By Abdulkareem Haruna

Government officials and traditional rulers gathered in Maiduguri on Thursday to urge for greater involvement of women in peace and security issues. The event at the Government House marked the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

Stakeholders argued that for Borno State to fully recover from over a decade of insurgency, women must move beyond being seen as victims and become active leaders in reconciliation.

Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by Head of Service Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze, praised the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development (ALFOPED) for its support of vulnerable women. He stated that the state government is committed to protecting and empowering women as part of its rebuilding strategy.

“The anniversary represents 25 years of advocacy and progress,” Zulum said.
A key moment came when the Shehu of Bama, Umar Kyari Umar El-Kanemi, spoke about the role of traditional institutions. The monarch revealed that he has appointed women as ward leaders in three of his communities, a move that faced initial criticism.

He defended the decision, calling women vital “mobilizers and mediators,” and asked government agencies to ensure women are included in official decision-making processes.
Rehabilitating survivors

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, provided updates on the state’s efforts to reintegrate women associated with the conflict.

Gambo announced that 90 women have recently completed a government-run deradicalization program. She noted that her ministry is working closely with the Allamin Foundation to rehabilitate women and girls affected by the Boko Haram crisis.

She added that Borno State has created an action plan to implement the UN resolution, which focuses on increasing women’s participation in community security.

From victims to peacemakers
Hamsatu Allamin, the Executive Director of ALFOPED, told the audience that the UN resolution was created to recognize women as peacemakers rather than just casualties of war.

“Sustainable peace is impossible without their active participation,” Allamin said.
Borno State First Lady, Prof. Falmata Babagana Umara, spoke about the importance of local unity. She highlighted the work of the Community Women Mediators Forum, a group that brings Christian and Muslim women together to promote peace in their neighborhoods.

The event was attended by representatives from the military, police, UN Women, and the World Health Organization. It concluded with awards presented to Governor Zulum, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Shehu of Bama for their contributions to peace in the region.