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Category: Health

  • Father’s Day: Foundation decries UN’s systemic gender bias against men

    Father’s Day: Foundation decries UN’s systemic gender bias against men

    Fathers

    By Lilian U. Okoro

    Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF), an NGO, has decried United Nation’s systemic gender bias against men while urging it to commit more to promoting gender equality and recognitions for men.

    The Founder and President of the Foundation, Ms Halima Layeni, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

    Layeni, who referenced UN’s disposition to Father’s Day, men and their contributions in society said the UN has never acknowledged the importance of celebrating men and their contributions to society.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Father’s Day is celebrated worldwide to recognise the contribution that fathers and father figures make to the lives of their families.

    Although Father’s Day is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide, many countries observe this day which celebrates fatherhood and male parenting on the third Sunday in June.

    Layeni said that the UN proclaims its commitment to gender equality, yet it hypocritically ignores the unseen sacrifices of fathers, husbands, and sons.

    According to her, UN claims to champion the rights of the marginalized, but men are seemingly invisible to it.

    She added the Organisation’s silence was deafening, as it perpetuates a harmful narrative that men were not worthy of recognition or celebration.

    She said that this not only harms men but also had far-reaching consequences for families, communities, and society as a whole.

    “Despite United Nation’s lofty pledges to achieve a just and equal world, it has consistently ignored days dedicated to celebrating men.

    “This blatant disregard for half of the global population is a stark reminder of the systemic gender bias that pervades your institution.

    “You celebrate numerous days dedicated to women, including: International Women’s Day (March 8), International Girls’ Day (October 11), International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), Women’s History Month (March), International Women’s Day of Peace and Disarmament (May 24).

    “These celebrations are important and necessary, but they also highlight the stark contrast in recognition and celebration of men”, Layeni said.

    She said that there were no UN-recognised days dedicated to celebrating men or boys, a disparity that perpetuated harmful gender stereotypes and discrimination.

    She said that this omission reinforced harmful gender stereotypes, limiting men’s ability to express emotions, seek help, and pursue non-traditional roles.

    She added that it also neglected the unique challenges men faced, including higher rates of suicide, homelessness, and incarceration.

    “Therefore, I demand accountability from the United Nations. It is time for you to acknowledge the importance of celebrating men and their contributions.

    “It is time for you to recognise the value of fathers, the impact of positive male role models, and the sacrifices men make for their families and communities”, she said.

    Layeni expressed optimism that there would be a response and a plan of action by UN to address the issue.

    According to her, the world is watching, and men deserve better, saying it is time for the United Nations to practice what it preaches and truly champion gender equality for all.

    “Your failure to act will have far-reaching consequences.

    “It will perpetuate a world where men are marginalised, boys are disenfranchised, and families suffer.

    “It will undermine your credibility and legitimacy; it will show the world that your commitments to gender equality are nothing more than empty promises”,  she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LUC / IEI /VIV

    ============

    Edited by Ijendu Iheaka/Vivian Ihechu

     

  • Cholera: Expert cautions Nigerians on vended local foods

    Cholera: Expert cautions Nigerians on vended local foods

    Mrs Assumpta Ilodibe 

    Cholera
    By Joy Mbachi
    Awka,June 16, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Assumpta Ilodibe, a Chief Nursing Officer at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, says Nigerians to be mindful of how they patronise food vendors to avoid contracting cholera.
    Ilodibe made the call following reports of cholera breakout in some parts of the country.
    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)in Awka on Sunday, Ilodibe
    said the cholera could be fatal if medical intervention was delayed or not properly handled.
    She said the bacteria responsible for cholera produced a toxin in the small intestines which made the body to secrete too much water leading to diarrhea and rapid loss of fluid and salt.
    She said it was important to prevention contracting cholera through dedicated hygiene, safe drinking water.
    Ilodibe advised that foodstuff bought from the markets needed to be washed well with salt before consumption.
    The medical expert advised people to ensure they washed their toilets in and out with alcohol based detergents at least three times a week.
    Ilodibe said that parents should ensure their children were trained to imbibe healthy living principles of proper hand washing after contacts with people and public places.
    She said that hand washing under running water with soap after visiting the toilets or after returning from school or public places would prevent lots of communicable diseases.
    Ilodibe advised against eating raw meat or fish and urged people to always wash their nuts, fruits, vegetables with clean water and salt before eating.
    “Water for cooking should be very clean and upgraded personal hygiene should always be sustained,” she advised.
    NAN reports that on June 9, the Lagos State Government declared a cholera outbreak as reported by the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) on June 12.
    According to the EOC, 324 suspected cholera cases have been reported in the state, including 15 people who died. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    JOY/CHOM/KUA
    ==========
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne

