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August Women: From Union Buildings to Nigerian Villages ~ A Global Celebration of Women’s Power

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August Women: From Union Buildings to Nigerian Villages ~ A Global Celebration of Women’s Power.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG.com

On August 9, 1956, an extraordinary act of courage unfolded in Pretoria, South Africa. Over 20,000 women of all races (Africans, Coloureds, Indians and Whites) marched to the Union Buildings, the seat of the apartheid government. They came not with weapons or violence, but with unyielding determination. Their mission was clear: to demand an end to the dehumanising “pass laws” that restricted the movement of Black South Africans.

Led by fearless women such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, the marchers handed over petitions to then-Prime Minister J.G. Strijdom, declaring their resistance to a system that sought to control their very existence. They stood in silence for 30 minutes, a silence that roared louder than any war cry, before breaking into song “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo!” (“You strike a woman, you strike a rock”).

This was not merely a protest. It was a historic declaration that women would no longer be silent in the face of injustice. It was a reminder to governments and societies worldwide that oppressing women is a war against humanity itself.

From Protest to National Recognition. In 1995, a year after South Africa’s first democratic elections, President Nelson Mandela’s government officially declared August 9th a public holiday (National Women’s Day) to honour the bravery of the 1956 marchers. Since then, August has been celebrated as Women’s Month, not only to remember the past but to reaffirm the fight against gender inequality, gender-based violence and economic exclusion of women.

South African Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, once said: “When we celebrate Women’s Month, we are not merely applauding history; we are committing ourselves to dismantle every barrier that still exists for women today.”

Indeed, the challenges are far from over. While women’s political participation has improved (South Africa boasts one of the highest proportions of women in parliament globally) economic inequality and violence against women remain severe. The South African Police Service reported over 53,000 sexual offences in 2024, most of them against women and children.

The Nigerian Women’s August Meeting: A Parallel Tradition of Power. Interestingly, while South Africa commemorates its historic Women’s March every August, another powerful women’s tradition unfolds in Nigeria. Across many Nigerian communities, August Meeting is a month-long homecoming for women (especially those living in cities and abroad) who return to their home towns to deliberate on development, peace and social progress.

Originating in the 1940s and strengthened in the post-independence era, the August Meeting is not a festival of mere socialising. It is a deliberative assembly where women discuss pressing issues ie; education, healthcare, domestic violence, youth empowerment and community development projects. Funds are raised, schools are renovated, health centres are equipped and scholarships are awarded.

Dr. Uche Azikiwe, wife of Nigeria’s first president, once described the August Meeting as: “A parliament of women by women, for women and for the society. It is a model of grassroots democracy that men would do well to learn from.”

The meetings also serve as conflict resolution platforms, where disputes within families and communities are addressed before they escalate. In a society where patriarchy often sidelines women’s voices, the August Meeting reaffirms women’s agency and leadership in governance; albeit at the community level.

Shared Spirit: From Pretoria to Nigerian Villages. Although separated by geography and context, South Africa’s 1956 Women’s March and Nigeria’s August Meeting share a common spirit: the unshakeable determination of women to shape the destiny of their communities. Both movements are rooted in the understanding that women are not just nurturers of homes but architects of nations.

As the Zulu saying from the 1956 march goes:
“Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo!”
Translated: “You strike a woman, you strike a rock.” This phrase captures the indomitable resilience of women, whether they are facing the apartheid regime in Pretoria or tackling social issues in rural Nigeria.

Why Women’s Struggles Remain Urgent. Globally, the United Nations warns that gender inequality could take up to 300 years to close at the current rate of progress. Women continue to earn less than men for the same work, face higher unemployment rates and bear the disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic labour.

In Africa, the World Bank reports that only 37% of women have access to formal employment, compared to 55% of men. In Nigeria, the National Bureau of Statistics records a 30% wage gap between men and women. Moreover, gender-based violence remains a global crisis. In South Africa, a woman is murdered every three hours, according to 2024 police statistics. In Nigeria, rape conviction rates are below 2%, despite rising reports.

As Nigerian human rights activist Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin has often said: “A society that fails to protect its women has no moral authority to call itself civilised.”

Beyond Celebration: A Call to Action. While August is a month of celebration, it must also be a month of reckoning. Honouring women means more than giving speeches and issuing symbolic awards. It requires concrete action, laws that protect women from violence, policies that promote equal pay and investment in girls’ education.

Countries that have embraced gender equality have reaped massive benefits. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, closing the gender gap in Africa’s labour force could add $316 billion to the continent’s GDP by 2030. Empowering women is not charity. It is an economic necessity.

A Personal Tribute. As a Nigerian living in South Africa, I am struck by the beautiful coincidence that both South Africa and Nigerian women have chosen August to celebrate women’s strength and leadership. I celebrate:

The women of South Africa, whose bravery in 1956 still inspires freedom movements worldwide.

The women of Nigeria, especially those who sustain the tradition of the August Meeting, shaping their communities with wisdom and courage.

The women of the world, who daily resist discrimination, build businesses, raise families, and stand at the frontlines of change.

I echo the words of Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee, who led the women’s peace movement that ended Liberia’s civil war:

“You can never leave footprints that last if you are always walking on tiptoe.”

Parting Thoughts: Rocks Do Not Break Easily. The women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 were rocks. The Nigerian women who gather each August are rocks. The mothers, daughters and sisters who hold communities together are rocks. Rocks may be weathered by time, but they are not broken easily.

As we celebrate Women’s Month and the August Meeting this year, let us remember that the fight for women’s equality is far from over. Let us commit ourselves to dismantling every remaining barrier (legal, economic, and cultural) that stands in the way of full equality.

This is because when you strike a woman, you do not just strike a rock, you strike the very foundation of civilisation.

Happy Women’s Day.

By. George Omagbemi Sylvester

 

August Women: From Union Buildings to Nigerian Villages ~ A Global Celebration of Women’s Power.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG.com

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos By Ifeoma Ikem

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.

 

 

The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.

 

 

According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.

 

 

The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.

 

 

At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.

 

She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.

 

 

The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.

 

Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

 

 

The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.

 

 

Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.

 

They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.

 

 

The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.

 

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

 

 

 

 

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

 

 

 

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

 

 

 

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

 

 

 

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

 

 

 

 

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

 

 

 

 

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

 

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

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