Ekiti Biker MamaSpade Begins 7000KM Unity Ride to South Africa

Adventure Enthusiast Aims to Promote African Unity Ekiti-born female biker, Omolewa Adesuyi, popularly known as MamaSpade, has set out on an ambitious 7000KM journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to Cape Town, South Africa. This five-week daring expedition aims to foster unity among African nations and empower women to chase their dreams. MamaSpade, who previously traveled from Lagos to Ivory Coast in 2023, is determined to push boundaries and inspire others. A Journey Fueled by Passion and Determination Speaking about her motivation, she stated: “Biking has given me freedom, strength, and purpose. Traveling 5000KM to Ivory Coast was not enough. Now, I am embarking on this 7000KM adventure to spread a message of unity across Africa.” She expressed deep gratitude to her team at Detail & Avedia, as well as her family, particularly Brian, for their unwavering support. A Mother’s Pride and Biking Community Support MamaSpade’s mother shared her emotions, reflecting on her daughter’s journey: “From birth, I knew she was destined for greatness. Watching her grow into a fearless biker has been extraordinary. I appreciate the Nigerian biking community for standing by her.” The Route and Purpose Behind the Ride Project Manager Toluwani Adeniyi outlined the journey’s path through Cameroon, Congo, Angola, Namibia, and ultimately to Cape Town, South Africa. Beyond adventure, this ride serves as a symbol of women’s empowerment, proving that women can achieve their dreams in a world where they are often marginalized. “MamaSpade’s message is clear: Women can set goals, work towards them, and achieve greatness,” Adeniyi emphasized. Conclusion MamaSpade’s remarkable journey is more than just a ride; it’s a statement of unity, resilience, and empowerment. As she rides across multiple African countries, she carries a powerful message for the girl child—to dream big and break barriers. For more inspiring stories on women’s empowerment, visit BBC Africa. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

IWD 2025: President Tinubu Hails Nigerian Women as Nation’s Foundation

In celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), President Bola Tinubu has honored the resilience, intelligence, and essential contributions of Nigerian women, recognizing them as the cornerstone of national progress. In his special message, Tinubu praised women for their roles in transforming households, agriculture, corporate sectors, and communities. He emphasized their unwavering dedication to shaping Nigeria’s future. Reflecting on the progress made since the 1995 Beijing Declaration, Tinubu acknowledged that despite advancements, numerous women still face barriers limiting their full potential. “Our Renewed Hope administration is dedicated to removing these obstacles, enhancing financial accessibility, and ensuring equal opportunities across governance, agriculture, and various industries,” he affirmed. Addressing Nigerian women, Tinubu expressed his deep appreciation: “To our mothers, daughters, and sisters – your strength fuels Nigeria’s progress. Together, we soar!” For more on the impact of the Beijing Declaration, visit UN Women Read the full report from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at nannews.ng READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel

Nigerian Women: The Driving Force Behind Africa’s $29 Trillion Economy by 2050 – VP Shettima

Vice President Shettima affirms that Nigerian women will be central to Africa’s $29 trillion economy by 2050. Read more on the 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference and Project #SheIsIncluded. Introduction Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted the crucial role Nigerian women will play in achieving Africa’s projected $29 trillion economy by 2050. Speaking at the 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference in Abuja, he launched the Project #SheIsIncluded, reinforcing the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment as a key driver of national and continental economic growth. Nigeria’s Role in Africa’s Economic Growth Shettima emphasized that Nigeria’s economic trajectory is integral to Africa’s future. With the nation expected to become the world’s third most populous country by 2050, surpassing the United States, its women—who make up half the population—are essential to achieving sustainable development. According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Shettima described the Gender Inclusion Conference as more than a policy dialogue—it is a bold declaration of responsibility for Africa’s economic transformation. Women’s Inclusion: A Blueprint for Economic Success Shettima reaffirmed the government’s stance on gender inclusion, stating that it is not merely a concept but a reality in motion, with policies designed to yield measurable economic benefits. He stressed that integrating women into financial and economic systems is central to Nigeria’s growth strategy. “One in every four Black people is Nigerian. By 2050, Nigeria will surpass the United States in population. Numbers matter. Half of our population are women, and where Nigeria leads, Africa follows,” Shettima stated. He further underscored that bridging gender gaps is not just an obligation but a necessary step in achieving Africa’s economic transformation, adding: “We are steering Africa towards a projected $29 trillion economy, and Nigeria’s role in this journey is undeniable.” Breaking Barriers: The Vision of Project #SheIsIncluded The 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference, themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women’s Economic and Financial Inclusion,” builds on the 2024 Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5)—gender equality and women’s empowerment. Shettima revealed that Project #SheIsIncluded is structured around four key pillars: He announced that the initiative will be implemented across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria, ensuring no woman is left behind. “This is not about fulfilling quotas; it is about unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential by empowering women,” he stated. Government and Private Sector Collaboration for Gender Inclusion The Vice President emphasized that the initiative is a core pillar of Nigeria’s development agenda, rather than a symbolic gesture. He highlighted the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, as key players in driving this vision forward. “To create an inclusive economy, we must align with global best practices and pursue gender equality relentlessly,” he affirmed. The two-day conference was more than just a forum—it served as a platform for serious reflection and strategic planning on how to foster an inclusive society. He urged both public and private stakeholders to take proactive steps in achieving gender inclusion. Key Stakeholders Support Gender Inclusion Initiative Several dignitaries and stakeholders at the conference expressed their support for women’s economic empowerment: Financial Institutions and Corporate Stakeholders Weigh In Industry leaders also pledged their support for the SheIsIncluded initiative: Conclusion: A Call to Action for Gender Inclusion Vice President Shettima concluded by emphasizing the importance of practical implementation of gender policies, urging stakeholders to ensure that recommendations from the conference translate into tangible outcomes. “When women are empowered, families flourish, communities thrive, and nations prosper,” he stated. The 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference marks a significant step towards achieving a more inclusive economy, positioning Nigeria’s women as key drivers of Africa’s economic future. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

Empowering Women: Governor Yusuf Disburses N50,000 Grants to Tackle Poverty in Kano

Governor Abba Yusuf disburses N50,000 grants to 5,200 women in Kano to tackle poverty and promote economic empowerment. Governor Yusuf Reaffirms Commitment to Poverty Alleviation in Kano with N50,000 Grants for Women Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has reiterated his administration’s dedication to eradicating poverty across the state. His latest empowerment initiative included the distribution of N50,000 grants to 5,200 women from the 44 local government areas. During the grant distribution ceremony, Governor Yusuf emphasized the significance of empowering women as part of his campaign promises made in 2023. He recalled committing to empowering a significant number of women to promote self-reliance, support their families, and contribute positively to Kano’s socio-economic development. Since launching the initiative in May 2024, over 41,600 vulnerable women have benefited from financial support aimed at breaking economic barriers and enhancing their ability to contribute to the state’s economy. The grants enable women to start small businesses, learn artisan skills, and become self-sufficient. The Governor highlighted that the N50,000 grants are not loans but free support from the government. He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds responsibly, emphasizing the government’s goal of reducing poverty without placing beneficiaries in debt. Citing the 2022 Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty Index, which ranked Kano above the national poverty average, with 10.5 million people living in multidimensional poverty, Governor Yusuf stressed the importance of structured policies to uplift citizens from poverty. His administration has also focused on enhancing education, ensuring food security, accelerating rural development, urban renewal, and creating job opportunities for both youth and women. These efforts aim to reduce economic hardship and healthcare spending for low-income earners. Governor Yusuf encouraged the beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely, expressing his hope that many would become employers of labor by next year. He reassured that the 2025 state budget has allocated significant resources to sustain social programs designed to combat poverty across Kano. This initiative underscores Kano State’s commitment to sustainable poverty reduction through strategic empowerment and financial inclusion. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

