By Morenike Taire

It is the general view, even when it sometimes does not appear so, that even the Boko Haram phenomenon will pass. Even when we had got to the edge in the past, a solution would arrive from no where and we would all be one happy family once again.

There were the Miss World riots in the core North in 2002, in which the head of a female journalist was called for. It seemed at the time- as it had in the not-so-distant pre amnesty era of South-south militancy- that the whole furore would see to the final disintegration of Nigeria as we know it.

Unfortunately, anyone with deep knowledge of this country knows for sure it is not as simple as that.

Despite intense criticism, President Jonathan is not taking chances. There is no doubt of the gross incompetence of his advisers regarding the security question, but the commander in chief of the armed forces is using the tool that comes most naturally to him_ diplomacy

As far as can be surmised, the little talk he had with leaders of warring factions in Plateau was successful and if the overall success has anything to do with the conviction of stakeholders of the need for a ceasefire, the trouble in that state is as good as over.

The phenomenon of Boko Haram and other conflicts in Northern Nigeria has defied diplomacy and has continued to do so, and while the cost of human life is disastrous to start with, it  can only escalate in geometric progression.

As Northern governors cry out about failing economies while the North remains the country’s food basket, the irony of it all shows up the dearth of political leadership around here overall.

Gender Economics Today in Numbers

1.5billion

The number of women worldwide not employed in the formal sector of the economy

15-20%

Every year a girl spends in secondary school pushes her future wages up by this percentage, according to Gill Greer, director-general of the International Planned Parenthood federation

90%

Women generally invest this percentage of earnings in their communities

7.5%

As a share of overall foundation giving, funding for women and girls has remained below this percentage, though it has grown vis-à-vis overall funding.

US$175

Amount ordered by a jury for pharmaceutical giant Novartis to pay 12 female employees who alleged they were discriminated against on pay and promotions. Jury was unanimous in the  verdict.