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Mirabel Centre Is Partnering With Bolt and Aabo to End Sexual Violence In Nigeria

In a bid to curb the growing spate of sexual violence in Nigeria, the Mirabel Centre has leveraged partnerships with ride-hailing company, Bolt, and emergency reporting app, Aabo.

Managed by Partnership for Justice, Mirabel Centre is Nigeria’s first sexual assault referral centre in Nigeria with a mandate to provide free medical care and psychosocial support for survivors of sexual violence in Nigeria. Since its inception in 2013, the Mirabel Centre has served over 5,600 survivors of sexual violence.

The COVID-19 lockdown brought numerous unfortunate realities to bear, one of which was the increase in the rate of sexual violence across the country. In June, the Inspector-General of Police disclosed that the Nigerian Police Force recorded 717 cases of rape between January and May 2020. Nigeria also recorded over 3,600 cases of rape during the lockdown. This is a pandemic within a pandemic.

Itoro Eze-Anaba, the founder of Mirabel Centre, while addressing the rise in rape cases during the COVID-19 lockdown, said “Before COVID-19, rape was a pandemic. When we started in 2013, we used to receive sexual assault cases of  an average of 20 people a month. Sometime in 2015, the number started to increase to the extent that before the pandemic, we were receiving 85 cases a month, sometimes 100. And it was becoming a routine to receive 100 cases or more every month. The only thing is that the reportage increased during COVID-19 so more people were encouraged to speak out.”

These partnerships with technology-based organizations, Bolt and Aabo, was birthed out of the need to prevent cases of sexual violence, rescue individuals from dangerous environments, and provide immediate support to survivors of sexual violence.

The Mirabel Centre’s partnership with Bolt will help the sexual assault referral centre solve the challenge of mobility and getting survivors to the centre safely. Survivors who require help or individuals who are in environments they need to immediately remove themselves from can contact the Mirabel Centre and have a ride hailed for them with a unique code that ensures they are taken directly to the centre at no personal cost to them.

Aabo is an application that allows survivors report cases of sexual abuse by clicking on one button. Reporting via the app triggers an emergency alert that helps the Mirabel Centre pinpoint a survivor’s location and inform a trusted contact while providing evacuation support in cases where it is needed. You can get the Aabo app on Google Play and AppStore.

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Expert Cautions Women Against Abuse Of Abortion Drugs

A Consultant Gynecologist, Dr Ayodele Ademola, on Tuesday warned young women against constant abuse of pregnancy prevention drugs, stating that they have negative effects on fertility.

Ademola gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, NAN reports.

He said the effects of such drugs, also known as emergency contraceptives could delay conception or damage a woman’s uterus if used wrongly.

He also warned against unprescribed use of a drug called misoprostol without medical supervision.

According to him, Misoprostol which can be used to start labour, cause an abortion, prevent and treats stomach ulcer and postpartum bleeding due to poor contraction of the uterus could also damage the uterus, cause excessive bleeding and death in some cases.

“Some women indiscriminately use such drugs to either induce labour by themselves or abort a pregnancy.

“It is very dangerous, especially if the pregnancy is beyond two to three months.

“The patient might end up in the hands of a quack, who might injure the uterus and cause excessive bleeding, which can injure the uterus or cause death.

“And, the longer the abortion process, the more the patient will be predisposed to infections,” he said.

He further advised that if anyone must take or use such drugs, it must be prescribed by a medical practitioner that understands the health condition of such consumer.

However, he advised the public to seek medical assistance from reputable health centres for any kind of ailment.

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American Singer, Brandy Reveals She Battled Depression And Almost Committed Suicide

American singer, Rayana Norwood, popularly known as “Brandy” has narrated how her daughter Sy’rai saved her when she battled depression and suicidal thoughts.

Speaking during an interview with PEOPLE magazine, the 41-year-old recalled how she had suicidal thoughts after being involved in a car accident that claimed the life of a woman in 2006, as well as suffering heartbreaks from failed relationships.

She further explained that at some point, she knew she had to keep going for the sake of her 18-year-old daughter who she had with former partner, Robert Smith.

The singer, however, said she would have taken her life if she didn’t have a daughter.

