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Nigerians React as Ben Bruce Urges FG to Buy 50% of Air Peace Brazil Flight Tickets

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A fresh debate has erupted online after former senator and business mogul Ben Murray-Bruce urged the Federal Government to purchase 50% of outbound seats on Air Peace’s Lagos–São Paulo flights, to help sustain the newly launched Nigeria–Brazil air route.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on September 6, Murray-Bruce praised the recently signed Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Brazil, describing it as “a laudable milestone” that will enhance commerce, tourism, and diplomacy between the two nations.

He commended Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest private carrier, for pioneering the route, but warned that without government backing, the venture could struggle to remain viable.

“For this noble venture to endure, it must be nurtured. I strongly recommend that the Federal Government commit to purchasing no less than fifty percent of all outbound seats on each Air Peace flight to Brazil until such a time when passenger traffic naturally peaks,” Murray-Bruce said.

“We cannot claim to support local growth while turning to foreign alternatives. Patriotism is not negotiable,” he added, calling on all public officials to patronize Nigerian airlines for both domestic and international travel.

However, his suggestion has sparked widespread backlash from Nigerians who believe the proposal amounts to a state-sponsored subsidy for a private enterprise.

One user, @xabury, criticized the idea, writing:

“Sir, you’re indirectly encouraging state-sponsored trips for private visits in a country where our PHCs are suffering from basic drugs.”

Another, @chebeoc, added:

“There are thousands of public schools, hospitals, and roads that need government intervention, but a Nigerian elite wants intervention for a personal business!”

Similarly, @ManBiolee argued that “if fuel subsidy, which benefits the poor directly, can be removed, there’s no reason to subsidize a private airline.”

Others suggested that the focus should be on boosting economic and visa relations with Brazil rather than funding ticket purchases.

“We should be talking about increasing business relationships and pushing for visa-on-arrival, not buying seats,” wrote @MaQstretch.

While a few Nigerians supported Murray-Bruce’s patriotic appeal to “buy Nigerian,” the majority of online comments dismissed the proposal as misplaced priorities amid the country’s economic challenges.

Air Peace, which launched its inaugural Lagos–São Paulo flight in August, became the first West African airline to operate direct flights to South America — a move widely hailed as a bold step for Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The debate underscores broader public sentiment about the government’s role in supporting private businesses and the need for policies that balance national pride with economic pragmatism.

Fact Box: Nigeria–Brazil BASA and Air Peace Expansion

What is BASA?
A Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) is a treaty that allows airlines from two countries to operate international flights between their territories. The Nigeria–Brazil BASA aims to boost trade, tourism, and connectivity between both nations.

Why It Matters:
Brazil hosts one of the largest African diaspora populations in South America. The Lagos–São Paulo route is expected to open new opportunities for commerce, education, and cultural exchange.

Next Steps:
Air Peace hopes to expand more intercontinental routes under new BASA deals as Nigeria pushes for stronger South-South cooperation

Sowore Confirms October 20 March to Aso Rock, Pushes for Political Resolution to Free Nnamdi Kanu

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Mfw
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Abuja, Nigeria — October 13, 2025. Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has reaffirmed that the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march to Aso Rock Villa will go ahead on October 20, 2025, despite ongoing consultations with political leaders and delays in the judicial process.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on October 12, 2025, Sowore said preparations were “in top gear” for the peaceful march, aimed at demanding the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore revealed that he has been engaging senior government officials to secure a political resolution to the long-running case. He disclosed that he reached out separately to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, and the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, seeking their intervention in the matter.

According to Sowore, the Speaker acknowledged his request for the House to convene an urgent plenary session to issue a formal resolution urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release Kanu. However, the Speaker declined to take official action, citing the case’s ongoing status in court.

“He assured me that he would meet privately with some members, especially Hon. Obi Aguocha, who represents Nnamdi Kanu’s constituency, to explore a political resolution,” Sowore noted, adding that Abbas also mentioned having made “underground interventions” with the Department of State Services (DSS) in the past.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu reportedly confirmed that discussions were ongoing with President Tinubu regarding Kanu’s release but admitted that “the judicial process has been frustratingly slow.”

Sowore further stated that he has reached out to members of the Abia State House of Assembly, who had earlier declared their intention to protest in Abuja over Kanu’s continued detention, though they have yet to confirm participation in the October 20 march.

