Emir of Fune celebrates 25 years on the throne

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Emir of Fune in Yobe State, Alhaji Dr. Saleh Idriss Ibn Usman, on Saturday, 28th June, 2025, celebrates his 25th anniversary on the throne. The colorful historic occasion was held at the emir’s place in Damagum, the headquarters of the emirate.

Alhaji Dr. Saleh Idriss Ibn Usman expressed his gratitude to Yobe State Governor, His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN, Chiroman Gujba, and Sardaunan Fune for his continued support given to the emirate. He said he was appointed as Emir of Fune in 2000 after the demise of his senior brother, the late Alhaji Mohammed Shuwa, and within these 25 years, the emirate witnessed a lot of achievements and infrastructural development.

The royal father appealed to the people of his domain to redouble their efforts in engaging in farming activities so as to enable them to have enough food security in the domain, in Yobe State, and in Nigeria as a whole. And he also charged them to register their wards into school, as he said no development could be achieved withouteducation.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, who is also the Wazirin Fune Emirate Council, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, said the event was a milestone in the life of Alhaji Dr. Saleh Idriss Ibn Usman, noting that spending 25 years on the throne is a rare blessing from Allah (SWT) and he is worth celebrating.

The deputy governor congratulated the emir for the historic milestone of celebrating his silver jubilee on the throne and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the emir more beneficial years in steering the affairs of the emirate. He said the administration of Mai Mala Buni holds traditional rulers in high esteem and recognizes their fatherly role in giving crucial advice to the government as well as promoting mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among the various groups living within their domain.

In his remarks, His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai, who spoke on behalf of all the emirs and chiefs, urged the royal fathers to work for the unity and peace of their respective domains, and he congratulated the emir of Fune, Alhaji Dr. Saleh Idriss Ibn Usman, for clocking 25 years on the throne.

In a vote of thanks, the Madakin Fune and National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umaru Iliya Damagum, expressed appreciation and thanked all the personalities for honoring the invitation and appealed to the people of the emirate to complement the efforts of the Yobe state government in supporting the emirate.

The personalities who attended the occasion include the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo; former Deputy Governor of Adamawa State Siege Crowth; former President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON, Sardaunan Bade; Shehu of Borno; Emirs of Fika, Bauchi, Bade, Damaturu, Machina, Misau, Balawaje, Kaltingo, Biu, Ningi, UBA, Nafada, Yusufari, Tikau, Pataskum, Jajere, Mai Tangale, Nguru, and Dukku; and representatives of the Emirs of Zazzau and Gaya Emirates.

Other dignitaries attending the occasion included the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Baba Malam Wali mni; Head of Service, Alhaji Tonga Betara; Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio; and commissioners, among others.

The occasion also witnessed a wedding ceremony and the turbanning of kingmakers and council members as well as district heads of the emirate. Also, the Emir of Fune, Alhaji Saleh Idriss Ibn Usman, led a colorful burbar.

Emir of Fune celebrates 25 years on the throne

Youth Leader Calls for Extension of Tenure of NCS Comptroller General

By: Michael Mike

A foremost youth leader, Dr. Raymond Edoh has called for the extension of the tenure of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi
following his recent appointment as the Chairperson World Customs Organisation, the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.

Edoh said the extension is necessary to reward him following an overwhelming glory he has brought to Nigeria with his appointment as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation.

He said: “This is a glory for Nigeria. It has never happened before. This has been a long-awaited dream for Africa, only to be surprised to have it bagged by the Nigerian Adewale Adeniyi, the CG Customs, Nigeria Customs Service.

“The challenge now is, if his tenure is not elongated, Nigeria as a country, as well as Africa, will lose this most influential position within the Customs macrocosm, and the negative implication would be enormous.

“Against this backdrop, I, Dr. Raymond Edoh, call on the federal government to kindly extend his tenure so that Nigeria as a country and Africa at large can enjoy the accrued benefits associated with the position therein”.

Edoh, while congratulating Adeniyi, described him as a hardworking leader and passionate administrator per excellence, assuring WCO that he would make the organisation proud in his tenure.

