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FOWGI seeks tax rebate on sanitary pads

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FOWGI seeks tax rebate on sanitary pads

A non-governmental organization (NGO), Focusing on Women and Girls Initiative for Positive Change (FOWGI) has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to remove all taxes on sanitary pads to make them accessible and affordable.

The Executive Director of FOWGI, Mrs Rifkatu Ademola, made the call during sensitisation on menstrual hygiene management and distribution of sanitary pads to 1,500 students of Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Dutse in the FCT.

Ademola, also a menstrual hygiene educator and advocate of girls’ education, said that the gesture was to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 and create a platform for the full expression of African females.

According to her, the goal is to ensure that by 2030, menstruation becomes a normal topic with no girl left behind.

She added that “it is good to see women seated in meetings where decisions that affect their lives are taken.

“We believe that menstruation is a normal phenomenon, totally natural. It is not anyone’s choice to say I decide to be a boy today, I decide to be a girl tomorrow.

“Why should anyone feel ashamed to identify with menstruation? Let there be free sanitary pads in offices, schools, airports and everywhere. Let it be tax-free because it is not a luxury, it is not a choice. It is normal, natural, so we should embrace it.”

The FOWGI boss also quoted a UNESCO report as saying “one in every 10 girls miss school due to menstruation, stigmatisation and inadequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.

She added that some girls were forced to sit on the sand to absorb the blood.

“We discovered that girls miss school during their period every month and according to UNESCO, one out of 10 African girls misses out on school when it is their time of the month.

“We have come across girls who said they use sand so that it can absorb the blood and the fear of stigmatisation in schools, fear of getting stained makes them stay at home rather than go to school.

“It means 10 to 20 per cent of their learning process during academic activities is affected.

“We are advocating for girls to be educated; if they are missing out on school, how do we achieve that?’’ she asked.

Ademola further said that in the last five years, the FOWGI had distributed sanitary pads to over 59,200 students in Bauchi, Plateau and the FCT and urged the government and private organisations to establish a pad bank where young underprivileged girls could access pads.

On her part, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed, the Principal, GGSS Dutse, commended the organisation for its support.

Mohammed said the sensitisation on menstrual hygiene management would aid the students to know more about their cycle, build their confidence and appropriate way to ensure hygiene.

FOWGI seeks tax rebate on sanitary pads
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FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving

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Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.

He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.

The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.

He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.

“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.

“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”

He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.

Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.

He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.

He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.

At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”

“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”

Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.

“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.

In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.

As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.

“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.

Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”

While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.

“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.

The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.

The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.

Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.

Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”

Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.

Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”

The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.

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