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Summary
NFM covered key stories this week, including Oluremi Tinubu’s donation to midwives, Tems' concert cancellation over the M23 conflict, Nollywood actresses leading the box office, Nigeria’s new National ID rollout, and efforts to combat femicide and promote women's empowerment.
As the month draws to a close, we bring you a recap of the most significant stories we covered the past week. From major political updates to entertainment highlights and social justice issues, here’s everything you need to know.
- Senator Oluremi Tinubu Donates 60,000 Health Kits to Midwives
Oluremi Tinubu, a former senator of Lagos and Nigeria’s current first lady, donated 60,000 professional kits to midwives across the country’s six geopolitical zones. This initiative is among the many steps Senator Oluremi Tinubu has taken to contribute to the welfare of Nigerians.
- Tems Cancels Rwanda Concert Over M23 Conflict
Tems has cancelled her Kigali concert over Rwanda’s reported support for M23 rebels in the ongoing DR Congo conflict and apologised for initially promoting the show without awareness of the geopolitical tensions. Her decision comes amid intensifying clashes in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels seized control of Goma, the largest city in the region, earlier this week. The rebel group has since vowed to continue advancing towards Kinshasa, escalating fears of a broader conflict.
- Nollywood’s Actresses Lead 2024 Box Office Rankings
The 2024 Nollywood box office rankings announced by FilmOne show the dominance of female actresses, with Funke Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa leading the pack, followed by Wunmi Toriola, Toyin Abraham, and other top-grossing stars reflecting the growing influence of women in the industry. The recognition of these top-grossing actresses shows female actors’ increasing visibility and prominence in Nollywood, inspiring future generations to break barriers and achieve cinematic excellence.
- Nigeria’s National Single Window Can Unlock $2.7bn in Annual Benefits—Doris Uzoka-Anite
The Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, has announced the National Single Window (NSW) project, a digital platform designed to streamline trade processes, enhance transparency, and reduce bureaucracy in import and export transactions. With this initiative, Nigeria is set to redefine its trade landscape, leveraging technology to drive economic prosperity and solidify its status as a key player in global commerce.
- SLA Set To Hold “Business Boost Lab” to Help Female Entrepreneurs Grow
She Leads Africa, a leading platform dedicated to empowering young African women, will host the “SLA Business Boost Lab Workshop” on Thursday, Mar. 20, 2025, to help female business owners. Interested participants are encouraged to register and prepare for a transformative experience.
- DOHS Kicks Off Research Hub to Tackle Femicide in Nigeria
DOHS Cares Foundation, an organisation fighting to end sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria, has instituted a Research Hub targeted at femicide prevention. The virtual research collaboration, which kicks off officially on January 27, 2025, consists of diverse feminist professionals working together to end Femicide in Nigeria. The foundation, working with feminist professionals, seeks to address the epidemic of Femicide in Nigeria and drive effective legislation to mitigate male violence and support the families of victims.
- Chinny Ononuju-McErnest Appointed Special Adviser to Minister of Women Affairs
Chinny Ononuju-McErnest has been appointed as Special Adviser on Strategic Partnerships to Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, H.E. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim. As the Founder of The Women International (TWI), Chinny Ononuju has built a global network that uplifts and supports women and successfully implemented numerous mental health campaigns and established chapters in Nigeria, the US, the UK, Canada, and the UAE, with further expansion underway. In her role, she will drive initiatives for women’s empowerment, global visibility, and sustainable development.
- NIMC to roll out new multipurpose national ID card; Nigerians react
In a press briefing over the weekend, Dr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General and CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) announced plans to launch an improved multi-purpose biometric identity card for Nigerians. However, Nigerians, unpleased with the news, have taken to social media to react.
- NFM to Host X Space to Commemorate International Day of Education
Naija Feminists Media is hosting an X (formerly Twitter) space on Friday, Jan. 31, by 5 pm to mark the International Day of Education. The discussion, Translating Educational Excellence to Leadership Position in Newsroom, will feature diverse stakeholders and focus on the intersection of media, education, and gender equality. The event will feature a panel of journalists, educationalists, women’s rights advocates, mass communication graduates, and media executives who will share their expertise on the intersection between education, media, and gender equality.
- Betty Otimenyin Assumes Office as Edo’s First Female Commissioner of Police
Betty Otimenyin, the first female Commissioner of Police in Edo State, has assumed duty, pledging to tackle crime, address officer extortion, and combat violence against women and children. She began her policing career at the Bauchi State Police Command, serving in various divisions. She later worked in Plateau, Kebbi, Rivers, and Edo State commands before being redeployed to Force Headquarters, Abuja.
