Editorial
Making Women’s Voices Count
For more than 100 years, the 8th of March is set aside annually to commemorate the International Women’s
Day. Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women’s groups, corporations and the media organise events globally to mark this day and commit to upholding achievements on gender equality and women empowerment.
International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on advancements made to call for change and to commemorate acts of bravery and devotion by women, who have played an incredible role in the history of their countries and communities. The world has made unprecedented advances, but regrettably, no country has achieved gender equality.
The theme of this year is “Women In Leadership: Achieving An Equal Future In A Covid-19 World”. This theme provides an ample opportunity for the celebration of the enormous accomplishments by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year’s Women’s Day is somewhat unique. As the world slowly recovers from a devastating pandemic, an opportunity is offered to finally end the exclusion and marginalisation of women and girls. But to do that, immediate action is required. Women must be allowed to play a full role in shaping the pivotal decisions being made right now as countries recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
To actualise this, the deep-seated historic, cultural, and socio-economic barriers preventing women from taking their seat at the decision-making table have to be broken down to ensure that resources and power are more equitably distributed. For instance, across the world, women remain concentrated in the lowest-paid jobs, many in extremely vulnerable forms of employment.
As the Covid-19 crisis persists, women are nearly twice as likely as men to lose their jobs. Indeed, the pandemic dramatically increases the poverty rate for women and widens the gap between men and women who live in poverty. It is, however, heartwarming that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has begun to work with countries to address these inequalities.
Statistics indicate that certain legal constraints have kept about 2.7 billion women from accessing the same choice of jobs as men. Also, as of 2019, less than 25 percent of parliamentarians were women. Sadly, one in three women experiences gender-based violence, still. For those reasons, we have to make 2021 count for women and girls universally.
It is common knowledge that women’s full and effective participation and leadership in all areas of life drive progress for everyone. Yet, they are still inadequately represented in public life and decision-making, as revealed in the UN Secretary-General’s recent report. Women are Heads of State or Government in 22 countries, and only 24.9 percent of national parliamentarians are women. At the current rate of progress, gender equality among Heads of Government will take countless years.
Women are also at the forefront of the battle against Covid-19, as front line and health sector workers, as scientists, doctors and caregivers, yet they get paid 11 per cent less globally than their male counterparts. An analysis of Covid-19 task teams from 87 countries found that only 3.5 percent of them had gender parity.
Despite the limitations, we see positive results when women lead. Some of the most efficient and exemplary responses to the Covid-19 pandemic were led by women. And women, especially young women, are at the forefront of diverse and inclusive movements online and on the streets for social justice, climate change and equality in all parts of the world. Regardless, women, especially under 30, are less than 1 percent of parliamentarians worldwide This is why this year’s International Women’s Day is a rallying cry for Generation Equality to act for an equal future for all.
Like their counterparts in different parts of the world, Nigerian women encounter a lot of problems of inequality. They have always struggled against gender discrimination and gender-based violence. The culture of patriarchy and male chauvinism has not helped as it leads to exploitation and marginalisation of women in private and public lives.
Women make up about 49 per cent of the Nigerian population and nearly one out of four women in sub-Saharan Africa is a Nigerian. While this presents potential human resources that can be harnessed to enhance economic productivity, the disparities in social and economic opportunities between men and women have never been starker.
According to the World Poverty Clock, the number of Nigerians who are extremely poor — those living on under $1.90 a day — is now 94 million and rising, making the country the poverty capital of the world. Startling as this data may be, the true scale of the problem of poverty in Nigeria only becomes more apparent when the fact is considered that women, who make up slightly less than 50% of Nigeria’s population, account for more than 70% of those in extreme poverty.
Hence, poverty is a gender issue. So too are the massive inequalities spiralling out of control — across wealth, health and every other socio-political determinant in Nigeria. Recognising the centrality of gender to these issues is not only critical to fully appreciate the scale of the challenges, it is the most effective route to achieving shared progress and prosperity in Africa’s most populous country.
Unfortunately, Nigeria has the lowest number of female parliamentarians in sub-Saharan Africa and ranks 133rd in the world for female political representation. Women own only 20 percent of enterprises in the formal sector and only 11.7 per cent of Board Directors in the country are women. Although it must be acknowledged that the country has made some progress in closing the gender gap in certain areas i.e. primary school enrollment rates, gender equality remains in a deplorable state and these statistics reveal that there is still so much work to be done.