He said: “In a resounding affirmation of confidence, members of the WCO elected Adewale Adeniyi to lead the organisation, recognising his commitment to enhancing international customs cooperation, trade facilitation, and effective border management. This significant appointment not only underscores Adeniyi’s exemplary leadership within the Nigeria Customs Service but also highlights Nigeria’s increasing influence in global affairs, particularly in customs and trade.

“The WCO plays a pivotal role in establishing international customs standards and practices, fostering global trade and economic development. With Adeniyi at the helm, we are sure he would birth strategic advancements that align with the goals of the WCO, emphasising digital transformation in customs procedures, addressing illicit trade challenges, and promoting sustainable practices”.

Edoh further stated that: “Adewale Adeniyi’s election as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation is not merely a personal achievement but a victory for Nigeria and a monumental step towards strengthening our role on the global stage. His leadership will undoubtedly foster a collaborative approach to customs that will benefit not just Nigeria but all nations in the collective pursuit of economic prosperity and security.

“Adewale Adeniyi has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a profound understanding of customs issues over his years of service in the Nigeria Customs Service. He has initiated various reforms aimed at modernising customs operations, reducing trade barriers, and increasing revenue generation. His vision for a more efficient customs system aligns with the WCO’s objectives and mirrors the aspirations of the Nigerian youth, who seek a brighter future characterised by integrity, transparency, and innovation in all sectors.

He noted that: “The youth of Nigeria are especially proud of this achievement. It serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with determination and a clear vision, we can achieve positions of influence on the global platform. This is an inspiration to young leaders across Nigeria, proving that we are capable of driving change and impacting our communities on a larger scale.”

He said under Adeniyi’s leadership, there is an anticipated focus on technology and innovation as key drivers of customs reform. The integration of advanced technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, can streamline customs procedures, reducing delays and enhancing efficiency. This move towards digitalised customs processes will facilitate smoother international trade and strengthen the global supply chain.

He added that: “Adewale Adeniyi has always taken a stand against illicit trade practices. His leadership in the WCO presents an opportunity to tackle these critical issues with a comprehensive and collaborative approach, ensuring that customs administrations worldwide can effectively combat these challenges while promoting legitimate trade.

“The appointment of Adewale Adeniyi comes at an opportune moment when there is a growing need for enhanced cooperation among customs authorities globally. In light of recent global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, strong leadership in customs administration is essential to ensure that trade continues to flow unhindered. Adeniyi’s election is a strategic move towards stabilising the global trading environment and ensuring that customs systems are resilient against future challenges.

He however urged all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society, to rally behind Adewale Adeniyi’s leadership, stressing that: “It is imperative that we work together to achieve the WCO’s goals. “Collaboration will be key in ensuring that customs administrations operate effectively, facilitating trade while safeguarding our economies and societies.”

Dr. Raymond Edoh is a renowned youth leader and advocate for youth and sustainable development in Nigeria. With a deep passion for empowering young people and promoting progressive governance, Dr. Edoh has been at the forefront of various initiatives aimed at fostering youth participation in leadership and decision-making processes. He continues to inspire the next generation of leaders through his dedicated efforts and exceptional leadership skills.
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Three Fulani women abducted by gunmen in Kwara

By: Zagazola Makama

Atleast three Fulani women were abducted by armed hoodlums who attacked Awi village, a Fulani/Hausa camp near Omu-Aran, under sporadic gunfire.

Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on June 29 at about 1:00 a.m. and was reported later that morning by one Danbare Sarki Fulani, a community leader.

The victims were identified as: Halimi Kadiri, Gaaje Yusuf, and a nursing mother Maria Isah. All the victims are said to be of Fulani Bororo origin.

Upon receipt of the report at about 10:00 a.m., a team security operatives and members of the local vigilante group was immediately mobilised to the scene and began combing the nearby forests,” the statement said.

Additionally, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) team attached to Omu-Aran, alongside neighbouring Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and local vigilantes, have launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation aimed at locating the victims and apprehending the perpetrators.

Police sources confirmed that investigation is ongoing and assured the public of continued efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted women and restoration of peace in the area.

Three Fulani women abducted by gunmen in Kwara