society

MINISTER UNDER FIRE: Staff Welfare Neglect Sparks Call for Removal -CSO’s

Published

7 months ago

September 15, 2025

Tinubu’s Loudest Voice of Reason in the North, Arewa Group Lauds Defence Minister of State Matawalle

MINISTER UNDER FIRE: Staff Welfare Neglect Sparks Call for Removal -CSO’s

A damning revelation has shaken the very foundations of the Ministry of Women Affairs. A coalition of 24 civil society organizations, known as the Coalition of FCT Civil Society Groups, has blown the lid off the deplorable working conditions and alleged negligence within the ministry. The coalition’s attention was drawn to the issue after ministry staff took to the streets in desperation, protesting over their welfare, citing unpaid allowances, lack of working tools, and poor working conditions that have made their working lives a living hell.

The staff’s plight is nothing short of heart-wrenching. Despite their tireless efforts to serve the nation, they have been left to struggle with inadequate resources, outdated equipment, and a general lack of support from their leadership. The Minister of Women Affairs, entrusted with taxpayer money, seems to have forgotten that the staff’s welfare is crucial to the ministry’s success. The neglect is so egregious that it’s a wonder the staff still show up to work, driven by their dedication to serving the nation rather than any support from their leadership.

According to Elvis Ekundina Segun, Director of Programs at the FCT Coalition of Civil Society Groups, the Minister’s neglect of staff welfare has led to a catastrophic breakdown in communication and a lack of trust between the leadership and staff. “The continuous neglect of staff welfare and lack of engagement between the Minister and staff have led to this mass action,” Elvis stated emphatically. “It’s a cry for justice, a call to action to ensure that those who serve the nation are treated with dignity and respect. The staff’s welfare is not a privilege, it’s a right.”

The coalition is demanding that the Minister takes immediate action to address the staff’s concerns and improve their welfare. However, given the Minister’s apparent disregard for the staff’s well-being, we have been left with no choice but to take further action. We are calling on the President to remove the current Minister of Women Affairs and appoint a new one who will prioritize the welfare of staff and ensure the ministry functions effectively.

The Ministry of Women Affairs is a strong pillar of our nation’s social welfare system, established to promote the welfare and empowerment of women. However, the current state of the ministry’s staff welfare undermines its very purpose. How can the ministry effectively promote the welfare of women when its own staff are neglected and deprived of basic necessities? The purpose of the ministry cannot be met when the staff supposed to drive its objectives are not properly taken care of and are being deprived of benefits that their colleagues in other ministries enjoy.

In light of this, we shall be engaging in a mass protest* to bring attention to this critical issue and demand action from the government. We will not rest until the staff’s welfare is prioritized and the ministry is led by someone who understands the importance of supporting its staff. *We urge the President to take immediate action and replace the current Minister with someone who will prioritize the welfare of staff and drive the ministry’s objectives effectively.

The fate of the Ministry of Women Affairs’ staff hangs precariously in the balance. Will the government listen to their cry for justice? Will they prioritize the welfare of those who serve the nation, or will they continue to neglect their duties? The nation watches with bated breath as the coalition prepares to take to the streets in protest. One thing is certain: the Coalition of FCT Civil Society Groups will not rest until their demands are met and the staff’s welfare is prioritized.

The clock is ticking. The staff’s welfare is not a bargaining chip; it’s a fundamental human right. The Minister of Women Affairs must be held accountable for the neglect of staff welfare. The nation cannot afford to have its public servants treated like slaves, working without adequate compensation or support. The coalition’s demands are not radical; they are reasonable and just. It’s time for the government to take action and prioritize the welfare of its staff. The future of the nation’s social welfare system depends on it.

society

Lagos 2027: Obasa hosts Hamzat, Promises Support for Governorship Bid

Published

56 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Lagos 2027: Obasa hosts Hamzat, Promises Support for Governorship Bid

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, on Thursday, played host to Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat at his official residence in GRA, Ikeja, promising to galvanise his expansive political structure to ensure Hamzat’s victory at the forthcoming governorship election.

Dr Hamzat is the presumptive APC candidate for the Lagos governorship seat, and the engagement was part of his ongoing strategic consultations with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders and leaders.

Speaker Obasa extolled Hamzat’s pedigree, commitment to infrastructure development, and loyalty to the party, adding that for the continued development of Lagos State, every discerning electorate must rally round him.

“I just returned from Abuja, and the conversation remains the same – Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat is the next Governor of Lagos State. You have demonstrated unquestionable loyalty to our great party and even greater competence in serving Lagos. We love you, we support you, and we will do everything to ensure that we win the election,” Speaker Obasa declared.

