General News
UN, NGO launch project to support 750 vulnerable, marginalised girls
The United Nations Trust Fund and Tabitha Cumi Foundation on Monday launched the Flashlight Action on Girls’ Safety (FLAGS) to support 750 marginalised girls in FCT, Nassarawa and Niger states.
The foundation’s Executive Director, Mrs Tayo Erinle, said the project, funded by the UN Trust Fund, will provide access to multi-sectoral services to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
Erinle said the three-year project was relevant to this year’s International Day of the Girl-Child, with the theme, “Digital Generation-Our Generation; Digital Revolution: Not Without Girls.”
`It is a three-year project and it is particularly relevant to this year’s theme of the IDGC Digital Generation-Our Generation; Digital Revolution:Not Without Girl.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, we worked digitally with girls to reach them in their communities through literacy by radio.
“But now our digitilisation is going to be by way of getting access to justice, health and referral services for girls to support them against GBV.’’
According to her, the organisation was committed towards enhancing the dignity of marginalised girls and women and the project focus was on health, education and service delivery.
“FLAGS is a three-year project for May 2021 to May 2024 project funded by the UN Trust fund to end violence against women and girls, and is implemented by Talitha Cum Foundation to support 750 marginalised adolescent girls between the ages of 10-19 in 10 communities in FCT, Nassarawa and Niger states.
“We are working with health department, police gender desk office and FIDA in all the implementing states.
“We have a marginalisation criteria, we have chosen to select girls that are vulnerable, girls that actually need support,’’ she said.
She explained further that 525 girls in FCT, 150 in Nassarawa and 75 in Niger states will be benefitting from the project.
She said the vulnerable adolescent girls will also be provided with survival centered interventions within safe spaces, access to friendly multi-sectoral services and survival’s wellbeing to assist them.
“Why we need to support them is because many of them are naïve and they don’t even understand the signal, they don’t understand what is happening until they are harmed.
“That is why it is very important for us to inform them and give them correct information about what GBV is so that when they see it or experience, they can identify it and respond to it and report appropriately.
“Our approach is to establish safe spaces in the community in schools. Digitally, we are establishing virtual case management hubs to enable them easy access, avoid re-traumatisation and to engage all relevant stakeholders from FIDA, Health experts, FIDA,’’ she said.
According to her, they started with advocacies in communities for support for the project, enrolment of project beneficiaries and baseline assessment.
She noted that the beneficiaries were orphans, Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), school drop-out, househelps, and teenage mothers.
Also, Amarachi Chukwu, Assistant Programme Officer, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), said the association has been carrying out advocacies in schools and the media on the harms of GBV.
“Even the Judges know that these cases are overwhelmed, they are trying their best to make sure the cases are disposed as soon as possible.
“They no longer delay cases especially cases of girl’s molestation and rape,’’ she said.
According to her, the establishment of special courts to handle GBV cases will help expedite prosecution of cases and ensure survivors get justice, which will serve as deterrent to others.
“The more such cases are delayed, the more traumatised the survivor becomes. But as soon as the survivor gets justice, they get better, ’’she said.
Similarly, Mrs Chioma Ukachi, representing the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, stressed on the need for opportunities for the girl-child to explore her potentials like the male.
“Every girl-child has a dream just like their male counterparts and therefore should be given a conducive environment free from violence and discrimination to achieve her dream,” she said.
Ukachi, therefore, reiterated the commitment of the ministry towards implementing policies that will protect and fulfill the rights of the Nigeria girl-child and bridge the inequality gap.
Also, Mrs Fehintola Aguda, Non-governmental Association For Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS), stressed the need for more sensitisation to encourage girls break the culture of silence and to speak out against GBV.
“Most of our girls are subjected to the culture of silence. They don’t allow you to talk, girls are restricted.
“And this is what we are trying to break so that you can be liberated,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Maria Sunday, 12 years, expressed appreciation to the organisations for their supports, which she said would enable her fulfil her dreams of becoming a medical doctor. (NAN)
…Church leaders accuse Welsh counterparts of “spiritual decadence” and “abandonment of faith”
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a forceful condemnation of the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. The move is the latest in a series of developments that have deepened divisions within the global Anglican Communion over sexuality and doctrine.
In a statement from Primate The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the church denounced the election as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a sign of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation compromises the Anglican Church’s global mission and could obstruct evangelism. He compared the situation to the controversial tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, who also faced intense criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.
The Primate accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” around same-sex issues, stating that the election is a “clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
The Church of Nigeria called on Anglicans worldwide to reject “rebels” and “apostates” and to instead support conservative bodies like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared. He concluded with a solemn warning that without repentance, the Church in Wales risks losing “complete relevance” and its leaders will face judgment.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has called on political leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens.
During a recent church service in Abuja, Ndukuba noted that many Nigerians are struggling with challenges brought on by the global economic downturn. He urged state and local governments to implement new initiatives to lessen the impact on their communities.
The Primate also stressed that the federal government must effectively monitor its programs to ensure that Nigerians fully benefit from the nation’s democratic gains. He argued that if the current administration can effectively tackle corruption, the country would significantly benefit from the economic policies of President Tinubu’s government.
Ndukuba concluded by asking the congregation to continue praying for those in authority, remain committed to national unity, and show love and support for the less privileged. He also tasked the newly inducted members of the Church Mothers’ Guild with aggressively spreading the gospel.
Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has expressed deep concern about the current situation in Nigeria.
Enenche stated that the nation is under an evil spell due to the economic hardship affecting the country. He described Nigeria as being covered by a “blanket of sorcery and darkness,” leading many citizens to endure poverty and hardship in silence.
“There’s a blanket of sorcery and darkness over this nation—an evil spell making people tolerate what should provoke outrage,” he wrote.
In a post on his official X account on Thursday, the cleric highlighted the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians, noting that an increasing number of church members now line up after services not for spiritual counselling or prayer, but to help with basic needs such as rent, school fees, food, and medical bills.
“People are suffering. Pastors are exhausted. Members now queue after service not for prayer, but for assistance,” he lamented.
He also criticised political leaders for their insensitivity and failure to address the dire situation across the country.
“Yet, the leaders act as though nothing is wrong. This is not normal—it is witchcraft. It is a spell of patience in captivity, leading to a demonic tolerance of suffering.”
Calling for divine intervention, Enenche declared, “Let every evil spell over this land be broken! Let those misruling with arrogance and mocking the people’s pain face divine judgment. They shall not see the celebration of their wickedness.”
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