  • Sallah: LASG urges caution as cholera death toll hits 15

    Cholera:

    Cholera
    By Oluwafunke Ishola
    Lagos, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says fatalities from the cholera outbreak in the state have increased to 15, while calling for caution during Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
    Abayomi said this in a statement on Saturday.
    He disclosed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities.
    “The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed cholera sub type O-1. This subtype is associated with more severe disease.
    “The pattern of new cases per day varies across Local government areas, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.
    “Although this is an increase from the numbers published three days ago, cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected local government areas due to our interventions and surveillance efforts.
    “However, we are recording some new cases in previously unaffected local government areas, signaling the need for residents to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures,” he said.
    The commissioner said that the state had activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, in response to the outbreak.
    He said that the PHEOC was convened to address the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases across multiple local government areas of the state.
    “The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment, have collected samples of water sources, food and beverage samples in all the affected LGAs, while inspections of facilities are ongoing.
    “We are prepositioning cholera kits in health facilities across the state. Our efforts to control the outbreak also include the distribution of oral rehydration solutions, public health education campaigns,” he said.
    Abayomi said that a high-level team from the state Ministry of Health just concluded a meeting with the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Jide Idris, and his team, and key partners from the World Health Organisation to ensure all interventions are optimised.
    Abayomi appealed to residents to support the state government’s efforts by adhering strictly to precautionary measures and cooperating with health authorities.
    He also urged residents to participate in community-wide sanitation activities to mitigate the transmission of cholera, especially during the Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
    “During this Sallah festive season, residents are advised to drink safe water, cook food thoroughly, maintain personal hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitiser, and avoid crowded places.
    “Reporting symptoms like watery diarrhea or vomiting immediately is also crucial to save lives and prevent transmission to other members of the community.
    “Treatment for suspected cholera is provided free of charge at all government facilities as part of governments standard public health response,” he said.
    He restated the state’s commitment in intensifying efforts to control the disease outbreak.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state on June 11 alerted residents to a severe gastroenteritis outbreak in four local government areas leading to 60 hospitalisation, and five deaths mainly from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.
    Communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Kosofe Local Government Areas of the state were affected in the outbreak. (NAN)
    AIO/JNC
    =======
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Oyo govt. issues health alert over suspected cholera cases

    Alert

    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

    Ibadan, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Oyo State Government on Saturday in Ibadan called for more vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures to prevent a potential cholera outbreak in the state.

    The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, made the call during her visit to a private hospital in Ibadan where two persons with suspected cholera cases were receiving treatment.

    She pointed out that cholera is a bacterial infection spread by eating or drinking food or water contaminated by the faeces of an infected person.

    Ajetunmobi remarked that cholera is highly infectious and can cause severe diarrhoea with severe dehydration, adding that it may be associated with nausea, profuse vomiting and fever.

    “The two suspected cases in Ibadan, which have been tracked down to a private facility, are male workers at a construction site at Lekki Peninsula in Lagos State.”

    She however assured that there was no cause for alarm as the Ministry and other partners were on top of the situation.

    Ajetunmobi disclosed that the state government’s response efforts, through the Ministry, were aimed at ensuring the state does not record casualties from the cholera outbreak in Lagos State.

    “The response efforts include: promotional jingles in English and Yoruba, running in different media houses; an immediate inauguration of the Cholera Technical Working Group; putting active isolation management centres in place; and sensitisation of the gatekeepers and other well-established community structures,” she said.

