News
PR, Media Professionals Tasked on Gender Balancing
Nasiru Yusuf
Public Relations and media professionals and other important institutions/agents of change in Nigeria have been urged to join advocacy for gender balancing, inclusion and fairness for the promotion of socio-economic development in the country.
KANO FOCUS reports that Mrs. Grace Bose Ojougboh, Head, Media and Public Relations at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and producer/host of the weekly inspirational programme ‘Amazing Grace with Bose’ on YouTube, made the call while delivering a paper around gender balancing and fairness at the March 2022 monthly meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Abuja Chapter which took place at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja recently (Wednesday March 30, 2021).
Speaking to NIPR members, including Fellows of the Institute at the event on the thought-provoking paper titled: “Achieving Gender Equality In Nigeria: The Role Of Public Relations”, Ojougboh perceptively re-awakened the consciousness of the audience to the often-misconstrued concept of feminism while taking pragmatic look at how this concept should be understood by all to actualise the lofty desire of maximizing the innate potentials of female gender towards achieving greater developmental goals in the society.
She equated feminism with the philosophical aspiration for gender equality as a fundamental human right, which also finds concrete expression in the Goal Five of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) centering on gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls with the hope to end all acts of discrimination against the female gender.
Ojougboh noted with copious instances, that, till date, issues pertaining to women gender has not always received the expected attention, whether by government, parents, the media, communication professionals; traditional and religious leaders, adding that there was need for a change of narrative with respect to how issues pertaining to gender balancing and fairness are effectively mainstreamed into Nigeria’s developmental drive.
According to her, the continuous imbalance in women participation in politics and governance and all the sectors of the economy is glaring, as she submitted that, women are given almost no opportunity to participate in politics and in other spheres of life, this is in spite of the advocacy and call for inclusion and the strategies by various international agencies to reduce gender inequality to the barest minimum.
“Only recently, bills seeking gender equality were rejected by the National Assembly. Appointments across parastatals are dominated by men, this has got to change. If we want economic growth, we must include women, women are transformational agents. We need much more that 35 per cent affirmative action,” she said.
She stated that the fact that women represent about 50 per cent of Nigerian population, according to a 2020 report, means that Nigeria, as a country, cannot afford to neglect the wisdom and the capability of this group and the contribution that women can bring to make Nigeria a truly prosperous nation.
Justifying the need for media/Public Relations practitioners to be at the forefront of driving the narrative for gender balancing, Ojougboh cited an empirical study on media and gender inequality in Nigerian politics, which found that women were denied fair access to the media just as the study also identified media bias in the coverage of female news stories.
She said the findings of the study is a wake-up call that media and Public Relations practitioners have a whole lot to do in the fight for gender balancing in Nigeria. “We need to understand our social responsibility as perception drivers to promote unity, social cohesion, gender balancing/equality and the fundamental human rights of every Nigerian,” she said
She also tasked them to be deliberate and intentional about their communication such that it builds understanding, trust, and acceptance and becomes a win-win for men and women alike and all who desire to see equal representation of men and women across all sectors of the society.
“As Public Relations practitioners, we must help to create gender-sensitive and gender-transformative content that will change perceptions and break gender stereotypes. We must use every available medium to challenge traditional and cultural norms and attitudes that demean womanhood and does not serve humanity,” she said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The newly appointed Secretary to the State Government of Kano State, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim has assumed office on Monday.
KANO FOCUS reports that his arrival ignited jubilations and enthusiastic reception by entire staff of the Cabinet Office.
A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Monday by information officer cabinet office, Musa Tanko said some associates as well as other well wishers assembled at the cabinet office to welcome the new SSG.
The statement added that the staff described Ibrahim’s appointment as a homecoming, owing to the fact that he had served in the office in different capacities.
Receiving the SSG on behalf of the Cabinet Office community, the Permanent Secretary, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs (REPA) Directorate, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Jalo, expressed delight for the appointment and stated that the choice of Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim was a welcome development and highly befitting.
He further stated that, the SSG knows the terrain of the job very well and expressed hope that Kano State is heading towards positive turn around at the state engine room and bringing the divident of democracy to the general public.
In a similar development, members of the Payroll Standing Committee led by their Deputy Chairman, Alhaji AbdulMalik Rogo, paid a solidarity visit to the newly appointed SSG, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim.
Alhaji AbdulMalik Rogo stated that, immediately after the announcement, both conventional and social media platforms were agog with praises and well wishes were flowing in from different angles. This alone was a clear indication, that the appointment was well deserved.
He added that, this was part of the reason the committee members took the lead to celebrate the SSG. He pray to God to guide him to succeed in the newly assigned task.
Expressing his appreciation for the visit, the SSG stated that he has made a vow to Governor Yusuf, that he will put in his best to serve the state.
He also revealed that “Anybody or groups with meaningful ideas to further develop our dear state is welcome.” he assured that, he would operate an open door policy which has been his guiding principle during his civil service career.
“I am profoundly gratitude to Almighty Allah. As I appreciate His Excellentcy, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for reposing his confidence in me. To serve the state in this capacity. And I promise not to disappoint him,” he concluded.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kan Tudu Community in Dala local government area of Kano state has applauded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for appointing Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya as commissioner of information and internal affairs.
KANO FOCUS reports that elders, youth, women groups as well as politicians in the community gathered on Sunday evening to honor the commissioner for his well deserved appointment.
Alhaji Dayyabu Maiturare, the chairman NNPP in Dala local government, commended the foresight of Governor Yusuf for appointing the right person as the government spokesperson.
On this part, Kan Tudu ward chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Alhaji Abdulkadir Danladi Nasidi said, the event was organized to express appreciation to Governor Yusuf for appointing their Son into his cabinet.
He said Waiya is known in Kano and beyond for his struggle to protect the interest of the common man, and demonstrated capacity to represent his people.
Responding, Waiya expressed gratitude to Kan Tudu Community for honoring him, assuring that he will contribute his quota to provide development programme including youth empowerment and job creation through a foundation.
He assured of Governor Yusuf and national leader of the NNPP Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of unshakable support from Dala local government area.
The commissioner asked his constituents to direct his critics who are saying he is not a politician, to the house of Alhaji Uba Jigo, his political mentor.
The event was attended by representatives of business community, women, academics, youth groups, politicians among others.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Class 1988 of Government Secondary School Garko has appointed Alhaji Sabo Isa Garko as the interim leader of the association for one year, pending the election of the new executive members.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Garko was elected on Saturday during its annual reunion held at the main conference hall of Rumfa College, Kano.
The gathering brought together former classmates of the association to reconnect, reflect on shared experiences and discuss the future of the association.
Garko’s leadership is expected to guide the association through this transitional period, ensuring continuity and progress in its activities.
In his address Garko pledged to bond members and give a purposeful leadership within his interim period of leadership.
The event featured discussions on key initiatives to strengthen the bond among members, contributing positively to the Alma matter.
The reunion also provided a platform for members to deliberate on future engagements and community development programs.
The association appreciates the efforts of all attendees and looks forward to continued unity and progress.
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