Reaffirming his commitment to the planned protest, Sowore declared:

“The October 20 date is sacrosanct. We march powerfully, resolutely, and lawfully to demand justice and freedom for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

He also disclosed that President Tinubu is expected to travel to Rome around the protest date, adding that while some observers see this as an attempt to avoid the demonstration, he remains optimistic that the President will be back in the country “to witness the will of the people in full measure.”

The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement continues to gather momentum among activists, civil society groups, and pro-democracy advocates who view Kanu’s prolonged detention as emblematic of wider concerns about human rights and justice in Nigeria.

TheMomentForWomen.com will continue to follow developments on the October 20 march

Active Youth for Africa Development Initiative Marks World Mental Health Day 2025 in Ogun State; Calls for Greater Action on Youth Mental Health and Drug Abuse Prevention

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Mfw
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In commemoration of World Mental Health Day 2025, the Active Youth for Africa Development Initiative (AYADI) joins the global community to raise awareness and advocate for stronger action to address the growing challenges of mental health issues and drug abuse among young people in Ogun State and across Nigeria.

World Mental Health Day, celebrated globally every October 10, emphasizes that mental health is a universal human right. This year’s commemoration comes at a time when many young Nigerians are facing increasing stress, depression, and substance use, often driven by unemployment, insecurity, and social pressure.

Speaking on the significance of the day, Solomon Asuquo, Founder and Executive Director of AYADI, stressed the urgent need to prioritize youth mental health and drug abuse prevention:

“In communities in many parts of the country, we’re seeing more young people turning to drugs as a way to cope with hopelessness and frustration. This crisis is not just about addiction; it’s about mental health, social inclusion, and access to opportunities. We must act now to protect our young people and empower them to seek help, stay resilient, and make healthy life choices.”

AYADI calls on government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector in Ogun State to:

1) Invest in youth-friendly mental health and rehabilitation services.

2) Integrate mental health education into school and community programs.

3) Support awareness campaigns against drug abuse and social stigma.

“The mental health of young people defines the strength of our society,” Asuquo added. “When young people are mentally healthy and drug-free, they become positive agents of change and nation-building.”

About AYADI:

Active Youth for Africa Development Initiative is a youth-led organization committed to advancing youth inclusion, leadership, and development across Africa. AYADI’s programs focus on civic engagement, mental health awareness, drug abuse prevention, peacebuilding, and economic empowerment. The organization works to build resilient young people who are mentally healthy, socially responsible, and actively engaged in shaping a better Africa. Follow Active Youth online via https://web.facebook.com/activeyouth4africa

AGE Network’s Sport Girls Initiative Celebrates International Day of the Girl Child 2025 with Football Competition in Ogun State

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To commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October 2025, the Sport Girls Initiative, a flagship program of the African Girls Empowerment Network (AGE Network), hosted an exciting football competition for girls from four community schools in Ado Odo Ota, Ogun State.

The event was part of AGE Network’s ongoing effort to empower young women and girls and reduce their vulnerability to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), while helping to flatten the curve of teenage pregnancy, HIV infection, and school dropout in Ogun State through football and life-skills education.

This initiative is particularly timely, as Ogun State recorded over 92,000 teenage pregnancies between 2016 and 2020 — an average of more than 18,000 per year. The State also has the highest rate of child marriage in Southern Nigeria, with 23% of girls married before the age of 18, while the HIV prevalence among adolescents stands at 1.6%, slightly above the national average of 1.4%. These figures highlight the urgent need for continuous, community-based interventions targeting adolescent girls.

Before the matches kicked off, the girls and their sports masters participated in a comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) session covering HIV prevention, leadership, teamwork, coordination, personal hygiene, and the Sport Girls’ safeguarding code of conduct.

Leading the Sport Girls team, Ms. Esther Asuquo, Program Lead, encouraged the girls to remain confident, resilient, and determined in pursuing their dreams. She reiterated that the Sport Girls Initiative, under AGE Network, is committed to closing the gender divide and creating equal opportunities for girls in sports and education.

In the matches, Georgia School and Living Spring School competed in the first game, with Georgia School winning by one goal. The second match between Assurance School and In His Light School ended in a draw.

The event concluded on a joyful note, as students expressed excitement and gratitude to the Sport Girls Team for the opportunity to showcase their talents and learn through sports.

