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State Action Plans’ 2nd Phase for Peace and Security Underway in Borno and Yobe States

State Action Plans’ 2nd Phase for Peace and Security Underway in Borno and Yobe States
By: Michael Mike
In a significant move to bolster women, peace, and security in Nigeria, the Nigerian Police Force, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigerian Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have committed to commence a review of the implementation of the current State Action Plans (SAPs) for Peace and Security as plans are underway for the second phase of revision and implementation of State Action Plans (SAPs) in Borno and Yobe States.
The State Action Plans (SAPs) are adaptations of the National Action Plan, which aims to implement the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security through an articulated strategy document called action plan.
The NAP seeks to increase the number of women involved in peace and security matters at the federal, state, local or community levels. The five objectives include prevention and disaster preparedness; participation and representation; protection and prosecution; crisis management, early recovery, and post-conflict reconstruction; and partnerships, coordination, and management.
In a visit to the agencies, the UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, noted that the SAPs, originally developed and launched in 2014, have been pivotal in promoting peace and security in these regions.
However, widespread concern has been expressed regarding the weak implementation of these plans. Emerging security challenges and a growing demand for more robust policy documents have highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the existing SAPs.
Eyong, who was represented by the UN Women Programme Coordinator WPS, Peter Mancha, reaffirmed UN Women’s goal to integrate new peace and security issues and to establish and strengthen coordination mechanisms that will enhance the implementation, monitoring, and reporting processes.
She added that UN Women is committed to supporting the governments of Borno and Yobe states in this endeavour through the State Ministries of Women Affairs under the framework of the “Enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue Project in Nigeria (Phase II).” This initiative is supported by the Government of Germany and aims to ensure that the updated SAPs are more effective and responsive to the current security landscape.
The project also fosters local ownership and coordination among state governments and various stakeholders, ensuring that the SAPs’ implementation is comprehensive and sustainable. Efforts will be made to establish and reinforce mechanisms that enhance the monitoring and reporting of these plans.
The Commandant of the Borno Command NSCDC, Faruk Musa Boyi, reiterated his team’s readiness to collaborate with UN Women and other stakeholders. “Our command is fully committed to supporting women, peace, and security initiatives in Borno State. The fight against gender-based violence is a top priority, and we are ready to work hand-in-hand with UN Women to ensure the protection and safety of women and girls in our communities,” he stated.
In view of this collaborative effort, Yobe State has committed to conducting a review workshop on 30 May 2024. This workshop will be a pivotal step in revising the SAPs, ensuring that they address current challenges and effectively promote peace and security within the state.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in addressing the complex issues of women, peace, and security in Borno and Yobe states.
The commitment of these MDAs to support the review and enhancement of the SAPs marks a unified approach to tackling the challenges faced by women in conflict-affected regions. With the backing of international partners and local stakeholders, Borno and Yobe states are poised to make substantial progress in promoting inclusive conflict resolution and peacebuilding for sustainable peace and security.
State Action Plans’ 2nd Phase for Peace and Security Underway in Borno and Yobe States
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NIGERIAN ARMY BURIES LATE BRIG GEN EF ZAMANI (RTD) IN ZONKWA, KADUNA STATE

NIGERIAN ARMY BURIES LATE BRIG GEN EF ZAMANI (RTD) IN ZONKWA, KADUNA STATE
By: Musa Yahaya
The Nigerian Army has bid a final farewell to the late Brigadier General Elias Fadda Zamani (Retired) on 15 March 2025, in his hometown of Zonkwa, Kaduna State. Late Brigadier General Zamani who was a member of the 14th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy passed away in Abuja on 27 February 2025, after a brief illness.

Born on 21 July 1952, in Zonkwa, Kaduna State, Brigadier General Zamani’s illustrious military career began at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where he was commissioned into the Infantry Corps on 13 December 1975. He rose through the ranks, holding various command, staff, instructional, and extra-regimental appointments, before he voluntarily retired on 31 May 2006, after over three decades of distinguished service in the Nigerian Army.
At the funeral ceremony, Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso, representing the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede NAM, described Brigadier General Zamani as a highly trained and disciplined professional soldier. He highlighted the late general’s exceptional leadership traits, professionalism, and commitment to duty, earned or exhibited during his attendance of various military courses in Nigeria and abroad.

