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Abandoned at Seven Months, Maltreated by Stepmother, Nigerian Lawyer Takes Fight for Women’s Justice to United Nations

For Awele Ideal, standing among global leaders and advocates at the United Nations Headquarters in New York was not just another professional achievement. It was the triumph of a woman who says she was abandoned as a baby, suffered abuse while growing up, and turned her pain into a lifelong mission to defend vulnerable women and children.

Speaking during the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), Awele delivered a passionate call for justice, inclusion, and stronger protection for women and girls across the world.

“I was abandoned by my mom at seven months, and my stepmother who raised me maltreated me badly. That was what challenged me into becoming a lawyer because I wanted to help oppressed people, especially children. I vowed to become the voice of the voiceless,” she revealed.

The conference, held earlier this week at the United Nations Headquarters, brought together policymakers, legal professionals, gender advocates, and civil society leaders to address issues surrounding justice, gender equality, women’s participation in leadership, and the elimination of discriminatory laws and practices.

Throughout the engagements, discussions focused on how weak legal systems, exclusion, and structural inequality continue to expose millions of women and girls to violence and marginalization.

Awele, while addressing participants, lamented the continued exclusion of women from critical decision-making spaces despite years of global conversations around equality.

“Many girls and women are kept out of the rooms where decision making happens. For how long should this continue? Justice delayed is justice denied and justice denied is justice stolen,” she said.

She further stressed that beyond representation, women must be given real opportunities to contribute meaningfully to policies and decisions affecting their future.

“At the United Nations CSW70, we advocate that the voices of women and girls must be heard in order to drive meaningful changes. We must support the voices of those who are able to show up and with our voices, amplify the voices of those who are prevented from participation,” she added.

Awele also spoke openly about the personal and professional battles she has faced while building her legal career. According to her, balancing motherhood with the demands of a male-dominated profession and confronting social stereotypes associated with divorced women were among the toughest realities she had to overcome.

“Being a woman in a male dominated profession, being a mother while maintaining my professional career, and dealing with stereotypes of being a divorcee are some of the challenges I have faced,” she stated.

Despite the obstacles, she described her biggest accomplishment as raising her children intentionally while building a respected legal and advocacy voice.

“My greatest accomplishment is being an intentional mom and being a lawyer whose voice is heard loud and clear,” she said.

Delegates at the conference repeatedly emphasized that rights without access to justice leave many women vulnerable, calling for stronger institutions, inclusive policies, and practical reforms capable of protecting women and girls globally.

As the conference continues to shape international conversations around gender justice, Awele maintained that women must never surrender their dreams because of difficult circumstances or societal limitations.

“Your life is what you make of it. You are enough. If you set your mind towards achieving a goal then nobody can stop you except you,” she said.

UUTH CMD Fights Tears as EFCC Shootout Exposes Patients to Avoidable Deaths

…Seeks FG, State Intervention as Hospital Services Collapse Amid Crisis

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Prof. Ememabasi Bassey, struggled to hold back tears on Wednesday as he narrated how Tuesday’s violent confrontation between operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and hospital staff exposed critically ill patients to avoidable deaths and paralysed services at the federal health institution.

Visibly emotional during an emergency press conference in Uyo, Prof. Bassey warned that the chaos triggered by the armed operation had endangered patients in intensive care units, emergency wards and neonatal sections after terrified doctors and nurses abandoned their duty posts for safety.

The CMD disclosed that the disruption had practically grounded activities at the hospital, leaving vulnerable patients stranded and critical medical services severely affected.

“We are appealing to our colleagues and unions to consider the human lives involved. Patients are suffering. Newborn babies and critically ill persons are at risk. Whatever grievances we have, human life must come first,” Bassey pleaded.

He assured that management was making frantic efforts alongside senior medical personnel to stabilise critical units and ensure that patients still receiving treatment were not abandoned.

Our correspondent reports that tension erupted at the tertiary hospital on Tuesday when EFCC operatives stormed the facility in an attempt to arrest Prof. Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, over issues relating to the authentication of an alleged fake medical report linked to an ongoing investigation.

What initially appeared to be a routine official operation reportedly degenerated into confusion after the operatives allegedly attempted to forcefully remove the doctor from his office, provoking resistance from medical workers and hospital staff.

Eyewitnesses alleged that armed operatives subsequently fired tear gas canisters and gunshots into the air within the hospital premises, creating panic among patients, visitors and workers.

