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UN Women urges traditional rulers to tackle rising tech-driven GBV
UN Women has urged traditional rulers across Nigeria to intensify their role in ending Gender-Based Violence, particularly new technology-facilitated abuses that increasingly threaten women and girls across digital spaces and within various communities nationwide.
The call was delivered at the National Convening of Traditional Leaders on GBV Prevention on Tuesday in Abuja, part of activities marking the 2025 Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence globally.
Beatrice Eyong, UN Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, warned that violence against women was evolving rapidly, with digital platforms becoming new avenues for harassment, exploitation and intimidation, creating increasingly complex threats.
Eyong, represented by Deputy Country Representative Patience Ekeoba, said traditional rulers remained essential as custodians of culture and authority, capable of driving meaningful reforms, strengthening accountability and championing community-based efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence.
She appreciated the Minister of Women Affairs and the Federal Capital Territory Administration for their leadership in gender equality interventions, acknowledging their continued support for initiatives promoting women’s rights and strengthening institutional protection mechanisms.
She cited national surveys indicating that although progress existed, harmful cultural practices and physical, emotional and sexual abuse still affected millions of Nigerian women, underscoring the need for sustained and coordinated national prevention efforts.
According to her, stronger enforcement mechanisms and coordinated community action are urgently required to protect survivors, deter perpetrators and reinforce collective responsibility in preventing violence against women and girls across Nigeria’s diverse communities.
She highlighted progress in Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Enugu and Cross River, where traditional leaders supported by government and development partners had abolished child marriage, widowhood rites and female genital mutilation, demonstrating meaningful cultural transformation.
She said those examples showed that cultural transformation became possible when tradition aligned with justice and dignity, enabling communities to replace harmful practices with positive norms that protected women and girls effectively.
Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat, said the convening provided an important platform to redefine GBV at cultural, traditional and institutional levels while strengthening prevention systems and improving accountability.
She described traditional leaders as transformers and cultural gatekeepers whose voices could reshape norms, strengthen family values, challenge harmful silence protecting perpetrators and influence behavioural change supporting women’s safety and community wellbeing.
Benjamins-Laniyi emphasised that protecting women and girls required a united response grounded in community accountability, shared responsibility and cooperative engagement aimed at preventing violence and ensuring survivors received timely, compassionate and comprehensive support.
She reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to sustaining partnerships that prevented violence, supported survivors and advanced the Humanity Project, a new legacy framework designed to strengthen social justice, community protection and collective wellbeing across the territory.
Alhaji Haliru Yahaya-Ndanusa, Convener-General of COTLA, reiterated traditional rulers’ commitment to ending practices inflicting physical, emotional or digital harm, stressing that palaces could also serve as protective safe havens for vulnerable girls.
He noted that traditional rulers possessed significant influence capable of swiftly shaping community behaviour when united, especially in discouraging child marriage, protecting survivors and promoting responsible digital conduct among young people across communities.
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I Don’t Love Yvonne Jegede Anymore, But I’ll Kill For Her – Nollywood Actor, Kunle Fawole
Nollywood actor Kunle Abounce Fawole has revealed that he no longer has romantic feelings for his ex-wife, actress Yvonne Jegede. However, he said he would do everything possible to protect her if she was ever in danger.
Fawole made the statement during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwu, where he reflected on their failed relationship and how he now relates to his ex-wife.
Speaking about the breakup, he said, “I had a girlfriend once, but it didn’t work.”
When asked why the relationship ended, he replied, “I think we’re just, on different planes. I’d rather just be the one to say, ‘Oh, everything was my fault,’ so to speak, I don’t like the enmity of things.”
The actor explained that he does not believe in holding grudges or avoiding people he once loved. According to him, he would gladly greet his ex-wife if they met because he has no reason to be hostile toward her.
He said, “I don’t want to see somebody that I used to be with down the street, and I turn my face away.”
When asked if he still loves Yvonne Jegede, Fawole simply responded, “No.”
Despite saying he no longer loves her romantically, the actor stressed that his respect and sense of responsibility toward her remain the same because she is the mother of his son.
