News
Zulum Calls on Women to Organise to Become a Force to Reckon With

Zulum Calls on Women to Organise to Become a Force to Reckon With
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has urged women to better organised themselves and become a force to reckon with in the pursuit of national progress.
Zulum, who was the chairman at the launch of the book, “101 Nigerian Women of Impact” written by Barrister Zainab Marwa, said: “We are not just here to launch a book. We are here to highlight the incredible achievements of women and the value they bring to the table when properly supported by our system. We are here to draw the attention of the nation to the expanding scope of possibilities with women in different areas when we provide the environment for them to thrive.”
The book launch at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday drew the creme of society with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan and Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar as the royal fathers of the day.
Women who graced the occasion include Dr Betta Edu, APC National Women leader who represented the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Minister for Women Affairs, Pauline Kedem Tallen, Chairman and CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NidCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, National President of Police Women Association (POWA), Hajiya Hajara Usman Alkali Baba who represented the Inspector General of Police, former First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi and representatives of TetFund chairman and the FCT minister and other dignitaries include Senator Grace Bent and Deputy House Majority Chief Whip, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
The reviewer of the book, Femi Adesina, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President had described the compendium as a “well-written book” of which he looks forward to subsequent editions.
In his review, Adesina said: “The book spans through a period of 2015-2023 and the ambitions and achievements of the women in the time frame. The book would incite a passion in the young women to reach out to breaking glass ceilings and achieving their dreams.”
The Chairman and CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),
Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd) the father of the author in his special remark, expressed delight at the occasion, said: “I always feel elated when someone writes a book or when I am invited to a book launch. As an author myself, I know the importance of books as instruments of human civilisation. My happiness is doubled when the author happens to be my daughter.”
Marwa, who stressed that the title of the book aligns closely with the author’s scholarly pursuit in light of her doctorate degree in Gender Studies and her involvement with the Oxford Women’s Leadership Development Programme at Oxford University in the United Kingdom, noted that one of the book’s merits is its currency for the contemporary society and its future.
He said: “Our world still remains largely a man’s world. The list of achievers still remains largely male in business, entertainment, sports, and what have you.
“A critical assessment of the state of the world today will lay bare the truth that women, and indeed, more women, are standing tall and doing exploits like their male counterparts in different areas of human endeavour. Most importantly, as we have come to know, sustainable development cannot be achieved without women. Therefore, women who have paid their dues in their various fields deserve to be recognised, spotlighted and celebrated. This is why the book, by its title and scope, is celebratory and timely.”
Ooni of Ife in his remark, among other things, thanked Gen Marwa for his service to the country.
He said: “I want to thank you for every great thing you are doing for this country.”
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the book where donors, including representatives of Femi Otedola, the chief presenter of the book, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, and a host of others donated and bought the books.
Dr Edu, in her remarks, asserted that Nigerian women have paid the ultimate prize for the development of the country.
“The book represents a promotion for all Nigerian women,” the APC Women Leader said.
The author in her vote of thanks, explained her motivation for writing the book.
“I needed mentors to inspire my desire to run for office (in 2019), but I couldn’t find any,” she explained.
Zulum Calls on Women to Organise to Become a Force to Reckon With
News
IPCR: Declaration of State of Emergency In Rivers, A Great Conflict Preventive Mechanism

IPCR: Declaration of State of Emergency In Rivers, A Great Conflict Preventive Mechanism
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a proactive conflict prevention mechanism.
This move, according to the IPCR, will provide an opportunity for those involved in the crisis to reassess their actions, come together, and work towards resolving their differences.
The state of emergency, the IPCR explains, will serve as a vital tool in preventing conflicts by enabling the government to respond rapidly to emerging crises, restore order, and protect citizens.
This measure will also prevent the escalation of conflicts, reduce the risk of widespread violence and instability, and ultimately restore order and protect citizens, who are often the most affected in times of crisis.
