Hello everyone! Welcome to the Development Diaries roundup of top stories from last week.
Borno, Kaduna Kidnapping: Swift Action Needed to Rescue Women, Girls
At number one spot is the sad report of the abduction of women and girls by terrorists in Borno and Kaduna states. Reports state that at least 200 students and teachers were abducted by armed bandits from the LEA Primary and Secondary Schools in Kuriga, Kaduna State, during morning assembly. When will Nigerian students feel safe pursuing their education? We urge all citizens to join in the demand for the rescue of the captives. Read more
Women’s Day: Why NASS Should Reconsider Gender Bills
At number two spot is why Nigeria’s National Assembly should reconsider gender bills as the world marked the 2024 International Women’s Day. The federal lawmakers need to demonstrate a genuine commitment to women’s empowerment in the country by reconsidering the gender bills thrown out by the ninth assembly. Read more
Has Nigeria Resumed Petroleum Subsidy Payments?
The controversy surrounding subsidy removal got our attention, too. Another oil marketer reported that Nigeria currently pays about one trillion naira monthly for petroleum subsidy. This is contrary to President Bola Tinubu’s ‘subsidy is gone’ statement on 29 May, 2023. Therefore, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, needs to clarify to Nigerians if the government has indeed resumed petroleum subsidy payments or not. Read more
Bank Fraud: EFCC, Bring Perpetrators to Justice
Another top story from last week was the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) revelation that 70 percent of financial crimes in Nigeria are traceable to the banking sector. But beyond the EFCC’s revelation, the commission must bring to justice those involved in the fraudulent practice. Read more
Bribe-Seeking Statement: Tinubu Should Promote, Not Demarket, Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu’s demarketing of Nigeria in Qatar also got our reaction. The president urging foreign investors to report bribe-seeking government officials to him was out of place. He should instead focus on strengthening our country’s anti-graft institutions to do their job. Read more
As Rape Cases Grow in Kano, Government Must Domesticate VAPP Law
There has been a rising trend of rape in Kano State, northwest Nigeria, with little or no justice for the victims due to the absence of proper laws. The Kano State House of Assembly needs to adopt the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law. For his part, Governor Abba Yusuf should assent to the Kano State Child Protection Bill to ensure the rights and dignity of residents, particularly women and children. Read more
Zimbabwe: Gender Laws Need Strengthening
Away from Nigeria, gender inequality remains a significant issue in Zimbabwe, despite efforts to address it through various legislative, social, and educational initiatives. The government of Zimbabwe needs to enact and enforce laws and policies that empower women and challenge entrenched gender norms and stereotypes. Read more
Mozambique: Humanitarian Intervention Needed
The violence in northern Mozambique continued to disrupt livelihoods and economic activities, pushing already vulnerable populations deeper into poverty. The government must respond urgently to alleviate the suffering of displaced persons, uphold human rights, and prevent further escalation of violence in the pursuit of lasting peace and security. Read more
Egypt: New Military Laws Threaten Human Rights, Need Review
Egypt’s new legislation, which empowers the military to completely or partially replace some roles performed by the police, civilian courts, and other civilian agencies, threatens human rights in the country. The Egyptian government needs to review the legislation, as it undermines the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens. Read more
The Gambia: Why Lawmakers Must Reject Pro-FGM Bill
Finally, in The Gambia, lawmakers need to do more to protect women’s rights, amidst a move to lift the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country. The Gambia National Assembly must protect women and girls by rejecting the proposed anti-women and girls bill. Read more
That is the roundup of some stories that made headlines last week. More headlines are available on Development Diaries or dev_diaries on IG and X, and development diaries on Facebook.
See you next time!