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As the world celebrates the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD), the Executive Director, of the Nurture Women and Girl Child Initiative (NWAGCI), Mrs. Doris Eyong Kokomma has called on government at all levels to close the digital gender gap to avoid economic and social inequalities, saying that it holds the key to a robust economic growth.

Mrs. Eyong who stated this while commemorating the 2023 IWD celebration, she pointed out that in spite of increased awareness and sensitization on the issue of gender equality and gender inclusiveness, the society still discriminate against women attributing it to culture or tradition.

This discrimination also affects the society as women with great talents and potentials are neglected merely on the basis of gender.

The UN Women’s gender snapshot 2022 report states “that women’s exclusion from the digital world has shaved $1 trillion from the gross domestic product of low and middle-income countries in the last decade- a loss that will grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 without action”

“Nonetheless, women’s carefulness in resource management and developmental skills cannot be overemphasized, they remain the sustaining force of the future, given the needed encouragement, conducive environment and opportunity; women have the potential to change the narrative and make the world greater and a better place for everyone to live in”, she posited.

The theme of this year’s commemoration, “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender equality” is very apt as it aligns with the priority theme for the upcoming 67th session of the Commission on the status of women (CSW-69) considering the proven capacity of women in diverse fields of life such as Law, medicine, pharmacy, digital technology, engineering and literary art just to mention but a few.

Government must take on its responsibility of connectivity and ensure people down to the grass root especially women and girls are connected to internet, it should also make sure that the rights of women and girls are protected online and off-line, Protection of women and girls digital rights holds the key to all-round development in every facet of the society.

Women and girls should be encouraged to study in the stem areas; hence this will produce more women in the technology and digital space. According to the world economic forum report, “by 2050, 75% of jobs will be related to stem areas. Yet today, women hold just 22% of positions in artificial intelligence…”

She used the opportunity of the International Women’s Day to call on the federal lawmakers to consider and pass the Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill, saying it will reduce gender-based violations and legally equip women to challenge the inequalities confronting them including Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) which has continued to rear its ugly head in the society.

She said her organization Nurture Women and Girl Child Initiative will continue to provide succor and support to women and children as well as promote the welfare and rights of women and girls especially their right to education.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given reasons it postponed the governorship election by one week.

The exercise, which was initially scheduled for this Saturday, will now take place on March 18.

The National Commissioner & Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Barr. Festus Okoye, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday night.

Okoye said the commission needed time for the reconfiguration of the BVAS used for the Presidential election held on February 25, 2023.

“For instance, the BVAS can only be activated on the specific date and time of an election.

“Having been used for the Presidential and National Assembly elections on 25th February 2023, it is necessary to reconfigure the BVAS for activation on the date of the governorship and State Assembly elections,” the statement read in part.

As Nigeria joins the world to celebrate the 2023 International Women’s Day, a communication consultant, and media specialist, Mrs Halima Oyelade has charged Nigerian Women to embrace new innovations and digital technology.

Oyelade in an exclusive interview with leading reporters stated that there are still opportunities in the digital space that can empower women, yet only few untapped.

According to the communication expert, there exists greatness and awesomeness in every Nigerian woman and the world is waiting to celebrate them despite daunting challenges.

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“The way to the top is not a walk in the park be resilience in what you are doing let’s come together as women to help and support one another, amazing doors are opening in the digital world and that could empower women”.

“Let’s keep our eyes and mind open to keep our voice together, there are unprecedented opportunities that are available if we are bold enough to utilize them”.

Meanwhile, Oyelade celebrating Nigerian women especially those in tech stated that some of them in spite of daunting challenges are under represented which is a barrier to building their careers but against all odds, women have fought through, they are fighters and still fighting.

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“To a large extent, they have harnessed opportunities and contributed in no small measures, I encourage women to look for those opportunities so that when opportunities comes they will be ready to clinch it when they are fully prepared. I say kudos to lots of them doing well in the digital space”.

Oyelade noted that women has also been affected by issues of data access, connectivity and privacy which has infringed on their rights.

“When it comes to the issues of access to data connectivity, privacy is general, but it affects women too because generally men will have it easier to get access or more financially stable.

“On privacy policies, sadly we have seen how technology has infringe the rights and privacy of people and that could put fear in some people.

“Generally, I will say it has affected women but we should continue to thrive, but we should leverage on opportunities to take options”. She added.

Kenny Folarin, Abuja.

As Nigeria joins the world to celebrate the 2023 International Women’s Day, (IWD), Baobab for Women’s Human Rights has implored the federal government to create a digital future for women.