President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State was made after a thorough evaluation of the political situation in the state. According to the President, the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State had failed to request his intervention, as required by the Constitution, leaving him with no choice but to take proactive measures to restore stability in the state.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has been ratified by the National Assembly, with President Tinubu commending the lawmakers for their patriotic stand. The President acknowledged the lawmakers’ diligent review of classified security briefings, which underscored the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.
The six-month emergency period will empower the newly-appointed Sole Administrator to stabilize Rivers State, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties. President Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria.
IPCR: Declaration of State of Emergency In Rivers, A Great Conflict Preventive Mechanism
News
Air Algerie Commences Inaugural Flight to Abuja on Sunday

Air Algerie Commences Inaugural Flight to Abuja on Sunday
By: Michael Mike
Air Algerie is to commence direct flight from Algiers, the capital of Algeria to Abuja, to fly inaugural flight into Nigeria’s capital on Sunday 6th April.
A statement by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa on Wednesday read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce the commencement of Air Algerie inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, scheduled for 6th April 2025.
“This historic development marks a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Algeria. It is pertinent to state that it is the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both countries, which culminated in this successful venture.”
The statement added that: “The new route, operated by the Algeria’s national carrier, Algerie Air with a Boeing 737 Aircraft, will positively enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and facilitate trade and investment between the two nations. This landmark development equally underscores the shared commitment of both countries to deepening bilateral cooperation in aviation, commerce, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Ministry commended the significant role played by the Embassy of Nigeria in Algiers for not only facilitating this noble goal but also seeing to its fruition, the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in Algiers, leadership of the Nigerian Community in Algeria and representative of the Algerian Government are expected to be on board the scheduled inaugural flight.
The statement further read: “The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant aviation authorities, extends its warm congratulations to Air Algerie and assures all necessary support to ensure the success and sustainability of this new service. We believe this initiative will further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Algeria, while opening new opportunities for mutual growth. The affordable fare structure and the proximity of Algeria to Europe would also provide Nigerians with a convenient gateway to Europe, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.
“The Nigerian government therefore encourages citizens and the business communities to take advantage of this enhanced air connectivity, which will operate twice a week, to explore trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between both countries. We look forward to a successful inaugural flight and a prosperous partnership with Air Algeria.”
Air Algerie Commences Inaugural Flight to Abuja on Sunday
News
Elites are also guilty of increasing zero dose prevalence in Borno state

Elites are also guilty of increasing zero dose prevalence in Borno state
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Director of Public and Community Health in the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BSPHDA) Dr Mala Abdulwahab has said that security challenges contribute to the high prevalence of zero dose.
Dr Mala regretted that a lot of the “zero-doses” of immunization being recorded in Borno state comes from the lingering level of insecurity plaguing the state adding that a reduction of the prevalence would take place only if these insecurity gaps are closed.
Dr Mala made these assertions during a review meeting of the Borno state annual score card for immunization accountability 2024 as put together by the Committee of Practice (COP) and the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) which held in maiduguri recently.
He said that the lingering insurgency in the state has definitely put a clog in the wheels of a lot of progress which should have been made in the reduction of the zero dose when it comes to immunization adding that it is the hope of the COP that this primary challenge would soon be a thing of the past.
Speaking on further challenges working against health workers during zero dose immunization, Dr Mala regretted that a lot of residents actually assume that because elites are expected to have some form of education, resistance or carelessness will not emanate from them or even core insiders in the medical profession.
Mala’s sadness on this issue stems from the fact that a large chunk of some medical personnel in Borno state are not helping to attack the rising prevalence of the zero dose cases in the state, because they equally take the campaign for granted depriving their kids from having the relevant vaccines as at when due.
The Director of public and community health revealed that Borno state contributes a whopping 60 percent of the measles prevalence in the country adding that something urgently must be done by health workers and educators to reverse this unsatisfactory trend within the sector.
The Director Community health posited that theses kids who are yet to start their regimes of the vaccines especially penta 1,2 and 3 are equally contributing to the embarrassing statistics being reeled out from within the system.
“There is really no reason why we must be having zero-dose cases up till now within this part of the country. It is very unfortunate that this preventable occurrences keep coming up in spite of our efforts.