According to her, she was in a terrible place and didn’t think she would be able to make it out.

NEWS:  BBNaija 2020: How I met my dad for the first time through Instagram – Erica

“I remember laying in my bed super depressed.

“I asked myself, are you just going to give up like this? That’s wack.

“I had to remind myself that I had a daughter and if I can’t do it for myself, I can do it for her because this is not the way to leave a mark in her life,” she said.

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Man Who Drove Car That Killed Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile To Be Charged For Homicide

On July 14, 2020, Tolulope Arotile, the first female combat pilot was knocked down by a vehicle driven  by her secondary mate, Nehemiah Adejor.

The loss of such a promising young Nigerian is devastating, to say the least.

After a thorough investigation into her untimely death, a suspect has finally been arrested. Actually, three suspects were initially arrested, but out of the three suspects charged for her death, the Magistrate Court sitting in Kaduna State discharged two suspects based on the police investigation, leaving the first suspect, Nehemiah Adejor, who drove the car, The Guardian reports.

According to the police report, “the 1st suspect, full of enthusiasm, recklessly reversed the car in order to meet the deceased and in the process ran over her consequent upon which the deceased lay unconsciously on the ground. The deceased was rushed to NAFX64 Base Hospitàl-for- medical attention but was later pronounced dead by the medical doctors at the Hospital”.

However, the 2nd suspect stated in his cautionary statement that on a fateful day, “he along with the 1st and 3rd suspect went on hangout and on their way back the 1st suspect cited the deceased whom they later saw and became extensively happy”.

That the 1st suspect stopped the car and began to reverse the same in order to meet up with the deceased and exchange greetings since they have not met a long time.

That when he noticed the 1st suspect was driving speedily off the road he cautioned him, but unfortunately, he got confused and ran over the deceased. He outrightly denied any arrangement to cause the death of the deceased. He added that being a trained nurse he assisted in resuscitating the deceased at the hospital but all attempt proved abortive until she was pronounced clinically dead.

After the investigation, the court discharged the second and third suspects, as their investigation did not find them wanting.

According to the DSP, there was no premeditation in the death of the Flying Officer Arotile as regards the two and second accused persons who have been discharged. The DSP, however, said that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the 1st suspect, Nehemiah Adejor for culpable homicide not punishable with death.

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How I Met My Dad For The First Time Through Instagram – Erica Nlewedim, Bbnaija Housemate

Big Brother Naija, BBNaija 2020 housemate, Erica, has revealed that she met her father for the first time through Instagram.

She said this during her diary session with Wathoni, who stood in place for Big Brother on Thursday.

Erica disclosed that she had been searching for her father and got to speak to him through someone who contacted her on Instagram with the same surname.

Erica said: “Someone contacted me on Instagram and told me we have the same surname and asked to be friends.

“I had been searching for my dad and then when we met she asked me to speak to her father who had the same name with mine and all of a sudden I found out it was my dad

“I was 23 at that time and it was overwhelming and shocking.

“My dad did not sound surprised but later we met in Lagos, which was a weird scenario and has been so for a while.”

She added that though she has forgiven him, she still feels resentment towards him sometimes.

 

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Feminitease Launches Online Market Hub For Nigerian Women

The times have evolved so much that the normal we were used to is likely not to return to us in the near future. The new norm is digital life, the easyway experts call it.

Feminitease is offering a platform for networking and growth for women entrepreneurs and an online mall specially for women based products and services.

According to the CEO, Folasayo Adefemi; We believe this is the new era as virtual reality is fast running the business affairs globally, hence the reason why I created “Feminitease” ; an online market hub that caters to women’s shopping needs and promotes women owned and women based businesses.

We are offering a platform for networking and growth for women entrepreneurs and an online mall specially for women based products and services. We believe this is the new era as virtual reality is fast running the business affairs globally.

The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are very obvious and lots of business are suffering major down turns in the face of a global lockdown. We are offering your business visibility and traction as a support to help your business thrive in these times.

We encourage women entrepreneurship and care about women.

