Zulum commissions remodelled State Hotel

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has commissioned the remodelled Borno State Hotel in Maiduguri on Monday.

The remodelled State Hotel showcases a blend of contemporary design and traditional Borno architecture. It has upgraded facilities, including a state-of-the-art conference hall, luxurious suites, and a restaurant that serves local Borno and international cuisine.

Speaking to journalists after the brief ceremony, Zulum noted that the project will foster economic growth, create job opportunities for the youth and generate revenue for the state.

Zulum also announced that his administration has started the reconstruction of Maiduguri International Hotel, which is also owned by Borno State Government.

He said: “The State Hotel has been rehabilitated very well; my administration is working towards investment that can sustain the state even without federal allocation; one way we can do this is by ensuring that we revive most of our moribund institutions, and this hotel is one of them.”

“We shall diversify our investment to ensure we earn revenue aside from the normal statutory allocation from the federation account. Within the remaining time as the governor of Borno State, we will invest in sectors that will yield more dividends to the government.”

Zulum strongly warned that management should ensure that all services rendered to the government, public officials and politicians are duly paid.

The occasion was attended by the Secretary to Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, Head of Service, Barrister Mallam Fannami, commissioners and other senior government officials.

Zulum commissions remodelled State Hotel

Flood: Committee disburses N18. 08 to 101,330 households as Zulum receives report

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has received the final report from the flood relief disbursement committee with about N18.08b distributed to over 101,330 families.

Providing details on the fund’s disbursement to the Governor at the council chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri on Monday, the Chairman of the committee, Engr Baba Bukar Gujibawu, revealed that ₦18.08 billion was distributed in cash to the displaced households alongside food and non-food items. Contributions totalling ₦4.3 billion from UNHCR, WFP, FAO, UNDP and other partners were instrumental in addressing immediate needs.

Gujibawu emphasised that over one million people were affected by the recent flood, with 101,330 households displaced. The disaster also resulted in the destruction of public infrastructure and farmlands and the loss of human lives.

He said the committee received a total of ₦28.2 billion through a basket fund supported by the Federal and State Governments, corporate organisations and individuals. This includes a significant ₦10 billion contribution from Borno State Government. In addition, the committee received donations of drugs, medical supplies, food and other essential items valued at billions of naira.

“The committee also allocated ₦987 million to assist 7,716 traders in affected markets, ₦313 million to 814 worship centres, ₦213 million to 267 private schools, ₦89.4 million to 1,788 youths who contributed during the flood, and ₦12.5 million to 22 private clinics”, Gujbawu stated.

The committee recommended that the remaining ₦4.45 billion be used to rehabilitate earth roads in flood-hit areas, including the Gongulong and Old Maiduguri roads. The remaining food and non-food items will be distributed to host communities.

Engr. Gujbawu expressed gratitude to Governor Babagana Zulum for his non-interference in the committee’s work and commended members for their dedication and resilience.

Responding, Governor Zulum assured the committee of implementing all the recommendations submitted, directing the immediate activation of a permanent disaster response structure at the state emergency management agency (SEMA).

Zulum also directed the Secretary to the State Government to devise modalities for properly capturing street names and house numbers in all communities within the state capital and its environs.

The governor also directed the Ministry of Works to immediately reconstruct the road networks destroyed by flood in different communities.

Zulum commended the federal government for its huge support to victims of Maiduguri flood disaster. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership to the people of Borno during the flood disaster.

The governor also commended the committee for its extensive work: “Let me commend the members of this important committee for your meticulous work. In sha Allah, posterity will judge you positively.”

Flood: Committee disburses N18. 08 to 101,330 households as Zulum receives report

Nigeria Condoles South Korea Over Air Crash

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian government has condoled the government and people of the Republic of Korea over an ill fated air crash that left 169 people onboard dead.

The federal government message was expressed in a statement signed on Sunday by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa,

The statement read: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to express her sincere condolences to the Government and People of the Republic of Korea for the unfortunate crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 that occurred on Sunday, December 29th, 2024.

“According to reports, the Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air was returning from Bangkok, Thailand when it crash-landed at the Muan International Airport in the southern part of the country, skidding off the runway and crashing into a wall in a fiery explosion. A total of 179 of the 181 people on board the aircraft were killed, with just two survivors.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria sympathizes with the Government of South Korea and the families of the victims of the deadly plane crash.”

Nigeria Condoles South Korea Over Air Crash