From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

More than 20 women gathered in Broadstairs, Kent in the United Kingdom for a two-day community training on hair styling and makeup artistry to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The event was also meant to empower women through practical skills and creative expression.
The initiative was organised by Slique Beauty Bar, House of Comfort CIC founded by community advocate and beauty professional Ijeoma Glory-Emeh, in collaboration with Lilian Opara (Éclarya Hair and Beauty Ltd).
The event, which was professionally covered by SlickPhotography Ltd, who spent two days capturing the inspiring moments, learning sessions and transformation of the participants.
The programme brought together women from across the community in a welcoming and supportive environment where they could learn new skills, build confidence, and connect with others.
The first day of the event focused on hair styling techniques, while the second day was dedicated to makeup artistry.
All products and tools were provided for participants, allowing every student to gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge throughout the sessions.
The training was organised in recognition of International Women’s Day 2026, whose global theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the idea that when communities invest in women through education, skills, mentorship and opportunities.
The benefits extend far beyond individuals to families and society as a whole.

L-R: The Founder, House of Comfort CIC and Slique beauty Bar Ltd, United Kingdom, Ijeoma Glory-Emeh; Mayor Mike Garner (Broadstairs, Kent) United Kingdom and and his wife Mayoress Carole Martin; and the Founder Éclarya hair and beauty Ltd. Lilian Opara at the International Women’s Day event in Broadstairs, Kent in the UK.

Tbe Founder, Ijeoma Glory-Emeh said the initiative was rooted in a lifelong passion for community service.
“I have always been passionate about supporting people in my community. “From a young age, I found joy in helping others grow and that passion has stayed with me. Creating spaces where women can learn new skills, feel confident and support each other is something that means a lot to me.”
Participants described the training as inspiring and empowering, with many saying they left feeling more confident and empowered.
“The transformation over the two days was truly beautiful to see.
“The women walked in curious and eager to learn, and they left feeling inspired, empowered and happy with new knowledge they can use personally or professionally,” Ijeoma added.
The event also received special support from the local community, with the Mayor of Broadstairs attending the first day of the programme alongside his wife to show encouragement for the initiative and the women participating.
For the organisers, the training represents more than just a beauty class, it is part of a broader vision to create opportunities that empower women and strengthen the community.
The project first launched in 2025 and continues to grow as more people become aware of its impact. Organisers hope to expand the initiative in the future, reaching even more women through similar empowerment programmes.

“This is just the beginning,” Ijeoma said. “Our goal is to continue creating opportunities that help people in our community grow, become more confident, and feel empowered to pursue their dreams.”

From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Wednesday, urged the United States government and President Donald Trump to halt intelligence sharing and security cooperation with the Nigerian government, citing recent comments attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi on banditry and terrorism.

Frank who made the call in a statement issued in Abuja, said the remarks credited to Gumi suggesting that Nigerian authorities may know the identities and locations of bandits raise serious questions about the handling of insecurity in the country.

“If it is true that the government knows the names of these bandits, knows where they are located and even knows their camps, then Nigerians deserve to know why decisive action has not been taken,” he said.

He argued that the continued rise in kidnappings and killings across the country suggests that insecurity has escalated despite claims that security agencies possess intelligence about those responsible.

According to him, the continued deterioration of security despite international support raises suspicion that insecurity may be benefiting some individuals, alleging that insecurity in the country has become a “profitable business” for some actors within the system.

“Kidnappings have increased. Killings have escalated. Insecurity has worsened across the country. If a government truly knows the identities and locations of terrorists and bandits yet fails to act decisively, then that raises serious concerns,” he said.

He added: “They want the insecurity to persist because as long as insecurity continues in the country, it’s an opportunity for them to rig the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

“They don’t care about Nigerians that are dying. They don’t care about Nigerians that are being kidnapped. They don’t care about the well-being of the people. They don’t care about the suffering of the people. They don’t care about good governance. All they care about is how they will rig themselves back to power using insecurity as cover.”

He urged the United States to exercise caution in its dealings with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area of intelligence while asserting that “the government of today appears to be friends with terrorists.”

“I am calling on the United States government to be very careful in its dealings with the current Nigerian administration. The U.S. should suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with the Nigerian government and its security chiefs,” he said.

The activist alleged that despite the security assistance Nigeria has received from international partners, the situation on the ground has continued to deteriorate.

