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IWD 2026: IPC calls for greater investment in women, passage of special seats bill

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

The International Press Centre (IPC) has called for increased investment in women and greater efforts to promote gender equality in democratic governance and media leadership as the world marks the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).

 

In a press statement issued on Saturday, IPC said this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the importance of intentional investment in women through opportunities, protection and platforms that enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.

 

The statement, signed by the organisation’s Programme Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, noted that women continue to play vital roles in strengthening democracy, advancing media development and promoting inclusive governance.

 

However, IPC said persistent barriers still limit women’s participation in decision-making spaces, leadership positions in the media and broader democratic processes.

 

“These challenges range from gender inequality in political representation to limited access to platforms where women’s voices can influence national and global discourse,” the statement said.

 

The organisation stressed that meaningful progress toward gender equity requires deliberate actions, including the adoption of affirmative policies that promote women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.

 

As part of its demands to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day, IPC called for the passage of the bill seeking the creation of special seats for women in Nigeria’s legislature.

 

It also urged political parties to adopt the 35 per cent affirmative action policy to improve women’s representation in political offices and governance.

 

The organisation further advocated improved working conditions for female journalists and increased opportunities for women to occupy leadership positions within media organisations.

 

IPC also called for an enabling environment that would allow the media to provide adequate and insightful coverage of issues affecting women and the girl child.

 

According to the organisation, investing in women’s leadership and economic empowerment is essential for building stronger democracies and achieving sustainable development.

 

“When women thrive, society prospers. Giving women the space, support and opportunity to lead will result in stronger democracies, more vibrant media ecosystems and more inclusive development outcomes,” the statement added.

 

IPC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing initiatives that promote gender equity in the media and democratic governance while supporting platforms that empower women journalists and leaders.

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Dangote Cement Deploys AI, Telematics to Enhance Transport Safety

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Dangote Cement Transport has scaled up series of impactful, and technology backed programmes designed to improve performance, governance and compliance to road safety. 

 

A statement from the Branding and Communications Department of the company said the enhanced programmes cover key operational areas, including performance metrics, strengthened governance standards, and improved accountability frameworks.

 

It further noted that the programmes also extend to comprehensive driver training and competency development, technology-enabled safety systems, journey management protocols, and regular recertification processes.

 

Other components include mandatory drug screening, strategic partnerships and collaborations, as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, sustainability programmes, and community impact programmes, among others.

 

The statement signed by the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, recalled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had recently commended the company for its proactive safety programmes, which have contributed to reducing road traffic crashes across the country.

 

The statement quoted Head of Transport of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Murilo Silva, as saying that the company has upscaled its transport management systems through the deployment of automated inspection technologies and artificial intelligence-driven solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and road safety.

 

Mr. Silva said the company has since deployed enhanced GPS and telematics systems for real-time monitoring of driver behaviour during transit, strengthening oversight and operational safety across its fleet.

 

He added that, in a bid to combat driver fatigue, the company has increased its wellness campaign, while also engaging in a series of stakeholder fora with third-party truck operators and drivers to reinforce safety awareness, compliance, and responsibility on the road.

 

Mr. Sliva said the company’s collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is already yielding positive results, noting that the partnership has continued to strengthen safety standards across its operations.

 

He added that FRSC officials are actively involved in the training and screening of drivers at the Dangote Articulated Vehicle Driving School in Obajana, where they provide technical guidance, enforce compliance with best practices, and support the development of highly competent and safety-conscious drivers.

 

According to him, the percentage of drivers undergoing structured training, drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic recertification, has increased significantly, describing the growth as “astronomical.”

 

According to him, between the first quarters of 2025 and 2026, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, recorded significant improvements in its safety compliance measures, with drug and alcohol testing increasing by 245.2 per cent, pre-trip vehicle inspections rising by 489.1 per cent, and driver training programmes expanding by 128.4 per cent.

 

Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, had commended the company for setting new standards in road safety management and urged it to sustain the reforms that have continued to improve safety across Nigeria’s transport sector.

 

The Corps Marshal stated that comparatively between 2025 and 2026, road crashes involving trucks belonging to the Dangote Cement Plc declined by 56 per cent, while fatal cases decreased by 36 per cent and injuries dropped significantly by 52 per cent.

 

He said the improvement has shown that the company has implemented its Gap Analysis, and company policies worthy of emulation by all logistics companies in Africa.

 

“We have always said that if Dangote Cement get its right, Nigeria and Africa, will get it right. This is a plus for Nigeria,” he said.

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Kwankwaso mourns former Radio Kano, ARTV boss Adamu Getso

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Ibrahim Khalil

 

Former Kano State Governor and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed sadness over the death of former Managing Director of Radio Kano and Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso, in a condolence message posted on his Facebook account on Sunday, described the late Getso as a seasoned broadcaster and accomplished media professional whose contributions to public communication and media development left a lasting impact on Kano State.

 

The former governor recalled that Getso served with distinction as Managing Director of ARTV and later as Managing Director of Radio Kano during his two tenures as governor of the state.

 

According to Kwankwaso, the deceased played a significant role in advancing public information dissemination and strengthening the media sector in Kano.

 

“His immense contributions to public communication, media development, and the overall progress of Kano State will be remembered for generations,” he stated.

 

Kwankwaso extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Getso community in Gwarzo Local Government Area, the government and people of Kano State, and members of the media profession.

 

He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late media administrator, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah, and give his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

 

Adamu Getso, a respected broadcaster and administrator, served in key leadership positions within Kano State-owned media organisations and was widely acknowledged for his contributions to the growth of broadcasting in the state. His death has continued to attract tributes from political leaders, journalists, and members of the public.

 

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Governor Yusuf Mourns Former CTV 67 Managing Director, Adamu Getso

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, now known as the Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), between 2000 and 2003, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso, who passed away on Saturday after a brief illness.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

 

Governor Yusuf described the late Getso as a distinguished broadcaster, seasoned administrator, and dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the advancement of journalism, public enlightenment, and the promotion of societal values through the media.

 

According to the governor, the deceased was widely respected for his honesty, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public service, qualities that earned him admiration from colleagues, government officials, and members of the public.

 

The governor recalled that after his appointment as Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, Getso served as the Managing Director of Radio Kano, between 2011 and 2015.

 

During his tenure, the late media administrator made significant contributions to the growth and development of television broadcasting in Kano State, Governor Yusuf noted.

 

He further stated that Getso later served as Managing Director of Radio Kano from 2011 to 2015, where he provided exemplary leadership and implemented reforms that strengthened the station’s position as one of the leading public broadcasting organisations in Northern Nigeria.

 

On behalf of the government and people of Kano State, Governor Yusuf extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the management and staff of Radio Kano and ARTV, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the wider media community.

 

The governor prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds with Aljannatul Firdaus, and grant his family, friends, former colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the death of Adamu Getso has been described by many as a significant loss to the media industry in Kano State and Nigeria at large, given his decades of service and contributions to the development of broadcasting.

 

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