Pope Thanks Cuban People for their Welcome, and Authorities’ Support Cuba, Mar 26, 2012.

Pope Benedict XVI said he was glad for being surrounded by Cubans this Monday and having been able to make such a long-awaited journey.

As he celebrated a public mass at the Antonio Maceo Revolution Square of Santiago de Cuba, with about 200,000 people in attendance, the Catholic leader greeted church and government officials accompanying him in the mass and recognized the sacrifice and love put in the preparations of the jubilee.

“Learning about the fervor with which Mary has been saluted and praised by so many Cubans in her pilgrimage across every corner of the island has filled me with emotion,” the Supreme Pontiff said.

The platform from where the religious ceremony was officiated features steel-made vaulted arches typical of the classic religious architecture assembled in the shape of a papal miter. Its design resembles the silhouette of the Virgin of the Charity of El Cobre and the blue base represents the sea, where the image was found four centuries ago.

The altar used for the mass is the same one used by Pope John Paul II during his visit to the city in 1998, and the throne that belonged to San Antonio María Claret, Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba in the 19th Century.

At the end of the ceremony, the Pope will receive as a special present the scores of the work by Esteban Salas, edited by musicologist Miriam Escudero. He will be also given albums by the Cuban group of ancient music Ars Longa, and the Bis Music record “La Caridad de El Cobre. Virgen de la esperanza.” (Cuban News Agency)

PRESS RELEASE – LAUNCH OF THE X-FACTOR NIGERIA

International Pageants & Films Ltd., the Nigeria’s premiere entertainment and intellectual property asset company announces the launch of “The X-Factor Nigeria” Season 1. Kindly visit us at http://www.thex-factornigeria.com.

The X-factor Nigeria is a reality TV program designed to discover new talents in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry that possesses that special and extra xfactor in their acts or fields of work.

The winner of ‘The X-Factor Nigeria’ is slated to go home with a price money of ₤1 million (One Million British Pound Sterling)-Terms and Conditions apply.

Please find attached the TV promo video to be broadcast on Silverbird Television, Channels Television, AIT, and NTA.

Approved for release by:

Management.

FORUM FOR STRATEGIC POSITIONING OF NIGERIA WOMEN FOR NATION BUILDING CONVENTION REPORT.

...the people's choice

OH NIGERIA! POOR NIGERIAN WOMAN SHORTCHANGED ALWAYS

The Forum of The Strategic Positioning of The Nigerian Women For Nation Building monitored the PDP National Convention  held on 24^th, March, 2012 at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The following are our observations:

1. The Nigerian woman has a very long way to go. All the positions contested for was supposed to be for both men and women with equal chances. However, that was not the case. Even the position for the Woman Leader specifically reserved for women to participate in the leadership of the party and look into the peculiar needs of women as they advance the growth of the Party, men did not allow women to contest for this position freely and fairly.

2.  Well into the programme of the Convention, it was known that Governors had given out the list of ‘anointed and selected people to fill the positions meant to be keenly contested for, including the position of Woman Leader. Five women aspirants were screened and given the impression they will be allowed to contest. That did not happen. A delegation to the Aspirants declared other aspirants were to step down for one favoured aspirant based on some zoning criteria. But all the aspirants had been given the impression they will contest. They allowed them  to be screened, gave them the impression they will contest only to tell them to step down halfway into the programme.  Honour requires that fellow women should have led the delegation to these aspirants and not men. It should be duly discussed amongst the aspirants a few days before getting to the Eagle Square rather than the intimidating and domineering approach witnessed at the Square in the public glare and hearing of those around. One of the Aspirants Dr. Betty Nnadi conceded to the team, led by the SGF, Senator Pius Anyim Pius and five others but with some conditions.

3. On air, some governors said delegates were well briefed on the voting pattern and candidates to vote for. If internal Democracy is so tele-guided, what is the fate of democracy in Nigeria especially?

