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Minister-nominee: Dr Mariya Mahmoud, an epitome of professionalism and compassion
Minister-nominee: Dr Mariya Mahmoud, an epitome of professionalism and compassion
By: Dr Saleh Abba
Time flown by and it’s been incredibly four years since I last connected with the extraordinary Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure. But let me tell you, the impact she continues to make in people’s lives is simply awe-inspiring. A captivating journey filled with love, resilience, and unwavering support.
Mariya — more than just a devoted housewife, she personifies the ideal partner that any man would be proud to have by his side. Her dedication to creating a loving home, filled with warmth and care, knows no boundaries.
Hailing proudly from the beautiful town of Bunkure in Kano State, Mariya embodies the values and traditions of her heritage. Like a guiding light, she carries the spirit of her hometown wherever she goes, igniting positivity and strength in all those she encounters.
But it is in her role as a mother that Mariya truly shines; she isn’t simply an excellent mother, she is a fierce protector, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every child under her watchful eye.
Her love, compassion, and unwavering commitment nurture and empower the next generation.
As a sister, Dr Mariya Mahmoud goes above and beyond, consistently exceeding expectations. She is an unwavering source of support, always there to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Her sisters know they can rely on her without hesitation, as she never fails to inspire and uplift them.
Mariya’s philanthropic endeavors are legendary, driven by an unquenchable thirst to make a difference – a philanthropist who never tires, constantly seeking out new ways to impact lives positively. With her tireless dedication, she transforms the world around her one act of kindness at a time.
But let’s not forget that Mariya is also a force to be reckoned with in her professional life as a talented family physician. Her love for her job knows no bounds, as she combines her expertise with a deep sense of care and compassion. Through her healing hands and kind heart, she touches the lives of countless patients, leaving a lasting imprint of hope and wellness.
And let me share with you a truly remarkable story that encapsulates the extraordinary nature of Dr Mariya Mahmoud. Together, we once supported a divorcee battling severe depression. With her unwavering encouragement, Mariya convinced me to conduct a home visit. What followed was nothing short of life-changing. Mariya took it upon herself to care for this woman and her children, and their lives were forever transformed by her selflessness and compassion. To this day, that woman continues to communicate with me, eternally grateful for what Mariya did for her through our joint efforts.
Dr Mariya Mahmoud, an iron lady, has touched the lives of many with her indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication. Her boundless love, strength, and passion for making a difference inspire all those fortunate enough to cross her path.
May the world continue to be illuminated by incredible individuals like Dr Mariya Mahmoud, who shape lives, foster empowerment, and leave an eternal legacy of love and compassion.
Congratulations to our brand new minister norminee, May Allah bless and guide you through your national assignment.
~Dr Saleh Abba is a family physician with Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano.
Minister-nominee: Dr Mariya Mahmoud, an epitome of professionalism and compassion
News
Troops ambush terrorists along Marte–Dikwa road, recover logistics in Borno
Troops ambush terrorists along Marte–Dikwa road, recover logistics in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully ambushed Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Marte–Dikwa axis of Borno, forcing them to flee and abandoning logistics items.
A military source said the operation was conducted in the early hours of Thursday by a combined team of 50 Task Force Battalion/24 Task Force Brigade and 134 Special Forces Battalion, supported by volunteer forces.
The source disclosed that the troops, who had laid in wait at Momoh village along the Marte–Dikwa road, made contact with the insurgents moving on bicycles at about 12:45 a.m.
“On sighting the terrorists, the troops engaged them decisively, compelling them to retreat in disarray,” the source said.
He added that troops immediately carried out exploitation of the general area, leading to the recovery of eight bicycles believed to have been used by the insurgents for mobility, as well as some beverages suspected to be part of their logistics supply.
The Marte–Dikwa axis has remained a critical corridor in counter-insurgency operations, with sustained military pressure limiting the activities of insurgents in the area.
The source reaffirmed the commitment of troops to sustain aggressive operations to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure the safety of communities across Borno.
Troops ambush terrorists along Marte–Dikwa road, recover logistics in Borno
News
Army troops neutralized 8 Boko Haram in Borno failed attack, recover arms
Army troops neutralized 8 Boko Haram in Borno failed attack, recover arms
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on a Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau, Borno, killing several insurgents and recovering arms and ammunition.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday when terrorists advanced from multiple directions toward the base.
According to the source, troops who had taken ambush positions engaged the insurgents with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
“The troops demonstrated resilience and tactical superiority, effectively repelling the assault and immediately launching a counter-exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route, inflicting further casualties on the fleeing insurgents,” the source said.

He confirmed that no personnel of the Nigerian military was killed during the encounter, although one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.
The source added that at least eight terrorists were neutralised during the operation, while troops recovered seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four RPG bombs, and a cache of ammunition.
“Blood trails were observed along the withdrawal routes, indicating that several other insurgents escaped with gunshot wounds,” he said.
He further disclosed that injured personnel from the encounter were currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility in Biu.
Zagazola gathered that additional bodies of fleeing terrorists were sighted along their escape corridors toward the Timbuktu Triangle, a known insurgent enclave. We saw four more bodies,” said sources.
The military sources also revealed that abandoned weapons and casualties were observed in Garin Mallum and Garin Gajere, suggesting heavy losses suffered by the insurgents during the failed attack.
The military leadership urged to sustain the operational tempo, retain the initiative, and consolidate on the gains recorded against the insurgents.
Army troops neutralized 8 Boko Haram in Borno failed attack, recover arms
News
Nigeria Positions Itself for Global Space Leadership at Satellite Week 2026
Nigeria Positions Itself for Global Space Leadership at Satellite Week 2026
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria is set to sharpen its policy direction in the global space ecosystem as Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited prepares to host the 2026 Nigerian Satellite Week in Abuja.
The Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Egerton-Idehen, disclosed this in a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Corporate Communications, Stephen Kwande, noting that the event will convene top government officials, regulators, and international stakeholders to shape the future of satellite governance and digital infrastructure.
Egerton-Idehen said the forum is coming at a critical time when countries around the world are strengthening their space capabilities as part of broader national development strategies.
According to her, satellite technology is increasingly linked to economic growth, national security, and digital connectivity, making strategic investments in space infrastructure a priority for many nations.
She explained that the conference is expected to attract high-level participation, including cabinet members, defence authorities, development finance institutions, and technology innovators from across Africa.
The NIGCOMSAT boss also highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in global space policy, pointing to her emergence as Vice Chair of the Global Satellite Operators Association as a sign of the country’s expanding role in international satellite governance.
She further cited ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the Kenya Space Agency as part of broader efforts to strengthen partnerships within Africa’s evolving space ecosystem.
Egerton-Idehen described the upcoming satellite week as both a reflection of Nigeria’s 20-year journey in satellite development and a strategic platform to define the country’s next phase in an increasingly competitive global space economy.
Nigeria Positions Itself for Global Space Leadership at Satellite Week 2026
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