Headlines
“SHE EXISTS” PROGRAM ADVANCES GENDER EQUITY AND EMPOWERS FEMALE JOURNALISTS IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE WITH SUPPORT FROM THE U.S. EMBASSY ABUJA

“SHE EXISTS” PROGRAM ADVANCES GENDER EQUITY AND EMPOWERS FEMALE JOURNALISTS IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE WITH SUPPORT FROM THE U.S. EMBASSY ABUJA
ERNEST OGEZI
The SHE EXISTS program continues to make its mark in Borno State as it empowers female journalists through intensive training. This initiative is part of a larger project covering all six states in the North East of Nigeria, aimed at reshaping the media landscape and promoting gender-sensitive reporting.
Hosted at the American Space within the University of Maiduguri’s Ramat Library, the event was a testament to the commitment to gender equity in media. Distinguished speakers delivered inspiring speeches that underscored the crucial role of women in media and highlighted the importance of equitable representation.
The Senior Information Specialist of the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Dr Aisha A. Gambari set the tone with an address that emphasized the significance of gender-sensitive reporting. Her speech illuminated the media’s role in shaping society’s understanding of gender issues and called for responsible journalism that supports women’s empowerment.
The highlight of the event was the moving speech delivered by Mr. Jamilu Yusuf, the Executive Director of the Organization for Innovation and Sustainable Development (OISD). He reiterated the program’s pivotal role in fostering gender equity within the media landscape and empowering female journalists to break barriers.
The SHE EXISTS program’s core goal is to equip female journalists with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Over the three-day training, participants were immersed in an intensive curriculum, covering various critical topics such as Advanced Reporting Techniques, Gender-Sensitive Reporting, Reporting Women in Violent Conflict Situations, Equity and Equality, and more.
Ernest Ogezi, the Program Manager of OISD, led the training sessions along with a team of media experts. The curriculum was meticulously designed to provide participants with the tools to drive transformative change within the industry, empowering them to report responsibly and fairly.
The success of this training event in Maiduguri follows similar sessions in Adamawa, Taraba, and Gombe, where almost 200 female journalists have benefited from the program. SHE EXISTS is making significant strides toward its goal of positively impacting the North East region, with the intent of reshaping the media landscape to be more inclusive and equitable.
The Maiduguri training took place in November 2023, and it received an enthusiastic response from participants and organizers. The success of the program is a testament to the collective commitment to empowering women in media, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
The SHE EXISTS program is pioneering a path to advance gender equity and promote equal opportunities for women within the media sector. Through intensive training and skill development, the program empowers female journalists to play an active role in reshaping the media landscape, ensuring that representation is equitable and reporting is fair and unbiased. This initiative is setting a new standard for responsible journalism and gender-sensitive reporting.
With similar training sessions held in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, and now Borno State, SHE EXISTS is advancing its mission to make a meaningful impact in the North East region, fostering a more inclusive and gender-equitable media landscape.
The SHE EXISTS program demonstrates that women in media have the power to challenge the status quo and redefine the industry’s standards. By providing female journalists with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in their careers, SHE EXISTS is contributing to a more equitable and responsible media landscape.
For media inquiries, please contact: 08035693509
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Headlines
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
-
Headlines3 years ago
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
-
Headlines3 years ago
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
-
Foreign3 years ago
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
News10 months ago
Zero Trust Architecture in a Remote World: Securing the New Normal
-
Entertainment3 years ago
Phyna emerges winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7
-
Headlines1 year ago
Nigeria Customs modernisation project to check extortion of traders
-
Economy1 year ago
We generated N30.2 bn revenue in three months – Kano NCS Comptroller
-
Headlines1 year ago
Philippines’ Vice President Sara Duterte resigns from Cabinet