“Some of the zero-does do come from the elites in the country while some are compromised by prevailing security challenges especially around the state capital areas and some other parts of the state too. But we must keep trying.
” Let me tell you how we used to handle difficult fulani people in the bush, we go with our veterinary doctors and by using the veterinarians they talk to the fulani people to fall in line in terms of taking the vaccines. They see their cattle getting better and their kids too.
” However, it is regrettable that some medical practitioners are not allowing their kids to be immunized against the six killer diseases. This should never be allowed to thrive within the on coming immunization campaigns.
“And this is why I am calling on all of us here to pay relevant visits to VIPs, stakeholders and influencers to ensure that the civil society, media and others are carried along to reduce zero-doses to the nearest minimum.
“For immunity to be maintained, we need to work on the 65 percent coverage of immunization in the state to something better. We must make better progress in the pending campaigns.
” I also urge that advocacies should be done in large numbers to ensure effectiveness. Community leaders will take you more serious when you go in large numbers to make your points heard” Said Mala.
The Director called on field representatives to make deliberate efforts to ensure they anchor their advocacies with the traditional rulers of each domain like the Shehu of Borno in the state capital to make the expected progress.
Also present in the review session, Peace Ambassador, Ahmed Shehu assured the round table of stakeholders that their convergence will close a lot of gaps on the entire vaccination architecture in the state.
He assured that Musamman like him will do their best to ensure that the zero-dose prevalence becomes a thing of the past as they forge ahead in the 2025 campaigns.
Also speaking, Dr Musa Melton, a senior field coordinator of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) in Borno state noted that the exercise was meant to open the remaining vestiges of existing challenges caused by the zero dose and dealing with them decisively from the coming campaigns to be mounted by the community of practice (COP).
He however noted that the last review of actualities on ground was not all that gloomy because epidemiological statistics indicated that the number of zero-doses have actually reduced in the state and the entire country.
Melton commended Dr Aminu Magashi the founder of the Africa health network for bringing the vital budgetary issues to the fore adding that with the new push to bringing down the number of zero-doses in the state and the willingness of the state govt led by Prof Babagana Zulum to spend more on health, there is good news at the horizon.
Dr Melton stated that measles has however dropped drastically in the state and the entire country from last year’s statistics to this year’s adding that they will soon celebrate the end of the zero-dose prevalence as the campaigns intensifies.
UNICEF immunization officer and representative in the round table Bashir Elegbede frowned at dishonest immunization officers adding that inspectors will be in the field for the next campaign to hunt down such people and reduce such misbehaving practitioners contributing to the zero dose.
He warned that everyone will answer his or her fathers name this time around as business as usual will never be tolerated from anyone.
Present at the occasion were stake holders from within the state and some from outside like Dr Aminu Magashi who is the global convener of the community of practice (COP) on accountability and social action on health and a member of the global action plan for SDG 3 advocacy group.
A child in contemporary Nigeria is said to be out of the zero-dose prevalence when such a child had been subjected to BCG, OPV O, Hepatitis BO all at birth.
Within six weeks the same child should have taken Pentavalent 1, PCV 1, OPV1, IPV1, and ROTA 1 while at 10 weeks, Pentavalent 2, PCV2, OPV2 and ROTA 2.
At 14 weeks a child is expected to have taken Pentavalent 3, PVC 3, OPV 3, IPV2 and Rota 3.
At five months the malaria vaccine should be infused while at six months the vitamin A 1st dose even as the malaria vaccine is followed at seven months.
By nine months one’s baby should be done with measles first dose, yellow fever, Meningitis vaccine and vitamin A second dose even as the measles second dose and malaria vaccine are administered at 15 months.
Updated data received from the COP indicated that by 9 Years, children should be ready for the human Papilloma virus vaccine and that should make them good to go by world standards to avoid zero-doses.
This is the contemporary ideal and expectations for all children as laid down by the national primary health agency of Nigeria.
Elites are also guilty of increasing zero dose prevalence in Borno state
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