We, therefore, advise that if Nigeria is to meet the sustainable development goal of ensuring women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life, there is an urgent need to adopt a more holistic approach to the inclusion of women that comprise various stakeholders in society.
As we observe the 2021 International Women’s Day, the Nigerian government has to take the lead by championing initiatives and implementing policies that advance the cause of women while the private sector should adopt codes of conduct that strongly acknowledge the necessity for gender diversity. Civil society, on the other hand, has the duty of holding the government and private sector accountable as well as embarking on initiatives to enlighten and empower women.
Last Friday, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) destroyed fake, counterfeit and substandard drugs worth over N1 trillion in Awka, the Anambra State capital. Recall that for one month, NAFDAC shut the Onitsha Drug Market, restricting shop owners from coming to the market, barricading it with military personnel, while officials broke into and ransacked shops in search of fake drugs.
NAFDAC’s Zonal Director for South-East, Dr. Martin Iluyomade, revealed some of the drugs destroyed to include Analgin, Tramadol, and various paediatric pharmaceuticals, which had been stored in prohibited areas or were banned by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Iluyomade said the closure and raids of the markets where the drugs were confiscated was in response to public complaints regarding the prevalence of fake, substandard and counterfeit drugs in the South-East.
He said: “Many of these drugs are banned, such as Analgin and certain paediatric medications, and they were stored in places that violate WHO regulations. It is our responsibility to ensure that these products are safe and fit for human consumption. These drugs were transported in a 140-foot truck, valued at over N1trillion, and were supposed to be stored at specific temperatures. However, they were kept in markets that do not meet the required standards.
“The volume of drugs found in these two markets could destabilise the country, and many of these are narcotic drugs associated with criminal activities. People who consume these drugs are not only harming themselves but also using them to commit crimes, which contributes to the growing insecurity in our country.”
Unfortunately, that is the chilling reality of counterfeit drugs, and it is a problem NAFDAC is relentlessly fighting. This dramatic action underscores the monumental scale of the problem and the unwavering commitment of NAFDAC to protect public health. The massive destruction highlights the pervasive nature of the counterfeit drug trade and the resources NAFDAC dedicates to combatting it.
Counterfeit drugs are dangerous, even deadly. They can contain the wrong dosage, the wrong active ingredients, or even harmful substances. Imagine taking a pill you believe will cure your illness, only to find it contains something entirely different – something that could worsen human condition or even kill. That is the terrifying reality of the counterfeit drug market.
The insidious world of counterfeit medications poses a grave threat, as these fake drugs often harbour toxic fillers or entirely different, untested chemicals. The consumption of such substances can trigger a cascade of adverse reactions, varying from minor allergic responses to catastrophic organ failure, leaving vulnerable individuals severely harmed. In this critical battle for public health, NAFDAC stands as our frontline defender.
Through tireless monitoring, rigorous inspections, and decisive action against those who peddle these dangerous fakes, NAFDAC acts as a vital gatekeeper, ensuring the safety and efficacy of the medications we depend on. Supporting NAFDAC’s mission is paramount, as it directly equates to safeguarding the lives and well-being of our Nigerians by preventing the proliferation of these harmful and potentially lethal counterfeit medications.
Given the breadth and criticality of NAFDAC’s mandate – regulating everything from food and drugs to cosmetics and medical devices – it is imperative that the Federal Government bolsters the agency’s resources and capabilities. This monumental task, encompassing the entire lifecycle of regulated products from importation to usage, demands substantial investment in infrastructure, advanced technological tools, and a highly skilled workforce.
Under-resourcing NAFDAC risks compromising its ability to effectively monitor and enforce regulations, potentially leading to substandard or counterfeit products entering the market, with devastating consequences for public health and safety. Therefore, increased funding, enhanced training programmes, and optimised operational systems are essential to fortify the agency’s effectiveness and ensure it can continue to protect the Nigerian populace.
No doubt, NAFDAC currently faces numerous hurdles in fulfilling its mandate. These challenges range from inadequate funding and outdated equipment to a lack of personnel and poor training. Insufficient funding directly translates to limited capacity for effective inspection, testing, and enforcement. Imagine trying to police a vast country with only a handful of officers – the task becomes virtually impossible. This lack of resources allows substandard and even dangerous products to enter the market, posing serious risks to public health.