Meanwhile, an aggrieved relative of a patient who spoke with our correspondent at the Accident and Emergency Unit lamented that a young man believed to be in his mid-20s died shortly after the invasion because medical personnel who should have attended to him allegedly fled for safety during the commotion.

The CMD, while recounting the sequence of events, explained that the EFCC had earlier requested the hospital to verify the authenticity of a medical report purportedly issued on behalf of a suspect under investigation.

According to him, internal checks later revealed that the document was fake and not officially issued by the hospital.

“Some actors working in concert with lawyers or whoever for the suspect had opened a folder with no official footing and written a fake medical report on it,” he alleged.

Prof. Bassey stated that Prof. Ekpe was only assigned the responsibility of authenticating the report before the confrontation unfolded.

Narrating his ordeal, Prof. Ekpe accused the operatives of humiliating and assaulting him publicly despite interventions by colleagues.

“He started pushing me and dragged me out of the office into the walkway. I started crying because I could not understand the level of force being used,” he recounted.

Condemning the operation, Prof. Bassey insisted that the hospital management was never formally contacted before the attempted arrest.

“All they needed to do was place a phone call to me. This issue did not have to degenerate into violence and fear inside a hospital,” he said.

Describing hospitals as sacred environments, the CMD stressed that armed operations within healthcare facilities posed grave dangers to innocent patients.

“A hospital is a hallowed ground, comparable only to a place of worship. You do not invade such a place with chaos and intimidation,” he added.

He further disclosed that many departments had been temporarily paralysed following the incident, with traumatised staff unwilling to return to work immediately.

“Right now, because of the unforeseen circumstances, services have been severely disrupted. We are practically shut down, and we pray this situation is resolved urgently,” he lamented.

Prof. Bassey also revealed that he personally visited the EFCC office in Uyo and volunteered himself for questioning in a bid to secure the release of detained hospital personnel.

Despite condemning the conduct of the operatives involved, he maintained that the EFCC remained a critical institution in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.

“Without the EFCC, many Nigerians would not even feel safe keeping money in banks. We should not rubbish an institution because of the actions of a few officers,” he noted.

Defending the response of the police during the standoff, the CMD disclosed that the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police remained in communication with hospital authorities throughout the incident after he initially suspected that the armed men who invaded the premises were kidnappers.

Prof. Bassey appealed to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and relevant authorities to urgently intervene and establish clear operational protocols for security agencies conducting activities within medical facilities.

“What is the cost of one human life? Is it worth putting innocent patients at risk?” he asked.

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Doctors Shut Down Health Services in Akwa Ibom as EFCC–UUTH Confrontation Sparks Nationwide Concern

Healthcare delivery across Akwa Ibom State was brought to a standstill on Tuesday following an indefinite strike declared by the Nigerian Medical Association in response to a confrontation involving operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

The development has created a tense atmosphere within the health sector, with patients and residents left uncertain as the EFCC, medical professionals, and the Nigeria Police Force present differing accounts of what transpired inside the hospital premises.

In a communiqué issued after an emergency virtual congress on Tuesday, the NMA accused EFCC operatives of storming the hospital and allegedly assaulting Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of UUTH.

The association alleged that the senior doctor was beaten, handcuffed, and taken away alongside other medical personnel who reportedly attempted to intervene during the incident.

“That Professor Eyo Ekpe was apprehended within the premises of UUTH by masked EFCC operatives who physically assaulted him, beat him severely to the point of bleeding and forcefully took him into custody,” the communiqué stated.

The NMA further alleged that gunshots were fired within the hospital environment, while some individuals who attempted to record the incident reportedly had their phones confiscated.

It also claimed that its state chairman, Professor Aniekan Imo Peter, was shoved and exposed to teargas while attempting to seek clarification from the operatives at the scene.

Following the incident, the association announced an immediate and indefinite withdrawal of medical services across Akwa Ibom State, demanding the release of all detained doctors and hospital staff.

The NMA also called for a public apology from the EFCC and threatened legal action, including a N1 billion damages claim, over what it described as physical, emotional, and professional harm to its members.

However, the EFCC strongly denied the allegations, stating that its operatives were at the hospital strictly to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect standing trial for alleged fraud involving several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

The Commission explained that it had earlier written to the hospital management on two occasions seeking authentication of the document but received no response.

According to the EFCC, the situation escalated when the hospital allegedly shut its gates against its operatives, while some staff were said to have attacked officials with stones and other objects during the standoff.

Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command distanced itself from the operation, stating that officers were only deployed after receiving a distress call from the hospital management over the presence of unidentified armed individuals within the premises.

