Today, as the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism, I join every voice calling for a society where women and girls can live, learn, work, and thrive without fear.
Violence whether physical, emotional, economic, or digital has no place in any community that seeks justice and humanity.
As lawyers, parents, leaders, and citizens, we carry a solemn responsibility to stand against every form of abuse and to support systems that protect survivors and uphold their dignity.
Over the years, I have witnessed the resilience of women and girls across different communities, and I have also seen the transformative impact of legal awareness, support structures, and collective action. This is why we must continue to strengthen access to justice, amplify voices that often go unheard, and build a culture where respect is non negotiable.
May we all commit beyond these 16 days to creating homes, workplaces, and institutions where safety is assured and humanity is honoured.
Violence diminishes us all.
Protecting women and girls strengthens us all.
Today, I thank God for 60 years of grace, growth, and purpose.
I am grateful for the journey, the lessons, the people, and the privilege to serve.
Here’s to a new chapter of impact, peace, and deeper wisdom.
Happy Birthday to me.
#GratefulHeart#ProjectBar#Aarenation
#AareOlumuyiwaAkinboroSAN
Today, we celebrate the men whose lives are defined not by power, but by purpose; not by titles, but by the quiet impact they make every day.
On this International Men’s Day, I honour all men who choose responsibility over excuses, character over applause, and integrity over convenience.
Men who lead with empathy, who support their families, who build their communities, and who stand as pillars of strength without losing their humanity.
Our society thrives when men embrace values that uplift, respect, accountability, compassion, mentorship, courage, and service.
These virtues do not make a perfect man; they make a present one. And today, we celebrate presence, in our homes, in our professions, and in our nation.
To every man striving to be better, doing their best with what they have, carrying silent burdens, or showing up even when no one sees you, you matter, and your effort is felt.
Happy International Men’s Day.
May we continue to build a society where men are encouraged to grow, to lead with grace, and to leave behind a legacy of goodness.
Weekends have a funny way of reminding us that lawyers are human too.
After a long week of briefs, filings, and endless phone calls, I finally sat still this morning and thought:
A lawyer’s role goes beyond advocacy, it includes nation building.
And sometimes nation building starts with rest, reflection, and a good cup of tea.
May your Saturday bring a little peace, a little laughter, and the clarity we often miss between Monday and Friday.
#WeekendBlues #ProjectBar
#Aarenation #AareOlumuyiwaAkinboroSAN
#WeekendVibes
In the first session of today's training at the Federal University of Kashere, Kemi Busari (@kemi_busari) admonished the participants to be very inquisitive and read broadly while generating story ideas because their own stories can seek to add more context to an already written story.
Participants from the @NOA_Nigeria, @FMINONigeria and @inecnigeria will learn key skills in understanding the information ecosystem, fact-checking, media literacy, and tackling multimedia misinformation.
This week, our @CampReporterAFR team is in Federal University Kashere in Gombe state to train student journalists. Over the next four days, the students will be engaged in immersive sessions designed to enhance their knowledge and skills in media and journalism.
This leg of the campus journalism training will mark the 40th of such trainings in our effort to raise the next generation of sound and ethical journalists in West Africa.
Follow @CampReporterAFR for more updates on the training throughout the week!
It's been seven days since the arbitrary arrest and continued detention of @fijnigeria's reporter, @Mazi_OJD by @PoliceNG for simply doing his job of holding power to account as a journalist.
Just a few days to the end of Buhari’s presidency, a government official paid over 140 million to a restaurant to construct classrooms. Because of the story, the journalist who published the story has been abducted by the police, but the government official who contracted a RESTAURANT to build a CLASSROOM is still chilling.
Today makes it a week since @Mazi_OJD of @fijnigeria was abducted, we call on all Nigerians to demand his release. Exposing corruption should not be a jail ticket. It defies logic by any standard.
#JournalismisNOTaCrime
#FreeDanielOjukwuNow
#JournalismNotCybercrime
What's Our Latest News?!
