By Davod Owei

A Niger Delta based Non-Governmentla Organisation and gender advocacy group, the Do Foundation has outlined reasons for the moves to recognise and award few individuals in the region for exceptional Leadership and commitment to Gender Equality.

According to the Do Foundation, those nominated for the proposed “Gender Champions Hall of Fame ” are recognised for their fight against social injustice and all forms of inequality or oppression and violence.

The Gender Champions Hall of Fame event is a Project by DO- Dise Ogbise Foundation, and scheduled for the 9th, 10th and 11th of October, 2026 while the fund-raising gala night is fixed for the 30th of august 2026 @ Domaris hotel, Sanni Abacha Expressway, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.

Speaking at the special media briefing, the President and Founder of the Do Foundation, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry noted that the selection committee has been set up to identify, recognize and celebrate individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions to gender equality, women’s empowerment, inclusion, social justice and the advancement of opportunities for boys, girls and women who have been affected by gender-based violence and social prejudice.

According to her, the initiative is founded on the conviction that societies progress when individuals who challenge discrimination, open doors for others and promote equal opportunity are publicly recognized and their contributions preserved for posterity.

She said “The Hall of Fame is therefore conceived not merely as an awards platform, but as a repository of exemplary leadership and service—a place where the stories of outstanding gender champions can inspire present and future generations.”

“The inscription of the honors will be in the form of an engravement or etching of inductees’ images, achievements and bios on a more permanent site or hall. Hence, the hall of fame.MANDATE OF THE SELECTION COMMITTEEThe Selection Committee is charged with ensuring that the process of identifying inductees is credible, transparent, inclusive and based on demonstrable achievement”

Dr. Dise Ogbise however announced that the selection committee have been charged with the responsibility of Identifying and considering deserving nominees from public service, politics, law, business, education, medicine, academia, civil society, media, entertainment, traditional institutions, philanthropy and other sectors.Assess measurable contributions to gender equality, women’s advancement, girl-child development, protection of vulnerable persons, including the boy child and access to education, economic empowerment and leadership opportunities.

She also said the committee is expected to recognise both established and emerging champions, including individuals whose contributions may not have received adequate public recognition.

According to her, they will “Maintain high standards of integrity and independence in the selection process, ensuring that induction is based on merit rather than political affiliation, personal relationships, social status or financial influence.Preserve the stories and achievements.”

She also pointed out that the Committee has devised two major categories for selection, viz: The INSTITUTIONAL CATEGORY; THE INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY.

“Under these two categories, we will give particular consideration to:Sustained commitment to gender equality and inclusion;Demonstrable impact on the lives of women, girls, boys and other vulnerable persons, (orphans etc);Leadership that has broken barriers or created opportunities for others;Advocacy for women’s rights and dignity;Contributions to education, economic empowerment and professional advancement;Legislative, judicial, policy or institutional reforms advancing gender equality;Humanitarian and community service;Mentorship and development of the next generation of women leaders;Courage, integrity and consistency in championing gender equity;”

” And the lasting or transformative nature of the nominee’s contribution.The Committee may also consider the extent to which a nominee has inspired institutional or societal change beyond personal achievement.INDEPENDENCE AND CREDIBILITY .”

“The Selection Committee recognizes that the credibility of any Hall of Fame depends fundamentally upon the integrity of its selection process.Accordingly, members of the Committee are expected to exercise independent judgment, disclose any potential conflict of interest and refrain from participating in the consideration of a nominee where their personal, professional or financial relationship could reasonably affect their impartiality.”

“The Committee will also seek appropriate documentation and credible evidence of achievement before recommending an individual for induction.This approach is consistent with the broader tradition of recognizing individuals whose careers have produced enduring contributions to society. ”

“The Gender Champions Hall of Fame is intended to answer an important question:Who are the men and women who have used their positions, talents, resources and influence to make it easier for others—particularly women and girls—to achieve their full potential?”

“The answer should not be determined merely by titles held or awards received. It should be determined by impact, courage, service, leadership and legacy.The Committee therefore encourages members of the public, institutions, professional bodies, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to identify individuals whose contributions deserve consideration.”

“The Selection Committee welcomes credible nominations and supporting information concerning individuals who have made exceptional contributions to gender equality and human development.The public is encouraged to focus on evidence of achievement and impact, rather than popularity or public visibility.The Committee believes that recognition can be a powerful instrument for social transformation. By celebrating those who have championed equality, the Hall of Fame can encourage others to become champions themselves.”

“The Gender Champions Hall of Fame seeks to build a lasting culture of recognition for people who have helped advance a more equitable society.The Selection Committee is committed to a process that is credible, transparent, merit-driven and worthy of the honour being conferred.The message is simple:Celebrate those who opened doors.”

” Honour those who broke barriers. Preserve their stories. Inspire the next generation.Gender Champions Hall of Fame Selection CommitteeRecognising Leadership. Celebrating Impact. Inspiring Equality.”

By David Owei

No fewer than 600 young entrepreneurs in Bayelsa State, including women and youths, have received N150,000 each as business support and free POS terminals to boost their enterprises.