Equatorial Guinea First Lady Demands Action After ANIF Scandal

Equatorial Guinea’s First Lady, Constancia Mangue Obiang, has expressed her disapproval regarding a recent scandal involving Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the former Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF). Engonga was dismissed after explicit videos of him with different women surfaced online.During a meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue, who oversees administrative coordination, the First Lady expressed her concern and questioned the government’s plans to address the issue. She noted that the scandal damages the image of Equatoguinean women and called for appropriate measures.In a statement posted on Facebook on November 6, 2024, the First Lady’s Press Office (Ofiprensa Primera Dama) stated that Mrs. Obiang urged swift government action to protect the dignity and digital privacy of Equatoguinean women. She emphasized the importance of taking preventive measures to maintain progress in gender equality and ensure a safe environment for women.Prime Minister Osa Nsue recognized the gravity of the situation and the need for actions that uphold privacy and the country’s reputation. He mentioned that the government is looking into stricter privacy laws as part of its response to the scandal and commitment to gender equality.He also highlighted ongoing efforts by his office to find solutions that would prevent such incidents and draw lessons from them to protect society at large.“ The Government of Equatorial Guinea, aware of the influence of social media and the circulation of private content online, is assessing updates to privacy and data protection legislation to better safeguard citizens’ rights,” said Prime Minister Osa Nsue.The incident involving Engonga has prompted wider discussions on digital privacy and the responsibility of institutions to protect fundamental rights. The government has stressed the need for a comprehensive approach that includes legal measures, education, and public awareness to control the spread of inappropriate online content.The First Lady and Prime Minister ended their meeting by reaffirming their commitment to implementing measures that would rebuild public confidence in government institutions and protect the reputation of Equatoguinean women. They also discussed potential strategies to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.Stay tuned for updates. Thank you. REAF ALSO: Trump’s Election Boosts Musk’s Wealth by $15 Billion

To assist women traders, ECOWAS and Ecobank have launched an empowerment program.

In order to close the gender gap in trade throughout the region, the ECOWAS-Ecobank Empowerment Programme for Women Traders was formally introduced in Abuja. With a pilot program beginning in Nigeria, the initiative, a partnership between ECOWAS and Ecobank, seeks to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with business training, financial access, and mentorship. This will enable them to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and make a significant contribution to regional economic growth. “When women thrive, communities prosper, and our economy becomes stronger,” said H.E. Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, underscoring the transformative potential of empowering women in commerce. Reiterating ECOWAS’s commitment to addressing market and financial access, H.E. TOURE-LITSE spoke on behalf of H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission. obstacles that female traders must overcome. According to her, the event marked the start of a six-month journey that will provide participants with useful tools to expand their companies and promote international trade. READ ALSO Mr. Tunde Dawodu, Divisional Head for FCT & North at Ecobank, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to helping female businesses. “We want to provide funding, mentorship, and digital tools to help women succeed in competitive markets through our ELLEVATE Program and Single Market Trade Hub,” he said. Mr. Dawodu emphasized how networking platforms and preferential financing help participants grow their enterprises and improve their access to local markets. Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), highlighted the Council’s efforts to increase capacity in export, packaging, and good agricultural practices. documentation. Ayeni said, “We are dedicated to assisting women traders in creating long-lasting enterprises and breaking into new markets.” This two-day session lays the groundwork for a six-month program in which participants will get ongoing financial assistance, training, and mentoring. The program is in line with ECOWAS’s Vision 2050 plan to advance sustainable development and equitable growth throughout the region. H.E. TOURE-LITSE said, “This launch is just the beginning, and we are committed to ensuring that these women entrepreneurs multiply their impact and unlock greater prosperity through mentorship, coaching, and access to credit.” In order to provide participants with useful tools for effectively navigating cross-border trade, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), and the Nigeria Customs Service also shared their perspectives on financial facilitation and export procedures.

A Nigerian lady was found guilty of sex trafficking in Côte d’Ivoire and given a 12-year sentence.

Four girls are saved while a Nigerian lady is given a 12-year term for sex trafficking in Côte d’Ivoire. The Boundiali Court in Côte d’Ivoire has sentenced Sandra Okon, a Nigerian woman from Akwa Ibom State, to 12 years in prison for sex trafficking. The conviction follows the successful rescue of four young Nigerian females who were trafficked to Mali on false pretenses of lawful employment. The young ladies were safely recovered as a result of the operation, which was organized by the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organization (GAHTO), which is headquartered in Mali, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). At a press event in Uyo, NAPTIP’s Uyo Zonal Commander, Emmanuel Awhen, disclosed the information while highlighting the difficulties in breaking up transnational trafficking networks. “These young ladies suffered severe adversity, but because of NAPTIP and GAHTO’s prompt action, they are now secure and getting the help they need to reintegrate into society,” Awhen said. READ ALSO He clarified that traffickers had tricked the girls into being coerced into sexual slavery by luring them with the promise of work at supermarkets and salons. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the operation began when one of the girls was able to use a different phone to call a NAPTIP official, explaining her predicament and leaving voicemails that allowed for a coordinated rescue with foreign allies. More than fifty young Nigerian women are still pushed into forced prostitution in Mali, according to the rescued females. Awhen responded by advising parents to and guardians to exercise caution when dealing with people who offer international employment prospects, and they urged the Akwa Ibom State government to provide more assistance in the fight against human trafficking.