For vendors who want to advertise their products and services and more enquiries, kindly contact Folasayo on 09033638917, 08035905851

You can also sign up on Feminitease.com

You can also send an Email to: ceo@feminitease.com or  support@feminitease.com

Follow @feminitease on Facebook here; https://www.facebook.com/feminitease

Instagram ; https://www.instagram.com/feminitease/

 

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Application Opens For Female Enterprise Challenge | Why You Should Apply

Founder of the AGS Tribe, Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti has announced that applications for this year’s AGS Enterprise Challenge is now open. The yearly Enterprise Challenge is the first of its kind pitch competition for women entrepreneurs that contribute to the Nigerian economy. Launched in 2018 to showcase, empower and fund female led businesses across Nigeria, it has since then showcased and empowered countless female entrepreneurs through an online pitch competition.

Since inception, the competition has successfully given out grants to six women entrepreneurs across the country and these businesses have grown exponentially since their win in a short amount of time.

Speaking with The Guardian, Durosinmi-Etti said the competition is designed to promote the birth of more businesses that can end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.

“The competition will ensure that female led startups gain exposure, valuable feedback and grants to take their businesses to the next level. The programme would include a pitch competition, presentations from business experts and a question and answer session. The goal is to build a network of inclusive businesses and opportunities for collaborations that would assist with promoting business sustainability across Africa over the next 10 years.”

Among the winners for the 2018 edition were Olabanke Subair (Cyrus45), Titi Medunoye (Milky Express) and Tunde Oni (Smileon Foods) while 2019 winners were Tabitha Abimiku (Virtuous Pads), Maryam Salami (Mobaby Care) and Oluebube Akah (Aga’s Wholesome Foods). According to the organisers, this year’s edition, which is sponsored by Platform Capital, promises to be bigger and better.

“We are taking the whole process online and we look forward to meeting amazing female entrepreneurs from all over Nigeria. To qualify, your business has to be running for at least a year, you must be earning revenue already, must be a woman and said business must be operational in Nigeria.”

She revealed that the winner would smile home with a N1.5m grant, mentorship, global accelerator and opportunity to get $100k in equity funding and workspace whilst the first runner up would get a million Naira in grant money, mentorship and workspace with the second runner up going home with half a million Naira, mentorship opportunity and a workspace.

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The society we live in is not fair to women – Senator Uche Ekwunife

Senator Uche Lillian Ekwunife is popularly known as Iyom, which is one out of many honorific titles she has garnered over the years as a result of her public-spirited and political activities. Mrs. Ekwunife has been a constant factor as far as politics is Anambra State is concerned.

Although she stumbled twice on her way to getting into an elective office, but since 2007 when she succeeded by being elected as member representing Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, she has not looked back.

Who is Uche Ekwunife, politically speaking, is therefore, no longer a question anybody could ask in Anambra State or even in Nigeria.Having become a political heavyweight champion by virtue of defeating a national chairman of a political party on two occasions on her journey to the Senate, Ekwunife has become an authority, especially concerning the challenges women face in their search for a space to contribute their quota in the country’s public policy formulation and implementation.

But, what are those things people don’t easily recognise about Senator Ekwunife? In her words: “Well, I will say that I am just a woman that God’s grace, mercy and peoples’ grace has singled out not just in politics, but also in every area of my life.

“I came into life just like every other human being, I have my stories and challenges, but above all, same God’s grace and people have enabled me to stand out successfully.”

In Nigeria’s practice of constitutional democracy it has always been said that there are many impediments to women participation in politics. How did Senator Ekwunife overcome those challenges, especially the ones that revolve around economic and social hurdles, including culture and tradition?

“First and foremost, I had to deal with identifying that being a woman is not an impediment, rather a blessing. If men can succeed, so can women,” she said, adding, “The society we live in is not fair to women.

“Some of us that are where we are now had to rise above economic and social odds that are stacked against women. I remember as a young girl, after school I will go to a particular salon to help make ladies’ hairs and raise some extra money to augment my out of pocket allowance from my mum. My mother had all-girls children and she taught us early in life to be very prayerful and to be hardworking, never to depend on anyone for our needs.”

