News

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

Published

3 years ago

May 16, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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

Gunmen abduct 15 passengers, kill one in Benue

Published

4 hours ago

February 10, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Gunmen abduct 15 passengers, kill one in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed men dressed in military uniforms have abducted 15 passengers and killed one person during an attack on a commercial bus in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.

Sources confirmed on Tuesday that the incident occurred on Sunday at about 7:30 p.m. at Ado-Okpoga, along the Oju–Ado-Ekiti route.

The sources said the bus, a Hummer vehicle driven by one Gbenga Peter, 35, was travelling from Oju LGA in Benue to Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State with 23 passengers on board when it was intercepted by nine armed men.

“On reaching Ado-Okpoga, the bus was attacked by nine unknown armed bandits wearing army uniforms. Fifteen passengers were abducted into the bush,” the sources said.

During the нападение, one passenger, identified as Idiku Meshak Ogbete, 22, was shot dead. The driver and eight other passengers managed to escape and later reported the incident at Okpokwu Police Station.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Okpokwu was said to have immediately mobilised patrol teams alongside other tactical units, including Operation Whirl Stroke, the Benue State Civil Protection Guards and other security agencies.

“The corpse of the deceased has been removed and deposited at the mortuary in Okpoga. A coordinated search of the surrounding bushes is ongoing to track the suspects, effect arrests and rescue the abducted victims,” the sources added.

Gunmen abduct 15 passengers, kill one in Benue

News

Lagos Moves to Build West Africa’s Leading International Financial Centre

Published

1 day ago

February 9, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Lagos Moves to Build West Africa’s Leading International Financial Centre

By: Michael Mike

Lagos State has taken a major step toward repositioning Nigeria as a global investment destination with the unveiling of a comprehensive roadmap to establish a Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC), envisioned as the leading financial hub in West Africa.

The roadmap is contained in a new report titled “Establishing an International Financial Centre in Lagos (LIFC), Nigeria”, produced by TheCityUK in collaboration with the UK Government, Lagos State Government, the Lagos International Financial Centre Council (LIFCC), and EnterpriseNGR. The report was formally launched at the State House, Marina, Lagos.

The high-level event attracted senior government officials, diplomats, and private sector leaders, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria Jonny Baxter, EnterpriseNGR Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, and EnterpriseNGR Chief Executive Officer Obi Ibekwe.

The initiative is aligned with Nigeria’s Agenda 2050 and the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, positioning the LIFC as a long-term catalyst for economic transformation. According to the report, the proposed financial centre will deepen capital markets, mobilise international investment, drive innovation, and support sustainable economic growth across Lagos, Nigeria, and the wider West African region.

The report underscores the importance of strong public-private collaboration, noting that Lagos’ demographic advantage, expanding financial ecosystem, and strategic location make it well-suited to host an international financial centre that meets global standards.

One of the report’s core recommendations is the creation of an independent IFC framework for Lagos. This model would provide regulatory certainty, simplified tax and policy regimes, and a transparent governance structure aimed at improving investor confidence and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global finance.

To differentiate Lagos from other emerging financial centres, the report identifies three priority sectors for initial focus: green and sustainable finance, fintech and financial innovation, and commodities trading and capital markets. These sectors are considered critical to Nigeria’s future economic diversification and resilience.

The report also highlights the need for robust legal and regulatory reforms, calling for close coordination between Lagos State, the Federal Government, regulators, and the private sector to ensure smooth implementation of the LIFC vision.

Human capital development is another key pillar of the strategy. Recommendations include strengthening local talent pipelines, easing visa requirements for international professionals, and creating an enabling environment that supports skills transfer and high-value job creation for Nigeria’s growing youth population.

In addition, the report proposes competitive and targeted tax incentives, streamlined business processes, and investment-friendly policies designed to attract long-term capital aligned with national development priorities.

Speaking at the launch, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to the project, describing the International Financial Centre as essential to boosting market competitiveness and facilitating seamless trading.

“Lagos is Nigeria’s largest economic and financial centre, and we must create an ecosystem that attracts investment, improves liquidity, and strengthens market infrastructure,” the governor said, adding that the LIFC would unlock new opportunities for public-private partnerships in technology and capital market development.

British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter said the report reflects the deepening UK-Nigeria partnership, combining Lagos’ strengths with UK expertise to support financial sector development.

He noted that, if effectively implemented, the LIFC could unlock significant domestic and international investment, expand capital markets, create jobs, and promote sustainable growth beyond Lagos State.

Also speaking, TheCityUK’s Managing Director for International, Nicola Watkinson, described Nigeria as a high-growth market with strong long-term potential. She said the LIFC could play a vital role in attracting global capital, supporting fintech and green finance innovation, and creating high-value employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

With the launch of the report, stakeholders say the focus now shifts to implementation, as Lagos seeks to translate vision into action and establish itself as a globally competitive financial centre for West Africa.

Lagos Moves to Build West Africa’s Leading International Financial Centre

News

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience

Published

1 day ago

February 9, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience

By: Michael Mike

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is set to transform into one of the capital’s premier destinations for romance and social experiences, unveiling an all-inclusive lineup of activities designed for both couples and singles.

This was disclosed in a statement issued at the weekend by the hotel’s Communications and Marketing Manager, Ms Ijeoma Osuji, who said the iconic hospitality brand will host a three-day “Valentine Weekend Package” from February 13 to 15.

According to the statement, the experience is designed to cater to a wide range of guests, from long-term couples seeking a romantic getaway to individuals looking to connect and celebrate the season of love in a vibrant social setting.

For visitors seeking a complete escape, the hotel is offering a bespoke room package that combines luxury accommodation with carefully curated romantic add-ons, promising a serene retreat from the city’s bustle alongside world-class hospitality.

The weekend programme features a diverse mix of entertainment and lifestyle experiences. Among the highlights is the “Signature Couples Event,” a grand and intimate gathering featuring a specially curated Valentine menu, games, music, and comedy performances.

Guests can also look forward to “A Night of Humour,” a comedy showcase featuring top-tier entertainers, aand“Theatre Magic on Stage,” a specially curated romantic stage play designed to engage audiences through powerful storytelling and emotional connection.

For culinary enthusiasts, the hotel will host Dual Restaurant Experiences, with its signature outlets; Zuma Grill and Bukka Restaurant, offering exclusive Valentine-themed dining packages tailored to diverse tastes.

Breaking away from the traditional focus on couples, the hotel is also introducing a Poolside Party for Singles, providing a chic, lively atmosphere for Abuja’s social crowd to mingle under the stars, accompanied by music and refreshing cocktails.

To help guests capture lasting memories, professional couples’ photography sessions will also be available, allowing visitors to document their special moments against the hotel’s scenic backdrops.

“We wanted to create a weekend that wasn’t just a meal, but a memory,” the hotel’s management said in the statement. “Whether it’s through laughter at our comedy special or a beautiful moment captured during a photo session, our goal is to celebrate love in all its forms.”

Reservations for the Valentine Weekend Package are now open, with organisers confident that guests will experience a memorable, immersive celebration at what remains one of Abuja’s most vibrant social hubs.

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience