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Tinubu declares open 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum meeting

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Tinubu declares open 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum meeting

By: Our Reporter

Borno targets durable solution for 5.5 million people – Zulum

The 5th edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum meeting has opened in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The Forum themed: “Rebuilding the Lake Chad: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community” have in attendance governors of the 8 states and provinces, traditional rulers, development and humanitarian organisations, civil society organisations amongst others being hosted by Yobe State government.

Declaring the event open, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called for cooperation and unity among countries in the Lake Chad Basin region.

The president, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the true enemy of the region as the non-state actors that exploit weak borders, poor governance and fragile economies to challenge our claim to civilization.

“We must not allow the geopolitical tensions across the world to sow discord among us, nor should we permit ourselves to become tools in any proxy agenda. The salvation of the Lake Chad region is neither in Europe nor in the Americas. It lies in the hands of all those gathered here today”, Tinubu stated.

He called for multifaceted approach to address the root causes of insecurity, poverty, inequality and lack of opportunities for our youth.

“It is a tragic irony that Africa, a continent with the youngest population in the world, sees its youth become cannon fodder for destructive ideologies and the drivers of conflict. This is the challenge before us: to transform this demographic dividend into a force for good”.

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, says he has committed 15% of the state’s annual budget for the provision of durable solutions to 5.5 million victims of Boko Haram insurgency.

“Our own strategy, spanning the years 2025-2027, is backed by a total budget of USD 2.7 billion, with Borno State committing 15% of its annual budget to the cause. This strategy targets the needs of approximately 5.5 million people, including 2 million IDPs, 500,000 refugees and 3 million other displaced individuals”, Governor Zulum stated.

The governor explained that the durable solutions strategy is anchored on a government-led, people-centered approach, and is designed to align with existing national and regional policies, noting that significant achievements in peacebuilding and social cohesion, particularly through dialogue, youth engagement, and the re-establishment of cross-border trade corridors have been recorded.

“Projects like the Banki Market project and other related infrastructure have been completed and handed over to the communities, fostering a sense of ownership and providing vital economic opportunities”, he said.

Zulum emphasized that his administration has prioritized agricultural transformation as a key pillar of our recovery strategy, with a focus on irrigation systems, resilient crop production and support for smallholder farmers to ensure food security for the people.

Governor Zulum described the Lake Chad Region as the future of Africa with its youthful and rapidly growing population, the region is positioned to become a major driver of economic progress and political leadership.

The potential of this region to shape the future of not only Africa but the world at large cannot be overstated, provided we continue to nurture its growth with the right support and strong political will necessary to address its challenges.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under whose leadership the following is ensured, peace and sustainable development that has enabled our on-going reconstruction, Rehabilitation and resettlement efforts, United Nations agencies and development partners.

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni described the Forum as a beacon of hope, serving as the cornerstone for strengthening and promoting good governance, cross-border cooperation, dialogue and coordinated action among the basin’s eight territories.

He remarked that commitments made during the meetings are instrumental in shaping policies and interventions that address the root causes of instability and lay the foundation for sustainable development.

He observed that the Lake Chad Basin faces multifaceted challenges that include: growing demography, security threats, limited infrastructure, climate change and socio-economic disparities that demand concerted efforts.

The ceremony was attended by members of the national assembly, ministers of agriculture and that of Livestock Development, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, United Nations agencies, Executive Secretary Lake Chad Basin Commission and International Development Organisations.

Tinubu declares open 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum meeting

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Borno belong to APC, Zulum affirms party supremacy, says we are for Tinubu

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Borno belong to APC, Zulum affirms party supremacy, says we are for Tinubu

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has stated that the state is an undisputed stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and remains loyal to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The governor made the assertion on Monday during flag-off of the APC Northeast e-registration workshop in Maiduguri.

The occasion, which brought together national party leadership, state executives, local government chairmen, and members of the national and state assemblies, was convened to ensure the party’s membership e-registration exercise as part of the digital reform process.

Governor Zulum, addressing the gathering, said, “I want to assure you that the Government of Borno State under my leadership will provide the desired support to ensure the success of the APC membership e-registration exercise in the north east.”

“Our party members in other states governed by other political parties will be supported to get captured.”

Zulum further stated, “Let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind, Borno State is 100% for the APC. Our loyalty to the party and its leadership is absolute,” Governor Zulum declared.

“Let us be frank and remember our recent history. Before the APC came to power, Borno State was on its knees. Our local governments were under siege, our economy was shattered, and our people were living in fear.”

“But look at where we are today. The narrative is shifting, and this shift is due to the relentless efforts and massive support from the APC-led federal government.”

“From the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, we received unprecedented support in our fight against terrorism. We witnessed the establishment of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), which has played a crucial role in rebuilding our communities and infrastructure.”

“Now, under our leader, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this support has not wavered; it has been strengthened. The President has shown a deep commitment to the final restoration of peace in Borno and the entire North-East. The Federal Government is actively collaborating with our administration to ensure the safe resettlement of our people and the rebuilding of their livelihoods.”