4. We congratulate the new officers but hope they will carry everyone along and since they belong to the ruling party, we hope the thorny issues of 35% Affirmative Action, inclusion and participation of women in full governance, appointments and elections will  come fully on board.

5. The peace that permeated the convention is commendable. Internal democracy and women empowerment and participation is to be placed  on the front burner.

Forum For The Strategic Positioning of The Nigerian Women For Nation Building

Signed

Dr. (Mrs.) Sokomba,

Coordinator

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A ONE DAY SYMPOSIUM ON STRATEGIC POSITIONING OF THE NIGERIAN WOMAN FOR NATION BUILDING ORGANISED BY RETAGE CENTER , MARCH 2012 IN ABUJA.

women are the architect of society

...the home is the fundamental basis from where to kick start National Development.

...let's support the women to succeed

...it is impossible to achieve meaningful development if we leave out women

At the end of an exhaustive session the following communiqué was agreed upon and issued as follows;

1. That ‘a woman is an architect of society’. She establishes the institution of family life, builds the home, brings up the children and makes them good citizens. Her strength in totality therefore contributes in the making of an ideal family, ideal society and an ideal state If she is naturally an architect, then a Woman’s participation in nation-building is an important ingredient in achieving an equitable, peaceful and more prosperous society. This implies gender equity where women’s inclusion is critical to shaping a democratic, stabilized and developed society.

2. That the woman is the mother of the man and a home builder. In extra- polating this role , women are invariably , the builders of the nation.

3. That following from this, the home is the fundamental basis from where to kick start National Development.

4. Consequently , as the woman builds the family vis – a- vis the nation , it is time to change the mind set of people who excluding women from politics.

5. That politics is National Development. With estimated population of about 75 million voting age women , government and political parties must stop paying lip-service to issues concerning women hence there must be a conscious deliberate agreement to implement the 35% Affirmative Action and domestication of CEDAW and other international and national promises on inclusion of women in the decision making process at all levels of governance.

6. That , rather than continue to have candidates imposed on women , they should be give a level playing ground while women too must henceforth deliberately and consciously make efforts to support their fellow women in the quest to wrestle political power from the men folk. ‘The Kingdom of politics suffereth violence and only the violent taketh it by force’ not by weapons of mass destruction but by their assertive persuasive and God given nature and proactive and pragmatic approach to nation building.

7. It is impossible to achieve meaningful development if we live out women. It is also impossible to have any socio-cultural, economic and political transformation if we leave out women. It is women that understand the health challenges of women, men and children. They also feel more the brunt of unemployed youth as well as issues of insecurity.

8. That women do not seem to realise their role in National Development, hence there is need to re-strategise ,gather ,share and disseminate information( network).

9. That the inability of women to attain political leadership at all levels ,is not a fault of their stars , but in their inability to rise above patriachical nurture and culture from early childhood ,which is fraught with religious and cultural encumbrances.

10. The symposium enjoined women at all levels to encourage one another to take active part in all levels of political party activity and insist on men and women of integrity only to be elected to positions , in accordance with the new ethos of the three Vs, virtue, valour and values.

11. The now formed a new group called The Forum For Strategic Positioning of Women For Nation Building.

Signed

Dr Mercy Sokomba
Executive Director
Retage Center

STRATEGIC POSITIONONG OF THE NIGERIAN WOMAN TOWARDS NATION BUILDING BY Dr. Betty Nnadi

Paper Presented at the One- Day Symposium on Strategically Positioning Women For Nation Building Organized By RetAge Center held at the International Institute for Leadership and Good Governance, Abuja. 22nd March, 2012.

INTRODUCTION

The Paper is divided into three sections. The first part looks at a brief introduction of the Nigerian woman. The second part looks at her performance in politics and governance of Nigeria and finally proffers a way forward.

