Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has applauded the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development (ALFOPED) for its longstanding efforts in supporting vulnerable women and girls affected by years of insurgency.
Governor Zulum praised the foundation for empowering widows, orphans, survivors and other disadvantaged groups through peacebuilding, reconciliation, transitional justice and livelihood initiatives.
Represented by the Head of Service, Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze, Governor Zulum gave the commendation on Thursday during an event marking the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
The ceremony, held at the Government House multipurpose hall in Maiduguri, also honoured key partners advancing women’s peace, security and empowerment.
Zulum described the foundation’s work as critical to Borno’s post-insurgency recovery. He noted that ALFOPED’s projects across several local government areas had helped spotlight the challenges faced by women and girls in conflict settings while promoting their involvement in reconciliation and peace efforts.
According to him, the anniversary represents “25 years of advocacy and progress,” and he reaffirmed the state’s commitment to “strengthening the inclusion, empowerment and protection of women as part of its rebuilding process.”
The governor called on stakeholders across sectors to commit more resources toward encouraging women’s leadership and participation in peace and community development. He thanked the event organizers and assured them that the state government would continue to support the Allamin Foundation and women-focused networks working to build peace.
Borno State First Lady, Prof. Falmata Babagana Umara, described the event as a moment to reflect on “the journey, sacrifices, triumphs and unshakeable resilience” of Borno women. She noted that the state had witnessed the deep impact of conflict on women and children, adding that UNSCR 1325 had served as “a beacon of hope” for those rebuilding their lives.
Prof. Falmata highlighted initiatives under her office such as the Community Women Mediators Forum, which unites Christian and Muslim widows, youth and community leaders to promote healing, forgiveness and coexistence. She also commended Governor Zulum for prioritizing women’s empowerment, and praised Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin—ALFOPED Founder and Executive Director—for coordinating impactful programmes in partnership with organizations like She Builds Peace (SHE), UKaid, ICAN and FCDO.
She pledged continued collaboration with the foundation, promising to support efforts that uplift women across all communities in the state. She further appreciated partners working in peace and security and acknowledged the resilience of vulnerable women and girls.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo—widely regarded as a champion of affected women in Borno—said the ministry had worked closely with ALFOPED to deradicalize, rehabilitate and reintegrate women and girls impacted by Boko Haram. She revealed that 90 women had so far completed the deradicalization programme, and that the state had created an action plan for implementing UNSCR 1325 to encourage women’s participation in peacekeeping and community security.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Shehu of Bama, His Royal Highness Dr. Umar Kyari Umar El-Kanemi, expressed appreciation for Governor Zulum’s commitment to peacebuilding and reconstruction. He reiterated his support for women’s leadership at the grassroots level, noting that he had even appointed women as ward leaders in three communities despite criticism.
The monarch urged government agencies and institutions to ensure women are included in decision-making processes, describing them as vital “actors, advocates, mobilizers, reconciliators, mediators and developers.” He also praised the governor’s continued support for community transformation and acknowledged the First Lady’s contributions to governance.
He commended the Allamin Foundation for its remarkable work across various communities and promised to support its mission for women and girls within the Bama Emirate and neighbouring areas.
In her welcome address, Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin said UNSCR 1325 clearly emphasizes that women are “not only victims of war, but leaders, negotiators, mediators, builders and defenders of peace.” She described the anniversary as “a guiding light” that elevates women’s voices in peace and security, noting that sustainable peace is impossible without their active participation.
She reminded the audience that women in the region remain essential to cultural continuity, social stability and long-term community healing. She encouraged stakeholders to recommit to ensuring women’s voices remain central in peace initiatives, saying the anniversary should inspire “renewed dedication, innovative solutions, and unwavering support for women’s pivotal role in peace and development.”
Representatives from ICAN, Canada SHE, the military, UN Women, UNDP, the Nigeria Police Force, UNICEF, WHO and other partners delivered goodwill messages.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to Governor Zulum, former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Chris Musa, the First Lady, the Shehu of Bama, the Commissioner of Women Affairs, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo and the General Manager of BOSEPA, Abubakar Suleiman, among others.
