Economy

Women To Take Charge, Not To Wait For Leadership Roles: TUC

Published

12 months ago

March 29, 2025

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Women To Take Charge, Not To Wait For Leadership Roles: TUC

Women to take charge, not to wait for leadership roles. She also stressed the importance of mentorship and grassroots economic empowerment.

The chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) FCT Women’s Commission, Sandra Ogbonna, has urged women to take deliberate steps towards leadership through proactive action rather than waiting for opportunities.

Mrs Ogbonna made this call at the International Women’s Day 2025 celebration with the theme “Accelerate Action Towards Occupying Positions of Authority” in Abuja on Saturday.
She stated that leadership positions must be actively pursued, as they are not freely given.

Mrs Ogbonna noted the persistent gender gap in leadership, noting that in spite of women’s contributions, decision-making spaces remain dominated by men.
She called on women to equip themselves with knowledge, support one another, challenge barriers, and advocate for policy reforms that promote inclusivity.

“We must break self-imposed limitations and take our rightful place in leadership,” she said, encouraging women to engage in governance and politics.

She also urged members of the TUC Women’s Commission to participate actively in discussions and decision-making processes.

The secretary of the commission, Uche Ukachukwu, underscored the importance of resilience and leadership in advancing women’s empowerment.
Ms Ukachukwu stressed that women’s achievements must never be overlooked.
“The knowledge we gain in spaces like this is invaluable, you may not realise its significance now, but one day, you will,” she said.

She reaffirmed the TUC’s commitment to celebrating women’s contributions and urged attendees to reflect, learn, and continue pushing for gender equality.
“Resilience is key to overcoming obstacles and making a lasting impact,” she added.

The chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT chapter, Grace Ike, called on women to be intentional in supporting one another, stressing that mere lip service will not drive progress in gender parity.

Reflecting on her own journey, she acknowledged the support she received from women like the union’s secretary but emphasised that such support must be based on merit rather than emotion or gender solidarity.

“Without even questioning my competence, she supported me simply because she believed in women. But beyond that, we must ensure that the women we support are capable.

“We should not blindly follow someone just because she is a woman. Let us do our due diligence, and if she is competent, why not support her?” Ms Ike stated.

She criticised women who refuse to support other women due to personal interests, describing them as obstacles to real progress.
She cited an instance within the NUJ where some men were more willing to back a female candidate than certain women, one of whom openly opposed her candidacy.

“The men said, ‘Women don’t support women,’ but we proved them wrong. However, one woman insisted that unless it was her preferred candidate, she would never support another woman.

“Ironically, this same woman now holds a leadership position, despite once fighting against another woman’s rise,” Ms Ike revealed.

Calling for a shift from performative activism to measurable action, she urged women to evaluate their impact before each Women’s Day celebration.

“We must not just gather every year to talk. By 2026, we should be able to point to tangible achievements from 2025. How many women did we uplift? Who did we empower? If we do not have results, then we are merely running in circles,” she said.

Ms Ike proposed initiatives such as legislative advocacy, gender-sensitive laws, and lobbying for special seats for women in political and decision-making spaces.
She also stressed the importance of mentorship and grassroots economic empowerment.

“It is not about having millions. Have you given a woman ₦20,000 to start a petty trade? Have you given ₦5,000 to help someone start a small recharge card business? These are the real actions that change lives,” she argued.

She warned against hypocrisy in the women’s movement, vowing to expose those who claim to support gender equality but work against it in private.

“If I were to conduct investigative journalism, I would visit people’s homes and ask about them. That is how we will identify those who merely hold microphones and talk but do nothing for women,” she added.

Ms Ike called for a new, action-driven movement, suggesting that the phrase “women supporting women” might be too long and instead advocating for “She for She” as a rallying call.

TUC

“At the current rate, gender parity will not be achieved until 2158. This delay is unacceptable. We must act decisively. Enough of the talk—let’s make women’s support intentional and impactful,” she declared.

The FCT chairman of the TUC commission, Paul Audu, called for urgent action to dismantle barriers preventing women from occupying leadership positions.

He praised the resilience and dedication of women across all sectors, emphasising their role in national development.
Mr Audu acknowledged that in spite of some progress, leadership spaces remain disproportionately occupied by men.

“Talent is not gendered! Competence knows no chromosomes! Yet, systemic barriers continue to hold back the incredible potential of our women,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the trade union movement’s commitment to equality, stressing that empowering women strengthens workplaces, policies, and society as a whole.

“This is not just about fairness; it’s about progress,” he declared, urging intentional efforts to create space for women in decision-making roles.
He urged everyone to accelerate change by challenging the status quo and actively dismantling barriers that hinder women’s advancement.

Mr Audu reaffirmed the union’s commitment to being a driving force for gender equality, stating that real progress will only come when women’s voices are heard at the highest levels.

Economy

Eid-el-Fitr: NRC Sets To Run Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips Monday

Published

21 hours ago

March 21, 2026

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Eid-el-Fitr: NRC Sets To Run Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips Monday

Eid-el-Fitr: NRC sets to run three Lagos–Ibadan train trips Monday. He assured passengers of NRC’s continued commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos by NRC chief public relations officer, Callistus Unyimadu.

He said the additional trip was in response to high passenger turnout during the Eid-el-Fitr travel period.