    The Commissioner therefore appealed to all to be safety-conscious and always drink water only from clean sources, and practise good personal hand hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap and water.

    She warned that anyone with the listed symptoms should not indulge in self-medication but present themselves at the nearest healthcare facility immediately.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CC/OLAL
    =========
    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • Cholera: Children facing substantial health risks – UNICEF

    Cholera: Children facing substantial health risks – UNICEF

    Cholera
    By Victor Adeoti
    Osogbo, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) says recurrent cholera outbreaks in the Nigeria are critically affecting children and the population at large.

    This is contained in a statement by Celine Lafoucrier, Chief of Lagos UNICEF Field Office, on Saturday in response to cholera outbreak in Lagos and other parts of the country.

    Lafoucrier said that children faced substantial health risks, particularly those under five who were prone to severe dehydration and higher mortality rate.

    She urged government to focus on the provision of clean and risk-free water to prevent the spread of cholera in the country.

    According to her, despite the state government’s efforts to provide water to its population, the current outbreak demonstrates the need for an urgent government focus on ensuring the water provided to the population is clean and risk-free.

    “Addressing the challenges of cholera outbreaks requires a deliberate focus of state policies.

    ”And this include provision of high-standard water and sanitation facilities as well as strengthened healthcare systems capable of responding to the demand in times of outbreaks.

    ”There should be campaigns on cholera prevention to protect children and the population at large”, she said.

    Lafoucrier said that good water and sanitation infrastructure play a crucial role in reducing disease outbreaks, such as cholera, which causes an estimated 100,000 deaths annually.

    “Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions are fundamental in preventing and responding to cholera epidemics.

    “Safe water supplies, hygienic sanitation, and effective water management are key elements in this effort.

    “Ultimately, preventing cholera centers on good sanitation and hygiene practices.

    “Key actions include proper disposal of faeces, eliminating open defecation, and ensuring access to potable water.

    “Regular hand washing with clean, running water and soap is vital.

    “Additionally, avoiding the consumption of uncooked vegetables, unwashed fruits, raw or undercooked seafood, and food from street vendors is important to reduce the risk of cholera infection”, she said.

    According to her, safer water can annually prevent 1.4 million child deaths from diarrhoea, 500,000 deaths from malaria, and 860,000 child deaths from malnutrition.

    She said that it could also protect 10 million people from serious illnesses like lymphatic filariasis and trachoma.

    Lafoucrier, however, said that disease outbreaks ultimately hinder Nigeria’s progress in achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all.

    “These outbreaks strain Nigeria’s health system, diverting limited resources from essential services like routine immunizations and maternal and childcare, undermining universal health coverage.

    “However, outbreaks also present opportunities to strengthen Nigeria’s health system.

    “Prevention is more cost-effective than cure; thus, communities should establish systems that promote key hygiene practices, transforming them into a cultural norm,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)
    VE/IKU
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • NYSC DG tasks scheme’s PR officers on efficient service

    NYSC DG tasks scheme’s PR officers on efficient service

    Improvement

    By Folasade Akpan

    Abuja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, has urged Information and Public Relations (PR) Officers of the scheme to improve on their public relations skills for better service.

    Ahmed gave the advice in Abuja, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 NYSC Information and PR Officers’ Training Workshop.

    According to him, the scheme places a high premium on ensuring a sustainable positive corporate image at all times.

    He said that given the demands of their schedule and the fast pace of the digitalised world, there is need for continuous upgrade of their knowledge and skills to keep up with evolving trends in corporate image management.

    “While management will continue to expand the coast of PR officers, it expects that you fulfill the statutory requirement for practice of PR, by enrolling into the relevant professional bodies as members.

    “In the same vein, PR officers will be sent to relevant institutions for requisite training and retraining programmes to hone your skills in media management and other elements of your job profile.”