The Command maintained that its role was strictly to prevent a breakdown of law and order, not to participate in the operation or any alleged assault.

Nigeria Faces 180-Day Deadline After African Ruling on ‘Witchcraft’ Abuse of Children

The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child has given Nigeria a 180-day deadline to outline concrete steps toward ending the abuse of children accused of witchcraft, following a landmark ruling that found the country in violation of its obligations under the African Charter.

The decision, delivered in Communication No. 0017/Com/001/2021 and adopted at the Committee’s 46th Ordinary Session in December 2025, was released yesterday after a petition by Child Rights and Rehabilitation Network, Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa, and the Centre for Human Rights.

The Committee found that Nigeria failed to protect vulnerable children from severe abuses linked to witchcraft accusations, including torture, abandonment, starvation, and in extreme cases, killings.

According to findings presented before the panel, children as young as three years old were subjected to inhumane treatment, often at the hands of family members, community leaders, and religious actors who branded them as witches.

The Committee ruled that such acts constitute grave violations of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, stressing that cultural and religious beliefs cannot justify harm against minors.

“We commend the Committee for its important work in addressing complex and deeply rooted violations affecting vulnerable children, including those subjected to harmful practices such as witchcraft accusations,” said Michael Gyan Nyarko.

The ruling directs the Nigerian government to implement legal, social, and institutional safeguards to prevent further abuses and to ensure protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of affected children.

“I have been campaigning for the rights of these children since 2000, drawing attention to the federal government without being heard. This victory proves that witchcraft accusation is real, but witchcraft itself is not real,” said Sam Ikpe Itauma.

Aproko Doctor to Lead Malaria Awareness Campaign in A’Ibom as Ibom Air Donates 50,000 Drugs

A renowned medical influencer, Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, is set to headline a major malaria awareness campaign in Akwa Ibom State as part of activities marking the 2026 World Malaria Day.

The awareness drive, tagged “Walk Against Malaria,” is being organised by Ibom Air to mobilise residents and promote preventive measures against the disease.

The event, scheduled for Saturday April 25, 2026, will commence at Ibom Plaza in Uyo by 6:00 a.m., featuring public sensitisation, health education, and aerobic sessions.

As part of the intervention, Ibom Air has also donated 50,000 doses of anti-malaria medications to the Akwa Ibom State Government to support ongoing efforts to curb the disease.

The airline, through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, FAMPact (Fight Against Malaria in Pregnant Women and Children Today), presented the drugs to the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) under the Ministry of Health in Uyo.

The donation includes 30,000 doses of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine, 10,000 doses of Lokmal DT, and 10,000 doses of Paracetamol DT, targeted at vulnerable groups, especially pregnant women and children under five.

Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi, who led the management team during the presentation, said the initiative underscores the airline’s commitment to improving public health.

Receiving the items, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, described the gesture as timely and critical to strengthening malaria control efforts in the state.

Ibom Air said the intervention marks the third consecutive year it is supporting malaria prevention and treatment, reinforcing health as a key pillar of its corporate social responsibility.

In a statement signed by Aniekan Essienette, Group Manager, Marketing and Communication, Ibom Airlines Ltd, the airline aligned its intervention with the 2026 World Malaria Day theme, “Driven to end malaria, Now we can, Now we must.”

The statement stressed the need for collective action to tackle malaria, which remains one of Nigeria’s leading causes of death.

Group Manager, Corporate Services at Ibom Air, Mrs. Imelda Aba, said the initiative reflects the airline’s responsibility beyond air transportation.

“At Ibom Air, we believe that our responsibility extends beyond flying passengers to their destinations. Through FAMPact, we are investing directly in the health and well-being of our communities,” she said.

Programme Manager of SMEP, Dr. Ukeme John, commended the airline’s sustained commitment, noting that the support would significantly boost interventions targeted at protecting vulnerable populations.

“This donation comes at a critical time and will significantly support our efforts to protect pregnant women and children. We encourage all Akwa Ibom residents to turn out for the walk and join hands with us to end malaria,” he said.

Doctors Back Down From Strike, Give FG Two Weeks to Deliver on Promises

Resident doctors in Nigeria have suspended their planned nationwide strike, opting instead to give the Federal Government a two-week deadline to fulfil fresh commitments on salaries, allowances and welfare.

The decision, announced Tuesday by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), followed an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting where members reviewed government assurances and agreed to continue negotiations.

In a communiqué, the association said the move was a show of goodwill in response to “ongoing high-level interventions” and “progress made” in discussions, particularly on payment of salary arrears, hazard allowances and the Medical Residency Training Fund.