The COAS further eulogized the late senior officer, describing him as a silent worker, a brilliant, resourceful, and self-assured senior officer with impeccable integrity. He added that Brigadier General Zamani was a transformational leader and a true patriot, whose contributions to the Nigerian Army left lasting marks of excellence. His dedication to the welfare of his troops and the harmonious and cordial relationship with his colleagues were widely recognized, respected, and commended.

The solemn military ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Her Excellency, Mrs. Agyin Agbu Kefas, wife of the Executive Governor of Taraba State, senior military officers, coursemates of the deceased senior officer, family members, and friends, all gathered to pay their last respect to a man who dedicated his life to serving the nation.
NIGERIAN ARMY BURIES LATE BRIG GEN EF ZAMANI (RTD) IN ZONKWA, KADUNA STATE
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Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister in Nigeria to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister in Nigeria to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
By: Michael Mike
Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs is in the country to explore avenues for deepening bilateral ties with Nigeria in the areas of healthcare, education, agriculture, science and technology, and cultural exchange.
A statement on Sunday by the Acting Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Kimiebi Ebienfa read that: “Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes His Excellency, Mr. Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, on his official visit to Nigeria. This visit underscores the strong and cordial bilateral relations between Nigeria and Cuba, which have been nurtured over many decades of mutual respect, solidarity, and cooperation.
“The sterling role played by both countries in the abolition of apartheid and in support of liberation movements as well as the actualization of independence for many African nations is the rallying point for the relations.”
According to the statement, the visiting Minister will hold a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar on Monday to explore avenues for deepening bilateral ties in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, science and technology, and cultural exchange. Both nations will also deliberate on enhancing collaboration within multilateral frameworks to address global challenges and promote sustainable development.
Part of the schedule lined up for the visiting Cuban Foreign Minister is the meeting with
Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima to deliver a special message from the Government of Cuba. He is also expected to engage in high-level discussions with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Nigeria and Cuba are members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Group of 77 plus China. Both countries share similar positions on numerous global issues, particularly on the advancement of global peace and security, new international order and sustainable development.
The statement said the visit of the Cuban Foreign Minister is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reinvigorate Nigeria-Cuba relations and to foster greater South-South cooperation, noting that Nigeria remains committed to working closely with Cuba to advance shared interests and to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in our regions and beyond.
Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister in Nigeria to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
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THE REMAINS OF LATE CAPTAIN KEZIAH GODIYA AYUBA LAID TO REST WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS

THE REMAINS OF LATE CAPTAIN KEZIAH GODIYA AYUBA LAID TO REST WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS
By: George Okupe
The Nigerian Army paid its final respects to the Late Captain Keziah Godiya Ayuba, who was laid to rest with full military honours on Friday 14 March 2025, in her hometown, Sambon Gida, Jaba Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede mni NAM, represented by the Commander 1 Division Supply and Transport, Brigadier General Philip Ebuk, described her as a dedicated officer whose service was marked by professionalism, integrity and unwavering commitment to duty.

Born on 9 July 1987 in Shogunle, the Late Captain Ayuba hailed from Jaba Local Government Area, Kaduna State. She completed her education at Police Children School, Ikeja and Toamy Private College Egbe, before earning a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic. She was commissioned into the Nigerian Army on 3 July 2017 as a member of Direct Short Service Course 23.
Throughout her career, Late Capt Ayuba served in key roles, she was Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport and Staff Officer of Grade 3 Information and Publication at 81 Division Army Public Relations. She was also known for her leadership, discipline and dedication, earning the respect of her colleagues and superiors.

A highly trained officer, she completed several courses, namely the Young Officers’ Course (Public Relations), Media Operations Officers’ Course and Legal Aspects of Combatting Terrorism Course, excelling in all. She was widely admired for her intelligence, teamwork and mentorship, particularly among female soldiers. In recognition of her service, she was awarded the General Operations Medal. Until her passing, she remained a pillar of excellence in military public relations, known for her composure, eloquence and professionalism.

Describing her as a vibrant officer with exceptional capabilities, the COAS noted that she would be deeply missed by her family, the Nigerian Army and the Nation. As a final mark of respect, the military rendered a 21-gun salute and her Next of Kin was presented with the National Flag along with her military accoutrements.
THE REMAINS OF LATE CAPTAIN KEZIAH GODIYA AYUBA LAID TO REST WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS
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