    Ahmed urged them to continue to leverage on both the traditional and new media to scale-up effective publication of the critical role of NYSC in the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

    The Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Mr Eddy Megwa, said that the annual workshop has, over the years, become a veritable platform for officers of the cadre to acquire requisite knowledge on contemporary issues influencing the practice of the profession.

    According to him, it is intended to keep the officers on top of their game with a view to equip them adequately for effective management of the corporate image of the scheme.

    “It is in this regard that the theme of this year’s workshop ‘”Re-tooling NYSC PR Officers for Modern Corporate Image Management of the Scheme,” was adopted.

    “No doubt it will enable participants brainstorm on the new techniques of handling emerging PR issues as they affect NYSC.

    “It is incontrovertible that the scheme needs well trained PR officers to continually engage its publics and constantly fill them in on the operations of the scheme and also take charge of other ancillary duties which support and enhance our corporate image.”

    Megwa, who will be retiring in August after 34 years of service, said that the department had recorded several milestones.

    “We have established the NYSC Radio and Television Stations to enhance publication of the programmes of the scheme and improve its visibility in the media space.

    “We have also inaugurated a new state-of-the-art studio recently for the NYSC TV.”

    Megwa said that the scheme had also activated the NYSC Printing Press in Kaduna with procurement of modern printing machines.

    He, however, urged all Nigerians especially the media to continue to accord the NYSC the necessary support to pursue its mandate. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FOF/AMM

    ===========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Otti’s wife launches 2024 maternal, newborn, child health week

    Health
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Wife of Abia Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, on Friday, formally launched the first round of the 2024 maternal, newborn and child health week in the state.
    In a speech at the event in Umuahia, organised by the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHDA), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Otti said that the programme held great health prospects for women and children in the state.
    The governor’s wife, represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Adaeze Emetu, said that the programme would help to strengthen initiatives focused on improving the health of women and children.
    She said: “Maternal and child deaths have remained on the increase lately and  annoyingly  these deaths are preventable, if we all work together.
    “Mortality from any preventable cause is a violation of the individual’s basic human right and must be stopped.”
    Otti also said that the initiative was necessitated by the need to boost coverage of high impact interventions for mother and child health.
    She described the programme as a simple cost effective mechanism for preventive and curative interventions for improving maternal and child health.
    According to her, activities that will help in reducing the unacceptably high rate of maternal mortality will be supported by the State Government.
    Otti called on health workers to improve their knowledge and  interpersonal communication skills to promote effective healthcare service delivery in Abia.
    In a remark, the Executive Secretary of ASPHDA, Dr Kalu Kalu, said that the programme aimed at delivering a package of basic interventions to women of child-bearing age and children under five.
    Kalu said that the basic interventions had proven to be highly effective in reducing maternal mortality and improving mother and child health.
    “It is a week-long delivery of maternal and child survival interventions, which complement routine health services by ensuring that basic care reach all mothers and children,” he said.
    He also said that the programme would focus on reducing morbidity and mortality from preventable causes and improve the wellbeing of beneficiaries.
    In an address, the Permanent Secretary, Mnistry of Health, Dr Ifeyinwa Uma-Kalu, described the basic health interventions provided for women and children as a step in the right direction.
    Uma-Kalu, represented by Dr Borke Okali, urged the people to embrace the interventions and teachings provided in the various health facilities.
    The Chief of UNICEF, Enugu Field Office, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, expressed delight over  the introduction of maternal, newborn and child health week.
    Chiluwe, represented by Dr Ephraim Chukwu, commended the government for evolving such a health programme.
    She said that the programme would enhance the provision of high impact and cost-effective interventions to women and children in the state.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the interventions to be provided during the programme include, vitamin supplementation, de-worming, screening of children for malnutrition and immunisation, amongst others.(NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)
    INA/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • WHO recommends support for donors

    WHO recommends support for donors

    Donors

    By Franca Ofili

    Abuja, June, 14, 2024 (NAN) The World Health Organisation has advised communities to support those who donate blood, so as to encourage others to do same.

    Dr Matshidiso Moeti, Regional Director for Africa, said this on Friday, in her message to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day, with the theme: “20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You Blood Donors!”.

