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2022: My New Year Message to Borno people

Published

4 years ago

January 1, 2022

News Net Global

Borno: Zulum promises more support to security forces

2022: My New Year Message to Borno people

By: Governor Babagana Umara Zulum

Our dear people of Borno, at this important occasion of marking the beginning of the New Year, it is important to share information with you as part of our accountability to you. Regular clear communication provides an opportunity to let everyone know the direction of leadership so that citizens, partners and friends of Borno State would have a good understanding of what we have done, what we are doing and the direction we plan to take in the important responsibility of rebuilding our economy, rebuilding lives and livelihoods as a whole.

We must be very clear that there can be no livelihoods without lives. We continue to work tirelessly on issues of security so that we can guaranty physical security that would allow citizens to pursue their legitimate livelihoods in safety. In 2021, we took a number of steps to improve and strengthen security by supporting our forces including the vigilantes with tools, equipment and resources to discharge their duties well. The results of our proactive measures are beginning to show as we recorded fewer attacks and the security forces did marvelously well in protecting us. We are not yet where we would like to be but we are certainly making progress in the right direction. Consequently, I am committed to ensuring more support for our security forces and the indefatigable local vigilantes that are helping us.

Part of our strategy for strengthening resilience is the bold step that we took in closing down the internally displaced persons’ camps in Borno State as a whole. Although we have explained in details the reasons behind the action, for the sake of clarity, I will summarize as follows:

1. We closed the IDP camps to clean up the places and give our people dignity as well as purpose. Living in IDP camp is not what we are used to, or what we like as a people. Therefore, we believe that a safe life of dignity is a right for all the citizens of Borno, and indeed Nigeria.

2. The IDP camps were becoming a slum where all kinds of vices were happening including prostitution, drugs and thuggery in some cases. No responsible leadership will allow people to live an undignified life under its watch.

3. The idea of IDP camp was, and remains an interim measure to provide safety especially during the peak of the insurgency. Consequently, the camps were not meant to continue forever. The question of closure of the camp was not a matter of IF but when. Efficient managers would agree that there is no better time than now to get things done. As part of the closure, we continue to learn lessons, adapt our strategy and make necessary changes as we go along. The worst option would be to do nothing. We are not prepared to do nothing. Rather we are ready to do whatever it takes to restore the dignity of our people.

4. Keeping the camp open endlessly is not sustainable. This is because it becomes difficult to plan effectively for a dignified economic and social development of the people. The IDP camps would also eventually become too expensive to run with a possibility of causing far more harm than good. Take for example there are many potential difficulties one would expect if we chose the option of converting the camps to permanent structures for the people. If we succeed in building permanent structures, we need to ensure people have access to land, as many of our people are farmers.

We followed the best practices from around the world in the process of closing the camps. We will continue to listen to all well-meaning citizens, partners and friends who have ideas and suggestions to improve on the efforts that we are putting into this process. It is important to emphasise that the closure of the camps is not a political decision. It is a pragmatic action. Our administration puts the Borno people first in every decision. Our people remain the centrepiece of our strategy. We are aware that there would be some temporary inconvenience to people as they relocate. That is why we provide different palliative measures to strengthen their initial installation and stability in the new location. In our plans we have made for short, medium and long term measures to support our people returning their original places of origin where we can guaranty safety. We know that the return strategy would like have some issues we need to address or things we need to change. We will not abandon our people as we continue to work for the betterment of all.

Ahead of this New Year, I had on December 30, 2021, presented the budget of Borno State to the State House of Assembly. The budget is readily available for your information and I invite you to read it to understand what we plan to do in this 2022. We have put significant emphasis on education. You will notice this in percentage terms as Education takes the biggest part of the budget figures. Let me reassure you that other sectors are also strongly under focus and we plan to do more in agriculture, health, security and infrastructure. We will continue to modernize Borno State from the biggest towns to the smallest communities.

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Talking about infrastructure development, in 2022, we will continue to open up our rural communities by working on selected roads, and making lives better in our local government areas. I am convinced that better life in rural communities will translate to improvement in security and well-being of our people. What is good for the state capital is good for the remotest community of Borno.

Let me take this opportunity to appreciate the overwhelming support that we have enjoyed from all the people of Borno State and, indeed the recognition from other well-meaning Nigerians all over. Unfortunately, I have read with dismay certain comments in which some people compare our efforts with what other leaders are doing in their respective states in Nigeria. I wish to make it clear that our determination to work tirelessly for the people of Borno State should not be seen as anything of a surprise. Borno State suffered the most from the insurgency with so much carnage and damage to lives and livelihoods. Our peculiar situation in Borno State basically means that if we are not focused, we would have a significant Gulf in development to catch up with. I therefore humbly appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians not to compare leadership without taking into consideration the different realities that we face in our respective States. I have no doubt at all that each state is working according to their respective plans and the urgency of their situation.