It has been rightly argued that ‘a woman is an architect of society’. She establishes the institution of family life, builds the home, brings up the children and makes them good citizens. Her strength in totality therefore contributes in the making of an ideal family, ideal society and an ideal state If she is naturally an architect, then a Woman’s participation in nation-building is an important ingredient in achieving an equitable, peaceful and more prosperous society. This implies gender equity where women’s inclusion is critical to shaping a democratic, stabilized and developed society.

Rise of The Nigerian Woman

The Nigerian Woman has come a long way from pre Independence (1960) to date. All through history the Nigerian women have advocated for recognition and effective inclusion of their contributions and strengths in socio-cultural, economic activities, communal and nation building. Struggle for provision of additional household disposable income are seen in heir involvement in farming, fishing, food processing and marketing and even provision of spiritual and health care services. These contributions are still very much there especially in rural Nigeria where more than 70% reside and continue to experience decline economic fortunes coupled with migration. Citations have been made in several literatures on earlier fighters like Queen Amina (who with her mother founded modern day Zaria) and Inikpi in more traditional and territorial military conquests of the 16th – 19th Century. Colonial/pre independence ushered in three key Nigerian women agitators strategically located in the north and south of Nigeria. They are: Mrs Olufunmilayo Fela Ransome Kuti(appointed into Western House of Chiefs) from the South West, Margrette Ekpo and Janet Mokelu (appointed into Eastern House of Chiefs) from the South East/ South- South and Gambo Sawaba from the North.

Their agitations for inclusion of issues of women in governance and what is now being called mainstreaming pre dates Beijing 1985. Yet they lived in societies that considered women as free adults but placed limitations which subordinated them to male authority especially on inheritance and land matters. Such double standards and subterranean interpretations of equity, access, participation etc still subsists today.

Post colonial and independent saw more women contributing to the Nigerian economy and ‘white collar’ jobs. In the latter, women were more in clerical/secretarial jobs. Education also was structured to prepare the woman for house chores so she was taught domestic science and needle work!

Women inclusion and participation in nation building today is further backed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which states that:
‘(1) A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only that he is such a person;-
(a) Be subjected either expressly by or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government, to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria or other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religious or political opinions are not made subject’
Nigerian Women in Politics and Governance

Although participation of women in various aspects of national development increased in post colonial Nigeria, it was and still is a long haul. For instance statistics has it that as a result of migration of able bodied men to urban centers, women took over an increasing burden of food production by contributing 50%-70% of Nigeria’s food requirement. Some other statistics indicate that by 1979, women constituted 4.9% of recognised agricultural manpower, 1.4% of artisans and 1.6% of professionals and sub-professionals. But in the medical sector, women constituted 84.3% of Dieticians and 80.2% 0f nurses!
It was also in 1979 that women all over Nigeria could vote and be voted for. While Gambo Sawaba struggled for women franchise, it was only given in northern Nigeria in 1979. Women had the franchise in the south since 1960.

Participation of Nigerian women in politics remain a continuous struggle. A quick and selected gender audit of general elections in Nigeria indicate that a lot of work remains to be done by women and the Federal Government if inclusion of women is to part of our constitution. It will appear that some degree of progress was made between 1979-1983 when compared with the period between 1960-1979. A few women won elections into the House of Representatives at national level and only two women got elected as Federal Ministers. The military era, especially under Buhari, introduced the quota system where it was mandatory that there must be at least one female appointed into the Executive Council in every State. All the States complied and some had up to three female appointees into the State Executive Council. The 1990s also saw the appointment of female governors (2 only) in Lagos and Kaduna State. The 1992 elections saw only one woman elected into Senate and one into House of Representatives.

In 1999, while 978 men were elected into the State Assemblies, only 12 women were elected. Out of 109 Senators only 3 (three) women were elected. 347 men got elected into the National House of Representatives as against 13 women. Only one woman got to be Deputy Governor.

In 2003, at the State Houses of Assemblies only 39 women got in as against the 951 men. For the House of Representatives while 339 men got in, only 21 women (6.1%) and 4 (3.7%) women were elected into the Senate as against 105 males!