Executive Director,Baobab for women’s Human Rights (BAOBAB), Ms. Bunmi Dipo-Salami, JP in a statement on Wednesday stated that it is important to create a digital future in which all members of the Nigerian society enjoy equal rights to safety, dignity and freedom, protect women and girls from online gender-based violence, and close the existing digital gender divide. 

Dipo-Salami explained that across the world, studies have shown that technology has the potential for opening new doors for the global empowerment of women and girls through gender-responsive digital learning, tech-facilitated sexual and reproductive healthcare, and addressing the pervasive threat of online gender-based violence, an evolving challenge which oftentimes lacks legal recourse. 

She highlighted the components of online gender-based violence which include privacy violations, sexual harassment, trafficking, cyberstalking, and so forth.

Continuing, Dipo-Salami stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown up digital innovations which have improved advocacy to end sexual and gender-based violence, as well as capacity building for a wide range of stakeholders, especially young women, through online training, and webinars on social media platforms.

She noted that although women’s contribution to the digital world cannot be overemphasized, their accomplishments have not been met with commensurate appreciation. 

“As we celebrate the International Women’s Day, BAOBAB urges the Nigerian government to take its responsibility of protecting the lives of vulnerable and marginalized groups, particularly women more seriously”

“One way of accelerating this is by domesticating and implementing regional and international laws that protect and promote women’s rights, especially the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (The Maputo Protocol), which has been adjudged one of the world’s most comprehensive and progressive women’s human rights instruments”.

Dipo-Salami stated the theme of this year’s celebration is DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality resonate the power of innovative digital technology in improving the lives of women and girls by eliminating all forms of discrimination and inequality. 

It also aligns with the priority theme for the upcoming 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-67).

“Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”.  

She noted that despite several campaigns against gender inequality, women around the world still battle discrimination and inequality. Women’s sexual and reproductive health, which is related to multiple human rights, including the right to life, the right to be free from torture, the right to health, the right to privacy, the right to education and so forth continues to be undermined. 

“There is still a general lack of sexual health information available to women and girls, as well as barriers to reproductive rights as a result of culture, religion, beliefs and laws that alienate women’s human rights”.

She however urge non-state actors to continue to double efforts to discuss strategies, lessons, successes, and challenges to stimulate actions for the protection and promotion of women’s rights through digital platforms.

“We also call on all and sundry to #EmbraceEquity by enabling a violence-free society where both men and women, men and boys alike have access to opportunities and enjoy rights that enable the growth and development of the nation”. She added.

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has appointed 12 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to defend the mandate of its presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in the just concluded election.

Recall that Tinubu polled 8,794,726 votes in 12 of Nigeria’s 36 states, higher than his closest rival, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

While the former vice president came second with 6,984,520 votes, the candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, finished the race with 6,101,533.

Both Atiku and Obi have rejected the outcome of the election, vowing to seek redress in court.

But the ruling party, in its readiness to defend the mandate, said it is willing to meet the opposition parties in court.

In a statement on Tuesday, the party’s National Legal Adviser, Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq, released the 13-man list comprising 12 senior advocates.

Top on the list is a legal icon, Wole Olanipekun, who is also the lead counsel to the ruling party at the Presidential Election Tribunal.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed a team of highly qualified and experienced lawyers to represent the Party at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal,” the statement read.

“The team is composed of legal luminaries with vast experience in election petition matters, constitutional law, and litigation.

“The legal team consisting of twelve (12) Senior Advocates of Nigeria and the National Legal Adviser of the Party, Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq, Esq., is led by Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, a renowned lawyer who has successfully handled various high-profile election matters and other landmark cases.”

Other members of the list are Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq, Sam Ologunorisa, Rotimi Oguneso, Olabisi Soyebo, Gboyega Oyewole, Muritala Abdulrasheed, Aliyu Omezia Saiki, Tajudeen Oladoja, Pius Akubo, Oluseye Opasanya, Suraju Saida and Kazeem Adeniyi.

The Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa is currently dishing out threats to all stakeholders in his camp to either deliver or resign. In a meeting two days ago in his office, he told all the local government chairman to turn in signed and undated resignation letters to his office, with a threat that he’ll help them fill the date if PDP governorship candidates Sheriff Oborevwori fails come March 11 to clinch the governorship position.

Okowa was said to have told his aides, commissioners and the elected Local Government chairmen to resign during the meeting if they are not certain to deliver their polling units and wards.

A visibly angry Okowa was quoted to have ordered them to resort to anything they could do to deliver Delta State to PDP governorship candidate Sheriff Oborevwori.

