IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

King Charles III canceled his appointments on Thursday and Friday after experiencing temporary side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace announced. The 76-year-old monarch was briefly observed in the hospital before returning to Clarence House, where he continues to work.

Despite the setback, Charles remains in good spirits, and his scheduled trip to Italy in April is expected to proceed. The palace reaffirmed the king’s commitment to transparency regarding his health while maintaining his royal duties. 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has relaxed the 24-hour curfew in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun, reducing it to a 17-hour restriction from 2 PM to 7 AM daily, effective March 28, 2025.

The decision aims to ease residents' hardships while maintaining security. Though hostilities have declined, the governor expressed concern over a recent killing and warned against further violence.

Security forces remain on high alert, with ongoing surveillance and relief efforts for displaced residents. Adeleke urged compliance with the adjusted curfew to ensure peace. 

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso has revealed that women make up 35% of appointed directors in Nigerian banks.

Speaking at the CBN’s International Women’s Day grand finale in Abuja, Cardoso emphasized the importance of gender equality in leadership, noting that three out of seven non-executive board members in the financial sector are women.

He reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to inclusive leadership, highlighting the economic and moral benefits of diversity in the sector. 

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims nationwide to observe the new moon of Shawwal 1446AH on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, the moon sighting will determine the end of Ramadan and the date for Eid el-Fitr celebrations.

March 29 marks the 29th day of Ramadan 1446AH, making it the earliest possible date for sighting the new moon. The Sultan urged anyone who sights the moon to report their observations using the designated phone numbers provided.

Muslims are encouraged to participate in the moon sighting, as it plays a crucial role in determining the official date for Eid. The Sultanate Council will announce the final decision based on verified reports. 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Nigerian government to fast-track the completion of its cash transfer programme to support vulnerable households amid ongoing economic reforms. IMF Communications Director, Julie Kozack, emphasized that while Nigeria's efforts to stabilize its economy are commendable, policies must also protect the country’s poorest citizens.

IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director, Gita Gopinath, recently visited Nigeria and met with key officials, including Finance Minister Wale Edun and CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso. She also engaged with civil society groups and private sector stakeholders.

IMF representatives will return next week for the 2025 Article IV Consultation, an assessment of Nigeria’s economic policies. The Fund has consistently urged Nigeria to expand its cash transfer programme, particularly in rural areas, to alleviate rising poverty and food insecurity. Similarly, the World Bank has stressed that cash transfers are crucial in helping Nigerians escape poverty amid inflation and weak economic growth. 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has reaffirmed his commitment to gender inclusivity in governance, calling for widespread support for the Seat Reservation for Women Bill (HB1349). He emphasized that the bill is a strategic intervention to empower women and ensure their rightful place in political decision-making.

Kalu made this statement during a dinner banquet in his honor, organized by The Osasu Show Foundation (TOS Foundation), United Nations (UN) Women, and the Policy Innovation Center (PIC) in Abuja. The event, which also featured an award presentation, recognized Kalu’s legislative efforts in championing women's rights.

A Legislative Push for Equality

Speaking at the event, Kalu highlighted the bill’s alignment with the principles of the Beijing Declaration, which advocates for gender equality globally. He described the proposed legislation as a necessary tool to break systemic barriers and correct the historical underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics.

"This is not about charity it is about justice, strategy, and national prosperity," Kalu stated. "A truly representative government must reflect the people it serves. Women have been historically marginalized in our political process, and this bill seeks to change that by ensuring they have a rightful place in legislative chambers at both national and state levels."

According to the Deputy Speaker, the bill will reserve seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, fostering a more diverse and inclusive legislative process. He argued that the participation of women in governance contributes to more equitable and holistic policymaking, ultimately benefiting national development.

A Call to Action Despite Challenges

While acknowledging the obstacles that remain in the fight for gender equality, Kalu reiterated his determination to push forward.

"The path toward gender equality is fraught with challenges, but it is also rich with opportunities. We must continue to dismantle systemic barriers, foster environments where everyone can thrive, and build institutions that are truly inclusive," he affirmed.

Drawing inspiration from the Beijing Declaration, Kalu stressed the importance of legal protections and affirmative action in achieving sustainable change. He urged stakeholders to support the Seat Reservation for Women Bill, describing it as an essential step toward a future where justice and equal representation prevail.

As discussions around gender equality continue, Kalu’s advocacy signals a renewed push for policies that ensure women's voices are not only heard but also actively shape the nation's political landscape.