The Lagos State Police Command has launched a public sensitisation campaign targeting commercial drivers, warning against electoral violence, cultism, and gender-based violence (GBV) as part of activities marking the 2026 National Police Day.

The outreach, held on Wednesday at Ojota Motor Park in Lagos, forms Day Three of a week-long programme aimed at strengthening public safety and civic responsibility.

Police say drivers play a critical role in shaping public behaviour, especially during elections and periods of heightened social tension.

Focus on Electoral Offences

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, outlined key provisions of Nigeria’s Electoral Act and warned against actions that could undermine democratic processes.

He listed offences such as vote buying, ballot box snatching, impersonation, and intimidation of voters or electoral officials.

“These offences have far-reaching consequences on the credibility of the electoral process and the nation’s democratic stability,” he said.

He urged drivers to uphold the rule of law and support peaceful elections.

Tackling Cultism and Community Safety

Area M Commander, ACP Tokunbo Abaniwonda, warned participants about the dangers of cultism and its impact on communities.

He called for stronger collaboration between residents and law enforcement agencies to tackle the issue.

Security analysts say transport hubs such as motor parks are often key points for spreading both information and criminal influence, making them critical targets for public sensitisation.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence

The Officer-in-Charge of the Gender Unit, ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem, highlighted the different forms of GBV and encouraged victims to report cases.

“Gender-based violence affects individuals, families, and the wider society. Reporting is essential to ensuring justice and prevention,” she said.

Advocates note that increasing awareness at grassroots levels can help reduce stigma and improve reporting rates.

Road Safety and Responsible Driving

CSP Alli Yemisi, Officer-in-Charge of Motorpol 1, also addressed road safety, urging drivers to obey traffic regulations and maintain discipline.

She stressed that responsible driving is essential to reducing accidents and protecting lives.

Why It Matters

Nigeria is expected to hold future elections amid ongoing concerns about electoral violence and voter intimidation.

Public awareness campaigns like this are seen as crucial in promoting peaceful participation and strengthening democratic institutions.

They also address broader social challenges such as cultism and gender-based violence, which continue to affect communities nationwide.

What’s Next

The Lagos State Police Command says it will continue community engagement programmes across the state throughout the National Police Day celebrations.

Officials say similar sensitisation campaigns may be extended to other public spaces, including markets and schools.

Nigeria expands social protection to 10 million households, unveils new women empowerment programmes

Nigeria has expanded its social protection programmes to reach almost 10 million households, with women accounting for more than 70% of beneficiaries, the country’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development has told a global summit on gender equality.

Speaking at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the minister said the expansion marks one of the most significant social welfare programmes in Nigeria’s history.

Delivering Nigeria’s national statement, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the government is prioritising gender equality and family development as part of its broader national agenda.

“Nigeria is honored to join the international community at this important moment to reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing gender equality and women empowerment as a cornerstone for inclusive action, equitable justice, safeguard of rights, and sustainable development,” she said.

The minister also announced that 2026 has been declared Nigeria’s Year of Families and Social Development.

Why it matters

Nigeria faces persistent challenges around gender inequality, access to economic opportunities, and gender-based violence.

Government officials say stronger family support systems and economic empowerment programmes for women could improve education, health, and economic growth.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has framed the policy within its Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to expand social welfare and economic inclusion.

According to the minister, social protection coverage has increased dramatically over the past decade.

“Nigeria’s social protection architecture has expanded significantly from under one million households in 2015 to almost 10 million in 2026, with women constituting over 70 percent of primary beneficiaries,” she said.

She described the expansion as “one of the most significant social protection expansions in Nigeria’s post-independence history.”

New programmes targeting women

The government also unveiled several initiatives aimed at improving economic opportunities for women.

These include the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions 774 (RHSI774) programme, which focuses on livelihood support, clean energy, digital inclusion, and financial access.

The minister said the initiative represents the largest locally driven investment for women’s empowerment in Nigeria’s history.

“It is a collection of interventions that represent the largest locally driven investment for women’s empowerment in Nigeria’s history,” she said.

Another initiative highlighted was the Women Digital Harmony programme, which includes a mobile platform known as the Happy Woman App.

Officials say the platform will connect more than 20 million women to training, mentorship, and economic opportunities.

“This initiative will enable access that connects over 20 million women to information, mentorship, and economic opportunities, while strengthening networks of support and inclusion,” she explained.

Tackling gender-based violence

Nigeria also announced efforts to strengthen its response to gender-based violence.

The government has introduced a National Electronic Dashboard designed to improve real-time coordination and monitoring of cases.

Authorities say the system will also help address emerging forms of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

“We are actively scaling up prevention and survivor-support systems across the country,” the minister said.

Nigeria’s legal framework includes laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and the Child Rights Act 2003, which aim to protect women and children from abuse.

Political representation still low

Despite these initiatives, women remain under-represented in Nigerian politics.

The minister acknowledged that women hold less than 10% of seats in parliament.

However, she said a proposed Reserved Special Seats Bill could increase women’s representation in elected offices.

“The proposed Reserved Special Seats Bill represents a historic opportunity to enhance women’s participation in elective governance,” she said.

She added that more women are now occupying leadership roles in both the public and private sectors, particularly in finance.

Industry and policy reactions

Gender policy experts say Nigeria’s social protection expansion could help reduce poverty and support women-led households.

However, they note that implementation and transparency will determine whether the programmes deliver long-term impact.

Development economists often argue that investing in women has multiplier effects, improving household income, education, and health outcomes.

International organisations including the World Bank have also supported initiatives such as the Nigeria for Women Programme, which targets 4.5 million female beneficiaries through community-based groups and income-generating activities.

What’s next

Nigeria says it will continue working with global partners to expand opportunities for women and girls.

The minister also highlighted new partnerships aimed at translating global commitments into local action, including initiatives such as CEDAW Cities, which seek to embed women’s rights into urban governance.

“Nigeria remains committed to working with the international community to accelerate progress on gender equality and women empowerment,” she said.

Focus on unemployment, electricity, and cultural preservation in exclusive interview

The Interview: A Voice for Reform

Akparawa (Engr) Iyanga Utuk, Managing Director of Konnels Investment Limited, has called on Nigerian leaders to focus on skills training and credible leadership to address unemployment and underdevelopment.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, the electrical engineer and businessman reflected on the transformation of Akwa Ibom State since its creation in 1987 but warned that progress was being undermined by poor execution of policies.

“From a backwater local government area, today we are a modern state,” he said. “But while development is ongoing, the rate of unemployment in Akwa Ibom is something we need to look at.”

Why It Matters: Jobs, Not Handouts

Utuk stressed that job creation must come through practical training, not one-off cash handouts.

“I believe that government empowerment should not just be about giving cash,” he said. “If a state sponsors 500 people annually to learn practical skills like electricians, plumbers, aluminum workers in over 10 years, Akwa Ibom would be better for it.”

He pointed to the Nwa-Boy (Igbo) apprenticeship system as a model Nigeria could adopt, describing it as “a university of real-time business strategies which schools cannot teach.”

A chart comparing unemployment rates with skill-based job creation opportunities in Nigeria.
Credit: ResearchGate

Energy and Implementation Gaps

Utuk also highlighted energy as a critical factor in attracting investment.

“We are not short of beautiful proposals in Nigeria,” he said, referring to Akwa Ibom’s Electricity Summit. “If the recommendations are implemented letter for letter, companies will come in. Everybody is looking at where you have cheap and reliable power.”

Industry observers have long argued that poor implementation rather than lack of ideas is Nigeria’s main challenge in power sector reform.

“Implementation is key. If done right, companies will come in.”

National Outlook: Leadership Under Scrutiny

Akparawa (Engr.) Iyanga Utuk

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, Utuk lamented persistent failures in food security, industrial development, and governance.

“We cannot feed ourselves as a nation of over 200 million people,” he said. “The way forward is leadership. Until we fix the electoral system, we cannot hold leaders accountable.”

He also urged rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, arguing that it would strengthen fairness in governance.

Experts agree that unemployment and weak institutions are fueling insecurity, migration, and economic stagnation.

Culture and Education: Preserving Identity

Beyond politics and economics, Utuk expressed concern about the erosion of Nigeria’s cultural identity, particularly local languages.

“Even children born and raised in Uyo cannot speak Ibibio,” he said. “We must make conscious efforts to preserve our culture while embracing global competitivene

On the introduction of Chinese language in Nigerian schools, Utuk was supportive. “China will play a leading role in global business. Understanding their language gives Nigerians a competitive advantage.”

Young Nigerians learning practical skills at a training workshop.
Credit: Lapidoth Foundation

What’s Next: Politics, Maybe Later

When asked if he planned to enter politics, Utuk was cautious.

“My friends call me a Facebook politician,” he admitted. “Am I ready to spend my hard-earned money on elections where votes may not count? Not now. But if my people call on me tomorrow, who knows?”

For now, he says his focus remains on empowering young people and advocating for reform through dialogue.

Closing Message

Utuk ended with a metaphor urging Nigerians to rise above division.

“When you enter an aircraft, you don’t care if the pilot is Christian or Muslim. You just want to arrive safely. We must rethink our priorities as Nigerians.”