President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on traditional and religious leaders across Nigeria to continue promoting unity and peaceful coexistence as the nation confronts ongoing security challenges.

The President made the appeal on Monday while hosting a delegation of traditional rulers and religious leaders at an interfaith Iftar (breaking of fast) held in Abuja during the Ramadan period.

Tinubu acknowledged the strong cultural influence and moral authority wielded by traditional and religious leaders in their various communities, noting that their roles remain critical in fostering harmony and national cohesion.

He stressed that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens regardless of ethnic or religious background, describing the country’s diversity as a strength that should be harnessed for development rather than allowed to fuel division.

The President also addressed growing public concerns over insecurity in parts of the country. He said extremist and criminal groups were becoming increasingly desperate due to sustained military operations and intensified pressure from security forces.

Tinubu urged community leaders to continue supporting government efforts by encouraging dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation among citizens.

He added that national unity remains essential to overcoming the country’s security and development challenges.

Women who spend long hours in hospital wards caring for sick relatives have been described as unsung heroes whose sacrifices often go unnoticed.

The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Adedolapo Fasawe, made the remark during a visit to patients at Kuje General Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.

Fasawe commended mothers who remain at the bedside of their loved ones undergoing treatment, noting that their presence provides comfort and hope that medicine alone cannot offer.

Addressing patients and caregivers during the visit, she explained that the outreach was intended to recognise the courage and resilience of women who leave the comfort of their homes to support relatives receiving treatment in hospitals.

“I am delighted to be at Kuje General Hospital today to visit women who are sick or caring for sick loved ones. On this day, International Women’s Day 2026, we celebrate the theme ‘Giving to Gain,’” she said.

Fasawe noted that mothers who stay in hospitals with their loved ones often sacrifice their comfort and daily routines, exchanging their beds for plastic chairs and hospital corridors.

“These women are the quiet pillars of strength in our hospitals. They trade their warm beds for plastic chairs. They exchange the comfort of their kitchens for hospital corridors. They set aside their routines, their work, and often their own health simply to be present for someone they love,” she said.

She also highlighted how mothers frequently take on multiple roles within hospital wards, providing both care and emotional support even though they are not medical professionals.

“They may not be on the hospital payroll, but they work tirelessly. They may not be trained nurses, but they carefully watch over their loved ones. And though they are not doctors, their presence often becomes the medicine that brings hope and strength,” she added.

According to Fasawe, the support provided by mothers often goes beyond medical care, offering emotional strength during moments of illness and vulnerability.

“In moments of illness and vulnerability, a mother’s presence provides something medicine alone cannot give  love, comfort and hope,” she said.

She praised mothers who endure sleepless nights and personal sacrifices while caring for their loved ones.

“To every mother who has slept on a hospital bench, skipped meals to stay by a bedside, and carried hope when others felt weary  you are heroes. Not famous heroes, but the kind whose love heals in ways science cannot measure,” she stated.

International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, celebrates the achievements and contributions of women around the world while advocating for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on governments at all levels in Nigeria to prioritise policies that promote the full inclusion of women in governance, leadership, and decision-making processes.

In a statement issued to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day, the union joined the global community in celebrating the achievements of women while advocating stronger actions toward gender equality across all sectors.

The statement, signed by the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, noted that women remain a vital part of Nigeria’s population and development process but continue to be underrepresented in political, economic, and social leadership positions.

According to him, sustainable development and democratic governance cannot be achieved without the active participation of women.

“The union believes that sustainable development and democratic governance cannot be achieved without the active involvement of women. Ensuring equal opportunities for women in education, employment, political participation, and media leadership will strengthen national development and social justice,” Yahya stated.

The NUJ also urged public and private institutions to create safe and supportive environments that allow women journalists and professionals to thrive without discrimination, harassment, or inequality.

Furthermore, the union encouraged media organisations to continue amplifying women’s voices, highlighting their contributions, and advocating policies that advance gender equality in Nigeria.

As the world marks this year’s International Women’s Day, the NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender balance within the media profession and supporting initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls across the country.

The union also called on policymakers, civil society organisations, and development partners to collaborate in ensuring that women are fully included at all levels of governance and national development.