CJID wins funding from Luminate to launch an inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) collective in Nigeria.
This initiative will drive Artificial Intelligence research, innovation, and governance while nurturing a vibrant community of practice.
The Centre will oversee the Collective's AI governance efforts, collaborating with civil society organizations and the media to explore AI's impact on the information ecosystem and society.
Join us on this exciting journey!
Read press release here👉: https://t.co/gQUsQ9CoGJ
🌍🤖#AI #Innovation #Governance
Hey there! The Media in Gender project of @CJIDAfrica is creating awareness on the need for the provision and subsidization of menstrual products.
Kindly join the conversation and share your thoughts on the issue by participating in the poll below.👇
Hey there! The Media in Gender project of @CJIDAfrica is creating awareness on the need for the provision and subsidization of menstrual products.
Please take a moment to share your opinion on this issue by participating in the polls below ⬇️
I don’t belong here
I arrived in England in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. I was to isolate for 14 days as required by the law. The 14 days I spent in quarantine allowed me spent much time with myself and got me thinking about my journey. I left my room to the kitchen and that was where I discovered I couldn’t operate the gas cooker. It was a flat device that would require some funny set up but because I wasn’t used to such, I was clueless and had to call for help.
When school fully resumed. I discovered the mode of teaching was different from what I was used to. Coursework, readings and all. It was overwhelming. I remembered calling my mentor on the phone lamenting that I did not fit there. I was frustrated.
Then, I was in a get-together with a few friends who were also chevening scholars at the time. We got talking about our career and life. That was when I discovered a lot of them were already working with international agencies before coming to study in England. I felt like they have figured out their lives while I was still clueless on what to do with me. That feeling of “I don’t belong here” deepened.
It took time for me to blend in. The feeling of “I don’t belong here” is one that can do two things.
It can either destroy your sense of self and make you feel inferior; or it can propel you to be inspired and live your best life. The choice is yours to decide which one to lead.
In one of my sessions with young people during the holidays, I told a group that for some of us from humble backgrounds, we will continue to work extra hard to fit into some places.
Imagine someone who grew up in a local community where there were no teachers competing with a student who grew up in the UK in the same class or for the same job, the exposure of this student from UK is enough to intimidate.
I once shared it with a few friends how I was on radio many years ago and a lady told me later she knew I was the one speaking on radio because of my “Oyo English”. That didn’t break me, I told her “ajisebi oyo laari” , but hey, it is what it is.
The feeling of “I don’t belong here” is a very strong one. It has affected a lot of people and made them not put themselves forward for opportunities. It had destroyed sende of self for many and even made some think less of what they can become.
I have seeen smart people refuse to apply for scholarships because they think“it is meant for the best”. No. Apply first. Don't cancel yourself. Be happy, show up and let the process decide if you will get it or not. It shouldn't be you saying: "I am not good enough".
Social media has also complicated things. A lot of our people want to make something that is normal to achieve seems like it’s a big deal.
We need to encourage ourselves that we are more. That we are qualified for all the many opportunities out there.
Are you currently facing similar situation? You can do the following:
- Acknowledge it when self-doubt arises. Identify specific thoughts or situations triggering these feelings. That is the first way to deal with it. Go ahead and question the validity of negative thoughts. Consider evidence that contradicts them and look for a more balanced perspective. When the feeling of “I don’t belong here” comes, remind yourself that you haven’t come here this far to give in to less.
- Counter self-doubt with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths, achievements, and capabilities.
- Break down larger tasks into smaller, achievable goals. Celebrate small successes to build confidence over time. Instead of dwelling on problems, shift your focus to finding solutions. Problem-solving can empower you and reduce self-doubt.
- Surround yourself with stubborn optimists. Those with “can do” spirits. Engage in social activities related to your passions. This can help you find…
https://t.co/JVdttSWSLx
#YouWillNotFail