The Sport Girls Initiative, implemented by the African Girls Empowerment Network (AGE Network), continues to use football as a transformative tool to inspire, educate, and empower adolescent girls across Ogun State — promoting girls’ rights, leadership, and inclusion through sports.

About AGE Network:

AGE Network is a registered women-led organization working at the grassroots to advance the rights, empowerment, and inclusion of underprivileged girls and young women in Nigeria. Its focus areas include education, leadership, health and reproductive justice, economic empowerment, and climate action. www.agenetwork.org

World Mental Health Day 2025: AGE Network Calls for Greater Support for Girls’ Mental Health and Healing in Nigeria

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Mfw
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Ogun State, Nigeria, As the world marks World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2025, the African Girls Empowerment Network (AGE Network) joins global voices to emphasize the importance of mental health as a fundamental human right, particularly for girls and young women in Nigeria’s underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

In a country where adolescent girls continue to face numerous intersecting challenges from sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and child marriage to limited access to education and healthcare,  AGE Network stresses that mental health must be prioritized as an essential part of development, not an afterthought.

Speaking to The Moment for Women Magazine,  Matina Ebri, Director of Adolescent & Youth SRHR Programs at AGE Network, highlighted the urgent need to address the growing mental health crisis among young women and girls:

“Many girls and young women in rural areas silently battle the psychological effects of trauma, violence, and exclusion. Our collective response must go beyond awareness to building safe, inclusive, and healing-centered communities where they can speak up, seek help, and rebuild their confidence.”

For AGE Network, it also reinforces the core message of its ongoing #AGECares: Speak Up & Heal campaign, an initiative designed to promote open conversations about trauma, stress, SGBV (sexual and gender-based violence), child marriage, and emotional well-being among girls and young women, while connecting them to safe spaces, counseling, and psychosocial support services.

As part of its commitment to advancing girls’ rights and empowerment, AGE Network continues to advocate for policies and investments that integrate mental health support within adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health programs.

This World Mental Health Day, AGE Network reiterates that mental health care is a right,  not a privilege, and that healing and empowerment must go hand in hand.

About AGE Network:
 AGE Network is a registered women-led organization working at the grassroots to advance the rights, empowerment, and inclusion of underprivileged girls and young women in Nigeria. Its focus areas include education, leadership, health and reproductive justice, economic empowerment, and climate action. Website: www.agenetwork.org

Commonwealth Foundation Announces £60,000 Open Grants Call for Civil Society Organisations

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Mfw
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The Commonwealth Foundation has officially launched its annual open grants call, offering funding of up to £60,000 for eligible civil society organisations (CSOs) across the Commonwealth.

The grants aim to strengthen constructive engagement between civil society and decision-makers, with a strong focus on participatory governance, advocacy, and policy influence. Applicants must demonstrate how their projects will integrate gender considerations in both design and implementation.

Priority Themes

Projects must align with at least one of the Foundation’s three core themes:

  • Health Justice – advancing universal health coverage, equitable access to health services, and combating systemic discrimination.
  • Freedom of Expression – supporting civil society’s role in safeguarding and expanding democratic participation.
  • Climate Justice – promoting inclusive and sustainable responses to climate change.

Eligibility

The open call is restricted to not-for-profit CSOs registered in eligible Commonwealth member states, with a minimum of three years’ experience in participatory governance and advocacy. Projects must start between August and September 2026.

Organisations currently implementing a Commonwealth Foundation grant that has not been fully closed out are not eligible to apply.

Application Deadline

Applications are now open and will close on 23 October 2025 at 1pm BST. Interested organisations are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria, funding priorities, and guidance documents available on the Foundation’s website before applying.

This funding opportunity provides grassroots and national organisations a chance to influence policies, amplify voices of marginalised groups, and advance justice across health, freedom of expression, and climate change.

For more details and to apply, visit the Commonwealth Foundation Grants Page.

Her Voice Fund Opens Cycle 5 Applications to Support Feminist Advocacy in the Global South

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Women’s rights and feminist organisations in the Global South have another chance to access vital resources as the Her Voice Fund (HVF) opens its fifth grant cycle. The fund provides flexible support to feminist groups and activists working to influence policies at the local, national, regional, and international levels.

For decades, feminist movements have driven transformative change despite facing chronic underfunding, especially in policy advocacy. HVF seeks to close this gap by empowering organisations that represent marginalised women and girls, including those with disabilities, LBTQI+ women, young women, and incarcerated women.