“There appears to be a pattern where the government continues to receive security assistance and aid from the United States and other international partners, yet insecurity keeps worsening,” he said.

He said Nigerian soldiers were still losing their lives in the fight against insurgency and banditry despite military equipment and support provided by foreign partners.

“Today, Nigerian soldiers are dying in large numbers despite the equipment and support provided by the United States and other countries. With the level of support Nigeria has received, the war against insecurity should have made significant progress,” he said.

The activist called on President Trump to take decisive steps against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria and act independently if necessary.

“We are appealing directly to President Donald Trump to take a strong and decisive stand. If the United States truly wants to help Nigeria defeat terrorism and make the country great again, it should be prepared to act firmly against the terrorists responsible for the violence,” he said.

He added that such actions should not depend solely on cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

“The United States should be ready to take bold steps in confronting terrorist networks threatening Nigeria, even if it means acting independently like it did on Christmas eve against those responsible for the violence,” he said.

Frank who currently serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East as well as Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, also called on the United States Congress to pay closer attention to developments in Nigeria and support measures that would address insecurity and strengthen democratic processes.

He further urged the United States to support credible democratic processes in Nigeria, noting that free and fair elections would help strengthen governance and stability.

According to him, decisive international engagement could help address the security challenges facing the country and support efforts to restore stability.

“If the United States truly wants to assist Nigeria, it should help ensure peace, security and credible democratic processes. That is how Nigeria can move forward and become stable and prosperous again,” he said.

He added that strong international support could help Nigeria overcome insecurity and rebuild confidence in governance.

“With the right actions and international support, Nigeria can defeat terrorism, restore stability and move toward a future where the country can truly become great again,” he said.

From Ovayioza Onukaba, Abuja

The Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama has partnered with the Teen Ambassadors Foundation to provide free medical services to residents and workers across several districts of the Federal Capital Territory.

The programme, flagged off on Friday at the Cyprian Ekwensi Arts and Culture Centre in Area 10, Garki, will offer free consultations, screenings and treatment for various health conditions.

President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama, Rt. Maha Altine Longe, said the outreach was part of Rotary’s efforts to support communities through healthcare intervention.

According to her, the initiative is designed to extend basic healthcare services to residents who may not have regular access to preventive medical care.

“Rotary is about action. It is about taking the resources, skills and time we have been blessed with and channeling them toward those who need it most,” Longe said.

“Today, that action takes the form of healthcare.”

CAPTION: The District Governor, Rotary International District 9127, Dr. Joy Nky Okoro (fifth left) with the President of the club, Rtn. Maha Altine Longe, club members and health workers during the outreach in Abuja

She said the collaboration with the Teen Ambassadors Foundation demonstrates the importance of partnerships in addressing community challenges.

“This partnership is proof that when organisations come together with a shared purpose, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone,” she said.

Longe explained that the medical outreach would offer a range of services including eye examinations and the distribution of glasses, hepatitis screening and vaccination, malaria testing and treatment, blood pressure and diabetes checks as well as health education and counselling.

“Over the course of this outreach we will be offering free health consultations and screenings, eye checks and provision of glasses, hepatitis screening and vaccination, malaria testing and treatment, blood pressure and diabetes checks, health education and counselling, and the distribution of essential medications,” she said.

She stressed that preventive healthcare plays a critical role in improving community wellbeing.

“Your health is your wealth, and we are here to support you in safeguarding it,” she said.

Longe commended the medical professionals participating in the outreach, including optometrists and specialists handling hepatitis screening and vaccination.

She also acknowledged the contributions of sponsors, volunteers and members of the Rotary Club for supporting the initiative.

“I want to express my profound gratitude to everyone who has made this possible – our medical team, our partners at the Teen Ambassadors Foundation, our sponsors and every Rotarian and volunteer who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes,” she said.

Longe encouraged residents attending the outreach to cooperate with volunteers and follow instructions in order to ensure that all participants benefit from the programme.

“As we flag off this outreach, let us remember that even the smallest act of kindness can have a ripple effect,” she said.

“A consultation today, a medication given, a pair of glasses provided or a hepatitis vaccination administered are seeds from which healthier communities grow.”

The outreach is expected to serve residents from several districts across Abuja, including Area 1, Area 2, Area 3, Area 10 and Area 11, as well as nearby communities.