Zulum presents working tools to 150 almajirai trained in vocational skills

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has presented working tools to 150 almajirai students trained in vocational skills by his administration.

The training covered a variety of trades, including electrical installation and repair work, solar installation and repair work, leatherwork, welding, carpentry and building construction.

The initiative also includes cash support to enable beneficiaries to start their trades and contribute to the society’s development.

It seeks to enhance individual capabilities, uplift communities and provide almajirai with sustainable pathways to economic independence.

Delivering his address, Governor Zulum emphasised that his administration would continue to foster opportunities for the almajiri learners to secure a brighter future.

“By attending this training programme, you have taken a crucial step towards securing your future; equipped with new skills, you now have the power to transform your dreams into
reality.

“As the Governor of Borno State, I assure you that our Government remains fully committed to supporting the Sangaya Islamic education. We will continue investing in Sangaya educational resources to ensure every learner can access quality teaching and learning essentials,” he stated.

Zulum, however, expressed concern about the rising cases of molestation of children in the guise of teaching Islamic education.

He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to address a critical concern: the safety and well-being of our Sangaya learners. I stand firm in the commitment that the Borno State Government will not tolerate any form of molestation or violence, such as caning against any Almajiri. Every one of you, regardless of your background, deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.

“Our commitment to safeguarding children extends beyond the Almajiri; it encompasses all children. We must work collectively to ensure our society embraces every child without prejudice. This pledge is not merely a statement; it is a call to action for every parent, educator, and community leader to safeguard the rights of our Sangaya learners.”

Speaking earlier, the chairman of Borno Sangaya Board, Kalifa Aliyu Ahmad Abulfatahi, said the programme was unveiled in 2023 as part of Zulum’s resolve to address the challenges faced by almajiri children who are traditionally engaged in Islamic schooling and often lack access to formal education and opportunities.

Sheikh Kalifa noted that the training was organised in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Board.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, who was represented by the Special Adviser in the ministry, Dr Bukar Tijjani, said that besides the  training, the ministry had partnered with colleges, including the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, to provide certification for almajiri learners.

Zulum was accompanied by the members of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba and Hon Usman Zannah, the State APC Chairman, Hon Bello Ayuba, Shehu of Borno, ably represented among other dignitaries.

Zulum presents working tools to 150 almajirai trained in vocational skills

Insecurity: Zulum hosts northern Emirs in Maiduguri

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, hosted Northern Traditional Rulers Council for its 7th Executive Committee Meeting on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The meeting aims to tackle the rising insecurity plaguing Northern Nigeria.

The meeting with the theme, “Enhanced Security As A Panacea For Stability and Development of the North” was declared open by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who was represented by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

In his remarks earlier, Governor Zulum highlighted security and peacebuilding, agriculture and youth empowerment as the critical pillars of sustainable development in the northern region.

The Governor also called on all stakeholders to focus on providing opportunities for the youth in northern Nigeria. He said, “our youth population is large, energetic and eager to contribute, but many are without opportunities. This vacuum is dangerous. We must invest heavily in skills acquisition, vocational education, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship. Empowered youths are not only less vulnerable to crime or radicalisation, they become active agents of development.”

Governor Zulum also stressed that agriculture had remained the economic lifeline for the north, hence a deliberate effort is needed to enhance farming activities across the region.

“With vast arable land and a population well-versed in farming, agriculture is our greatest opportunity. However, insecurity has displaced farmers and halted rural productivity. We must secure our farmlands and support modern agricultural practices to restore livelihoods and reduce dependency. In Borno, we are expanding access to inputs, mechanised farming and irrigation despite the challenges, and the results are promising,” Zulum said.

He added, “On behalf of the government and good people of Borno State, I assure you of our commitment to peace, justice and shared progress. Together, with faith and determination, we will rebuild the north physically, socially and economically.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, explained that the meeting in Borno was to strengthen unity among states in the north and to deliberate on the situation in the region to support the political leadership in addressing series of problems across the north.

The National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff and Inspector General of Police were all represented.

Also in attendance were the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Gombe, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, represented by his Deputy, Manassah Daniel Jatau, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai, among many other Emirs across the 19 states of the northern region.

Insecurity: Zulum hosts northern Emirs in Maiduguri

Zulum Orders Arrest and Prosecution of Molester of a Minor in Viral Video

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has ordered the immediate prosecution of Bukar Modu, a man seen in a viral video molesting a minor (Bashir Gaji).

The man was subsequently arrested on Saturday night at Umarari in Maiduguri, following the governor’s directive.

Zulum gave the order when he met with little Bashir Gaji at Government House, Maiduguri.

The video which has sparked outrage across social media platforms, highlights a grave violation of children’s rights and the urgent need for a robust response from law enforcement and judicial authorities.

Zulum while giving the order, emphasised that his administration will not tolerate any form of abuse or exploitation of minors and directed swift action to bring the perpetrator to justice.

He said: “This heinous act is an affront on our values and a betrayal of our duty to protect our children, students and minors who are under our guardianship,” Governor Zulum said. “We cannot tolerate such actions perpetually repeating itself. I am directing the relevant authorities to move swiftly and ensure that this individual faces the full extent of the law. Our children deserve a safe environment to grow and become meaningful members of society.”

Meanwhile, the governor directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to devise modalities for increased community awareness programmes to educate families and local traditional teachers and guardians on the proper means of enforcing discipline on children.

The governor, who later met with the little Bashir Gaji on Sunday at the Government House, announced that he would provide a fully furnished house for Bukar and his family and a scholarship to cover his education.

Little Gaji’s family currently live in an IDP camp in Monguno after his father was assassinated by Boko Haram insurgents.

Zulum Orders Arrest and Prosecution of Molester of a Minor in Viral Video