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DR. MARY ALILE IDELE’S PROJECT 774 EXPLODE SHINES AS BEACON OF WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN NIGERIA

In a charged atmosphere pulsating with purpose and inspiration, Dr. Mary Alile Idele, National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), shared insights on the transformative Project 774 Explode with members of the press in Edo State on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Joined by a distinguished beneficiary whose life has been profoundly impacted, the engagement spotlighted the initiative’s far-reaching empowerment drive. Dr. Alile Idele articulated with conviction the project’s core objectives – galvanizing women’s inclusion, bolstering their socio-political capacity, and embedding empowerment as a catalyst for national development. “Our goal with Project 774 Explode is to ensure women are integral to Nigeria’s progress, equipped with skills and opportunities to lead and inspire,” she affirmed. A heartfelt testimonial from the beneficiary underscored the project’s life-changing impact. “Project 774 Explode has been a beacon of hope, opening doors to opportunities I never thought possible. From Benue to Sokoto and now Edo State, this initiative radiates promise across Nigeria,” she expressed with gratitude. Launched in states like Benue under Governor Hyacinth Alia’s support, Project 774 Explode provides training, skills acquisition and financial empowerment – including N500,000 grants to beneficiaries in Benue for business start-ups. Dr. Alile Idele previously highlighted Nigeria’s concerning low women representation in politics, noting only about 5-6% hold political offices, stressing the need for greater inclusion. Dr. Mary Alile Idele’s dynamic leadership positions Project 774 Explode as a pivotal force redefining empowerment. “Under her stewardship, the project rekindles faith in equitable leadership and inclusive progress,” observers note. The APC woman leader has praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts, citing 19% women representation in his cabinet as commendable progress. With expansions across states including Sokoto, Project 774 Explode remains central to Dr. Alile Idele’s vision for women’s socio-political advancement.

PRESIDENT TINUBU LAUNCHES RENEWHER INITIATIVE TO TACKLE MATERNAL MORTALITY, BOOST WOMEN’S HEALTH

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched the RenewHER Presidential Women’s Health Transformation Initiative, aimed at safeguarding maternal health and promoting women’s well-being in Nigeria. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, announced this in a statement. Nkwocha said President Tinubu described the programme as a critical response to one of the nation’s most pressing needs and a cornerstone of a healthier Nigeria, rating it as a national priority. Speaking at the Launch Gala and Awards at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized that women’s health is fundamental to Nigeria’s development trajectory. “Maternal health is the heartbeat of every family, the compass of social stability, and the truest index of national welfare,” Tinubu said. The RenewHER initiative will introduce a Presidential focal office on women’s health, working with relevant ministries and the Governors’ Spouses Forum to embed women’s health priorities across the nation. Tinubu announced the creation of an AI-powered National Women’s Health Digital Hub for geo-targeted campaigns on maternal survival, adolescent health, preventive care, and workforce strengthening. “Maternal mortality is a shame against which we must all rally. We owe every girl-child not just the eloquent promise of a better tomorrow, but the certainty of a healthier one,” he explained. Nkwocha noted that RenewHER will complement initiatives like MAMII and align with international partners. Tinubu assured his administration would catalyze interventions until RenewHER delivers results. “With the mandate of the Nigerian people, I hereby unveil RenewHER—our Presidential Women’s Health Commitment,” he declared. First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, said RenewHER represents the Tinubu administration’s commitment to women’s empowerment. “The initiative will find support in every state through the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum,” she assured. Dr. Adanna Steinacker, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health, said RenewHER wouldn’t be possible without Tinubu’s vision. UN Women Country Representative Beatrice Eyong described RenewHER as “a turning point” and “bold initiative”, noting the UN stands ready to collaborate to expand access and ensure Nigerian women live with dignity.

ARSENAL WOMEN STUN BARCELONA TO WIN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TITLE

Arsenal Women has stunned holders Barcelona to win the Women’s Champions League title. Substitute Stina Blackstenius scored a brilliant 95th-minute winner, curling a low shot into the bottom corner to seal a 2-1 victory for the Gunners. The win marks Arsenal’s second Champions League title and their first in 18 years. The team’s young and determined squad showed remarkable resilience and composure to overcome the defending champions, who were seeking to lift the trophy for the third successive season. “We knew what we had to do coming into the game,” said former Arsenal striker and current coach Kelly Smith. “We knew Barcelona is an amazing team, but we knew we could win if we were all on our A game and we were.” Arsenal defender Katie McCabe praised her team’s determination and resilience, saying, “We kept together, rode it out, rode out the storm. Then our game changers came on and made sure we got runs in behind and Stina got the goal in the end. Unbelievable.” The win is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication, and Arsenal’s Leah Williamson expressed her emotions, saying, “I don’t believe it. I am going to cry! A lot of this team have been together for a long time and to be able to do it on the biggest day.” Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati was gracious in defeat, saying, “I don’t believe it. I just want to start the game again and do it differently. But this is football. This will serve us to come back stronger next year.” The win is a remarkable achievement for Arsenal, who were considered underdogs going into the final. However, they showed their quality and determination to make their own history in the competition.