- Bambam Rescues Suicidal Mother, Calls for Mental Health Support
Bambam rescued a suicidal Malawian mother of three in Lagos who attempted to end her life due to her husband’s infidelity and emotional abuse, sparking calls for mental health support and domestic violence awareness. According to Bambam, the woman’s husband has multiple baby mamas, and she is feeling frustrated. Feeling isolated and hopeless, the woman climbed a GP water tank, tied a rope around her neck, and was about to jump when Bambam and others stepped in to save her.
- Weight Loss Journey Filled with Resilience, Courage—Actress Eniola Badmus
Actress Eniola Badmus shared an inspiring Instagram post reflecting on her weight loss journey, emphasising the courage and perseverance required to overcome challenges. Her words, drawn from her personal transformation in 2021, offer motivation and hope for others pursuing similar goals.
- Ghana Hosts Shenzhen Energy Group Delegation to Discuss Energy Sector Expansion
Ghana’s VP, Prof Naana Jane, hosted a Shenzhen Energy Group delegation to strengthen bilateral ties, expand energy sector collaboration, and promote training opportunities for women engineers. The delegation was led by Mr Ouyang Huiyu, Executive President of Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited, and its management team. The Vice President strongly advocated for greater inclusion of women engineers in the energy sector.
- Bukky Wright Announces Return to Nollywood
Nollywood veteran actress Bukky Wright, renowned for her role in “Omotara Johnson,” has returned to the film industry after a nearly two-decade absence. The 57-year-old veteran actress makes her official comeback appearance in Something About The Briggs where she will play Bimbola’s Mom, and the movie will premiere in the cinema on Friday, January 31st, 2025.
- Nigerian Husband Assaults Wife Over School Run Attire
Kagbaranee Imeah, a Nigerian woman, has reported on Facebook that her husband assaulted her over her choice of attire during a school run. Her harrowing account, shared on Facebook alongside photos of her injuries, has sparked outrage and calls for justice, highlighting the urgent need to address domestic violence in Nigeria. This case adds to the growing list of reported domestic violence incidents in the country, emphasising the need for stronger laws and enforcement to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable.
- Toke Makinwa Reacts to TuFace and Annie’s Divorce
Toke Makinwa has publicly condemned 2Face Idibia for airing his marital issues online. She expressed support for his estranged wife, Annie Macaulay.
- TuFace Announces Separation from Annie Macaulay, Nigerian Women Reacts
Tuface Idibia announces separation from Annie Macaulay, sparking widespread reactions and support for Annie from Nigerian women. The pair, who have been married for 12 years, are now going their separate ways, marking the end of their long-standing union.
- Francisca Bassey Becomes New Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNICROSS
Professor Francisca Bassey, a renowned food chemist and current Director of the Centre for General Studies at the University of Cross River State, has been appointed as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution. Following the dissolution of the current Governing Council of the University of Cross River State, Governor Bassey Otu appointed Professor Francisca with immediate effect on Monday, January 27th, 2025.
- Mary Njoku, Toke Makinwa, show support for Annie Idibia Amidst Divorce
Toke Makinwa and Mary Njoku have shown solid support for Annie Idibia, who is undergoing divorce proceedings from her husband, 2Face Idibia. The divorce announcement comes amidst the release of the third season of “Young, Famous and African,” a reality TV show in which Annie was a cast member and had been subjected to heavy criticism for her role.
- Kenyan man John Kiana Wambua found with wife’s mutilated corpse
Kenyan police arrested John Kiana Wambua in Huruma, Nairobi, after discovering human body parts in his backpack. He confessed that the remains belonged to his 19-year-old wife. According to a 2020 report by the World Health Organization, an estimated number of 47 women are killed each week. In December 2024, hundreds of Kenyan women took to the streets to protest against the number of femicides happening around the country.
- US President Orders Male Transgenders Moved Out of Women’s Prison
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order mandating the transfer of transgender inmates to prisons corresponding to their corresponding sex class. The directive has been welcomed by women’s rights activists, emphasising the need for single sec-spaces. This is a welcome development by women’s rights advocates who have since advocated for policies to safeguard women from male violence in prisons and to organise society based on the biological truth of sex rather than the self-identification ideology of gender identity.
- Jemima Osunde, Omowunmi Dada, Share Food Poisoning Experience On Movie Set
Actresses Jemima Osunde and Omowunmi Dada have exposed unsafe practices in Nollywood, recounting life-threatening health crises they experienced while filming in Oyo State. Their revelations highlight a systemic issue of neglect and exploitation, where production companies often fail to prioritise the well-being of their cast and crew.
