The Senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has underscored the transformative role women play in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, urging their inclusion in decision-making processes to address social injustices and foster sustainable peace.

Speaking at a three-day capacity-building programme organised by the African Union (AU) in partnership with the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) in Abuja, the Senator emphasized that empowering women and addressing systemic inequalities are key to conflict prevention.
Her chief Press Secretary Arogbonlo Israel in a statement quoted her to have stated,
“Women bring unique perspectives to peacebuilding, rooted in empathy and a deep understanding of grassroots challenges. Their involvement ensures that solutions are inclusive and sustainable, addressing the root causes of conflicts,” she stated.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the interconnectedness of social injustices, gender inequality, and conflict, noting that marginalisation and deprivation often fuel tensions. She advocated for policies that empower women and create platforms for their active participation in dialogue and preventive diplomacy.

“Many conflicts arise from a sense of injustice and exclusion. Women, as nurturers and leaders, are instrumental in bridging divides and fostering unity. When we empower women, we empower communities to resolve disputes and prevent conflicts from escalating,” she remarked.

The event, which brought together female parliamentarians and First Ladies across Africa, focused on promoting women’s peace and security on the continent. Discussions centred on tackling violence against women and amplifying women’s voices in conflict prevention and resolution.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Medical experts in Jigawa State have identified community outreach as a highly effective method for promoting family planning and personal hygiene among women in rural and semi-urban areas.

Deputy in Charge and Head of the Antenatal Care Unit at Madobi Primary Healthcare Clinic in Dutse, Hajiya Aisha Bala, disclosed in an interview with National Update.
She noted that outreach efforts have significantly increased the number of women adopting family planning methods and understanding the importance of hygiene.

“Community outreach allows us to engage women directly in their communities, creating a comfortable environment for discussions about family planning and personal hygiene. This approach has yielded impressive results, with more women now recognizing that family planning is their right,” Hajiya Bala said.

She explained that during outreach sessions, women are gathered in the homes of village leaders, where healthcare personnel educate them about the benefits and methods of family planning. This strategy has been particularly beneficial for newly married women who wish to delay childbirth for education or personal reasons.

The outreach campaigns have resulted in a dramatic increase in participation. “On average, we see about 24 to 33 women weekly at our facilities. However, during outreach programs, the number rises to between 100 and 120 women accepting and receiving family planning commodities,” she revealed.

Middle-aged women, aged 24 to 45, are the most receptive to family planning, according to Hajiya Bala. She added that while there are provisions for adolescents as young as 15, these services are not offered locally due to religious considerations.

Hajiya Bala highlighted the need for more resources to sustain and expand outreach efforts, especially in underserved areas. She praised the contributions of non-governmental organizations that have previously supported the program but noted that healthcare workers often take the initiative to continue outreach visits due to high community demand.

“Women frequently request that we return for additional sessions. Their enthusiasm drives us to fulfill these promises, even when resources are limited,” she said.

The outreach initiative has proven essential in empowering women in Jigawa State, fostering healthier communities, and ensuring informed decision-making regarding family planning and hygiene practices.

Ms. Grace Ike of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN) has made history by becoming the first female Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, 43 years after its establishment.
Ike, along with four other executive members, was elected unopposed and sworn in on Wednesday in an election overseen by officials from the NUJ National Secretariat under tight security.
Other elected officials include Mr. Yahaya Ndambabo of Voice of Nigeria (VON) as Vice Chairman, Comrade Jide Oyekunle of Independent Newspaper as Secretary, and Sandra Udeike of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) as Treasurer. The new executives will lead the council for the next three years, while vacant positions will be filled through a by-election.
In her inauguration speech, Ike described her election as a “new dawn” for journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), pledging to initiate innovative projects aimed at improving members’ welfare. “With immense gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility, I stand before you today as your elected Chairman,” she said. “We shall chart a course toward unity, progress, and excellence for our union.”
Ike also expressed appreciation for the unwavering support of women within the council and pledged to empower and inspire them further. She extended congratulations to the newly elected NUJ National President, Alhaji Yahya Alhassan, and assured him of the council’s support.
Adeiza Momohjimoh, NUJ Vice President, Zone D, presented certificates of return to the newly elected officials and commended Ike on her unopposed election, recognizing it as a testament to her leadership.

Grace Ike, who previously served as Chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps and Vice Chairman of the FCT Correspondents Chapel, has had a distinguished career, including roles at Independent Television (ITV) and Silverbird Television.