“The evidence is clear for all to see. The APC government at the federal level has been a true partner in our journey from the storm to normalcy. For the first time, our son became the Vice President of Nigeria under the APC.”

“I wish to reiterate my call to the good people of Borno State to join me in supporting the re-election of President Tinubu in the 2027 General Elections. Let us begin to build that momentum now. Let us work together to ensure his visionary leadership continues to guide our nation forward,” Zulum said.

Borno belong to APC, Zulum affirms party supremacy, says we are for Tinubu

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Newly coronated Hausa monarch of Makurdi dies after brief illness

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Newly coronated Hausa monarch of Makurdi dies after brief illness

By: Zagazola Makama

The newly coronated Hausa Monarch of Makurdi, His Royal Highness Alhaji Rayanu Sangami, has died after a brief illness.

According to the sources, Alhaji Sangami died on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State.

His remains were conveyed to Makurdi the same day and buried at about 11:20 a.m. according to Islamic rites.

The late monarch was coronated as the Sarkin Hausawa of Makurdi on Sept. 20, 2025.

Newly coronated Hausa monarch of Makurdi dies after brief illness

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MOTION Condemns Demolition of Homes in Oworonsoki

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MOTION Condemns Demolition of Homes in Oworonsoki

…Says Action, Genocide Against the Poor

By: Michael Mike

The Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOT!ON) has condemned in the strongest possible terms the alleged ongoing state-sponsored brutality and unlawful demolition of homes in Oworonsoki, Lagos.

The organisation, in a statement on Monday signed by Hauwa Mustapha and Chris Isiguzo, Convener and Co-Convener respectively, said reports confirmed that in the early hours of Sunday, armed policemen and hired thugs invaded the community, teargassed residents, and destroyed homes in defiance of a subsisting court injunction, adding that this brazen contempt for the rule of law, and disregard for human life and dignity, marks yet another dark chapter in the Lagos State Government’s deliberate war against the poor.

The statement read: “This is more disheartening against the fact that the world bank in October 2025 declared Nigeria to be home to 139 million people living in extreme poverty in its report.

One would have thought that the Nigerian government are collectively working hard to lift people out of poverty, unfortunately, the Lagos state government has allowed private interest to override public interest in complete defiance to an existing court order.”

It reminded that: “Nigeria is a signatory to the United Nation Convention on Human Rights. According to United Nation’s definition, forced evictions is the permanent or temporary removal against their will of individuals, families and/or communities from the homes and/or land which they occupy, without the provision of, and access to, appropriate forms of legal or other protection.

“And article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights states that the States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. The States Parties will take appropriate steps to ensure the realization of this right, recognizing to this effect the essential importance of international co-operation based on free consent.

“At the time of this press statement, over 7,000 housing units have already been lost in the Oworonsoki community- a home to the middle class and poorest office poor in Lagos state, with families, pregnant women, children, and the elderly rendered homeless overnight. This is the height of abuse of human rights, cruel treatment of the poor and brazen disregard for the rule of law.

“We want to state clearly that it is irresponsible for the Lagos State government to discard these structures as “illegal structures.” These are people’s lives, built over decades of labour, community, and love. To tear them down without dialogue, compensation, or relocation is not urban development. The Lagos State government is carrying out a social cleansing and a genocide against poor people.

“The government’s actions violate not only the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which makes the welfare of the citizens, including their housing welfare, the responsibility of the government, but also violate the basic principles of humanity and justice. When the state becomes the destroyer of homes rather than their protector, it ceases to be legitimate in the eyes of the people, and utterly useless.

We, therefore, demand an immediate cessation of all demolition activities involving the houses of the Nigerian people in Oworonshoki and across Lagos State, and across Nigeria, immediately. We demand full compliance with the court injunction issued by Justice A.G. Balogun, and an independent investigation into the involvement of armed police and hired thugs in the attack on residents.

“We demand a commensurate compensation and emergency housing for all displaced families, and a public apology and accountability from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Task Force leadership.

“MOT!ON stands with the displaced residents of Oworonshokiand every Nigerian community facing the tyranny of forced evictions and state violence. The struggle for transformation begins in the defense of ordinary lives against the machinery of greed and impunity.

“If the government insists on destroying homes under the cover of “development,” the people must insist on building a country where justice, not bulldozers, shapes our cities. We demand that the government stop the demolitions now. Stop the violence now. Return the people’s homes now!”

MOTiON is a collective force of Nigerians from mass democratic organisations, workers’ organisations, pro-democracy movements, movements for social justice, women groups, citizens groups, NGOs, academia, students and youth groups, and climate action groups. We are a movement of movements channeling shared anger, frustration and aspirations of Nigerians into purposeful action. Through concerted, strategic effort, we are engaging in citizens’ actions to address and overcome the root causes of Nigeria’s current state: elite capture, ineffective leadership, institutional corruption, insecurity, and the pervasive culture of impunity.

MOTION Condemns Demolition of Homes in Oworonsoki

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