Finally, as we enter this New Year 2022, I pray the Almighty Allah to grant us the wisdom to lead well, to be even more accountable and give us lasting peace in Borno State. For the citizens, we solicit for your continued support and understanding. Every decision that I make is always in the best interest of the State of Borno. Some decisions will yield immediate results while others may take some time to mature. We can cite examples of the roads and other infrastructure that we have completed whereas the work on finding lasting solutions to our electricity challenge is still going on. You will recall that I commissioned the start of the Borno State independent power plant on Thursday 30th September, 2021 by 11.00am in the morning. I keep track of projects and I keep track of the timeline for delivery. The work is still going on and it is on schedule to be delivered according to the timeline we agreed. Improved electricity supplies will improve the economic activities of our dear state.

I take this opportunity to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Government of Nigeria, international partners, the private sectors, our traditional leaders and friends of Borno State who have supported us strongly from the beginning. I thank very sincerely, the military, the police, our vigilantes and local hunters who have been making progress in the area of security. We must recognize the support of our entire team and the dedication with which they have been working. Thank you very much indeed. In 2022, I challenge you to do more for Borno State.

It is important to close this information session by assuring you that we will not be distracted by all kinds of speculations about the 2023 elections. There are those who work for elections and there are those who work for legacies. Our administration is committed to giving our best by keeping the promises we made for the current mandate. The serious business of working for the people of Borno State is enough occupation for us, as I believe that there is time and space for everything.

As you enjoy the holiday period, please be vigilant, be safe and keep all hygiene protocols to protect yourselves and your families.

Thank you and Happy New Year to you all.

Professor Babagana Umar Zulum

Governor of Borno State.

January 1, 2022.

2022: My New Year Message to Borno people

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Nigeria’s Keziah Jones Performs in Saudi Arabia at SAFAR Concert

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria’s Keziah Jones Performs in Saudi Arabia at SAFAR Concert

By: Michael Mike

The Saudi Museums Commission, one of 11 sectors under the Ministry of Culture, has presented Nigerian singer-songwriter Keziah Jones at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax (SAMoCA), as part of its SAFAR live music programme.

Performing in Riyadh for the first time, Jones captivated audiences with his distinctive ‘Blufunk’ sound, a fusion of blues, funk, and global influences in a set that was both high-energy and deeply resonant.

Known for his exceptional guitar work, distinct rhythms, and magnetic stage presence, Jones entertained the lively crowd by effortlessly moving between driving funk grooves tosoulful blues passages and moments of intimate storytelling.

The Blufunk pioneer’s setlist blended fan favourites with improvisational flourishes, drawing on his Yoruba heritage while incorporating elements of soul, jazz, and rock.

Jones’s Riyadh debut drew an enthusiastic audience, with many experiencing his genre-defying sound for the first time. The evening embodied SAFAR’s mission to present diverse musical voices and foster cross-cultural dialogue through live music.

SAMoCA at Jax launched the SAFAR concert series on 28 October with an electric concert by French musical collective Bon Entendeur. Known for blending electronic / electro-chillsounds with disco, funk, and hip-hop influences, the groupdelivered a captivating performance.

The SAFAR programme continues with multimedia duo Love & Revenge, returning to the city with their unique blend of music and cinematic visuals. They will deliver a workshop on Sunday 7 December, before performing at the SAMoCA at JAX Outdoor Arena on Monday 8 December at 9:00 PM.

The audio-visual duo will perform Agmal Layali, a bold reimagining of Oum Kalthoum’s timeless legacy, marking the 50th anniversary of her passing. Agmal Layali remixes some of Oum Kalthoum’s most iconic pieces with contemporary electronic music, layered with cinematic visuals for a multisensory experience.

Love & Revenge’s performance bridges Oum Kalthoum’sunique, emotionally driven artistry with modern soundscapes, creating a cultural dialogue that introduces the Queen of Tarab to new generations while celebrating the Arab world’s cultural heritage.
End

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Femi Falana Charges Youths to Defend Their Future, Hold Leaders Accountable

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Femi Falana Charges Youths to Defend Their Future, Hold Leaders Accountable

… Receives SAM Title from UNIAbuja Law Students

By: Michael Mike

Human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana has challenged Nigerian students and youths to take responsibility for defending their own future and holding leaders accountable for the country’s growing inequality and governance failures.

Speaking on Thursday during the conferment of honorary title of “Senior Advocate of the Masses” on him by the law students of the University of Abuja, Falana
expressed disappointment at what he described as the growing apathy among Nigerian youths toward national issues, contrasting it with the activism and courage that defined students of his generation.

He said: “I hardly want to go to campuses these days to address students, because I have come to the conclusion that Nigerian youths are not prepared to fight for their own future.

“When we were undergraduates, we had dreams and we fought to create a future for ourselves.”

He however lamented that corruption and mismanagement had crippled opportunities once available to young Nigerians, recalling how graduates in his time were guaranteed jobs even before completing their studies.

He reminisced that: “Before we wrote our final exams, employers came to our campuses to recruit us.

“By the time you finished your youth service, you had four or five job offers with car and housing loans waiting.”

Citing recent revelations by the National Assembly that over N210 trillion could not be accounted for in the books of government agencies, Falana wondered why such news had not provoked outrage among young Nigerians.

He said: “I read a story last week, which in our case, would have forced us to surround the National Assembly.

“Last week, the National Assembly revealed that above N210 trillion cannot be explained. That is enough to pay the nation’s humongous debts, create job opportunities for all of us, pay all our loans that have become debt traps, and give us hospitals without having to travel abroad.”

He added that: “And I’m challenging you, because we are going to take up that matter. But I’m here. So we are going to cross-fertilise ideas.”

Falana also used the opportunity to examine recent national controversies, including the altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a military officer in Abuja.

The newly decorated SAM, while condemning the officer’s obstruction of the minister’s statutory duties, however faulted the minister’s use of abusive language, saying public officials must respect citizens’ dignity.

Falana reminded law students of their moral and professional obligation to defend the oppressed and insist on accountability from those in power.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly matters (House of Representatives) Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju, had, in his goodwill message, described Mr. Falana as one of the best things that ever happened to legal profession in Nigeria.

Olarewaju recounted his personal experience working under Falana, recalling how the Senior Advocate’s open-door policy and commitment to nurturing young lawyers left an indelible mark on generations of practitioners.

He said: “Mr Falana will give you every opportunity you desire in life. You call him once, he picks your call. Even as busy as he is, he finds time to mentor and guide.

“He’s one man who grows people to the height they want.”

He also reminisced about Falana’s long-standing relationship with Nigerian students, narrating an incident from 1997 at the University of Ilorin when students defied restrictions to host the fiery lawyer for a lecture.

He said: “We blocked all entrances to the university because we wanted to see him. The government didn’t want Falana to speak, but we insisted. When he finally arrived, the police had no choice but to let him in. “That day, we made history.”

The Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, described Falana renowned human rights activism as a “rallying point of justice in Nigeria” and “an immortal figure in the fight for social equity.”

Abugu commented Falana for his lifelong dedication to defending the rights of the downtrodden and promoting justice beyond the courtroom.

He noted that his interventions had restored hope to countless Nigerians, especially students unjustly treated by authorities.

He lauded the veteran lawyer’s humility and commitment to mentorship.

President of Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), Uniabuja chapter, Muhammed Akingbolu, disclosed that the conferment of SAM on Femi Falana, was in recognition of his decades-long commitment to justice and public interest litigation.

He made the disclosure in his remarks during the Faculty’s 2024/2025 Legal Year Opening Ceremony in Abuja on Thursday.

The event was attended by legal practitioners, academics, and students who gathered to celebrate Falana’s enduring legacy in Nigerian jurisprudence and activism.

The LAWSAN President described Falana as a becon of hope, justice and a rare legal mind whose life embodies courage, humility, and mentorship.

Femi Falana Charges Youths to Defend Their Future, Hold Leaders Accountable

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Gov. Buni Reaffirms Commitment to Peace, Unity, Cultural Preservation as Ngizim Community Pledges Loyalty

Published

3 days ago

November 12, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Gov. Buni Reaffirms Commitment to Peace, Unity, Cultural Preservation as Ngizim Community Pledges Loyalty

By: Yusuf Ali

Yobe State Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN, FCIA, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, unity, and cultural preservation across the state.

The Governor made this known during the celebration of World Ngizim Day held at the historic Emir’s Palace in Potiskum, which brought together traditional rulers, government officials, cultural troupes, and well-wishers in a colourful display of Ngizim heritage and pride.

Represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Empowerment, and Employment Generation, Hon. Alhaji Aji Alh Aji Yerima Bularafa (Mal Terab of Gujba), Governor Buni commended the Ngizim people for their immense contributions to the growth and development of Yobe State.

He described culture as a vital pillar of identity, unity, and community cohesion, noting that his administration will continue to support initiatives that strengthen inter-communal harmony and preserve the state’s diverse cultural values.

Delivering the Governor’s goodwill message, Hon. Bularafa emphasized the importance of cultural festivals in fostering understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among Yobe’s various ethnic groups. He also encouraged the Ngizim community to uphold their rich traditions while embracing modern education, entrepreneurship, and skills development for sustainable growth.

The event featured traditional dances, cultural performances, and award presentations recognizing outstanding individuals who have contributed to the progress of the Ngizim Nation. Participants lauded Governor Buni for his sustained efforts to promote cultural heritage and social harmony across the state.

In appreciation, the Ngizim community renewed their pledge of loyalty and cooperation with the Yobe State Government, assuring the Governor of their continuous support for his policies and programmes aimed at fostering peace and development.

The World Ngizim Day celebration once again highlighted Governor Buni’s dedication to peace, inclusivity, and the preservation of Yobe’s rich cultural identity while building a prosperous and united state.

Gov. Buni Reaffirms Commitment to Peace, Unity, Cultural Preservation as Ngizim Community Pledges Loyalty