The Federal Government must prioritise NAFDAC’s needs and take decisive action to support, equip, and empower this vital agency. NAFDAC is a cornerstone of public health in Nigeria and its health and economic well-being depend on its support. By providing financial, technological, and human resources, the government can strengthen the organisation’s capacity to protect Nigerians and contribute to national development. Tinubu’s administration must ensure that NAFDAC had the tools it needs to succeed. The lives of millions depend on it.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s ominous forecast of severe flooding in nine states as the rainy season draws nearer serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to environmental disasters. With coastal states like Lagos, Ogun, Delta, and Rivers particularly at risk, the immediate need for proactive mitigation measures cannot be overstated.
This warning demands swift and decisive action from state governments, including the activation of urgent environmental interventions and a concerted effort to encourage citizens residing in flood-prone areas to relocate preemptively. Nigeria’s history is unfortunately punctuated by the devastating impacts of floods, a recurring crisis often compounded by inadequate infrastructure, haphazard urban planning, and a frustratingly slow response to impending threats.
The devastating 2024 floods serve as a stark and traumatic reminder of the catastrophic consequences of neglecting proactive flood management. With over 300 lives lost and more than 1.2 million people impacted across 31 states, the scale of the disaster underscores the urgent need for decisive action.
The UN has allocated $5 million to Nigeria to enhance flood preparedness, aiming to strengthen early warning systems, support emergency response initiatives, and provide relief to vulnerable communities. However, the ultimate responsibility for implementing and maintaining effective flood management strategies lies with Nigerian authorities at all levels, requiring a shift from reactive responses to comprehensive preventative measures.
Nigerian governors should take urgent measures, such as alerting residents in flood-prone areas and removing illegal structures blocking waterways to offer a glimmer of hope. The pervasive complacency across some states remains deeply concerning. This reactive approach, waiting for disaster to strike before responding, has repeatedly resulted in devastating consequences and underscores a critical need for a paradigm shift in flood management plans.
Specifically, in states like Rivers which is surrounded by water, a multi-pronged approach is needed, including strengthening infrastructure, enhancing drainage systems, promoting community engagement, and implementing sustainable land-use planning, while also considering nature-based solutions and early warning systems.
The cyclical nature of flooding in the country is exacerbated by human activities. The dangerous practice of constructing buildings on natural waterways and the rampant issue of indiscriminate waste disposal into drainage systems directly contribute to the problem. These actions obstruct the natural flow of water, leading to overflows and ultimately, the widespread flooding that plagues the nation.
The government’s inaction regarding waste management and environmental upkeep is a significant contributor to the looming environmental crisis. The absence of efficient waste disposal systems, coupled with the lack of environmental projects and proper maintenance of vital drainages and waterways, breeds unsanitary conditions and ecological damage.
This negligence carries a high price, manifesting in public health risks, degraded ecosystems, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. To reverse the trajectory, a comprehensive strategy is paramount. Importantly, regulatory bodies need to step up their enforcement efforts, ensuring strict adherence to environmental regulations and imposing meaningful penalties on those who violate them.
Such measures are vital not only to curb pollution and irresponsible practices but also to send a clear message that environmental accountability will be enforced. There is a pressing need for the government to overhaul waste management systems, ensuring efficient collection and disposal to prevent blockages in drainage channels.
To mitigate future disasters, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) are urged to launch comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about environmental degradation risks and promote personal responsibility in flood prevention. This will empower citizens to adopt sustainable practices, reduce flood risks, and protect vulnerable communities.
The September floodings in Borno State, resulting in the collapse of the Alau Dam, highlighted Nigeria’s vulnerability to disasters. To mitigate the impact, the government and citizens should work together to demolish structures obstructing natural waterways, dredge rivers and canals, and equip emergency response units to act swiftly in case of a flood.
Long-term strategies must focus on sustainable urban planning, the construction of dams, and continuous public education on environmental stewardship. Crucially, transparency and accountability of ecological funds are paramount to ensure that allocated resources effectively address the challenges at hand. Nigeria should draw valuable lessons from countries like Denmark and the United States, which have successfully implemented flood mitigation plans.
