NFM Weekly Digest: Women Making History, and the Issues We Cannot Look Away From
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This week, we reported on women making their mark in sports, entertainment, academia and leadership, while also covering sexual violence, the exploitation of women and girls, and the persistent attempts to undermine women’s achievements. We looked at the importance of including all women in feminist conversations, the work being done to advance menstrual health, and NFM’s advocacy for stronger representation of women in journalism. Here are the stories we covered.
Rhoda Serene Care Foundation Launches Menstrual Health Course, Scholarship Initiative for Girls
Rhoda Serene Care Foundation, through its girls’ empowerment initiative, Arise for Girls, has launched a four-week Menstrual Hygiene and Girls’ Well-Being Course aimed at improving menstrual health knowledge, promoting hygiene practices and empowering girls to manage their menstrual health with confidence and dignity.
Kate Henshaw Blasts Power Minister Over Poor Electricity, Demands Accountability
Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has criticised Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, over the country’s ongoing electricity shortages, questioning government claims of progress and demanding proof of statements she described as misleading.
Hilda Baci Claps Back: ‘Multiple World Records Still Not Enough to Stop Society Crediting a Man’
Nigerian celebrity chef and three-time Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci has addressed recurring claims that her success stems from her relationship with music executive Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi, describing the comments as a reflection of deep-seated societal attitudes that diminish women’s independent achievements.
Nigeria Wins Historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Champions
Nigeria has won the U-17 women’s national football tournament, with the Flamingos delivering the victory. The team arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday morning to a warm reception after securing a landmark victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
‘Intersectionality Means Inclusive of All Women’
“Intersectionality” is no longer what Kimberlé Crenshaw, the founder, meant it to be. Inclusion too. Intersectionality originally meant inclusive of all (Black) women and girls across class, sexuality, etc. But for some reason online, people think intersectionality means every single oppressed person (read: male) must have a stake in feminism.
#16 Days of Activism: DOHS to Kick Off Annual Global Race Against Femicide
DOHS CARES Foundation announces that preparations are underway for the 2026 Global Race Against Femicide taking place on Saturday, November 28, 2026.
Praise Ugoh Makes History with First Nigerian 400m Gold in Youth Olympics
Sixteen-year-old Nigerian athlete Praise Ugoh has written her name into the record books at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, becoming the first Nigerian to win a 400m title after claiming gold in the women’s final with a personal best of 52.76 seconds.
Nigerian-Born Shirley Emehelu Makes History as New Jersey’s Lieutenant Governor
In a landmark appointment announced on Monday, November 9, 2026, Nigerian-born American lawyer Shirley U. Emehelu was sworn in as New Jersey’s Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State. Governor Mikie Sherrill selected Emehelu to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Dale Caldwell, marking two major firsts for the state.
Chioma Otisi-Igwe Appointed Marketing Manager of Peak
FrieslandCampina WAMCO has appointed Chioma Otisi-Igwe as Marketing Manager for its flagship Peak dairy brand, marking a significant career progression for the marketing professional and underscoring the rising influence of Nigerian women in senior corporate roles.
Destiny Etiko Becomes Enugu’s Senior Special Assistant on Youth Engagement, Creative Economy
Nollywood actress Destiny Etiko has been appointed Senior Special Assistant on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy to Enugu State Governor Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. The appointment was announced on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Fact-Checking Baba Ijesha’s Denial of ‘Paedophilia’ Despite Court Conviction
Claim: In a new interview with Agbaletu Uncensored, actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, better known as Baba Ijesha, denied being a paedophile and suggested he was brought down by liars and opponents.
Nigerian Man Sinmi Asomuyide Sentenced to 40 Years for Sexual Assault of Minor
A former Kokomo Police Department officer was sentenced on November 5, 2026, to 40 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl while on duty and then attempting to cover up the crime.
Police Arrest Moneylender, Ahmed Usman, for Rape, Filming Nursing Mother
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a man identified as Ahmed Usman for abducting, sexually assaulting, and filming a nursing mother after she defaulted on repayments of a ₦600,000 loan.
2026 AIJC: Naija Feminists Media Advocates for Women in Journalism
Naija Feminists Media (NFM) has called for increased investment in women-led newsrooms and greater recognition of stories about women as developmental issues in the African media landscape. The organisation’s Founding Director, Simbiat Bakare, made the call at the 22nd African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC), which was held from November 10 to 12, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Ayra Starr Confirmed for Coachella 2027
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr is set to perform at the 2027 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California. Festival organisers have placed her on the Sunday lineup for both weekends, April 11 and April 18.
Historic Milestone: Professor Patricia Mamko Lar Appointed First Female Vice-Chancellor of University of Jos
The University of Jos has appointed Professor Patricia Mamko Lar as its 11th substantive Vice-Chancellor, making her the first woman to lead the institution since it was founded in 1971. The Governing Council announced the historic decision on Thursday, 12 November 2026, during a special meeting of the 15th Governing Council.
