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Kwara Declares War On Child Marriage, Gender Violence
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has cautioned that the state will no longer tolerate child marriage.
He threatened to wield full enforcement of laws protecting the rights and dignity of the girl child.
According to him, the warning was a bold stance against entrenched cultural practices threatening the well-being of young girls.
Speaking at a one-day Media Hangout, Capacity Training and Policy Advocacy in Ilorin for selected journalists, non-governmental organisations and other key stakeholders, themed “Safeguarding Our adolescents at homes, schools and communities to reach their full potential”, organised by Chidimma and Havilah Foundation in collaboration with the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the governor warned that early marriage poses grave danger to girls’ health, future and freedom.
He disclosed that the state has domesticated the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. “We are fully committed to its implementation. Early marriage is not only a violation of the Child Rights Act, it is a life-threatening menace that leads to complications like obstetric fistula and robs young girls of their dreams,” the governor said.
Represented by the Commissioner for Social Development, Dr. Mariam Nnafatima-Imam, AbdulRazaq commended the partnering NGOs, pledging his administration’s support for adolescents in the state.
In his lecture, titled “Empowering the Next Generation: The Media’s Role in Nurturing Safe Environments for Adolescents”, Kwara State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Alhaji Abdulganiyu Dare, reinforced the need for national mobilisation and grassroots advocacy to uphold the rights of every Nigerian child.
He said that media literacy, parental responsibility, and sustained government actions are keys to reversing the trend of violence, neglect, and abuse facing Nigerian adolescents.
The NOA boss emphasised the essential role the media plays in shaping the future of adolescents and nurturing safe environments for them.
Dare also outlined several strategies aimed at empowering adolescents to navigate the digital world responsibly and safely.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the NUJ Kwara council, Malam Abdullateef Lanre Ahmed, drew attention to the alarming rise in technology-driven gender-based violence, citing recent cases of ritual-related killings involving young girls.
“The tragic case of Hafsoh, a student of Kwara State College of Education, is a wake-up call. We must collectively act to protect our children,” he said.
He called for the holistic implementation of the VAPP Act and urged parents to embrace open conversations around sex education, online safety, and the risks of digital exposure.
In his remarks, the founder of the Chidimma and Havilah Foundation, Mr Tope Omotosho, who spoke through Miss Havilah Omotosho, emphasised the foundation’s dedication to adolescent empowerment, particularly for vulnerable girls.
“Our partnership with the NUJ is to amplify advocacy and create mass awareness on how to protect adolescents, especially the girl-child, within the family, in schools, and the workplace,” he said.
Omotosho lauded the unwavering support of the First Lady of Kwara State, Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, describing her as “a dependable ally in the fight for a safe and inclusive society for young girls.”
He pledged the foundation’s continued investment in campaigns, sensitisation programmes, and community engagements aimed at preventing abuse and promoting girls’ education, healthcare access, and personal development.
Veteran broadcaster and former Commissioner for Sports in Kwara State, Alhaji Hameed Adio, challenged media professionals to champion value-based content and combat moral decay among young people.
“The media must take a proactive role in setting new narratives, showcasing excellence, discouraging harmful content, and engaging in advocacy journalism that inspires positive change,” he said.
He urged media houses to embrace digital tools and social platforms to expand their reach, counter misinformation, and promote the autobiographies and success stories of inspirational Nigerians as a counterweight to celebrity culture and sensationalism.
He also called for communal mentorship revival, adding that traditional systems of guidance and discipline must be modernised and institutionalised to protect adolescents from abuse, addiction, and exploitation.
The event brought together journalists, advocates, and civil society leaders to strengthen the role of the media in safeguarding adolescents from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Guardian.ng
News
BREAKING: Tinubu Issues Nationwide Message to Nigerians , “We Will Never Surrender”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will never yield to forces seeking to destabilise its peace, unity, and sovereignty.
The President spoke while hosting religious and traditional leaders for an interfaith breaking of the fast at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
A statement shared via X, by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu acknowledged the critical role of religious and traditional figures in fostering peace and moral guidance across communities.
“Yes, we are challenged; the terrorists are very desperate now because they are getting barraged and defeated, they leave trails of blood in their wake.
But I assure you of one thing: Nigeria will never surrender. We are not discouraged. We are going to win and win well,” he said.
The President emphasised that the government remains committed to protecting citizens and securing the nation from insurgents and other threats to stability.
President Tinubu also reflected on the economic progress since assuming office, highlighting measures to stabilise public finances and support pensioners.
