduce stigma, and foster gender equity.

“As the UN states: ‘Menstrual health is not a luxury. It is a human right.’ Every child deserves access to this knowledge, and this book is a step toward that empowerment.”

Dr. Martins urged government institutions, parents, and NGOs to step up efforts in providing menstrual education and hygiene products for young girls. She stressed that access to clean water and sanitation in schools is essential for proper menstrual hygiene management.
Her book, more than a publication, is a movement—one aimed at replacing shame with knowledge, fear with confidence, and silence with empowerment.
With a growing call for action and an inspiring advocate like Dr. Martins leading the charge, the future looks brighter for young girls navigating their journey to womanhood, informed, confident, and unafraid.

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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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