    Moeti said that such would have the potential to create an exponential increase in the availability of life-saving donor blood, when and where it was needed most.

    According to her, blood transfusion plays a critical role in the provision of life-saving healthcare.

    “Vulnerable people, such as mothers during childbirth; under-nourished and malaria-affected children; victims of trauma and accidents; and patients suffering from sickle cell and other chronic diseases; particularly benefit from this care,” she said.

    Moeti said that it was not merely a date on the calendar; but a celebration of altruism, empathy, and social responsibility.

    According to her, It is a day to acknowledge and honour blood donors whose acts help save the lives of others.

    “We express our gratitude to blood, plasma, and platelet donors in the African region and the world, for their life-saving donations.

    “Moreover, our gratitude is a call to action to motivate more individuals to donate blood.

    “We appreciate the gesture and are immensely grateful to all the donors in our region and worldwide; we owe them a debt of gratitude,” she said.

    Moeti said that in the past decade, WHO had provided technical and financial support to its Member States, in their efforts to improve blood products availability, quality and safety.

    The director said that the Member States in the African Region had made significant progress between 2015 and 2022.

    She said that the number of countries that have fully developed a national blood policy, increased from 37 in 2015 to 43 in 2022.

    “The average number of blood units collected per 1,000 population increased from 4.5 to 5.2, as compared to the regional target of 10 units per 1,000 population.

    “The percentage of countries participating in an external quality assessment scheme for Transfusion-Transmissible Infections (TTIs) increased from 55.3 per cent to 62.2 per cent.

    “We sincerely thank our Member States for their efforts,” Moeti said.

    According to her, in spite these improvements, countries must address the persistent challenges in the availability of safe blood and blood products.

    She said that through collective efforts, they must raise adequate and sustainable funding; continue to build systems and capacities to increase blood donation rates; and separate donated blood into its components that could be stored for long-term use.

    Moeti said that currently, African countries collect only 5.2 units of blood for every 1,000 people, below the ten donations or more per 1,000 people recommended by WHO and far from the 33 units of blood per 1,000 people collected in developed countries.

    She said that two countries had reached the regional target of at least 80 per cent of blood supply from Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donors, yet, the demand for blood remained constant, while the supply often falls short.

    “This 20th anniversary is fitting to reflect on our achievements, address our challenges, and envision a future where safe blood transfusion is universally accessible.

    “Let us also remember the health of blood donors and the quality of care accorded to them.

    “This is critical in encouraging them and building the commitment and willingness to donate blood regularly,” Moeti said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FNO/FON/SOA
    =============

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwole Sogunle

  • NGOs distribute menstrual pads, hygiene kits to students in IDP camp

    NGOs distribute menstrual pads, hygiene kits to students in IDP camp

    Kits
    By Justina Auta
    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Two NGOs,  Civitas Auxillium Foundation (CAF) and BHAJ Helping Arm Foundation, on Friday, donated essential items to schools in Wassa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Abuja.
    The NGOs specifically distributed sanitary pads and hygiene kits to female  students of Moving Star International School, Holy Trinity Academy, Welbired Academy and ECWA Zion Academy, all in Wassa IDPs Camp.
    Mrs Elizabeth Duile, the Chief Operating Officer of CAF, said that the idea was to create awareness on menstrual hygiene management, and to dispel some myths and beliefs surrounding menstruation among underprivileged children in the camp.
    She said “we need to create more awareness and empower the children with the right knowledge about how to take care of themselves on days when they have their menstrual flow.
    “Shockingly, while we were having the lecture, some of the girls said they use rags, tissue paper and other things that are not appropriate for menstrual protection.
    “So, it is important that we create awareness by educating and empowering them with the right knowledge,” she said.
    Duile acknowledged the challenges of accessing menstrual pad for people in IDPs camps, urging government and other stakeholders to implement policies that would ensure provision of facilities and materials for their well-being.
    “There is need to have toilets in the schools, especially for the girls to be able to have access to clean water and sanitary pads, and for them to freshen up without disrupting their learning.
    “This is because we had cases of girls who do not come to school whenever they are on their period, as they rather stay at home because there’s no toilet in school,” she said.
    Similarly, Dr Adejoke Ogundana, BHAJ Helping Arm Foundation, said the students were educated on menstrual hygiene management to reduce risk of infections during their menstrual cycle.
    “We were able to educate them on proper menstrual management and ways to access hygiene products and breaking stigma.
    “We did not limit it to just the girls; the boys were also included so that they can support their sisters and friends, instead of embarrassing or stigmatising them.
    “We delivered these messages also in their native languages to really impact knowledge into them and also help them to be responsible in their environments,” she said.
    Maryam Ibrahim, a junior student of the school, expressed appreciation to the NGOs for the support.
    “I am so happy with this gifts,  I always used rags during my menstrual period because my mother here in the IDP camp cannot afford to buy me sanitary pads,”she said.
    Similarly, Reuben Obadiah, another student said that he learnt lot on maintaining good hygiene,  how to support girls when the need arose, and to fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV).”
    Speaking on behalf of the schools, Mrs Chidimma Obiegwue, a teacher in Moving Star International School, said that the gesture would reduce student challenges of accessing sanitary pads and absent from school during menstrual period.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JAD/KAE/HA
    ===========
    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Group advocates justice, gender progress in politics 