WOMEN IN RIVERS STATE PROTEST AGAINST EMERGENCY RULE, DEMAND RESTORATION OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

Hundreds of women from across Rivers State took to the streets of Port Harcourt on Friday to protest the ongoing state of emergency imposed by the Federal Government. The demonstration, which culminated at the gates of the Government House, was a resounding call for the restoration of democratic governance and an end to what they described as the “overreach” of the state’s Sole Administrator. The protesters, carrying placards with bold inscriptions, decried the suspension of democratic institutions and demanded that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu immediately reinstate constitutional order in the state. Nancy Chidi Nwankwo, spokesperson for the group, read a unified statement on behalf of the women, expressing their deep concern and total rejection of the recent declaration of a state of emergency in their beloved state. “We, the women of Rivers State, gathered under the banner of justice and democracy, express our deep concern and total rejection of the recent declaration of a state of emergency in our beloved state,” Nwankwo declared. “This imposition is not driven by any genuine threat to national security but is clearly a politically motivated maneuver aimed at subjugating our people and undermining our constitutional democracy.” The women accused Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), of exceeding his mandate and turning the emergency administration into a political tool. “His actions betray the impartiality expected of his office and reveal the real intention behind this emergency rule—a calculated power grab under the guise of national interest,” the statement alleged. The group criticized the selective federal intervention, questioning why Rivers—a state they say remains largely peaceful—was targeted, while states suffering widespread insurgency and violence, such as Borno, Zamfara, and Kaduna, were left without similar federal emergency action. “What we are witnessing is not governance—it is occupation. Not democracy, but autocracy,” the statement emphasized. President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers in March, suspending all democratic institutions and appointing a Sole Administrator, citing pipeline vandalism, political crisis, and governance failures as reasons. The move has sparked debate and drawn criticism from civil society groups, opposition figures, and now, organized women groups. The protesters vowed to continue their campaign until democratic governance is restored, signaling growing public resistance to the ongoing federal intervention in the state’s political affairs. They appealed to respected Nigerians, including former presidents and diplomats, to intervene and urge President Tinubu to reverse what they termed a grave injustice.

TWO WOMEN HACKED TO DEATH BY SUSPECTED FULANI HERDSMEN IN KOGI STATE

A tragic incident has occurred in Okete Village, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, where two middle-aged women were murdered by suspected Fulani herdsmen while harvesting cashew nuts on their farm. The victims, mothers and residents of the community, left their homes early on Monday morning, only to be found lifeless near the edge of the farm with signs of machete wounds and blunt force trauma. The people of Okete Village described the killings as “ungodly” and urged the state government and police to take immediate action. “This is not the first time our people have faced attacks, but this is one of the most heartbreaking. These were innocent women just trying to earn a living,” said a community leader. The Okete youths are demanding justice and better protection from what they describe as “increasingly bold attacks” by herdsmen. The community is mourning the loss of the two women, and many are questioning the safety of their farmlands and the future of agricultural activity in the region. The incident has sparked concerns about the security situation in the area and the need for effective measures to prevent such attacks. The community is calling on the authorities to take concrete steps to protect the lives and property of the people. As the investigation into the incident continues, the community is left to grapple with the trauma and fear generated by the brutal killings.

INITIATIVE FOR WOMEN’S ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA CONGRATULATES PRINCESS EDNA AZURA ON HER INAUGURATION AS 16TH NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF NCWS NIGERIA

The Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD) has congratulated Princess Edna Azura on her inauguration as the 16th National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) Nigeria. In a statement signed by Evelyn Onyilo, President/Founder of INWOAD, the organization expressed confidence in Princess Azura’s ability to take the NCWS and Nigerian women to greater heights. “We are confident that you will take the NCWS and indeed Nigerian women to greater heights especially at this critical time of the Country’s political and socio-economic development,” the statement read. “We urge you to push for the inclusion of more women in governance and embark on aggressive advocacy and awareness on issues of gender-based violence and other harmful traditional practices affecting women and children.” The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) is a non-political, non-ethnic, and non-governmental organization founded in 1958 to champion the rights and well-being of women across Nigeria. The organization aims to promote gender equity, inclusivity, and empowerment of women through advocacy, education, and healthcare. INWOAD wished Princess Azura a successful tenure as she repositions the Council and unites all Nigerian women. “We wish you a very successful tenure as you reposition the Council and unite all Nigerian Women. Once again, congratulations,” the statement concluded.