President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Adedayo Laniyi as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development for an initial term of four years.

The appointment, which takes effect from April 18, 2026, was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume on Thursday.

The appointment was made in line with the provisions of Section 7 (1) and (3) of the National Centre for Women Development (Amendment) Act, 2023.

“President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ms. Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development and the members of the Governing Council for an initial term of four years.

“The appointment, which takes effect from April 18, 2026, is in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 (1) and (3) of the National Centre for Women Development (Amendment) Act, 2023,” the statement partly read.

An FCT high court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, on Thursday, ordered the remand of the founder of the Prophetic Victory Voice of Fire Ministry, Pastor Amos Isah, over the alleged rape of a 14-year-old church member.

Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi directed that the 39-year-old cleric be kept in custody pending the submission of his previous bail records.

The decision followed the resumption of the high-profile trial on Thursday.

Isah, also known as the dancing pastor, whose church is located in the Gwagwalada Area Council, pleaded not guilty to the eight charges brought against him, including rape under the Child’s Rights Act 2003, sexual exploitation, coercion, emotional and psychological abuse, gross indecency, and the abduction of a minor.

The prosecution alleged that the teenage survivor, identified as B.Z.J., was lured by the cleric into the church’s newly constructed auditorium on May 26, 2025.

The charge sheet, marked FCT/HC/CR/467/2024, stated that Isah locked the doors and forcefully had sexual intercourse with the minor without her consent.

Count one of the charges reads, “That you, APOSTLE AMOS ISAH (39 years), male, of Behind Federal Road Safety, Gwagwalada, Abuja, on or about the 26th day of May, 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did commit an illegal act to wit: rape. You lured one B.Z.J.

(14 years old), Female, of Plot Gwagwalada, Abuja, into your office at Prophet Victory Voice Fire Ministry International Church, Gwagwalada, Abuja, and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her without her consent. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 31(1) of the Child’s Rights Act, 2003, and punishable under Section 31(2) of the same law.”

Following the alleged assault, the amended charge sheet revealed that Isah reportedly handed the victim N3,000 to purchase medication.

He allegedly followed the gesture with a death threat, vowing to kill the survivor and her entire family if she disclosed the incident to anyone.

The court further heard that the defendant’s actions also constituted gross indecency without consent, contrary to Section 285 of the Penal Code Laws.

Justice Osho-Adebiyi thereafter adjourned the matter until June 30, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been commended for direct engagement with grassroots people in rural communities in its drive to protect the rights of citizens especially the girlfriend and women.

The commendation was made by the Principal of Government Secondary School Kuje, Mr. Asemoga Relly, during a community interface and awareness programme organized by the  Commission at the school in Abuja, where participants were sensitized on child protection and welfare issues.

The Principal praised NHRC for the initiative which he said would have greater impact on students and rural dwellers as well as equip them better with understanding on issues affecting children’s rights and wellbeing.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, called on students, teachers, parents and community leaders to work together to promote and protect the rights of children through sustained sensitization and collective action.

Ojukwu who was represented at the event by Mrs. Ngozi Okorie, Director of the Women and Children Department, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the protection of women and children and noted that the department handling women and children matters was specifically created to address challenges confronting vulnerable groups in society.

Ojukwu stressed that children are legally protected under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Child Rights Act 2003, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

He said every child is entitled to fundamental rights, including the rights to survival, education, protection and participation in matters affecting them.

The NHRC boss expressed concern over the continued violation of children’s rights through child labour, neglect, violence, exploitation, early marriage and female genital mutilation.

“Today is not just an event; it is a promise to the children of Kuje that their lives and future matter,” Ojukwu said.

He also emphasized the need to listen to children and involve them in decisions relating to their welfare, adding that parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers and other community stakeholders all have vital roles to play in safeguarding children.

Ojukwu noted that although the Commission is mandated to monitor, protect, promote and enforce human rights in Nigeria, meaningful progress can only be achieved through strong collaboration with communities and relevant stakeholders.

Participants at the programme were encouraged to continue spreading awareness on child rights in their homes, schools and places of worship, while children were urged to report any form of abuse or rights violation.