The beneficiaries are those who successfully completed their training and registration with the Federal University Otuoke, under the Douye Diri Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme.

The disbursement was made at the weekend during activities to mark the 2026 World Entrepreneurship Day held at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Douye Diri said his administration would continue to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

Diri, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, said skills acquisition and capacity building for youths remains the solution to capital flight in the state, noting that at the policy level, government’s key role is to sustain a conducive business ecosystem for indigenous enterprises.

He urged school curriculum planners to consciously incorporate practical skills acquisition modules and make entrepreneurship development a compulsory subject in the school system.

The governor commended his Technical Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development, Mrs Charity Kens-Godwin, for her vision, resilience, consistency, focus and demonstration of leadership, and reminded the 600 beneficiaries that it requires consistency to grow young businesses into successful enterprises.

Governor Diri also called on Bayelsans to patronise locally produced goods to keep local businesses alive, and advised youths to acquire vocational skills even as they pursue formal education, which they can fall back on when white-collar jobs are not available.

His words: “The Bayelsa State Government appreciates your zeal, consistency, persistency, resilience and vision in doing this. The Government of Douye Diri will always stand by you; we are happy with what you are doing.

“Entrepreneurship education, training and development targets blue-collar jobs – turning ideas into opportunities for job creation.

“At the policy level, government’s major duty remains that of creating a conducive environment for businesses to grow and thrive. I will encourage our youths to learn something you can fall back on when white-collar jobs are not forthcoming.

“Skills acquisition is the solution to capital flight in our state. Government needs to be conscious of this: those planning school curriculum should incorporate practical skills acquisition modules. Entrepreneurship development should be a key subject and course in our school system.”

Earlier in her welcome address, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, Mrs Charity Kens-Godwin, said the event was to honour 600 outstanding Douye Diri skills entrepreneurs.

Kens-Godwin said so far, over 5,000 Bayelsans have been trained and equipped with various skills under the training and empowerment programme of the Douye Diri administration.

She also disclosed that her office had facilitated the registration of about 2,000 businesses belonging to Bayelsans with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), adding that over 32,000 applications have already been received from across the eight LGAs of the state ahead of phase four of the programme.

By George Mgbeleke

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, has withdrawn its earlier threat to sanction former Abia State Governor and Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, and the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chris Nkwonta, over alleged anti-party remarks.

The decision was reached on Sunday at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s new secretariat on Finbarrs Road, Umuahia, barely two weeks after the State Working Committee (SWC) issued a 14-day ultimatum directing the two federal lawmakers to publicly apologise for comments allegedly interpreted as support for the re-election of Labour Party Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 governorship election.

However, neither Kalu nor Nkwonta publicly tendered the apology demanded by the party within the stipulated period. Instead, the state leadership opted to withdraw the threat and resolve the matter through reconciliation.

The SWC, at its meeting of August 10, had accused the lawmakers of conduct allegedly inimical to the interests of the party and contrary to provisions of the APC Constitution, particularly Article 21.2 (11), which provides for disciplinary action against members whose conduct is considered detrimental to the party.

The party had consequently directed Kalu and Nkwonta to tender public apologies to the APC, its leadership, members and supporters in Abia, while reaffirming their commitment to the party, its constitution and its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly the party’s governorship candidate.

The SWC had warned that failure to comply with the directive would result in the constitution of a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter and make recommendations to the appropriate organs of the party.

But at Sunday’s stakeholders’ meeting, the APC leadership appeared to back down from the threatened disciplinary action, with the chairman, Chukwu, emphasizing the need to rebuild unity and reconcile aggrieved members ahead of the 2027 elections.

Chukwu acknowledged that the party’s recent primaries and congresses had generated disagreements and dissatisfaction among members, noting that the leadership was prepared to accept responsibility for shortcomings in the interest of reconciliation.

“If there is anybody that should be blamed, I take responsibility first before members of the State Working Committee,” Chukwu said.

The chairman urged members to put past disagreements behind them and work together to strengthen the party, while cautioning that future grievances should be channelled through established party structures rather than aired publicly or through the media.

The meeting also revisited the issues surrounding Kalu and Nkwonta, with Chukwu indicating that the two lawmakers had engaged the party leadership privately and explained that their comments were not intended to undermine the APC.

In a significant departure from the earlier threat of disciplinary action, the stakeholders adopted a motion seeking to bring the matter to an end.

The motion, moved by the APC candidate for Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Uzor Azubuike, and seconded by Hon. Emmanuel Ndubisi, who represents Bende South in the Abia State House of Assembly, was adopted by voice vote.

The resolution effectively brought an end to the immediate threat against Kalu, Nkwonta and other members whose actions were linked to disagreements, anger, provocation or misunderstandings arising from previous party activities.

Chukwu, however, clarified that the resolution did not preclude legitimate reviews of other matters by the appropriate party authorities, stressing that future breaches of the party’s constitution and guidelines would attract appropriate sanctions.

The development comes amid efforts by the Abia APC leadership to close ranks and reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, following internal disagreements arising from its primaries, congresses and other political activities.

The stakeholders’ meeting also featured the celebration of Chukwu’s birthday, which coincided with the gathering of party leaders and members at the new secretariat.