“The NEC… hereby suspends the previously declared Total, Indefinite, and Comprehensive Strike action,” the statement read, adding that government had shown “renewed willingness” to address long-standing concerns.

However, NARD warned that the suspension is conditional, giving the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to take “concrete, measurable and verifiable steps,” failing which the union would resume the strike without further notice.

“Reject Political Violence”—CP Azare Warns As A’Ibom Command Storm Market at Week 2026

Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State command, CP Mohammed Baba Azare, fsi, has advised traders and transporters in the state to reject all forms of political violence, thuggery, and hate speech

The CP handed down the advice Wednesday, when he led a high-profile public sensitization campaign at Itam Market to mark the third day of the 2026 National Police Day celebrations.

Addressing traders, transport workers, and residents, CP Azare stressed that elections are civic exercises, not wars, and called on everyone to act as ambassadors of peace.

“Do not allow yourselves to be used as instruments of violence by desperate politicians. Your vote is your power—protect it without shedding blood,” he urged.

Beyond political peace, the Commissioner emphasized the urgent need for strict adherence to traffic regulations, noting that reckless driving, overloading, and disregard for traffic signs are major causes of accidents and fatalities in the state.

He specifically urged commercial and private vehicle operators to prioritize safety, particularly with increased movement expected during the upcoming elections and the rainy season.

The sensitization exercise featured the distribution of flyers and pamphlets to market stakeholders, while officers conducted on-the-spot awareness walks, engaging directly with traders and commuters. Divisional Police Officers replicated the exercise across their respective areas of responsibility to reach more communities.

DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, in a release made available to newsmen at the end of the day's exercise said the week-long National Police Day activities are designed to bridge the gap between the Police and the community.

She added that the celebrations will culminate in a grand finale on April 7, 2026, at Eagle Square, Abuja, and encouraged citizens across the state to participate actively in ongoing events.

Death Returns to Ette Junction as Truck Crushes Tricycle, Kills Three

Ette Junction in Ikot Abasi has again become a scene of tragedy after a speeding truck rammed into a commercial tricycle on Wednesday, killing three persons instantly and heightening fresh fears over safety along the troubled corridor.

The crash involved a Mack truck with registration number XS 761 L*D. Eyewitnesses said the driver, in an attempt to overtake a parked vehicle belonging to Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited, lost control and veered into an oncoming tricycle, crushing its occupants on the spot.

While the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was yet to issue an official statement, the company confirmed the incident, describing it as tragic. Its Media Director, Aniekeme Finbarr, said the firm deeply regrets the loss and has deployed security agencies, including the Police and Joint Task Force, to manage the situation and restore traffic flow.

“We regret to confirm a tragic road traffic incident… which sadly resulted in three fatalities,” the company said, extending condolences to the families of the victims and pledging continued support to the host community.

However, Wednesday’s accident is the latest in a string of troubling incidents that have cast a shadow over the Ette axis, raising persistent concerns about safety of residents of the area.

It could be recalled that on January 1, 2026, a 13-year-old boy, Timothy Daniel, was allegedly killed in the area in an incident involving military personnel attached to same Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited.

Following the incident, the Nigerian Army, through the Headquarters of its 2 Brigade in Uyo, confirmed that it had commenced a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the minor’s death.

The Army stated that the probe was ongoing and urged the public to avoid speculation that could prejudice the process, assuring that findings would be made public upon completion, while also extending condolences to the family of the deceased.

*COMMENCEMENT OF NATIONAL POLICE DAY 2026 CELEBRATIONS IN ZONE 6 HEADQUARTERS, CALABAR*

In furtherance of preparations for the forthcoming National Police Day Celebration scheduled for April 7th, 2026, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, AIG Auwal Musa Mohammad, psc, anipr, is pleased to announce the Zone’s readiness, compliance, and active participation in the nationwide event.

The Zone hereby informs members of the public that this year’s celebration is themed: “Community Partnership: Building Trust.” The initiative underscores the core values of community policing, aimed at fostering mutual trust, strengthening collaboration between the Police and the public, honouring the sacrifices of officers—particularly fallen heroes—and showcasing the operational capacity and professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force. In this regard, all State Commands within the Zone have been duly briefed and are expected to ensure full compliance, as the Zone anticipates nothing short of excellence.

