In Malam-Fatori, Zulum meets soldiers, returnees

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, visited Malam-Factori, headquarters of Abadam Local Government, on Sunday, engaging directly with soldiers and returnees.

The visit was aimed at encouraging the military in their effort to restore normalcy and build community resilience.

Malam-Fatori is a border community located on the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin which was displaced by terrorists about 9 years ago.

At the 68 battalion headquarters where he interfaced with commanding officers and troops, Zulum commended them for their gallantry in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and restoring peace.

“On behalf of myself and the good people of Borno State, I want to commend the officers and men of the 68th battalion. There was an attack by terrorists a few days ago here, and you gallantly repelled it, giving them a deadly blow. Once again, I commend you for your gallantry,” Zulum stated.

Addressing the returnees, mostly from the neighbouring Niger Republic, Zulum urged them to be vigilant and to report any suspicious person or movement to security personnel.

“The government is working tirelessly to provide the support needed for sustainable peace in this community. Insha Allah, Malam-Fatori has come to stay. We will do everything possible to keep this town standing,” Zulum stated, promising increased security measures and development initiatives.

Zulum was accompanied by the Chairman of Malam-Fatori Resettlement Committee, Engr Bukar Talba, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, and the permanent secretary of the government house, Mustapha Ali Busuguma, among other senior government officials.

In Malam-Fatori, Zulum meets soldiers, returnees

FCT Wins the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has won the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate tournament with 7 Gold, 5 Silver and 3 Bronze Medals

Anambra State came in Second with 6 Gold, 6 Silver and 2 Bronze, while Bayelsa State was Bayelsa State was Third with 4 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze Medals.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the competition in Abuja, the Japanese Ambassador in Nigeria, Hideo Suzuki said his country is happy to sponsor the tournament as a token of a contribution into sport development in Nigeria.

He said: “It is a great honour for me to be able to attend the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Tournament in Nigeria today. I am proud that we can continue this wonderful tradition, providing a platform to showcase the impressive skills and spirit of Nigeria’s karateka.”

He added that: “I was deeply impressed by not only the skill, but also profound human character, and passion for karate. Indeed, every participant here has embodied the fundamental principles that make karate more than just a sport: discipline, integrity, respect for one’s opponent, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement and excellence.

“To the athletes, congratulations on your wonderful performances. The strength you cultivated in the dojo will surely serve you well in life and in your communities.
The success of this tournament is a testament to the collaborative spirit of many people.

“My heartfelt thanks go out to Nigeria Karate Federation, officials, coaches, judges and all those who worked behind the scenes to make this event possible.
Next month, Nigeria will host the first-ever African Karate Championship. I understand this is a remarkable achievement, and I offer my heartfelt congratulations on this milestone. I am confident that the success of this tournament will contribute to the further development of karate at the regional level.”

He added that: “May the practice of karate continue to foster discipline, build character, and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our nations.”

FCT Wins the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament

Zulum Gets NUJ Media Friendly Governor
…Commends Journalists for Objective Reportage

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has awarded Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum with its prestigious media friendly award.

The event was held on Saturday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Conference Centre, Abuja, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Union.

Zulum had won multiple award in the past owing to his outstanding achievements and style of leadership. Some of the earlier awards were the NUJ Good Governance Award, 2024; NUJ most promising first term governor in 2019; Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award, 2024, among others.

In his remark shortly after receiving the award, Governor Zulum, represented by his acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe, expressed gratitude to the Union for the recognition bestowed on him as the “Media-Friendly Governor”.

He said: “This award is not just an accolade for me personally, but a testament to the thriving partnership between Borno State Government and the media. It underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where a free, vibrant and responsible press can flourish.”

He remarked that the NUJ, for decades has stood as a bulwark for truth, a voice for the voiceless, and a critical pillar of our democracy, performing their core function of informing, educating and holding leadership accountable, which has in a no small measure shaped the nation’s narrative and guide its progress.

“In Borno State, we have witnessed firsthand the invaluable role journalists play, often at great personal risk, in bringing to light the challenges we face and celebrate our resilience,” he stressed.

Zulum described the media as an ‘indispensable ally’, emphasizing that their objective reportage helps to communicate his administration’s effort, address misconceptions, and gather vital feedback from the populace. We believe that a well-informed citizenry is essential for good governance and sustainable development.

“On this significant anniversary, i reaffirmed my commitment to supporting the media in Borno State and beyond. I congratulate the NUJ on 70 years of impactful service to Nigeria. May your noble profession continue to thrive, and may you continue to be a beacon of truth and integrity,” the governor added.

The governor also used the opportunity to urge the NUJ and media professionals to take full advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in the areas of automation of routine tasks, personalization and audience engagement, efficiency and speed, and be wary of misinformation, disinformation and ethical concerns.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, who represented President Bola Tinubu pledged to continue to uphold the principles of freedom of speech and the media.

“I want to reassure you, that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to uphold and advance policies that promote media freedom and to partner with NUJ to changing media landscape in the country,” he promised.

The acting Chief of Staff was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Alhaji Aminu Chamalwa.

The NUJ at 70 anniversary award was graced by many distinguished personalities including deputy governors of Kano, Bauchi, Oyo and Ondo states, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, Heads of federal media establishments, past presidents of the Union, veteran journalists and media professionals across the country.

Zulum Gets NUJ Media Friendly Governor