Increased awareness efforts have already resulted in a noticeable reduction in flood-related incidents in subsequent years, underscoring the efficacy of effective measures. State emergency agencies must collaborate, sharing resources and information to create a unified front against flooding. By embracing a culture of preparedness and environmental consciousness, Nigeria can safeguard its communities and build resilience against future natural disasters.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has exemplified a proactive and resolute approach in steadfastly advancing the agenda of his administration, even in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which officially recognised Martins Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This unwavering commitment to governance and developmental progress underscores the Governor’s dedication to fulfilling his responsibilities to the people of Rivers State, regardless of the prevailing political and legal circumstances.
In meticulously orchestrating and initiating a broad spectrum of project inaugurations in multiple locations within Rivers State, Fubara articulates his resolute determination to honour the assurances given to Rivers people. His strategic focus on delivering tangible developmental projects not only highlights his determination to ensure the continued advancement of the state but also reinforces his vision of sustaining infrastructural growth, social welfare improvements, and economic empowerment.
This proactive stance can be viewed as a strategic move to showcase his administration’s competence and dedication to the public. Through the continuation of infrastructure endeavours and social initiatives, Governor Fubara aspires to reinforce public endorsement and effectively handle the complicated political situation resulting from the Supreme Court’s decision. The commissioning events serve as concrete evidence of the government’s initiatives and achievements, highlighting its commitment to progress.
The announcement of the projects generated widespread excitement throughout the state, with residents eagerly anticipating the institution of major infrastructure developments. The completion of these projects signifies an important milestone for the administration, demonstrating its dedication to fulfilling promises and investing in the state’s future. The Governor’s emphasis on the projects’ potential to drive economic growth, improve public services, and enhance overall quality of life, reflects his administration’s focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people.
The commissioning ceremonies are highly publicised events that attract considerable public attention and participation. This underscores the importance of the projects in enhancing the well-being and infrastructure of key areas in Rivers and Bayelsa States. The projects cover a wide range of sectors including housing, firefighting and emergency response, security, healthcare, education, and judiciary welfare, reflecting a comprehensive development approach essential for community progress.
The allocation of resources across various sectors demonstrates a deliberate strategy to address urgent needs and improve residents’ quality of life. In its efforts to foster safer communities, the government focuses on enhancing security and emergency response measures. Additionally, investments in healthcare and education underline a long-term commitment to human capital growth and well-being.
Among the projects scheduled for commissioning by the state government are the Government House Staff Quarters, the State Fire Service Headquarters with firefighting vehicles, the handover of a helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, the Borikiri Fire Service Station, and the construction and furnishing of the palace and residence of the Akpor monarch. These projects address critical infrastructure needs and highlight the government’s dedication to enhancing public services and community welfare.
Other projects include the judges’ quarters, Bori General Hospital, Okrika Grammar School, as well as the furnishing, equipping, and electrification of the Nigerian Law School, Yenagoa Campus, and the Rumuodomaya Fire Service Station along with firefighting vehicles. Each of these projects plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for residents and fostering development across key sectors in the region.
Governor Fubara’s actions speak volumes about his commitment to propelling Rivers State forward. The inauguration of diverse infrastructure projects is a tangible demonstration of his administration’s focus on progress and effective service delivery. This ardent approach extends beyond mere construction; it is a strategic investment in the future. Recall that in December last year, the Governor embarked on a schedule of projects commissioning and flag-offs to advance infrastructure and security across the state.
Through the prioritisation of key industries and allocating resources to essential sectors, the government is laying the groundwork for a more robust and prosperous Rivers State, offering its citizens enhanced opportunities and a higher quality of life. Through these initiatives, Governor Fubara is not just building roads and facilities; he is building trust, fulfilling his promises, and solidifying his leadership as a driver of sustainable development in the state.
The government is clearly committed to improving Rivers State. To say that Governor Fubara is rapidly transforming the state’s landscape with bold development initiatives is simply stating the obvious. In a short period, the Governor has turned the entire state into a vast construction site, with significant projects either underway or already completed — all in spite of the ongoing political challenges.
We join the good people of Rivers State, Nigerians, businesses, and individuals in commending and celebrating the Governor during this remarkable season of project commissioning and inauguration. The projects delivered so far reflect an extraordinary transformation, positioning the state as an attractive destination for investors. This progress stands as a testament to His Excellency’s commitment to leaving Rivers State far better than he found it.