=By Funmi Falobi=

In order to have a sane society that works for the common good of the citizenry, the role of the family and entrenchment of family values in the society cannot be overemphasized as the family plays a major role in nurturing society members and ensuring peace in the society.
However, over the years, decadence of family values has led to social vices and increasing societal upheaval. Consequently, there have been increase in the cases of rape, domestic violence, robbery and lately, the unabated use of drug and substance abuse among the youths in Nigeria. This is a major plaque that needed to be curbed if the country does not want to have generations of psychiatry patients as its teeming population. This is especially so as many Nigerian youths now indulge in drug and substance abuse.

It was based on the foregoing trends and in order to address the decadence bedeviling the society, that the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Lagos state chapter organized its 2018 family week with the theme “Ensuring a Saner Society: Playing our Roles.” The essence is to remind parents of their roles in nurturing the children, youths in the right paths in order to have peaceful environment where every potential counts.
According to Lagos NAWOJ Chairperson, Hajia Sekinah Lawal, there is need to look at the issues of violence, drug and substance abuse holistically. “Government alone cannot do it. Government can ban tramadol, codeine, etc, but what of other substances our youths engage in that can’t be banned. As women professionals, through our writings, through our various programmes on television, radio, and social media, we should be able to do more, train the children through our profession”, she said.

“Parents should give the children quality time. How do we engage them positively? Can they confide in us? Are we the type that they will say when I get home, mummy and daddy will listen to me? What is the essence of doing what will endanger your life? She queried.

To ensure the saner society, she explained that especially for the youth, there should be access to best health facilities, quality education, infrastructure, urging everyone to be politically aware. “We must be involved in politics. Attend meetings in your wards, get your PVC, register and participate in any political party of your choice,” she said.

In his speech, the chairman of the occasion, Dr. Yekeen Habeeb, former Director, First Bank, declared that to build saner society starts at home. The former Kogi governorship aspirant urged parents to show love to their children. “Parents must love their children equally. Encourage them to develop positive attitude.”

In her address, Lagos State First Lady, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode advised the youths to desist from drug abuse. Represented by Mrs. Mosunmola Ogunleye, she said drug and substance abuse lead them to nowhere but total destruction. We must lead them close to God.

Speaking on the topic “Taming the Scourge of Drug and Substance Abuse” Dr. Omowunmi Bakare, Chairman, Medical Women Association, Lagos State opined that the bottom approach should start from home. According to her, parents should guide the children, youths, tell them the right thing about life that they need to challenge their brain and do not need to use drugs.

“When the brain is destroyed, the person is like a vegetable. Home is where we should start talking to children about drugs, side effects. Any drug is a poison. You need to use even the prescribed for certain period. We need to tell our children not to go near drugs. We need to advocate to relevant stakeholders in the society so that wrong people do not have licence to drugs,” she said.

Bakare also stated that there should be advocate to government to ensure relevant policies are made. “There are several outfits children can learn and exercise their energy. Traditional leaders, religious leaders are also important advocates. Let’s tell them about how to live well so that you can become great leaders in the society.
“Prevention is better than cure. We don’t want our children to be addict before we prevent. Monitor what they are doing. Love them but also be strict with them,” she said.

Also contributing, the Guest Speaker, Barrister Hauwa Shekarau, Country Director, IPAS Nigeria speaking on the topic, “The Impact of the Global Gag Rule on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Nigeria” revealed that policy affects women in developing countries in which Nigeria is inclusive. According to her, the seminar is key in addressing social problem but stressed that the global gag rule will not allow people to access fund on abortion, information on abortion and awareness on abortion.
“The global gag rule applies to foreign NGO (non- governmental organization) working on maternal mortality, HIV, etc. As long as this policy continues, it will continue to bring disaster to women in developing nations. It decreases safe access to health. Contraceptive care is very important for women,” she said.

She however urged women professionals to speak against the global gag rule and let people know how dangerous it is to women’s health, the need to look beyond US funding and document how the global gag rule impact organizations.

On her part, Florence Udu, a family life coach speaking on “Protecting our Children from Sexual Abuse” said sexual abuse is increasing and majority of it are not reported. She declared that homo sexuality is increasing.
“We live in a society where wrong things are being accepted as right things. Sexual abuse is process whereby an adult take advantage of minors. Minors are also taking advantage of minors – senior minors. As well as teachers abusing students saying they want to make them big girls”

She explained that one of the tactics of the predator is cartoon bait, their favourite song urging parents to “spend quality time with the children. Social media has replaced family time. Our priority has been misplaced. Learn parenting. Family must be better for the nation to be better. Family value system must be entrenched. To have sane society, family value must be embraced”, she noted.

Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos chapter, Dr. Quasim Akinreti advised people to do good in the society and expect the society will be fair to you at the end of the day. “Phenomenon of end time is here. Those who will survive the end time are those who pray and have good conduct”. He said.

Also speaking at the event, the representative of Recare Cosmetics, makers of Natures Gentle Touch Hair products, one of the sponsors of the event, revealed that the company’s institute is set to commence a full-tuition scholarship to hair and beauty practitioners and those intending to go into the industry for a training session. He said this is in furtherance to the institute’s commitment to empower the African woman through effective and entrepreneurial beauty education.

Mr. Daniel Komlan, Technical Education Manager, Natures Gentle Touch who represented Recare Cosmetics urged NAWOJ members to seize the opportunity to acquire a new skill while emphasizing the need for proper care of the hair, if women want to have healthy luscious hair.

Speaking about Natures Gentle Touch products, he said: “Natures Gentle Touch products are made from natural products to help maintain a healthy hair and scalp as well as solve hair and scalp related problems experienced by Nigerian women and make customers look and feel great.”

-By Tobi Oyetunde-

Nigerian journalists have been encouraged to give women in politics more coverage in their daily reportage. The call was made by stakeholders in a media roundtable put together by International Press Centre (IPC), Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED) and West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) with the support of PEACETECH Lab.

At the event, WANEP presented the result of its online survey that showed that “women are not positively portrayed in the social media.” WANEP maintained that women participation in politics and assumption of a leadership role in the Nigerian political environment is pertinent and women should be encouraged to participate. It added that women participation could be achieved through the introduction and enforcement of a quota system.

A guest speaker at the event, Mrs. Yinka Shonubi, Editor, Health Style Plus Online, affirmed that the media has failed in giving women equal space they give to men in politics. She said that while men enjoy media presence, women were relegated and portrayed as second fiddle. She, however demanded that the media should stop the stigmatization of women and publications that could discourage them from aspiring for political positions.

Noting that, “Poverty is one of the hindrances to women contesting for political positions in Nigeria”, she posited that women should be granted the same opportunity as men.

“Women need to be given the same leverage and opportunity in politics to encourage more women in aiming for political positions”, Shonubi said. She further encouraged women to pull their weight to make their impact known and also urged the masses to support the right women to make them get to political positions/offices.

However, Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi, Editor of This Day newspaper, opined that the reason women are yet to get more media coverage could be because women in politics are not media friendly. He urged women to make a conscious effort in accessing the media.
“Women might not be media friendly which could be why they get less representation in media.

“Women should consciously approach the media and make information available to the media,” he said.

“Women have to put themselves in a position that when you come to me, you have a story to tell,” adding that it would make them get more representation in the media.

Also contributing, veteran journalist, Mr. Tony Iyare, stated that women would have to consciously strive to put themselves in the media.

“You don’t beg for power, you have to fight for it. Women should take strategic steps in using the media to make themselves known,” he said.

Meanwhile, the lead speaker, Mr. Lekan Otunfodurin, Managing editor, Online, Nation Newspaper, in his presentation, advised women to have thick skin that would enable them to absorb criticism and hate speech thrown at them in the media.
He also advised women to develop a strategy in making the media come after them for news.

-By Funmi Falobi-

Former President of Mauritius, Professor Ameenah Gurib-Fakim will deliver the keynote paper at the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) 2018 Women in Development Enterprise Across African Program and Power Lunch in Lagos next week.

The MMF Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode in a signed statement, said the event was in furtherance of its core vision to improve the living conditions of Africans by contributing to reduction of poverty and limitation of conflict, while promoting self-reliance and self-fulfilment.

Muhammed-Oyebode hinted that this year’s edition with the Theme: ‘Smart Economics: Empowering Women in a Changing World,’ will have as the guest speaker Her Excellency, Prof. (Mrs.)  Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, the immediate past president of the Republic of Mauritius (2015-2018)

According to her, “Prof. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is the first woman elected President of the Republic of Mauritius and an accomplished scientist, an entrepreneur and a sustainable development expert. Prof. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is listed by Forbes as one of the most powerful women in the world.”

Also, the Women’s Power Lunch, she said “will attract the attendance of a cross generational audience of women leaders and influencers from all walks of life including government, the private sector, civil society, academia/students, media and the arts.

