General
NSE to Launch Nigeria2Equal Initiative for Gender Parity
By Dipo Olowookere
A three-year project towards the reduction of employment and entrepreneurship gaps in Nigeria through the private sector is being planned by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
This strategic partnership is called the Nigeria2Equal Initiative and the hint for the unveiling was dropped on Friday at a half day symposium and bell ringing ceremony for gender equality at the Exchange in Lagos.
The event was to commemorate the International Women’s Day (IWD) with the theme Each for Equal. It focused on individual actions, conversations, behaviours and mindsets that will accelerate progress and impact on the advancement of women across all spheres of life in line with the NSE’s objectives.
It was disclosed that the programme will support the private sector to increase women’s participation as leaders, employees, customers and entrepreneurs through favourable workforce policies and practices.
These efforts will also give rise to products and services that target the women’s market segment, and deliberate measures that promote women’s participation in corporate procurement.
“When I learnt of this year’s theme, Each for Equal, my mind raced to the implications of a truly equal and balanced world; a world where men and women make equal contributions to the society, enjoy equal opportunities, and even enjoy the same rewards and benefits.
“Going by the growing body of evidence out there, it is safe to conclude that the multiplier effect on families, businesses, communities, economies and ultimately, nations would be indeed phenomenal,” the CEO of NSE, Mr Oscar Onyema, said at the symposium.
Speaking further, he said, “Despite the identified benefits increased women participation is poised to deliver, women continue to face an uphill battle in achieving true gender parity.
“As a member of the Sustainable Stock Exchange Initiative (SSEI), the Exchange prioritizes the issues of gender equality and balance and is working assiduously to accelerate the achievement of Goal 5 of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030. We have, therefore, adopted a collaborative approach to implement pivotal initiatives in commemoration of IWD 2020.”
At the event headlined by Mrs Awenuba Ajumogobia, Chairman, Board of Directors, CAP Plc, who discussed the opportunities and challenges of building a gender equal world, wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in her goodwill message, commended the NSE.
“I commend Mr Oscar Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer of the NSE and indeed, the entire NSE team for the initiative to stand in solidarity with women in furtherance of the bid to foster a gender-equal world,” the First Lady said.
Present at the event as a speaker was Harriet Thompson, British Deputy High Commissioner, who discussed the need for balanced action both at home and at the workplace.
Panellists at the event covered a diverse range of expertise and consisted of: Bola Adesola, Senior Vice-Chairman, Standard Chartered Bank Group; Eme Essien, Country Manager, International Finance Corporation; Asue Ighodalo, Founding Partner, Banwo-and-Ighodalo; Jubril Enakele, CEO, Iron Capital Partners Limited; Uto Ukpanah, Company Secretary, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Board Member, GCNN; Tinuade Awe, Executive Director, Regulation Division, Nigerian Stock Exchange; and Nkiru Balonwu, Founder, African Women on Board.
The programme was organised in partnership with the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) and Sustainable Stock Exchange Initiative (SSEI), IFC, UN Women, and the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria (GCNN).
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