“The extra trip is aimed at easing passenger movement and providing more travel options for commuters returning after the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

“Under the schedule, departures from Lagos (Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta) will be at 7.45 a.m., 1.40 p.m., and 4.00 p.m.

“From Ibadan (Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya), trains will depart at 8.00 a.m., 10.50 a.m., and 4.30 p.m.,” he said.

Mr Unyimadu assured passengers of NRC’s continued commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.

NRC Sets To Run Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips Monday

He advised travellers to arrive early, comply with ticketing and security procedures, and plan their journeys.

“The corporation appreciates the continued patronage of its services and wishes all passengers a safe and pleasant journey,” he added.

Economy

UBA, BII Sign Letter Of Intent To Explore Trade Finance Collaboration Across Africa

Published

1 day ago

March 20, 2026

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UBA, BII Sign Letter Of Intent To Explore Trade Finance Collaboration Across Africa

United Bank for Africa (UK) Limited (“UBA UK”) and British International Investment plc (“BII”), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, announced that they have signed a letter of intent to develop trade finance collaboration opportunities.

The proposed initiative aims to expand access to trade and working capital facilities for businesses operating across Africa.

Access to trade finance remains one of the most significant structural constraints on African trade. Businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, are frequently unable to secure letters of credit, guarantees, and supply chain finance on commercially viable terms, limiting their capacity to export and import competitively. This trade finance gap is estimated by the African Development Bank to be over USD 80 billion annually.

To help close this gap, UBA UK, the London subsidiary of UBA Group, Africa’s Global Bank, will leverage its deep relationships across the Group’s 20-country African network to originate and structure trade finance transactions. While BII, with a mandate to support productive, sustainable, and inclusive growth across Africa, can support transactions that might otherwise fall outside conventional commercial appetite.

“The signing of this letter with BII represents a landmark moment for UBA UK and for the UBA Group’s global ambitions. As the Group’s hub for Trade Operations, UBA UK is uniquely positioned to connect African businesses with the international financial system. Working alongside BII, we can extend that capability further — mobilising capital where it matters most and helping to close the trade finance gap that holds back so much African potential,” said Lok Mishra, Chief Executive Officer, UBA UK

“British International Investment is committed to catalysing private sector growth across Africa, and trade finance is a critical enabler of that growth. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with UBA Group, whose pan-African network and deep institutional relationships can help advance our ambition to expand access to trade and working capital finance, particularly in frontier markets,” Chris Chijiuitomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa

The announcement builds on growing momentum around intra-African trade facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which entered into force in 2021 and represents one of the world’s most significant trade integration initiatives. Both institutions have identified the operationalisation of AfCFTA as a priority catalyst for a trade finance facility, with UBA UK’s network across major AfCFTA economies offering a basis for supporting businesses navigating the emerging continental market.

This also complements the UK Government’s broader engagement with African economic development, including commitments made at the UK-Africa Investment Summit, and reinforces the City of London’s role as a leading international finance centre for Africa-focused capital mobilisation.

Future cooperation remains subject to further assessment, due diligence and the completion of internal approvals by both parties.

ABOUT UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA (UK) LIMITED

UBA UK is the London-based subsidiary of United Bank for Africa Plc, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with operations across 20 African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the United Arab Emirates. UBA UK serves as the Group’s hub for Trade Operations, providing a comprehensive suite of trade finance, treasury, and correspondent banking services to institutional and corporate clients worldwide.

UBA

ABOUT UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA GROUP

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group-wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.

ABOUT BRITISH INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT

British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. The organisation invests in businesses in developing countries to improve people’s lives and help protect the planet. BII’s work targets the underlying causes of poverty and the climate crisis, helping countries break free from aid dependency for good.

Between 2022-2026, at least 30 per cent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $33.6 billion to empower women’s economic development.

The company has investments in over 1,600 businesses across 66 countries and total net assets of £9.87 billion. For more information, visit: www.bii.co.uk | watch here. Follow British International Investment on LinkedIn, Bluesky and X.

Economy

Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu Felicitates Muslims, Urges Renewed Unity, Patriotism

Published

2 days ago

March 20, 2026

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Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu Felicitates Muslims, Urges Renewed Unity, Patriotism

Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu felicitates Muslims, urges renewed unity, patriotism. Mr Tinubu called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan.

The president urged them to renew commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence, and service to humanity as they celebrate the festival across the country on Friday.

This is contained in a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Tinubu called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan, noting that the holy month teaches discipline, sacrifice, compassion, and devotion to God and humanity.

He said: “We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this.

“We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period.”

The president emphasised the need for Nigerians to remain united across religious and ethnic lines, stressing that national cohesion remains vital for sustainable peace and development.

He urged Muslims to extend acts of kindness and charity to the less privileged, irrespective of religious or ethnic background, in line with the enduring values of Islam.

Mr Tinubu noted that such gestures would strengthen social bonds, promote inclusiveness, and reinforce the spirit of brotherhood that defines the Nigerian society.

The president also called on religious leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, stability, and economic prosperity across the country.

Tinubu

He expressed optimism that with collective efforts, Nigeria would overcome its challenges and achieve lasting progress for the benefit of all citizens.

Mr Tinubu wished Muslims a joyous celebration, praying that the blessings of Ramadan would bring renewed hope, strength, and guidance to individuals, families, and the nation.