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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
Troops receive rescued kidnap victims, arrest suspected gunrunner in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have received eight rescued kidnap victims from the Cameroonian Armed Forces and arrested a suspected gunrunner in Cross River State, the Nigerian Army has said.
Sources told Zagazola Makama development is contained in a security update on activities in the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of the formation as at Jan. 20.
According to the sources troops of 13 Brigade, deployed on patrol along the Ikang waterways, received the eight victims at about 6:16 p.m. on Jan. 18 at the Pastors Fishing Port general area.
The sources said the victims, who were travelling from Nigeria to Cameroon, were kidnapped by suspected sea pirates along the Cameroon waterways but were later rescued by the Cameroonian Armed Forces after a gun battle with the criminals.
“The rescued victims were conveyed to the troops’ Forward Operating Base (FOB), where they were debriefed and subsequently released,” the sourcss said.
In a related development, troops of 13 Brigade, based on credible intelligence, arrested a suspected gunrunner at Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State at about 8:00 a.m. on Jan. 20.
The suspect, identified as Mr Ojo Friday, was apprehended with a total of 245 ammunition cartridges.
The army said the suspect is from Ochon in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State but resides at Abomege in Ebonyi State.
“The suspect and recovered items are currently in custody for preliminary investigation,” the sources added.
The military high command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations to curb criminal activities and ensure the safety of lives and property across the region.
Troops receive rescued kidnap victims, arrest suspected gunrunner in Cross River
Bandits kill two, abduct one in Niger community
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have killed two persons and abducted another in Kachiwe community, Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, the police have said.
Sources said the attack occurred at about 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 20.
According to eye witnesses, the bandits invaded Kachiwe community in large numbers, shot and killed Ango Abdulkarim, 25, and Abdulkarim Isah, 54, and abducted one Meyaku Ibrahim, 28.
All the victims are Fulani by tribe and residents of Kachiwe community.
“On receipt of the information at about 9:30 a.m., Army troops supported by Police and vigilantes, were swiftly deployed to the scene,” the sources said.
The sources added that by the time the teams arrived, the bandits had fled.
“However, the two corpses were recovered and, on the request of their relatives, handed over for burial,” the sources said.
The security sources said efforts were ongoing through intelligence gathering and monitoring to arrest the perpetrators and rescue the abducted victim.
Bandits kill two, abduct one in Niger community
NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday said it has arrested 77,792 suspected drug offenders and secured 14,225 convictions over the past five years, as part of its intensified campaign against illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed this in Abuja during the 11th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) Awards and Commendation Ceremony held at the NDLEA national headquarters.
Marwa also revealed that the agency seized more than 14.8 million kilogrammes of illicit substances within the said period, describing the achievement as a major blow to both local and international drug cartels operating in the country.
According to him, 128 major drug barons were among those arrested, noting that their capture had significantly weakened criminal trafficking networks.
He stated that beyond enforcement, the NDLEA had also prioritised rehabilitation and prevention, with over 32,000 drug users receiving professional treatment and counselling. Additionally, the agency conducted more than 13,700 sensitisation programmes under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign across schools, markets, workplaces, religious centres, and communities nationwide.
Marwa praised President Bola Tinubu for renewing his mandate, describing it as a strong endorsement of the agency’s work.
He pledged to escalate the fight against drug trafficking during his second tenure, with more intelligence-driven and tactical operations
He said: “We will not rest until every drug baron is behind bars and every illicit substance is removed from our streets.”
At the ceremony, 166 NDLEA officers and 17 state commands were honoured for exceptional performance, bravery, and commitment to duty.
Marwa commended the judiciary, security agencies, international partners, civil society groups, and the media for their support in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
The NDLEA boss urged officers to remain diligent, disciplined, and proactive, stressing that the agency would continue to strengthen its operations to protect Nigerian youths from the dangers of illicit drugs.
NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years
Troops receive rescued kidnap victims, arrest suspected gunrunner in Cross River
Bandits kill two, abduct one in Niger community
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