Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Advocacy Group Urges Men to Back Girls’ Education with Tangible Action
Organisation says public support is not enough, calls for increased involvement of men in driving real change for female education
Organisation says public support is not enough, calls for increased involvement of men in driving real change for female education
An advocacy group in Lagos has called on Nigerian men to move beyond verbal support and take concrete steps towards advancing girls’ education. The appeal was made on Thursday, 25 June, during an event focused on promoting gender equality and access to quality education for girls across the state.
The group stated that while many men publicly endorse the importance of educating girls, there is a noticeable gap between this rhetoric and actual support in communities. Representatives at the event urged men—especially fathers, community leaders, and policymakers—to play active roles in ensuring more girls are enrolled in school and supported throughout their educational journeys.
According to the organisation, sustained progress in female education is crucial for Nigeria’s development, particularly as data from the United Nations shows that millions of girls remain out of school nationwide. Stakeholders at the event said entrenched cultural beliefs and financial barriers continue to hinder girls’ access to learning opportunities, especially in rural and low-income urban areas like parts of Lagos.
Speaking at the gathering, group leaders emphasised that visible participation by men can help dismantle stereotypes around gender roles. “It is not enough to say we support girls’ education; we must show it through our actions,” one representative said, urging fathers to prioritise their daughters’ schooling as much as their sons’. No government official had issued a statement as at press time.
The advocacy group plans further engagements with local communities and has called on relevant authorities to implement policies that will make schools safer and more accessible for girls. They also encouraged fellow civil society organisations to intensify awareness campaigns targeting both men and women.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Court Orders Arrest of Police Officer Over Criminal Case Delay
Judge issues bench warrant against officer after repeated absence stalls proceedings in Warri criminal trial
Judge issues bench warrant against officer after repeated absence stalls proceedings in Warri criminal trial
A Delta State High Court sitting in Warri on Thursday ordered the immediate arrest of a police officer whose absence has delayed progress in an ongoing criminal trial. The judge issued a bench warrant after noting that the officer, who is a principal prosecution witness, repeatedly failed to appear before the court as directed.
The court’s decision followed several adjournments attributed to the officer’s absence, which prosecutors said was affecting the timely administration of justice in the matter. The officer’s name and specific details of the case were not disclosed at the sitting. The presiding judge said the court could not tolerate further delays and directed that law enforcement agencies produce the officer at the next hearing date.
Legal practitioners present in court described the move as necessary to uphold judicial integrity and ensure that criminal matters are handled without undue interference or neglect by any party. They noted that failure by key witnesses—especially police officers involved in investigations—to attend court sittings has contributed to prolonged trials across Delta State and Nigeria at large.
Although police authorities have not issued an official response regarding the absent officer as at press time, judicial sources indicated that stricter measures may be adopted if such conduct persists among law enforcement personnel. The next hearing has been scheduled, with the judge warning that non-compliance with court orders will attract further legal consequences.
The incident underscores growing concerns over delays in criminal cases due to lack of cooperation from critical witnesses. Justice sector observers say prompt compliance with court summons is vital for public confidence in Nigeria’s legal system.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos: Mr Ibu’s Family Faces Hardship as Three Children Withdraw from School Two Years After Actor’s Death
Content creator King Mitchy appeals for public support as Okafor family endures weeks without electricity or clean water
Content creator King Mitchy appeals for public support as Okafor family endures weeks without electricity or clean water
The family of late Nollywood comic actor, John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, is facing severe hardship in Lagos State, with three of his youngest children reportedly forced to stop schooling due to financial constraints. The situation was made public on Tuesday by content creator Mitchel Ihueze, also known as King Mitchy, who visited the Okafor family and revealed details of their living conditions.
According to King Mitchy, the Okafor household has been struggling without access to electricity or clean water for about two weeks. The family’s dire situation has worsened since Mr Ibu’s passing in 2024 at the age of 62 following a cardiac arrest. King Mitchy stated that the late actor’s daughter, aged 14, and two sons aged 12 and 10 have all withdrawn from school because their mother cannot afford to pay their tuition fees.
Mr Ibu was celebrated across Nigeria for his comedic roles in Nollywood films that brought laughter to millions of homes. His death in 2024 drew widespread tributes from fans and colleagues alike. However, since his demise, the welfare of his immediate family has deteriorated, highlighting the precarious situation that can befall the families of public figures after their deaths.
King Mitchy described her visit to the Okafors as distressing and called on well-meaning Nigerians to intervene by supporting the family financially. She emphasised that Mr Ibu’s legacy should not end in neglect, stating: “This is the family of a legend. Not just anybody. I don’t know for you, but for me Mr Ibu made my childhood fun. Him and Aki and Paw Paw now that he is gone his family should not be suffering. We are donating for the children to go back to school and for their house rent to be paid.”
As at press time, there has been no official response from industry associations or government agencies regarding potential support for the Okafor family. King Mitchy has launched a public appeal on social media seeking donations to help pay outstanding rent and cover school fees for the children. The situation raises renewed concerns about welfare provisions for entertainers’ families in Nigeria after their passing.
Nigeria News (Standard)
AATF Trains 500 Cassava Processors in Oyo to Boost 20% Wheat Flour Substitution Policy
Programme aims to cut wheat import bill and create rural jobs as government pushes cassava value chain expansion
Programme aims to cut wheat import bill and create rural jobs as government pushes cassava value chain expansion
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), working with master bakers, has trained over 500 cassava processors in Fasola, Oyo State, as part of renewed efforts to implement Nigeria’s policy of substituting up to 20 per cent of wheat flour with high-quality cassava flour in bread production. The training session took place recently in the South-West state, gathering processors from across the region.
Participants received practical instruction on producing a range of cassava-based baked goods, including white bread, coconut bread, fruit bread and various pastries. According to organisers, the initiative is intended to empower local processors and bakers with the technical know-how needed to meet growing demand for cassava flour blends in the bakery industry.
Nigeria’s 20 per cent cassava flour substitution policy was introduced under former President Goodluck Jonathan as a strategy to reduce dependence on imported wheat and strengthen local agriculture. Stakeholders have argued that successful implementation will not only lower Nigeria’s annual wheat import bill—which runs into hundreds of millions of naira—but also drive agro-industrial growth, generate jobs in rural areas and boost value addition along the cassava value chain.
Officials from AATF explained during the event that supporting processors with updated skills is critical for realising government’s vision. “By equipping these processors, we are directly supporting federal policy while empowering communities,” one organiser said at the training. Master bakers involved added that wider adoption could make bread more affordable for Nigerians by reducing costs tied to imported wheat.
With Nigeria still among Africa’s top consumers of wheat-based products, experts say expanding local sourcing is vital for food security and economic diversification. Government has indicated plans to further scale such capacity-building programmes nationwide as it seeks greater self-sufficiency in staple foods.
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