In appointment to offices, 747 men were appointed as against 86 (11.9%) women only.

In 2007, out of the 7160 contestants, only 628 women participated, out of the 25 candidates that contested for the highest office- President, only one woman participated while 14 vied for the office of the Vice President. 474 candidates contested for the gubernatorial elections out which only 14 were women vied and lost out to men. Only 5 got to be Deputy Governors ( Imo. Plateau, Ekiti, Lagos and Osun States) . Only 9 females got to be elected Senators out of the 109 Senators, 27 women out of the 360 House of Representatives. The table below gives a picture of participation of women in Nigerian Politics from 1999 to date i.e.2011:

Table 1: Elections into Senate and House of Representatives

DATE SENATE
MALE FEMALE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MALE FEMALE
1999 106 3 347 13
2003 105 4 339 21
2007 100 9 333 27
2011 102 7 341 19

The table indicates a very poor outing for women. The decline in the 2011 general elections indicate that the Nigerian women still need to look into the issues militating against their chances to be elected and to work hard at them while at the same time demanding for our right to a minimum of 3o% (Beijing Declaration/ Affirmative Action) for elective positions and right to good governance as well as inclusion.

Factors Militating Against Women in Elections

The challenges that face women in politics are still very much with them.
The challenges are socio- cultural, economic and political. The challenges of discrimination are increasing instead of reducing. I will continue to emphasise the fact that the men dominate party hierarchy and leave women to singing and clapping their praises as well as feeding them with food. Indeed the woman leader is perhaps still expected to champion these three areas rather than sit with them to carry out decisions or map out policies for advancement.
It is impossible to achieve meaningful development if we leave out women. It is impossible to have any socio- cultural, economic and political transformation if we leave out women. It is women that understand the health challenges of women and children. It is women that feel the brunt of unemployed youths as well as issues of insecurity. They become widows left to take care of orphans with hardly any means of livelihood.

Consequently the following areas must be addressed:

1. Male dominance and discrimination – Pre election decisions are taken by the men who dominate party hierarchy. Internal party democracy must prevail. It is at this level decisions are taken on who eventually emerges. Imposition of candidates should be done way with. The best candidates must emerge.

2. Establishing a Political Trust Fund that will allow women running for politics to have access to after due screening.

3. Capacity building and training of women in politics and strategic planning methods.

4. Economic Empowerment of women.
I will conclude with the argument I started this paper with, that is the fact that women play a special role in the overall development of a country. “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing. The woman is the builder and moulder of a nation’s destiny, though delicate and soft as lily, she has a heart, stronger and bolder than that of man, she is the supreme inspiration for man’s onward march.”

Women can do better

Dr(Mrs.) Betty Nnadi
22nd March 2012

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF A ROUNDTABLE ON THE SECURITY SITUATION IN NIGERIA TAGGED ‘EVOLVING A STRATEGY FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE PEACE AND SECURITY IN NIGERIA’ HELD AT THE BOLTON WHITE HOTEL ON TUESDAY MARCH 21ST OCTOBER 2012 IN ABUJA FCT NIGERIA.

Preamble,

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in partnership with the Africa Nations Development Programme (ANDP) organized a roundtable on the security situation in Nigeria tagged ‘Evolving a Strategy for Promoting Sustainable Peace and Security in Nigeria’ The meeting was held at the Bolton White Hotel, Abuja on 20th March 2012.

The meeting had in attendance a broad range of stakeholders including Civil Society, the media, the Police and security agencies Ministries, departments and Agencies of government with responsibility for conflict prevention, management and mitigation.

Three key papers were delivered that provided the platform for discussions on the ‘An Assessment of Existing Frameworks for Sustainable National Security’, ‘Government’s Response to the Present Security Challenges: An Appraisal’ and ‘An Evaluation of Media Coverage of Current National Security Issues.

