Rape must be treated as a pandemic – Runsewe

Published

2 years ago

February 23, 2023

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Rape must be treated as a pandemic – Runsewe

The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture(NCAC), Chief Segun Runsewe, says rape must be treated as a pandemic and not mere vice.

Runsewe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)on Thursday in Abuja that it was time the issue of rape was given the needed attention.

He said the devastating effect of rape on victims and the society at large was unimaginable.

”It is time for families to break the culture of silence and for the society to desist from stigmatising victims.

The director-general also said rather than victimising rape victims, perpetrators should be exposed, shamed and punished for the heinous crime.

He said rapists were not fit to leave among people, adding that they posed serious threat to vulnerable people, particularly the girl-child.

“Rape is a pandemic, bigger than COVID-19 and rapists should be confined to the zoo because they are animals.

“Rape has led to a lot of people that we do not know committing suicide.

“It is worrisome how families cover up rape when the trauma victims go through can be better imagined.

“It is also worrisome how rape victims are victimised while perpetrators sometimes walk free on the street.

“The Inspector-General of Police in 2019, said there were about 748 rape cases.

“But I can tell you that for every rape case mentioned, there are 10 other hidden ones,” he said.

Runsewe said as part of effort to find practicable solution to the problem, the council wrote a document to create more awareness on the negative effects of rape on the society.

On homosexuality, the NCAC boss said the media visibility of those who practiced it had reduced considerably owing to concerted efforts by the council and other stakeholders.

“Due to this agency’s approach, the issue of homosexuality has reduced to a large extent.

“Before now, if you open weekend newspapers you will see all manner of things but that has reduced drastically.

“If we are given more power, we will go after them from state to state and make sure we get rid of such absurd behaviour,” he said.

Rape must be treated as a pandemic – Runsewe

Nigerians Must Seek Permission to Use National Anthem – FG

Published

2 weeks ago

October 9, 2024

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The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to seek official permission before using the national anthem to prevent potential misinterpretation. This directive was issued by the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement released on Wednesday, October 8.

While the specific contexts in which permission is required were not detailed, the NOA emphasized its role as the custodian of national symbols, tasked with preventing misuse. “Permission must be sought from the Agency before using the National Anthem to avoid misrepresentation,” the statement noted.

Issa-Onilu also clarified the proper design of the Nigerian flag, stating that the correct shade of green is Emerald 2.0. He highlighted that past administrations had focused predominantly on infrastructure, neglecting value orientation, which led to the decline of institutions like the Boys’ Scouts, Girls’ Brigade, and the WAI Brigade.

The current administration, however, is committed to reversing this trend, with President Tinubu offering support to the NOA. Issa-Onilu further urged the production of local cartoon content to counter foreign influences affecting young Nigerians.

National

Federal Government Declares October 1st Public Holiday for Independence Day

Published

3 weeks ago

September 29, 2024

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…Minister of Interior Calls for Unity and Reflection on Nation’s Journey

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 1, 2024, a public holiday in celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who conveyed the government’s message to Nigerians both at home and abroad, congratulating them on this significant occasion.

Tunji-Ojo praised the resilience and hard work of Nigerian citizens, emphasizing that their sacrifices would not be in vain. In line with the theme for the anniversary, he urged Nigerians to reflect on the contributions of the nation’s past heroes and to be inspired for the challenges ahead, emphasizing that a united effort is crucial in building the Nigeria of our dreams.

The Minister extended his best wishes to all citizens for a Happy Independence Day and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their efforts toward nation-building.

National

APC Chairman Ganduje Condoles Families of 5 Fallen Police Officers, Offers Financial Support

Published

4 weeks ago

September 28, 2024

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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, has extended his condolences to the families of five police officers who tragically lost their lives in a motor accident while returning from Edo State.

Speaking at the Bichi Central Mosque, where prayers were offered for the deceased officers, Ganduje described the incident as a significant loss for the Nigeria Police Force, himself, and the nation as a whole.

To support the bereaved families, Ganduje announced a donation of N2 million to each of the five families of the deceased officers and N1 million to ten officers who were injured in the accident.

“I decided to personally come down to Bichi because of the gravity of the situation, and because these officers died in active service,” Ganduje stated, emphasizing the officers’ dedication to their duty.

In addition, Rep. Kabir Abubakar, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, also expressed his condolences to the families, offering prayers and support during this difficult time.