Recall that in a trending video, Okowa was venting his anger on the Christian community in Nigeria, accusing it to be responsible for his abysmal loss as Atiku’s vice presidential candidate. Okowa accused Christians to have preferred Peter Obi of Labour Party to him.

In the said meeting, Okowa was said to have told his aides, commissioners and the Local Government chairmen that unless nothing drastic is done by his party men, Senator Omo Agege of APC will coast to victory. He told them to dip in their hands into their pockets and buy the Obidients over to their side.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will on Monday approach the Appeal Court for an order to allow it to reconfigure its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the March 11 state elections.

A credible source in the commission hinted on Sunday to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the order was significant following an order restraining it from tampering with the information embedded in the BVAS machines until due inspection was conducted and Certified True Copies of them were issued.

The source, who requested not to be quoted, said that INEC would require sufficient time to reconfigure the BVAS needed to conduct the election that would take place in all 36 states of the federation, except the FCT.

“The commission’s Legal Department is actually preparing an application to be filed in court on Monday to seek an order for it to reconfigure its BVAS for Saturday’s Governorship and state House of Assembly election,” the source said.

The source explained that, considering the number of BVAS required to conduct the election across states, INEC needed to reconfigure the BVAS used for the March 25 elections and deploy them to polling units for the Saturday election.

The source added that the INEC technical team had to be deployed on time to commence the reconfiguration of the devices, which had to be done one by one.

The source said the order was important if the Saturday Governorship and state Houses of Assembly election must hold as scheduled, otherwise postponement of the election became inevitable.

NAN recalls that the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Friday granted leave to the presidential candidates of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, to have access to all the sensitive materials used by INEC for the conduct of the Feb. 25 presidential election.

A panel of the appellate court led by Justice Joseph Ikyegh made the order after hearing two separate ex parte applications the two aggrieved presidential candidates filed alongside their political parties.

Specifically, the applicants urged the court to compel INEC to allow them to obtain documents it used for the presidential election to aid their petitions against the outcome of the presidential election.

“An order granting the applicants’ permission to do electronic scanning and make photocopies of voter registration and ballot papers used in the conduct of the election for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria held on the Feb. 25.

“An order granting leave to the applicants to carry out Digital Forensic Inspection of BVAS machines used for the conduct of the Feb. 25 election for the Office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The plaintiffs also sought an order restraining INEC “from tampering with the information embedded in the BVAS machines until due inspection was conducted and Certified True Copies of them issued”.

The court, in its consideration, ordered INEC to allow the applicants to inspect all the electoral materials used in the conduct of the presidential election.

The court permitted the appellants to do electronic scanning and/or make photocopies of voter registration and ballot papers used in the conduct of the presidential election.

“That leave is hereby granted to the applicants to carry out Digital Forensic Inspection of BVAS machines used for the conduct of the Feb. 25, 2023 Election for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the court ordered.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has allegedly threatened the Igbo business community in Delta State with eviction from their shops if they go ahead to vote for any other governorship candidate that is not PDP’s Sheriff Oborevwori

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as well allegedly offered a vote-inducing bribe of $50,000 to the Igbo traders leaders who were summoned to meet him in Asaba yesterday, with a charge to them to go and mobilize their members and kismen to vote for PDP governorship candidate come March 11.

Governor Okowo has gone on the war path, vowing to destroy any element that hinders the emergence of Sheriff Oborevwori as his successor.

An ally of Okowa who would not want his name on prints hinted this platform that Okowa would not mind plunging the state just to have sheriff emerge, after his woeful political outing at the vice-presidency level

“Our principal is making an irredeemable mistakes in his desperation to get vote for Sheriff. Threatening a people like Igbos for vote is definitely going to nail him. He thinks he can induce them with money. With what we saw in Abuja and Lagos, Igbos have realized their political value and will not bark down again. They’ll eat your money and still mess you up. That’s what my principal hasn’t realized. He picks offence when we try to tell him that appeal will work better than threat.

Meanwhile, Delta indigenes have enumerated the reason for abandoning Okowa. Aside from foisting his partner-in-crime Sheriff Oborevwori on the people as his successor, the group under the auspices of Greater Delta Agenda has enumerated the collection and mismanagement N850 billion loans, the divesting of state funds into personal businesses, including floating a bank using proxy, non payment of pension, incessant increase of school fees in state tertiary institutions, and the menace of joblessness where countless graduate resort to Keke riding as a way of surviving the hardship occasioned by Okowa leadership.