Responding, Dr Hamzat expressed gratitude for the warm reception while highlighting Obasa’s legislative experience and political network, which he said are invaluable. He reiterated his focus on collaborative governance, saying, “Lagos is a collective project. My consultations are not about personal ambition but about ensuring continuity, innovation, and inclusive development for our people,” Hamzat said.

society

Police Repel Coordinated Kidnap Attack In Sokoto, Launch Manhunt

Published

6 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Police Repel Coordinated Kidnap Attack In Sokoto, Launch Manhunt

Security operatives in Sokoto State have foiled a coordinated kidnapping attempt by armed bandits targeting two communities, killing one suspect and launching a manhunt for others who escaped with injuries.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Ahmad Rufa’i, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday following a distress call received at about 12:30 a.m. reporting simultaneous attacks on Illela Village, also known as Achida Town, and Kwargaba Hamlet.

“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with other tactical teams, responded swiftly to the distress call,” he said. “Our operatives, who were already on high alert, engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel and successfully repelled the attack.”

Rufa’i disclosed that the security forces overpowered the assailants after a prolonged exchange of gunfire, neutralising one suspect who was dressed in military camouflage, while others fled with gunshot wounds into the nearby Gundumi Forest.

“An intensive manhunt is ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects who escaped into the forest with varying degrees of injuries,” he added.

However, before the arrival of security personnel, the bandits reportedly shot and killed a member of the Kwargaba community vigilante group. His body has since been recovered and released to his family for burial.

The police spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest security agency, assuring that efforts are being intensified to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

society

The Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi Train 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria

Published

9 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Sahara Weekly

The Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi Train 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – April 23, 2026

Successful actors, producers and movie makers like; the Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi were among the facilitators who trained 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria at the just concluded Africa Gospel Film Project (AGFP) 2026.

The groundbreaking 6-day Intensive Filmmaking Masterclass and Spiritual Formation Program, were 60 emerging Christian filmmakers from Nigeria and Zambia were trained in Abuja was held at the Gospel Cinema International /High Definition Film Academy (HDFA) Facility in Gwarinpa.

The program brought together a distinguished lineup of facilitators from Nigeria and the United States, positioning AGFP as a leading platform for faith-based filmmaking development in Africa.

Among the international facilitators was Stephen Kendrick of the Kendrick Brothers, known for films such as The Forge, War Room, Facing the Giants, and Courageous, Overcomer, Fireproof, who delivered a powerful session titled “Heart of The Filmmaker.” Also featured was Cameron Arnett, who led sessions on “Christ Over Career” and acting for film.

Other notable speakers included Nick Carey (Kingdom Story Company), who spoke on “The Making of a Faith-Based Blockbuster Movie,” as well as Bob Saenz (Screenwriting Masterclass), Beverly Holloway (Acting Masterclass), David Cook, Adam Drake, Prince Daniel (Aboki), Lummie Adevbie, Chris Odeh, and Jennifer Keltner (Identity & Storytelling), among others.

The program opened with a strong spiritual foundation, including worship and a keynote by the Convener, Bright Wonder Obasi, titled “Calling & Identity: Film as Spiritual Influence/Programming,” which challenged participants to view storytelling as a tool for cultural and spiritual transformation.

Participants were grouped into four production studios—House of Gideon, House of Caleb, House of Joshua, and House of David—and underwent three days of intensive masterclasses and workshops across screenwriting, directing, cinematography, acting, editing, and producing, alongside deep spiritual formation.

On Day 4, teams developed and pitched short film concepts for professional review and approval. Day 5 was dedicated to full-scale production, with all four teams executing their projects under real industry conditions.

The program culminated on Day 6 with:

A Pitch-A-Thon, where 20 filmmakers presented original projects for funding and collaboration.

A public screening of four short films produced during the program

Professional feedback from a panel of judges.

Certification of all participants

Awards for best Screenplay, Cinematography, directing, editing, acting, and overall best short film.

The closing ceremony featured a powerful commissioning session led by Pastor Ikenna Okeke, where participants were prayed for and consecrated as “God’s Creative Army.”

Speaking after the event, the Convener, Bright Wonder Obasi, described AGFP 2026 as “a movement to raise storytellers who will shape culture and influence nations through truth-driven films.

Films that honor God”

With its successful debut, AGFP is now preparing for its next edition, following its mandate to train 300 Christian filmmakers across Africa and develop a slate of six global faith-based films over a three-year period.

The Africa Gospel Film Project continues to position itself as a catalyst for purpose-driven storytelling, industry excellence, and spiritual transformation in African cinema.