    Group advocate justice, gender progress in politics

    Gender

    By Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) A Non-Governmental Advocacy Group, Feminism Lab,  has called for social justice and political advancement of women to ensure gender development in Nigeria’s politics.

    The group,  in conjunction with Friedrich-Ebert-Stitung Nigeria,  made the call during an inter-generational dialogue to promote political gender progress and social justice on Friday in Abuja.
    Leonard Oestergaard, Resident Representative, Friedrich-Ebert-Stitung Nigeria, encouraged women to demand for favourable gender principles that would promote social justice and create access to gender justice.
    Oestergaard urged leaders in the feminist struggle to articulate compelling vision of inclusive governance and gender parity.
    According to him, this will give women opportunities to occupy key policy-making positions, as well as access to essential service.
    “Gender justice is both a question of representation in government and political spheres.  It is not only about number or percentage of women in parliament, it is more than that.
    “Over the years we realised that it is not necessarily skills that are lacking in the struggle for gender development but more of the political economy that is not correct.
    “For us to make impact on this journey is to create alliances, not only to work with similar people but to form an alliance or create an alliance that fights for gender and social  justice,” he said.
    Austin Aigbe of West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network, during the panel session,  affirmed the need for equal representation and opportunity for gender equality.
    Aigbe called for reforms that would address the issue of feminism appropriately.
    According to him,  each time women are empowered without creating a place for the man, it creates disaster for the future.
    “This will create a situation where men will have no knowledge about the conversation on feminism,” he said.
    Aigbe said there was need for  affirmative action, adding that “if there is no law in place, it will be extremely difficult to address the issue of gender equality in politics.
    “But by passing a single gender and equal opportunity law, this will increase participation of women in governance and that is the way to go,” he  said.
    Earlier, Vina Adams of Feminism Lab, said the dialogue brought together diverse and dynamic coalition of feminists and community leaders to discuss, understand and promote progressive feminist discourse.
    Adam said the dialogue was a deliberate effort to pass down feminist skills and knowledge to the younger generation in confronting and overcoming discrimination, building resilience, and engaging in protests and activism for emancipation.
    “One of the most significant aspects of this initiative is its emphasis on bridging the generational gap by bringing together feminists of all ages and backgrounds, to foster a rich environment of mutual learning and support.
    “We decided to host this intergenerational dialogue to interrogate the misconception and misunderstanding of feminism, and to ³connect the theory and practice of feminism especially in Nigeria.
    “The dialogue will lay emphasis on the importance of feminism, the history of different feminist movements, and some of the most famous types of feminism.
    “Also, it will help us to understand how continued engagement with feminist theory and practice will mitigate the challenges of misconception and misunderstanding of feminism in Nigeria, ” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JAD/KAE/HA
    ============
    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu