General News
WARIF Completes First Cycle of Its Rural Sensitization Program on Covid-19
In the months since COVID-19 was first reported in Nigeria, rippling effects with devastating impacts have been felt across the global economy and on individual livelihood.
The crisis, characterized by border closures and lockdowns, comes as a shock to the majority impacting not only the economical but physical and mental health of many within and beyond the Nigerian constituencies.
In Nigeria, rural communities make up the largest portion of these constituencies and in this crisis, these communities are particularly important, as they are among the most vulnerable. However, most of the burdens of COVID-19 in rural areas have been under the radar.
For rural households, the impact of the virus will likely be felt first in compromised livelihoods. The health impact, however, cannot be overlooked or understated. With the gradual ease of the lockdown coupled with a fast-rising number of reported cases, Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), one of the nation’s foremost NGOs tackling the prevalence of gender-based violence in Nigeria, have observed that the pandemic and disruption of the present moment is one which requires efficient sensitization on safety protocols for survival while also addressing the prevalence of domestic and sexual gender-based violence within their communities.
Shocking statistics by WARIF revealed that domestic violence has surged since the initial period of the coronavirus lockdown.
This led to the NGO re-opening its centre to cater to survivors of sexual violence. This decision was made after the NGO observed a 64 per cent increase in call cases, during the lockdown mandated by the Federal Government in March 2020.
Dr Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, Founder of WARIF, voiced the need for a more aggressive sensitization scheme for rural communities – “There is an urgent need for rural communities to be sensitized about these pandemics as they have little access to adequate healthcare facilities’’.
Building on this, WARIF has become more concerned with sensitizing rural communities around the state about the pandemic. Through a recently launched Covid-19 response initiative, the NGO commenced a one-month sensitization program designed to engage women in grassroots communities.
The relevance of initiatives like this cannot be overemphasized, as programs targeted at the most vulnerable individuals within the society ultimately influence the greater good of the society.
It is all about education, information and sensitization; and individuals, government and non-governmental organizations (NGO) all play a critical role in making sure the right information and materials get to the people within these communities.
In response to this urgent consequence of the pandemic, WARIF has also implemented safety planning protocols to assist survivors in need of help. These protocols designed and implemented by the organization to protect both adults and children are aligned with the recently released set of procedures by the UN to keep children safe while the pandemic lasts.
WARIF has noted that it is one thing to propose a sensitization program and another to maximize its efficiency. This is why the program has been implemented through the leverage the support of trained Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) from the WARIF Community Gatekeepers Project, a pre-existing initiative by the NGO.
The Traditional Birth Attendants were identified to carry out this sensitization as they are familiar with the people and the environment. These trained attendants, already educated on the prevalence of domestic and sexual gender-based violence within their grassroot communities and the immediate response and management of these cases, have been galvanized into small cell groups and are making house to house visits in their various communities to offer assistance to women who are residing with their spouses and partners.
The Traditional Birth Attendants will go into communities weekly to create awareness on services provided at the WARIF center and identify if there has been an increase in cases of sexual and domestic abuses. Cases of abuse in these households are being identified and recorded and are referred to the WARIF Rape Crisis Centre.
It is commendable to note that WARIF had successfully completed the first cycle of its rural sensitization program which engaged 10, 774 individuals in Alimosho, Kosofe, Apapa, Epe and Ikorodu LGAs of Lagos state. Regardless, there is still much work to be done as private sector inclusion and partnerships are encouraged by the NGO.
It is no news that women are still at risk during this period and this is why WARIF through its initiative aims to get first-hand insight to GBV cases within these communities and engage survivors with all the support they require. This is a major factor which lead to the NGO’s Police Awareness Initiative, which gives survivors access to a select number of police stations across Lagos.
In these stations, there are assigned officers to assist survivors with their cases and protect them from any further harm from the perpetuator. With collaborations such as this, WARIF is ensuring that survivors can get prompt and satisfactory responsiveness from the police in locations closest to them.
In its 2020 vision, WARIF aims to impact I million lives and as far has successfully influenced 340,000 people this year. The NGO continues to operate a 24-hour confidential helpline (0809 210 0009) to assist survivors of gender-based violence in Nigeria.
Okpi Bernard Adaafu, a legal practitioner, has dragged the federal government of Nigeria before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of a controversial health data sharing agreement between Nigeria and the United States of America.
The suit names the President of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Senate President of Nigeria, and the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives as defendants.
In the originating summons filed before the court, Adaafu is asking the court to determine whether the bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed between Nigeria and the United States violates the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens, particularly their rights to privacy and protection of personal data.
According to court documents, the agreement, signed on December 19, 2025, permits the collection and transfer of sensitive health information of Nigerians to the United States.
The data reportedly includes medical records, blood samples, pathogen testing information, and DNA or genetic sequencing data.
The plaintiff argued that while only a summarized version of the agreement has been made public, a related Specimen Sharing Agreement allegedly obliges Nigeria to provide biological samples and related data to the United States within five days of request and could remain in force for up to 25 years.
He contended that such an arrangement, if implemented, would violate the National Health Act 2014, which guarantees the confidentiality of patients’ medical records, as well as the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, regulating the processing and cross-border transfer of personal data.
The suit further argued that the agreement breaches Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which guarantees the privacy of citizens.
Adaafu also raised concerns about statements suggesting that the programme would provide substantial support to Christian faith-based healthcare institutions.
According to him, the inclusion or perceived emphasis on religious affiliation within a national healthcare framework is unnecessary, constitutionally questionable, and capable of triggering avoidable social tension in a multi-faith society such as Nigeria.
He argued that healthcare interventions funded through international cooperation must remain neutral, inclusive, and accessible to all Nigerians regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
Another issue raised in the suit is the alleged exclusion of the National Assembly of Nigeria from the process.
The plaintiff maintained that international agreements with significant national implications must undergo legislative scrutiny and approval before implementation.
Among the reliefs sought, Adaafu asked the court to issue an order prohibiting discriminatory agreements based on religion, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics.
He also requested a declaration that the agreement violates both the National Health Act 2014 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
In addition, the plaintiff is seeking an order suspending the implementation of the agreement, which is scheduled to commence on April 1, 2026.
Explaining the reason for filing the suit, Adaafu said he decided to approach the court because of the potential implications of the agreement on the privacy, sovereignty, and constitutional rights of more than 200 million Nigerians.
He noted that the issues raised in the suit deserve public awareness and national discourse, stressing that transparency and accountability are necessary in matters involving citizens’ sensitive medical and genetic information.
Nigeria’s leading instant noodle brand, Indomie, is backing a cross-country cycling journey by 15-year-old autism advocate Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo, who is embarking on a Guinness World Record-bound ride from Enugu to Lagos to raise awarenessabout autism and promote inclusion.
Tagged “Journey of Possibility, #RideWithKanye,” the expedition will see the young cyclist travel across several Nigerian cities as he advocates for greater understanding and support for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.
The initiative represents an official attempt to set a milestone with Guinness World Records as the youngest autistic individual to complete a cross-country cycling journey.
The ride is scheduled to conclude in Lagos on World Autism Awareness Day, reinforcing the global call for empathy, acceptance, and opportunity for people on the autism spectrum.
Speaking on the brand’s involvement, Temitope Ashiwaju, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, said the initiative reflects Indomie’s enduring commitment to celebrating courageous Nigerian children and amplifying stories that inspire hope.
“At Indomie, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to dream boldly and achieve extraordinary things,” he said. “Kanyeyachukwu’s journey is a powerful reminder that determination and talent can transcend limitations. We are proud to support his mission to inspire understanding, acceptance, and hope for individuals living with autism.”
Kanyeyachukwu first captured national attention when he was recognised at the Indomie Heroes Awards, an initiative by Indomie that celebrates courageous Nigerian children who have demonstrated exceptional bravery, resilience, and impact in their communities.
Since receiving the recognition, he has continued to use advocacy, creativity, and public engagement to reshape perceptions about autism and inspire conversations around inclusion.
Through the “Journey of Possibility,” Kanyeyachukwu hopes to demonstrate that individuals on the autism spectrum possess extraordinary potential when given the opportunity and support to thrive.
As a key supporter of the initiative, Indomie will provide branded cycling kits and support materials for cyclists accompanying him throughout the route, alongside financial support and brand activations at designated stops along the journey.
These engagements will include community interactions aimed at educating the public, encouraging dialogue, and fostering broader participation in autism advocacy.
To ensure the young cyclist’s safety and well-being throughout the expedition, a dedicated safety, medical, and logistics team will accompany the ride.
Host communities along the route are also expected to organise welcome receptions and awareness activities as the team passes through their cities.
The journey will culminate in a celebratory reception in Lagos, bringing together supporters, advocates, community leaders, and partners to mark the completion of the ride and reinforce the call for greater awareness and inclusion for people on the autism spectrum.
Through initiatives like the Indomie Heroes Awards and its support for the “Journey of Possibility, #RideWithKanye,” Indomie continues to champion young Nigerians whose courage, determination, and achievements demonstrate the limitless possibilities that emerge when children are empowered to pursue their dreams.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed government backing for the Nigerian media’s evidence-led push against Big Tech’s anti-competitive practices, content scraping for AI, and economic pressures like high tariffs threatening press survival.
Tinubu
Speaking at an interfaith dinner with the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) delegation at the State House on Friday, Tinubu called the press an “indispensable partner” in fostering economic stability, press freedom, and social cohesion.
He promised to tackle “digital cannibalisation” and review the tariff exemption list to zero-rate media essentials like newsprint, plates, chemicals, and broadcast equipment—currently hit with 5-10% duties—mirroring exemptions for educational materials.
“You have the government’s full support, because we know how important your work is to the sustenance of democracy,” Tinubu assured leaders including NPO President Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, Aremo Olusegun Osoba (Vanguard), Sam Amuka (THISDAY/ARISE), Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Dr John Momoh (Channels TV), and heads of NPAN, NGE, GOCOP, NUJ, and NTA.
NPAN Deputy President Frank Aigbogun, speaking for NPO, accused Big Tech firms like Meta and Google of breaching paywalls to train AI models, costing local media 70% of revenue—hundreds of millions of dollars—plus jobs. He urged directing the FCCPC to probe these issues.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris noted ongoing government engagement with Big Tech: “We will not allow anybody to come here, reap from our economy, and go away without giving back.” Vice President Kashim Shettima and senior aides attended.
The pledge follows NPO’s January letter highlighting existential threats from Big Tech to Nigerian media.
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