Past beneficiaries demonstrate the fund’s impact: In Uganda, Maendeleo Ya Wanawake advanced laws on gender-based violence and education; in Ethiopia, Tarkanfi Sustainable Development used media campaigns to champion girls’ education; while in Zimbabwe, Women and Land Zimbabwe helped rural women demand ownership and control of land.

Eligible applicants include both established partners and informal groups in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Nepal. Grants of up to £40,000 (for 24 months) are available to partners, while informal groups can apply for up to £20,000 (for 24 months).

Deadline to apply: 25 September 2025
Application details and forms are available here: Her Voice Fund – Womankind

Belle by Choice Movement Launches “10k Men Give Belle by Choice” Challenge with ₦500,000 Cash Prize

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Mfw
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The Belle by Choice Movement has announced the launch of its 2025 “10k Men Give Belle by Choice, Not by Force Challenge”, a creative campaign aimed at raising awareness against sexual violence, child marriage, and intimate partner abuse to flatten the curve of unwanted pregnancy and HIV infection in Nigeria.

The initiative, which offers participants a chance to win up to ₦500,000 cash prize along with other consolation prizes, calls on men and women to creatively express their support for the movement.

According to the group, interested participants can choose from different formats such as:

  • Recording a one-minute video while holding a placard with the campaign slogan.
  • Taking a photograph with the same placard.
  • Creating an artwork, painting, or design around the theme.
  • Producing an animation.
  • Composing a song or poem that reinforces the message “Men Give Belle by Choice, Not by Force.”

Participants are required to submit their entries through the official registration link provided by the organization when the campaign kicks, off by September 1st 2025.

🔗 Learn more: https://youtu.be/EunX45OPtoc
🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/uE7WBikYgjTZmava9

The group also noted that individuals who may not be able to participate directly can still support the campaign by donating towards prizes for the winners.

For enquiries, contact the Belle by Choice Movement secretariat- AGE Network at operations@agenetwork.org or call/WhatsApp 07048065450.

10,000 Men Give Belle by Choice, Not by Force Challenge 2025 Kicks Off September 1

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Mfw
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The Belle by Choice Movement secretariat, African Girls Empowerment Network, has announced the launch of the 2025 edition of their annual Belle by Choice campaign, tagged the 10,000 Men Give Belle by Choice, Not by Force Challenge, scheduled to run from September 1 to December 31, 2025.

The campaign is designed to address the root causes of unwanted pregnancies, child marriage, HIV transmission, and stigma against women and adolescent girls, uptake of family planning and modern contraception, particularly those in vulnerable and displaced communities. Organizers say the initiative will strategically engage men and boys, alongside community leaders, family heads, and traditional and religious authorities, to promote respect for women’s bodily rights and autonomy while combating sexual and intimate partner violence.

“In Nigeria, over 2.5 million unwanted pregnancies are reported every year, many involving adolescent girls. If men and boys are not part of the conversation on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), the cycle will continue,” said Solomon Asuquo, Campaign Lead for Men Give Belle by Choice.

He added that the challenge aims to bring young men into the center of SRHR education and advocacy, ensuring that reproductive justice is pursued as a shared responsibility.

“We cannot end unwanted pregnancies and gender-based violence without bringing men and boys into the conversation and into the responsibility. This challenge is about responsibility, respect, and reproductive justice.”

As part of this year’s campaign, AGE Network has introduced a special social media competition. Participants are invited to post about the campaign on their platforms. Any post that garners 10,000 likes qualifies the participant for prizes, with the top four winners receiving rewards ranging from Belle by Choice T-shirts to ₦500,000 cash prizes.

The organization is calling on men, women, youths, community stakeholders, and decision-makers, including royal fathers and religious leaders, to join the Belle by Choice movement in advocating for access to modern contraception and family planning services.

For participation details, interested individuals can contact 0704 806 5450, 0704 806 5486 or email operations@agenetwork.org.

U.S. Mission Nigeria Warns Visa Applicants Against Omitting Social Media Handles

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Mfw
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The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has reminded visa applicants of the mandatory requirement to disclose all social media usernames and handles used within the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form.

In a notice posted on its official X handle Friday, the Mission stressed that applicants certify their information as true and correct before signing and submitting the form. It warned that failure to provide complete social media details could result in visa denial and even render applicants ineligible for future visas.

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