“So long as there is a continued reluctance to embrace the idea of female authority figures of women in power and leadership, and the gender gap remains as it is, sustainable development may continue to elude us on this continent. Can you imagine how the narrative on Africa would change if women are given their rightful place at the table? This is why the women who have broken these barriers are such powerful and compelling heroines.”

The event, which holds between July 18-19 2018, MMF CEO added, “will address pertinent developmental issues relating to African women and afford the women opportunities to expand their business through networking, partnership, sharing of ideas and exhibitions thereby empowering Nigerian women entrepreneurs for effective, critical and pride of place the economic independence of Africa, thus preparing them for principal roles in the political management of the future of the continent.

“The Women’s Power Lunch is fast becoming a prominent feature in the annual calendar of women’s events in Africa in an ambiance that stimulates robust engagements, rich discussions and networking opportunities.”

The statement recalled that the first edition of the Women’s Power Lunch featured Her Excellency, Mrs Gracia Machel Mandela DBE, the former first lady of South Africa and Mozambique, as Keynote Speaker. While the second featured the former President of Malawi, Her Excellency, Joyce Banda.

-By Funmi Falobi-

 The United States has reiterated its commitment to advocating for and including women in the workplace both in the United States and abroad.

 Speaking at a mentoring workshop held in Lagos with the theme “Transforming the Future:  Women Mentoring Women in the Workplace,” United States Consul General, John Bray said the programme of structured mentoring was created by the Department of State’s Human Resource bureau to address a number of challenges. Bray who noted he had served as a mentee and mentor during his time in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Department of State said, “Like many of you at your companies, the Department of State was looking for a way to retain its best employees and develop future leaders. 

  “We recognised that we needed to take steps to ensure that our leadership was both ethnically and gender diverse.  And equally important, we wanted to provide a mechanism for knowledge sharing between older and younger employees.  The starting point for addressing these issues was a structured mentoring program.”

 He recalled that the first female diplomat was hired in the 1920s but she had to resign when she married stressing that the “marriage rule” was not abolished until the late 1970s.

 “When I joined the Department, the State Department workforce was 27 percent, most of these people doing clerical work.  It is now 40 percent, but still not the 50 percent we are committed to achieving. The number of female diplomats has remained steady at 30 percent for the past decade. 

“The percentage of senior positions held by women at the State Department is at an all-time high – 30 percent. Through structured mentoring programs run by Executive Women at State and our Human Resources bureau we are working to increase the number of women in line with our goal of having a workforce that reflects the makeup of U.S. society.

 “To support women internationally, we established the office of Global Women’s affairs in 1995. We have identified assisting women to achieve senior positions in both the private and public sector as a priority. One of the many programs that we have includes the Global Women’s Mentoring program. I know that a number of Nigerian women have participated in this program, a collaboration between Fortune and the Department of State, as well as TechWomen and other programs,” he said.

 Addressing the participants, Public Affairs Officer, Darcy Zotter, said that to have a successful mentoring, the mentor must build relationship with the mentee, ask questions and create mentoring agreement.

“You must be able to define your relationship, build rapport and trust, and identify what you want to achieve through mentoring,” she said.

 A participant and a media practitioner, Mrs. Funke Treasure-Durodola, Assistant Director, Programmes, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Lagos Operations said a lot still need to be done on mentoring in the Nigerian media industry.

“For every organization there should be a mentoring programme. This is what they should do. It has to be well established, backed by the management.

“In media, we should do more of structured mentoring. Many veterans perhaps did not think of mentoring others. We need it especially women. Men have a way of tapping into mentoring than women. We need more women in management,” she said.

-By Funmi Falobi-

In order to improve the quality of education of children from low income households in Lagos, the Developing Effective Private Education Nigeria (DEEPEN) programme has brought together top government officials and stakeholders in education to a roundtable discuss. The event, which was a DEEPEN end of Programme Dissemination, held at Abeokuta, Ogun State, and was attended by top government officials and other stakeholders in education – Commissioners of Education, Budget and Planning, Permanent Secretaries, Special Advisers, Directors, CSOs and Private Sector stakeholders in the South-West region of Nigeria.

In his speech, the team leader of the DEEPEN programme, Dr. Gboyega Ilusanya emphasised on the need to address the challenge of improving education quality. “Given the rising importance of private education, the learnings of DEEPEN will help to set the agenda and structure for the intervention of states and development partners in education.”

The DEEPEN programme, which is a DFID UKAid-funded programme managed by Cambridge Education, a member of Mott MacDonald UK, was established to improve the quality of education in private schools, especially those serving children from low-income households in Lagos.

 The DEEPEN programme has, without doubt, recorded numerous successes in its attempt to establish a vibrant and dynamic market for private education in Lagos as more than 277, 000 children from across 2,500 schools have directly benefitted from DEEPEN’s interventions.

 Using a market-development approach, the DEEPEN programme continues the progress from the Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN), with a particular focus on improving learning outcomes of children from low-income families.

“We believe this is a good opportunity for stakeholders to learn and better understand how to effectively manage the phenomenon of private education, particularly in schools serving children from low-income households”

By Sanmi Falobi

Abuja, Nigeria’s capital is the centre for discourse as the International Press Institute (IPI) brings together hundreds of media proprietors, journalists, media professionals, media professionals groups and associations from across the continents for the 2018 congress of the IPI.

The 2018 edition of the annual World Congress with the theme “Why Good Journalism Matters” running for three days, from Thursday June 22, 2018  to Saturday June 23, 2018 was officially declared opened at an event in presidential Villa. The opening ceremony entailed a session tagged, ‘Conversation With The Government Of Nigeria’ moderated by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Channels Media Group, Mr. John Momoh. The session had government officials including the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun; Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Okechukwu Enelemah; and Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazzau, discussing key issues in the country.

According to a press statement by spokesman of the 2018 IPI congress, Mr. Eric Osagie, who is Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Limited, thematic sessions and further discussions by media stakeholders shifts to the Transcorp Hilton Hotel where papers on various issues would be presented which in general would “affirm the indispensable role of quality media in building strong societies, showcasing investigative stories and projects that bring positive change to individuals and communities in Africa and around the world.”

Meanwhile, the second day of the congress shall have five editors and publishers from world’s leading publications speaking on the topic: “Why Good Journalism Matters (And How to Make People Like it.” They include: John Daniszewski, vice president (standards)/editor-at-large, The Associated Press; Glenda Gloria, managing editor/co-founder, Rappler; David Jordan, director (editorial policy), BBC; Khadija Patel, editor-in-chief, Mail & Guardian and Mostefa Souaj, acting director-general, Al-Jezeera.

There will also be paper on “Covering Elections, Advancing Democracy,” by chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu and Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Director, International Press Centre (IPC).

The IPC shall also use the event to launch and publicly present the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage to media stakeholders. The presentation of the code, a revised edition of the 2014/2015 Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage which was recently validated and endorsed by media stakeholders is expected to be graced by the EU Ambassador, who shall give a goodwill remark, amongst other dignitaries. Copies of the revised code, whose validation and production was facilitated by IPC under Component 4b: Support to the media of the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) project, shall be  disseminated to journalists present for use ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Other papers of the IPI includes: “Africa’s Looking to the Future. So is its Journalism” by Juliet Ehimuan, country director of Google; while “Reporting Africa – Shaping a New Africa Narrative would be the paper by Roukaya Kasenally, CEO, Africa Media Initiative.  Others are, “Covering Development: A Guide to African Journalists” by Lisa Anne Essex, trainer, European Journalism Centre; “Understanding Terrorism and Conflict in Africa” by Victor Bwire, programmes manager, Media Council of Kenya and Hamza Idris, politics editor, Daily Trust Newspapers. Another paper entitled: “Fighting the Good Fight: African Media Face the Might of State Censorship,” will be presented by Deodatus Balile, Acting Chairman of Tanzania Editor’s Forum (TEF); Joan Chirwa, Editor-in-Chief and CEO, The Mast and Barbara Kaija, Editor-in-Chief, New Vision Printing & Publishing Company.

 “Why Journalists Struggle to Make a Living and What we can do about it” shall be focus of presentations by Ralph Akinfeleye, professor of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Lagos; Funke Egbemode, president, Nigerian Guild of Editors; Mohammed Idris, publisher, Blueprint Newspapers and Abdulwaheed Odusile, president, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The day’s session will be rounded off by a “Conversation with Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka with Kenneth Woosuk Choi, Editor of The Chosun Daily Newspaper, Korea also speaking at the event.

The Saturday session of the congress will feature papers on “Collaborative Investigative Reporting on Corruption, Financial Crime and Abuse of Power; Covering Natural Resources and the Extractive Sector; Contending with Fake News and Propaganda; Innovative Ways to Fund Investigative Journalism; What Change Can I Bring? Evidence is Power: Presentation of Independent and Secure Platforms for Journalists in Nigeria” among others.