In line with the approved nationwide programme, the Zone has outlined the following activities to be observed in the spirit of unity and collective responsibility:

*Monday, 30th March 2026*
• Sanitation and Environmental Cleaning Exercise
• Medical Outreach Programme at designated locations

*Tuesday, 31st March 2026*
• Walkathon for Public Engagement and Awareness (Take-off point: Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar)

*Wednesday, 1st April 2026*
• Public Sensitisation Campaigns on the dangers of electoral violence, cultism, and other security concerns
• Sensitisation of drivers on the importance of safe driving practices

*Thursday, 2nd April 2026*
• Stakeholder Engagement Meetings
• Presentation of cheques to families of deceased officers

*Tuesday, 7th April 2026 (Abuja)*
• Grand Finale: Ceremonial Parade and Tactical Display

The AIG Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, hereby calls on all members of the public to cooperate with the Police and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a successful and hitch-free celebration.

The AIG further reaffirms the Zone’s commitment to delivering quality policing services anchored on trust, professionalism, and accountability. He also enjoins officers and men of the Command to seize this opportunity to strengthen public confidence, rekindle trust in the hearts of citizens, and remain mindful of their fundamental role as servants of the people.

*DSP JEFFERSON OSUPE, anipr, anisma*
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
ZONE 6 HEADQUARTERS, CALABAR
*For the AIG, ZONE 6 HEADQUARTERS, CALABAR*

*27TH MARCH, 2026*

Trafficking Crackdown: A’Ibom Rescues, Repatriates 44 Ghanaians

Akwa Ibom State Government has intensified its crackdown on human trafficking networks with the rescue and repatriation of 44 Ghanaian nationals lured into the state under false promises of overseas opportunities.

The victims—27 males and 17 females—were recovered from illegal camps in Umo Ekpo, Ifuho community in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, and Ekpri Nsukara in Uyo Local Government Area, in an operation coordinated by security agencies.

Authorities said the victims were deceived, defrauded, and held in distressing conditions by suspected trafficking syndicates, highlighting the growing sophistication of organised criminal networks operating within the region.

At the handover ceremony held at the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Uyo, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, said the operation demonstrates the state’s zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking and related crimes.

She stressed that the intervention aligns with the security priorities of the Umo Eno administration, particularly its emphasis on intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration, and community-based vigilance.

Ibanga disclosed that the government provided immediate humanitarian support to the victims following their rescue, before initiating processes for their safe return to Ghana to reunite with their families.

One of the victims, Gideon Yeboah, said he was defrauded of 30,000 cedis and held against his will since February 25, underscoring the dangers associated with irregular migration schemes.

Officials of the Ghana High Commission, who received the victims, commended the Akwa Ibom State Government and security agencies for the rescue, while urging sustained public awareness to curb human trafficking and discourage desperate pursuits of nonexistent opportunities abroad.

Sapphire-Nexarka MoU to Cut Diesel Dependence, Boost Gas Infrastructure in Nigeria

Nigeria’s energy sector is poised for a major efficiency boost as Sapphire and Carbuncle Energy Limited unveiled a new partnership with London-based Nexarka Group Energy and Infrastructure Holdings aimed at expanding Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure and reducing reliance on costly diesel alternatives.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at Sir Simon Milton Square, London, promises to lower production costs for businesses, enhance industrial productivity, and attract foreign investment into Nigeria’s energy landscape.

Speaking to newsmen in Uyo upon his return on Friday, Sapphire’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Mkposong Asuquo, described the agreement as a “major step toward addressing energy deficits and stimulating economic growth.” He said the MoU is structured to fund mid-scale infrastructure projects with investment projections running into several hundred million dollars, depending on project phases.

“As Nigeria shifts toward cleaner energy, CNG offers a reliable, cost-effective alternative to diesel,” Asuquo said. “Our partnership with Nexarka will accelerate the development of gas infrastructure, improve supply efficiency, and open avenues for international investment.”

He noted that hosting the signing in London was intended to strengthen investor confidence and provide global credibility, positioning the initiative for easier access to international financing.

“Our incorporation in the United Kingdom allows us to leverage global capital, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships critical for transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape,” he added.

Industry observers, including Dr. Roland Nalinesh, said the collaboration could have a multiplier effect on Nigeria’s economy by supporting manufacturing, small and medium enterprises, and broader access to cleaner energy.

Asuquo urged global investors, especially UK-based multinationals, to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s energy sector. “Together, we can unlock value, drive innovation, and deliver reliable energy solutions that will power economic growth,” he said.

The MoU will also focus on developing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) assets and deploying sustainable energy solutions capable of supporting long-term economic growth and energy security.