The meeting is situated within the context of the growing insecurity and violence in the country; against the background of interrogating institutional framework and governance interventions. The role of citizens in building sustainable peace and facilitate a platform to share knowledge and broaden the alternatives for dealing with the situation in the country presently amongst and within stakeholders.

Key observations and recommendations from roundtable follow;

OBSERVATIONS
Ø The political and economic evolution of Nigeria is fundamentally flawed and provides the issues that drive agitation and subsequently violent manifestation of grievances.

Ø The legal framework and policies for national security existing in the country though provides a basic framework for conflict prevention and peace building; lacks supporting institutional structures and resource for its implementation.

Ø Effective structure for the collation, analysis and dissemination of intelligence is lacking within Nigerian law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Ø Police and other security agencies fighting this war on terror are not well equipped and lack the necessary motivation to deal with the issue of crime and criminality in a strategic manner.

Ø The Nigerian Government’s neo-liberal and market driven approach to development through privatization, commercialization and the denationalization of key industries is engendering poverty. Daily jobs are lost on the altar of these approach adding to the hordes of unemployed Nigerians and providing a fertile ground for recruiting violent grievances against the state.

Ø Governments lacks the political will to deal effectively with the rising tide of violence in the country and do not inspire confidence amongst the citizens, oftentimes, Government’s responses are viewed in the perspective of politicking with the situation at hand.

Ø The media plays a key and central role as an interface between government and the people facilitate the flow of information on the dynamics of society and set the agenda for national development. How these roles are handled in the context of the situation presently in the country would have overwhelming impact on the outcome.

Ø Government has the ultimate responsibility to guarantee the protection of lives and property of Nigerians on one hand and citizens a duty to hold government accountable on its constitutional responsibility through constructive engagement on the other

RECOMMENDATIONS

Ø Democracy can be said to be thriving only when it guarantees the rights and meets the needs and aspirations of the people, the government have the responsibility to protect and uphold the rights of Nigerians, guarantee freedom from fear and want and create the enabling environment for pursuit of sustainable growth and development

Ø Nigeria as a country must put in place a process to deal with contentious issues in the constitution such as resource mobilisation and control, citizenship, religion and ethnicity. These issues as foundation blocks of our nationhood have not been discussed exhaustively and a consensus built on them. Therefore they would continue to be whipped up by politicians and disgruntled elements in causing trouble in the country.

Ø Government must demonstrate a commitment to a holistic approach in dealing with the situation at hand especially as it relates to human security; beyond the deployment of security agencies and strategies it should put in place a robust development programme that should be seen to be addressing the development challenges of unemployment, illiteracy, corruption amongst others facing the country.

Ø The 2012 budget appropriates huge amount to the security sector, therefore the Nigerian Police and other security agencies must be adequately funded, provided logistics, adequately equipped with, the right skilled manpower and expertise to confront the challenge of the security situation in the country

Ø Government should as a matter of urgency initiate a multi-stakeholder approach to dealing with the security situation in the country. This approach should be designed to harness the knowledge, experience and capacity of stakeholders, Civil Society and integrate the concerns of Nigerians at all levels. This should be fused with a coherent interagency cooperation.

Ø A whistle blowers and Witness protection policy that guarantees the safety and protection of the identity of whistle blowers should be put in place by the government to facilitate the flow of information from citizens to aid the security agencies in the fight against terror.

Ø The existing penal and criminal codes should be reviewed in line with existing realities with regards to crime and punishment as they extremely undermine the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes such as kidnapping, terrorism amongst others

Ø National Assembly should as a matter of urgency revisit the existing legal frameworks for National Security to deal with issues of structures, institutions and resources to make them functional and responsive to dynamics of contemporary security challenges

Ø The media has a responsibility as a watchdog of society, its approach and reportage of the ensuing crises should not celebrate the violence but objective enough to deepen national integration, engender accountability, mobilize collective solution and action in dealing with the situation at hand

Conclusion

Participants thanked CISLAC and ANDP for initiating this discourse at this point in time and called on the organizers to broaden the platform to include more stakeholders as well as the frontiers for engagement with the policy space.

Signed

Auwal Musa Rafsanjani
Executive Director, CISLAC

Dr. Samson Omojuyigbe
Director General, ANDP

IMO PDP WOMEN CONTESTANTS FOR THE POST OF PDP NATIONAL WOMEN LEADER: CALL FOR AN OPEN DEMOCRATIC 2012 NATIONAL CONVENTION.

...support and vote for women candidates

Gentlemen of the Press,

we the PDP Women of Imo Extraction contesting for the post of National Women leader of our great party, who have purchased nomination forms for the above exercise, some of us purchased our forms at the cost of N300,000 each, completed and submitted to the party are here today to address you on some issues bordering on the 2022 national election convention of the largest party in Africa PDP

The Convention of our party is by our constitution, the highest organ and authority. This years’ convention is a great one because it comes with the election of new officers of the party Nation wide having concluded the election of Ward and State officers, the stage is set for the eventual National Convention to elect our National officers, come this Saturday 24th March, 2012.

In line with the vision of Women for change and Development Initiative, a pet project of Nigeria First Lady, Her Excellency Dame Dr. Patience Goodluck Jonathan and her call for Nigerian women to get involved in politics and electoral processes and our party having opened the avenue by encouraging women to come forward and pick nomination forms for various party offices, and having competed the process of nomination, we hereby present ourselves for the post of National Women Leader Zoned to our State – Imo.

We appeal for an open and democratic process in this election, devoid of imposition and other undemocratic practices. We need a free and fair contest. Talking about free and fair contest, the development in the South East, precisely in Imo State; the publication from the Imo State party Secretariat indicate that some State PDP Leaders of the party claim that the position of the National Women leader zoned to Imo State has been given to one of the contestants, attract our attention and concern (see Daily Sun Friday March 16, page 37. It is pertinent to remind ourselves that the constitution of the party does not confer the power of adoption of an aspirant but rather the caucus function is only advisory see chapter. 23 Article 12.68(a) & b

This is shocking and unbelievable. Our party the PDP is too big and mature to zone any contestable position like that of the National women leader to an individual thereby shutting off other eligible contestants from the same state.

This is an ominous sign of anti democratic forces coming into play. If this can happen, it is then sadistic for these party Officials, Leaders and State caucus whom we have so much confidence in, to encourage aspirants to party offices to spend huge sums of their hard earned money in campaigning throughout the country.

Our most revered President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, even as an incumbent set the peace of a transparent Democratic process under his leadership in the 2011 general election acclaimed to be the best so far. This very purported act of Imo Caucus of the party foreclosed other contestant from participating by advertising a sole candidate.

No! No!!. We don’t believe this can happen in our great party – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Party delegate from across the nation should be allowed to choose from the wide spectrum of aspirants to enable then get the best from the pack.

The party has to get the best material for the office of the National Women leader if we must move forward and succeed. Because of the women factor, their support and strength, it is critical both to our party and in Nigerian politics. PDP as a party needs a National Women Leader who can being HARMONY among our Women, add VALUE to the party and not to diminish it. Looking at eh character of women, the party needs somebody who is HUMANE, CARING and has the welfare of Nigerian women at heart, a lover of women without being cantankerous. She has got to have capacity to carry the PDP Women and Nigeria Women along, a highly accommodating personality and tactful in mannerism.

Another issue which has caught our attention is the issue of rejection of the entire nomination forms of aspirants who obtained their forms through the Imo State office of the PDP and submitted through it in good time. This is nothing but wicked arm-twisting, device by a clique in the party to shut out other aspirants against their already chosen candidate for National women leader position.

This is not an ordinary co-incidence. It is a replay of what robbed Imo State of the Governorship position during the last General election, whereby this same imposition was made to the people at the dying minute of the lection that made the party to loose woefully in both the Governorship and that of the Senatorial election in Owerri Zone in particular.

It is an evil scheme which the party should stop before it causes another major damage, this time nationally. We have contributed so much both physically and materially to build the party in our State.

The question is how can Nomination forms received within time at a state office of a political party said to have been returned late? Conventionally, forms both for nomination for General and party elections are purchased from State branches of political parties and submitted thereto. This is due process. Purchase of forms and submission at the national office of a political party is a mater of CHOICE OR PREFERENCE. Nomination forms received at the State office of a political party with time is DEEMED to have been received by the party unless the party leadership devices it as a means to stop some contestants which will amount to anti democratic act and a smear on the good name of our great party and its democratic credentials. This sophistry and manipulation should stop in the interest of the party.

But we are convinced that the National arm of the party will ratify this problem in a few days in their usual fatherly approach to such issues.

It is very important to note that this is the first time our women contestants have come together in this nature to speak with one voice. We have all agreed that whoever emerges in an open and democratic process, others will embrace and support her. This is the spirit of Women for Change and Development Initiative. It is a new spirit and new orientation among our women.

PRAYERS
1. That every female contestant should be allowed to present herself for contest at the National Convention
2. That we take exception to few men deciding the fate of women in matters affecting women without due consultation

We pledge our unalloyed loyalty and support to our great party PDP, Our Party Leader Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Our amiable Mother of the Nation Dame Dr. Patience Goodluck Jonathan, Our Listening Party Chairman Alh. Abubakar Kawu Baraje.

PDP……..Power to the People
PDP……..Power to the People

PRESS RELEASE : 6 FEMALE GOVERNORS WILL EMERGE IN 2015… Dr. Betty Nnadi

...the women lead better

PRESS RELEASE

 

6 FEMALE GOVERNORS WILL EMERGE IN 2015… Dr. Betty Nnadi.

Dr. Betty Ihuaku Nnadi, has assured Nigerians & Nigerian women that come 2015 she will produce at least 6 female Governors, one per zone, 30 senators and 60 members of the House Of Representatives.  This will be acheieved through her 3 Es: Encouragement, Empowerment and Enlightenment. Speaking recently at a press pre-event conference for a one day symposium organized by Ret Age Center, where  she is expected to deliver a lecture on the theme:

STRATEGIC POSITIONING OF NIGERIAN WOMAN TOWARDS NATION BUILDING scheduled for Thursday March 22^nd 2012.

Dr. Betty Nnadi noted that it is impossible to achieve meaningful development if we leave out women, it is also impossible to have any socio-cultural, economic and political transformation if we leave out the Nigerian woman.

Arguing that it is women who understand the health challenges of women & children and even the men, they bear the brunt of unemployed youths as well as issues of insecurity.

She noted that the women become widows left to take care of their children with hardly any means of livelihood.

Dr. Nnadi noted that she wants to emerge the National woman leader of the Ruling Party, PDP because , despite the fact that the Nigeria woman have been in the fore front of nation building, politically aware  and with over 65% of  the population, they continue to be short changed. Adding that the challenges that face women in politics are still very much with us. These challenges of discrimination, socio-cultural, economic, political are on the increase rather than decreasing. Yet the Nigerian Women have excelled in various fields of endeavors and are celebrated at home/abroad.

She noted that Nigerians and  the media are her God Father and that she was a founding member of PDP London. Back in Nigeria, she is very active in her ward and Local Government Council in Imo State. In 1999, while 978 men were elected into state houses of Assembly only 12 women were elected. Out of 109 Senators only 3 women were elected, 347 men got elected in the HOR against 13 women & produced one Deputy Gov; who  did not return in 2003.

In 2007, out of the 7160 contestants, only 628 women participated, out of the 25 candidates that contested for the highest office- President, only one woman participated while 14 vied for the office of the Vice President. 474 candidates contested for the gubernatorial elections out which only 14 were women vied and lost out to men.  Only 5 got to be Deputy Governors ( Imo. Plateau, Ekiti, Lagos and Osun States) .  Only 9 females got to be elected Senators out of the 109 Senators, 27 women out of the 360 House of Representatives.

Despite the  campaigns, publicity etc that led up to the  2011 elections  women performed below the three previous elections indicating there is a problem somewhere  Only 1 female Deputy Governor, Out of 109 Senators 7 females got in( 6.4%,) For House of Representatives only 19 females got elected out of the 360. Only one female Deputy Governor and one female Speaker got elected. Out of 42 Federal Ministers only 13 are women. These figures are disappointing.  We intend to address the reasons that led to the poor performance of women and ensure that women have a fair share in elections and appointive positions.

Earlier in her welcome address Dr. Mercy J. Sokomba, the Executive Director RetAge Center, noted that one of the objectives of our Awareness  and Advocacy Programme is to encourage senior citizens to carry out their civic responsibilities where and when they can, especially where they are physically, mentally capable and in perfect health.  It is for this reason we are strongly behind Dr. Betty Nnadi in her desire to occupy the position of Woman Leader in her Party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Her profile/ antecedent makes her a woman to watch our for, a woman capable of any political leadership/ office in Nigeria.  She is the  Theme  Speaker for the  Symposium.  Please permit me to read her brief profile and you will agree with me that this intellectual, farmer, accomplished mother and astute politician  deserves not only every encouragement  but a platform to help in the transformation process of Nigeria.

The objectives of the Center are realized through advocacy, awareness programmes and projects, research and publications, training/capacity building  etc. Some of our programmes include Community Based Care For The Elderly, Awareness and Advocacy Programme (AAP), Intergenerational Linkage Programme, Micro Finance and Accessibility to Capital Resources etc.

Signed

Dr.(Dr.) Mercy J Sokomba,

Executive Director, RetAge Center,

Abuja

JONATHAN LAUDS EFFORTS OF FOPPEV & OTHERS ON ETHICS

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has assured Nigerians through the Fellowship of Partners For The Protection of Ethics & Values ( FOPPEV) at the National Summit on Ethics & Values, that the Federal Government will give all the full support that is needed to make this project a success,( that is the teaching and inculcating of ethics and values in institutions of learning and amongst politicians).

Adding that it is in fulfillment of this promise that ” we created the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Ethics & Values on July 7th 2011. This is to proof our resolute determination to intensify actions on transparent and accountable governance founded on ethics and values as the critical and imperative foundation for the realization of social and people centered sustainable development”.

He commended the hard work of Dr. Sarah Jubril. for ” galvanizing and mobilizing volunteers and partners at the grassroots and the civil society for behavioural modification therapy and attitudinal change.”

President Jonathan, noted that the need for the advancement of ethics & values in Nigeria cannot be over emphasized . Indeed Nigerians have suffered physical deprivation and poverty directly as a result of unethical behaviour and systematic failure because Ethical progress results in social progress and social progress determines the economic and development progress.

In the analysis of USAID , corruption poses a serious development challenge . In the political realm it can seriously undermine democracy and good governance. Corruption also undermines economic development. He commended the strategic partners such as UNDP, UN Habitat,DFID,African Development Bank, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria & African Sisters Cities International Network that provide support to the Office of the Special Adviser.

Earlier in her welcome address, Dr Sarah Jubril, said the schedule of her office contains the directive to collaborate with organisations institutions, agencies and systems for upholding of Ethics & Values in the polity. It includes improving inter personal and corporate relationships, identfying any issues that can negatively impact on the transformation agenda and proffering prevention/ solution strategies before situations get out of hand . Continually engineer the consciousness of the citizens to improve and raise the national and individual morals develop slogans as a message to improve the ethics and values of the citizenry including special assignments as directed by the president.

She commended FOPPEV for a fantastic outing while urging participants to go home and share the good news of all they learnt at the three days summit

Leading the way with good ethics and values

Press Release Ambassador Maria Laose urges Austrian Lace Embroiders to Source their Raw Materials in Nigeria.