“I am just grateful, one person among millions, that I have been given the opportunity to serve. And all I can do is promise that I will continue to be faithful in discharging my duty. I can report that the economy has turned the corner. It is getting better. Pensioners are getting their relief gradually. We have saved Nigeria from bankruptcy,” he stated.
He added that his administration has ensured that no governor struggles to pay salaries and is focused on long-term development in sectors such as agriculture and education to leave a lasting legacy.
In his remarks, Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, praised President Tinubu for bringing together leaders of Nigeria’s major religions, describing the occasion as a symbol of national unity.
He prayed for guidance, protection, peaceful coexistence, and the President’s success. Representing the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe underscored the importance of faith leaders in promoting harmony.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), through Archbishop Daniel Okoh, assured President Tinubu of the church’s continued support for his government’s efforts to transform the economy and strengthen security.
Traditional rulers and religious leaders from all six geopolitical zones attended the event, reinforcing the administration’s message of national unity, peace, and resilience.
News
SO SAD: Top APC Chieftain Collapses, Dies In Abuja; Party Reacts
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed that it is “shocked and deeply saddened” by the death of “a highly respected” party chieftain, Chamberlain Dunkwu.
Dunkwu, president of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, tragically passed away after collapsing at his residence on Saturday morning, March 7, 2026. His sudden death came just hours before he was scheduled to attend the “Swim to the Future” programme, a key talent discovery event he had helped organise at the National Stadium Swimming Pool (Package B) in Abuja.
According to Leadership, sources close to the family confirmed that efforts to revive Dunkwu were unsuccessful.
Apart from leading the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Dunkwu also served as deputy chief of staff (legislative) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. Previously, he was a special adviser on members’ affairs to the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In its condolence message, signed by national spokesperson Felix Morka, the APC described Dunkwu as “an energetic, selfless, and loyal party man who contributed enormously to building and strengthening the party in his native Ika federal constituency, Delta State, and beyond.”
The APC’s statement reads on X: “Dr. Dunkwu lived a vibrant life of service and philanthropy that touched many within and beyond his homeland. His exit has created a yawning void that will be difficult to fill. Our Party prays God to grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear this huge loss. And may He comfort all members of the APC family in Ika Federal Constituency, Delta State and around the country at this difficult time.”
It added: “Amazing Grace! Amazing Grace! May His Grace lead you home, and may it be true for you as proclaimed in the old hymnal: “To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear; then he’ll call me someday to my home far away, where his glory forever I’ll share.” Fare thee well, dear compatriot!”
ABUJA, FCT
MARCH 8, 2026
PRESS STATEMENT
APC MOURNS DR. CHAMBERLAIN DUNKWU
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is shocked and deeply saddened by the death of a highly respected Party Chieftain, Dr. Chamberlain Dunkwu, at 54.
The late Dr. Dunkwu was an energetic, selfless… pic.twitter.com/dA8I3XiEAc
— APC Nigeria (@OfficialAPCNg) March 8, 2026
News
Iran: Tension As Explosion Rocks Second US Embassy
An explosion hit the Embassy of the United States, Oslo in the Norwegian capital early Sunday, authorities said, but no injuries were reported.
The incident comes shortly after Iranian missile and drone attacks targeted U.S. interests and allied locations in the Gulf, including strikes around Doha, Qatar, as Tehran retaliates against U.S. and Israeli military operations.
According to the police, the explosion damaged the entrance of the embassy’s consular section.
Police incident commander Michael Dellemyr told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that officers received several reports of a loud blast before arriving at the scene.
“At around 1:00 am we received several reports of an explosion. We arrived shortly afterwards and confirmed that there had been an explosion that hit the US embassy,” he said.
Dellemyr said the damage to the building appeared minor, adding that it was too early in the investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
“We are not going to comment on anything related to the type of damage, what exploded or similar details because it is still very early in the investigation,” he added.
However, he later told broadcaster TV2 Norway that investigators believe the incident may have been carried out deliberately.
Police said officers were speaking with witnesses while bomb disposal experts were deployed to the area.
Residents living near the embassy reported hearing a loud blast before police vehicles, helicopters and drones were deployed to the scene.
A 16-year-old witness identified as Edvard told TV2 he was watching television when the explosion occurred.
“My mother and I first thought it came from our house, but then we saw flashing lights outside and a lot of police,” he said.
Authorities cordoned off a large area around the embassy as investigations continued.
The incident comes as American diplomatic missions worldwide remain on heightened alert following tensions linked to military operations involving the United States and Iran.
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News1 day agoSO SAD: Top APC Chieftain Collapses, Dies In Abuja; Party Reacts
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