The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has vowed that his administration will ensure women are given equal opportunities to serve.

Governor Uba Sani made this pledge in a post on his verified Facebook page on International Women’s Day.

He wrote on his page: “Today is International Women’s Day, a day set aside to celebrate women and reflect on their struggles for equality, recognition, enhanced opportunities, and better living conditions.

“I want to specially salute Nigerian women, and indeed women around the world, for their incredible strength, resilience, creativity, and unwavering determination. Despite the obstacles and challenges they face every day, they continue to break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and make invaluable contributions to the advancement of societies.

“The theme of this year’s celebration, Accelerate Action: Turning Promises into Progress, is a call to action. It reminds us that we have made promises to women and girls around the world—promises of equality, justice, and opportunities. But promises are not enough. We must turn these promises into tangible progress.

“In Kaduna State, we have been taking practical steps to address the barriers that hinder women’s participation in the socio-economic development of our state. We have put in place robust legal frameworks to guide the implementation of programmes and projects for women’s empowerment. For us to make sustained progress, women must be given equal access to opportunities. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society for all.”

PRESS RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: IGP CELEBRATES WOMEN, PROMISES FORCE GENDER POLICY IMPLEMENTATION, ENHANCED GENDER INCLUSIVITY.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, extends his warmest felicitations to all women around the world as the world celebrates this year’s International Women’s Day on March 8th 2025. The IGP particularly recognizes and deeply appreciates the invaluable contributions of policewomen to the safety, security, and overall effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.

On this significant occasion, the IGP reaffirms his unwavering commitment to promoting equality and fostering a more inclusive environment within the Nigeria Police Force. The IGP acknowledges and appreciates the unique skills, efforts, and dedication that women bring to policing, particularly that of the Force Gender Advisor, AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, OON, mni., who has played a major role in the establishment of the newly approved Force Gender Policy documents, and pledges commitment to its implementation.

This is in furtherance of the commitment of the present Police leadership to implementing policies and programs that promote gender equality and address gender-based discrimination within the Force. As part of this policy, the implementation will also feature an increased female representation in vital roles by actively seeking qualified female officers for leadership positions, specialized units, and strategic roles.

The Nigeria Police Force recognizes that a diverse and inclusive workforce is a stronger and more effective workforce. The Force is committed to creating a workplace where every officer, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

8TH MARCH 2025

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, said his administration has approved the sum of N1 billion as soft loans to market women in the state.

Okpebholo disclosed this in Benin City at an event commemorating the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration.

Ekwutosblog reports that the governor opined that the approved N1 billion soft loan for market women would help boost their businesses, improve their lives, and enhance the state’s economy.

He said the loans were in appreciation of their steadfastness, dedication, and commitment to moving the state forward.

“Since I assumed office as Governor of Edo State, this is the first event that has been very colorful. I have been coming to the Festival Hall in Government House but have never seen a colorful event like this.

“We can actually do nothing as men without the women, and that was why when a memo came before me on soft loan approval, I quickly approved N1 billion for our market women.

“The process is already ongoing, and we are talking to the relevant financial institution for disbursement, as the money is ready and is credited only to Edo women.

“The women are truthful and straightforward. When they assure you of their backing, just relax and be assured that you will get their backing, especially during the election. Their words are firm,” he said.

Earlier, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, urged Edo women never to be silent, pushed back, shut down, or strangled, emphasizing that their voices must be heard because they matter.

Anani, however, urged the women to add value and be committed in all they do in their careers, communities, and other life endeavors.

She commended Governor Okpebholo for taking decisive steps to ensure that no Edo woman is left behind in the quest for equal opportunities and justice.

“We are all gathered here to celebrate the achievements of women and renew the call for transformative change. The celebration reminds us of the incredible progress made by women and the world.

“This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, is not a mere slogan but a call for urgent inclusion, decisive change, and collaborative efforts.

“We must come together to end the barriers that still deny thousands of women their fundamental human rights—systemic inequality, violence against women and the girl child, and economic disparity—which have held back women’s progress around the globe. It is our duty to dismantle these obstacles in our environment,” she added.

She posited that IWD is an annual celebration of the achievements of women across the globe, as well as an avenue to strategize on ending barriers to women’s advancement.

The 2025 IWD celebration, with the theme “Accelerate Action”, emphasizes the urgent need to take decisive steps towards achieving gender equality, addressing the slow pace of progress, and empowering women and girls worldwide.