The International Press Centre (IPC) in Lagos, Nigeria aligns with the global community in advocating for increased female political representation at both national and subnational levels within Nigeria. Reflecting on the United Nations theme for this year, “Invest in women—accelerate progress,” IPC emphasized the importance of empowering and investing in women by promoting their active participation in political leadership and decision-making roles. This is seen as a crucial strategy to swiftly address the democratic challenges facing the nation. In a statement on Friday by Olutoyin Ayoade, IPC Communications Officer, It drew attention to the inadequate representation of women in political positions in Nigeria, despite constitutional provisions and international agreements advocating for their inclusion. Persistent systemic and societal barriers hinder women’s engagement in politics. The statement reads in part, *The concerning trend persisted during the 2023 elections in the country, resulting in adverse implications for women’s representation and impact within the government. Notably, the proportion of women in Nigeria’s National Assembly decreased by 19% compared to the previous assembly. Presently, women hold only 3% of Senate seats and 4% of seats in the House of Representatives. Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of the IPC, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the significant perspectives and contributions that women offer to governance in Nigerian society. He noted that empowering women in politics not only promotes fairness and equality but also enhances the overall effectiveness and legitimacy of governmental institutions. “Through concerted efforts to address these disparities, by dismantling barriers and fostering inclusivity in political arenas, Nigeria can pave the way for a more inclusive and representative democracy that truly reflects the voices and needs of all its citizens”, he stressed. He also noted that IPC’s initiatives in the realm of democracy have significantly contributed to enhancing the media’s pivotal role as a primary influencer in elections. These efforts have focused on enhancing the capabilities of both the media and female candidates nationwide, empowering them to effectively leverage the media’s influence in promoting democracy. Notably, these endeavours have yielded commendable results, with some beneficiaries, particularly female lawmakers, successfully securing seats in the States House of Assembly during the 2023 Elections. To mitigate the high attrition rates of women in elections, Mr. Arogundade emphasized the importance of key stakeholders advocating for gender-equitable policies, initiating voter education campaigns on gender equality, and addressing feminized poverty through economic equality initiatives.

  Gunmen have reportedly killed 17 people, during an attack on Mbaikyor Mbalom community, in Gwer LGA of Benue state. A source in the community who disclosed this to TheCable, said the gunmen invaded the village on Thursday night. He added that during the attack, they burnt down many houses before murdering the unarmed people, including a little boy. The source added that the corpses were picked up by members of the community on Friday morning. The gunmen attacked my home, Mbaikyor Mbalom council ward in Gwer local government of Benue state,” the source said. He gave the names of residents killed as Peter Tion, Nyityo Kyoon, Iorfa Ukombor, Doopinen Awua, Tyoshaa Mkaanem, Asan Ate, Asough Ate, Igba Byuan and Master Ter Byuan. Others are Terzungwe Asoo Ate, MWO Mbatsavbun Gbatar (rtd), John Ndahagh Tyohemba, Tertsea Ukombor, Akuma Kpenge, Abume Kpenge, Terzungwe Aulugh and a little boy who is yet to be identified. When contacted, Catherine Anene, spokesperson of the Benue police command, said she was not aware of the incident. “I don’t have that information,” Anene said. Recently, scores of persons were reportedly killed during a clash between rival militia groups in Ukom LGA of Benue state.

  Gunmen have reportedly killed five police officers on Friday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital. Sources said the unfortunate incident occurred around 5:am at Ebyia bridge, along Hilltop/Nwoke road. More to follow….

  Akintoye Benson, an aide to the chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, has reportedly died. Benson, who was seen in a wrecked vehicle in a viral video, was said to have died in an auto crash on Third Mainland Bridge on Thursday night. Confirming his death, a friend of the deceased, Ogunseye Vincent, wrote on his Facebook page that the late Benson was a vibrant man with high hopes and vision. “The news of your passing came to me as a rude shock. You were a vibrant man with high hopes and vision. “Though the memory we shared remains forever, I take solace in the trust that Olodumare will grant your soul a peaceful rest. Sail well to eternity, Comrade Akintoye Benson (Baba Ogun),” he added. Until his death, Benson was the chairman of the Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN) Zone H. Efforts to reach Akinsanya for a comment proved abortive as his phone could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

  Four yet-to-be-identified students of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, in Moro local government area of the state, have been arrested by the police for allegedly beating a fellow student to death. Vanguard Correspondent reliably gathered that though the students were arrested on Wednesday, the incident happened penultimate week in one of the private hostels outside the university premises. It was gathered that the students descended on the deceased student, whose name could not be ascertained as of press time, for allegedly filming them without their consent. The victim was said to be recording the four students who were reportedly in a discussion when one of them spotted him. The four students consequently approached him to know why he was filming them without their consent, to which he couldn’t offer any ‘reasonable explanation’. Afterwards, the four enraged students pounced on him for his action. A student who craved anonymity told Vanguard correspondent that “the victim later died from the severity of the beating meted out to him by the students.” When contacted, the State Police Public Relations officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi (DSP), confirmed the incident to our reporter late Thursday night. According to her, “The alleged culprits were four, but I cannot confirm their names now. They have been arrested while an investigation is still ongoing over the matter,” she said.