Talking about growing up years, were there things she dreamed of and dreaded about life, “yes,” she says, noting, “As a Child, I fantasied a lot about things, but one thing I dreamed most was to succeed in leading people, especially to ease the burden of the girl-child and the vulnerable in the society.

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Stephanie Busari Selected As 2020 World Fellow At Yale University

Yale has announced the 13 people chosen in its class of 2020 World Fellows program, a global leadership development program at the university.

Among the 13 is the multi-award-winning journalist and editor at CNN Worldwide, Stephanie Busari. She heads up CNN’s Nigeria bureau where she pioneered CNN’s first digital and multiplatform bureau. She also reports on-air for CNN International and led the network’s 2019 Nigeria presidential election coverage. Stephanie oversees CNN Africa’s digital editorial and operational strategy, crafting a new narrative for Africa and chronicling the continent’s changemakers and innovators.

Stephanie joins a network of 359 Fellows, representing 91 countries. Sharing the news on her Instagram, writing excitedly:

2020 is not cancelled for me! I have a triple celebration this year. 💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾
I beat Covid. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
It’s my birthday next week 🤸🏽‍♀️🤸🏽‍♀️🤸🏽‍♀️ AND I have just been named a Yale World Fellow 💪🏾💪🏾
WON’T HE DO IT????!!!!
God always shows up for me. I am forever grateful and give him all the GLORY. ❤️❤️❤️

Evan Mawarire, a Zimbabwean clergyman who founded #ThisFlag Citizen’s Movement to challenge corruption, injustice, and poverty in his country, is also included in the list.

Also included in the list is Edwan Ngum Tah, an attorney and civil litigation expert working in Cameroon. She is also the Executive Director of the Center for Public Interest Law, Cameroon and has partnered with the Center for Democracy and Development, West Africa to document cases of human rights violations by state and non-state actors in their fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin.

And Hyppolite Ntigurirwa, a Rwandan artist, activist, and founder of Be the Peace, an organization focusing on the use of art to halt the intergenerational transmission of hate and to promote the power of cross-generational healing. He is a Peace Ambassador for One Young World, Peace Scholar and his work has been covered by global media including BBC, NPR, SABC, and Dutchwelle.

The World Fellows program is Yale University’s signature global leadership development initiative and a core element of Yale’s ongoing commitment to internationalisation.

Each year, the University invites a group of exemplary practitioners from a wide range of fields and countries for an intensive four-month period of academic enrichment and leadership training.

The mission of World Fellows is to cultivate and empower a network of globally engaged leaders committed to making the world a better place. The program is part of the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, which prepares Yale students for global leadership and service through its master’s program in global affairs, master of advanced study in global affairs and an undergraduate major in global affairs.

World Fellows is committed to three main goals:
• Leadership: To strengthen the knowledge and skills essential for global leadership

• Service: To provide an opportunity to serve others through sharing knowledge and
experience, and collaborating on initiatives

• Network: To grow a global community of people with shared values, connected to each other and to Yale.

See the full list and biography here.

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Ufuoma McDermott & Ifeyinwa Mogekwu Are Mamador’s Latest Brand Ambassadors

Food giants, PZ Wilmar Foods recently unveiled notable Nollywood actress, Ufuoma McDermott, and popular Food blogger and Chef, Ifeyinwa Mogekwu of Ify’s Kitchen as ambassadors for its premium Masterbrand, Mamador.

Following the announcement, superstar actor, Ufuoma and amazing Chef Ifeyinwa will now represent the Mamador Masterbrand, across all its marketing campaigns as it repositions to encourage the enjoyment of tasty and nutritious meals as a means to also promote family togetherness and bonding.

Speaking on the engagement, Marketing manager, PZ Wilmar, Chioma Mbanugo, said “Ufuoma and Ifeyinwa have proven to be strong and passionate women, with admirable talents and principles, whose positive lifestyles inspire many, each and every day. Ifeyinwa as a chef inspires many, not just on how to enjoy tasty meals but also how to prepare them, while Ufuoma inspires many career moms, as she manages the work-life balance to bond with her family and sustains an excellent family unit.”

Exciting times are gradually coming back, as this shows there are still many positives to take out of the year 2020. The new ambassadors took to their Instagram pages to share their excitement with their fans!

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