By Paschal Madu
The Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mrs. Foluso Bolaji, has welcomed distinguished guests at the National Centre for Women Development in Abuja on Wednesday, at the public presentation and launching of two publications.
The publications are “Standardisation in the African Continent: An Antidote for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)” and “Evolution and Development: National, Regional and International Standardisation” authored by Princess (Dr.) Marline Sambo Waziri (Mama Africa), the Director, North Central Regional Directorate of the Stands Organization of Nigeria (SON).
She extended a special welcome to attendees of the launch of “Evolution and Development of National, Regional, and International Standardization” and “Standardization on the African Continent: An Antidote for African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”, authored by her dear friend and colleague Dr. Marline Waziri, PhD, Chemist and Director of SON’s North Central Regional Directorate.
Mrs. Bolaji highlighted the timely nature of the book launch, noting that it brings together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss how standardization drives Africa’s economic growth, promotes trade, innovation, and sustainable development, and offers a roadmap for policymakers, industry leaders, and academics navigating AfCFTA’s opportunities and challenges.
Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, Director General/Chief Executive of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), welcomed guests to the official unveiling of the two books, celebrating “Mama Africa” – Princess Marline Waziri – as a continental ambassador of quality, seasoned chemist, and dedicated public servant.
He described the two publications as complementary works that examine how standards evolve, shape economic systems, and can be deployed as strategic tools for Africa’s development within AfCFTA.
Dr. Okeke emphasized that AfCFTA’s success hinges on overcoming technical barriers such as differing standards, weak conformity assessment systems, and inconsistent quality infrastructure, and that Princess Waziri’s books position standardization as the primary remedy for these challenges.
Prof. Alex Dodoo, the former Director General (DG) Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and former President of ARSO (2022‑2025), authored the foreword to the two books, praising Dr. Waziri’s comprehensive treatment of standardisation from creation to modern status.
He noted that Dr. Waziri’s depth of knowledge, choice of language, and method of presentation make the book an enjoyable instructive experience for beginners and specialists alike, recommending it to all interested in standardisation across Africa.
In his foreword to “Standardization on the African Continent: An Antidote for African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”, Prof. Dodoo highlighted Dr. Waziri’s lucid exposition of regional cooperation, economic integration, and the role of international organisations in strengthening Africa’s quality infrastructure to support AfCFTA.
Princess Dr. Marline Sambo Waziri expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, royal fathers, international representatives, senior government officials, academia, civil society, private sector, media, and all attendees for their support during the launch of her two books.
She acknowledged the earlier launch in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and thanked Prof. Alex Dodoo, Dr. Ken Ukoha of NANT, diplomatic community, media, and her Chief of Staff for their encouragement, noting her intent to introduce standardization courses in Nigerian universities in collaboration with the AUC Nigerian University Commission.
Dr. Waziri concluded by urging attendees to carry forward a commitment to integrity, excellence, and compassion in standardization efforts, emphasizing that her five‑year work on the books aims to put smiles on Nigerians’ faces and contribute globally to Africa’s development.