He added, “Yes, she’s the mother of my son. I’m somewhere, and she’s in trouble, somebody is doing something, I’ll try my best to kill the person.”
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Egypt Secures Historic Win, Tops Group G
Egypt made history on Sunday night in Vancouver, defeating New Zealand 3-1 to record their first-ever FIFA World Cup win. The result lifted the Pharaohs to the top of Group G with four points, while New Zealand remained bottom with just one.
The match began with New Zealand showing early intent. Defender Finn Surman rose highest to head home in the 15th minute, giving the Oceania side a shock lead. Egypt struggled to find rhythm in the first half, with misplaced passes and a lack of penetration in attack.
Coach Hossam Hassan’s halftime talk proved decisive. Egypt returned with renewed energy, pressing higher and moving the ball faster. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when Mostafa Zico equalised with a composed finish inside the box.
Ten minutes later, Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s talisman, put his side ahead. The captain latched onto a through ball and calmly slotted past the New Zealand goalkeeper. His influence was undeniable, combining leadership with technical brilliance.
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Mahmoud Trezeguet sealed the victory in the 82nd minute, finishing off a swift counterattack that left New Zealand’s defence exposed. The third goal ended any hopes of a comeback for the Kiwis.
Salah’s performance stood out. Beyond his goal, he provided an assist and constantly troubled New Zealand’s backline. His display earned him the Man of the Match award, underlining his importance to Egypt’s campaign.
For Egypt, the win was more than three points. It marked a historic milestone, ending a 92-year wait since their World Cup debut in 1934. The victory also boosted morale ahead of their next group fixture.
New Zealand, despite their bright start, failed to sustain pressure. Their midfield struggled to cope with Egypt’s intensity after the break, and defensive lapses proved costly. With only one point from two matches, their chances of progressing now hang by a thread.
Coach Darren Bazeley admitted his side lost focus after halftime. “We started well but could not maintain control. Egypt punished our mistakes,” he said.
The result reshaped Group G standings. Egypt now leads with four points, ahead of their next opponents. New Zealand sits bottom, needing a win in their final group match to keep slim hopes alive.
For Egyptian fans, the night in Vancouver will be remembered as a turning point. The Pharaohs not only secured a historic win but also announced themselves as serious contenders in the tournament.
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INEC Reports 87% Readiness For Enugu North By-Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that preparations for the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election are nearly complete, with the commission recording 87 percent readiness.
Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu State, disclosed the update during an interview in Enugu. He explained that the commission had already sorted and dispatched non-sensitive materials to its six local government area offices within the senatorial district.
According to Chukwu, the materials will be moved from the council offices to Registration Area Centres (RACs) to ensure smooth distribution ahead of the June 20 poll. He stressed that the commission’s logistics plan was on track and designed to avoid last-minute challenges.
The REC also confirmed that all Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices had been fully configured and charged. These devices, introduced to enhance transparency and reduce electoral malpractice, will be deployed across polling units in the district.
Chukwu noted that INEC had concluded engagements with critical stakeholders at the state, senatorial, and local government levels. He said the meetings recorded strong participation, with stakeholders raising questions about the process and receiving clarifications from senior officials.
He revealed that four political parties would field candidates in the by-election. While he declined to name them, he explained that INEC had monitored their primaries and submitted reports to the commission’s headquarters for approval.
Training for election officials is scheduled to begin on Friday, covering ad-hoc staff and permanent INEC workers. The training will focus on electoral procedures, use of BVAS devices, and compliance with guidelines.
Security arrangements are also being finalised. Chukwu said INEC would meet with the police and other security agencies to ensure the safety of officials, materials, and voters during the exercise. He emphasised that security presence would be critical to maintaining order and protecting the integrity of the process.
The by-election was scheduled after INEC published the official timetable on May 21. It is expected to fill the vacant seat in the Enugu North Senatorial District, a contest that will test the strength of political parties in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chukwu assured residents that INEC was committed to conducting a credible poll. He urged voters to participate actively and expressed confidence that the commission’s preparations would guarantee a transparent outcome.
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