News
Residents in Borno urged to stop construction of sewage pits outside their compounds
Residents in Borno urged to stop construction of sewage pits outside their compounds
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Director of Public and Community Health of the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Mala Abdulwahab has called on residents of the state to stop building sewage pits outside their homes.
The Director lamented recently that some residents even channel faeces from their homes into general drainage systems in the metropolis and that he noted has contributed to the spread of a lot of communicable diseases in the state.
Mala made the observations during a recent round table review on the prevalence of zero dose children with Bulamas of eight affected council areas in the state.
Dr Mala called on residents to stop the wrong practice of building their soakaways far outside their residential homes into government lands and streets not designed for such purposes.
He called on the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) to do more in ensuring that the badly affected gutters of the city are cleared from dangerous garbages and pollutants which can cause infections like polio and many other diseases.
Mala expressed dissatisfaction about the State of some of the gutters in the city of Maiduguri which has become direct avenues for sewage to be emptied from some houses adding that it is high time residents stop construction of soakaways outside their compounds but rather take them into their compounds.
The Director called on residents to repent from some of these deliberate acts by changing their ways concerning the weaknesses in the hygiene level of greater Maiduguri which was badly exposed during the last September flood which enveloped the entire city centre.
Mala regretted that up till now, a lot of kids have not taken the penta dose of the vaccines slated for age (0 to 59) months adding that they should do something about changing the wrong narrative prevalent in the state.
The Director called on the Local immunization officers (LIO’s) to listen to the challenges of the people as they carry out the campaigns adding that results can only be gotten when there is collaboration between them and the residents.
He said that there was need for the next batch of campaigners in conjunction with the LIO’S to work hard to clear off these challenges which increases the prevalence of zero doses in the state.
Mala further called for the extension of their times within the schedule of routine immunization where necessary adding that the LIO’s and their teams should really mind how these lingering lapses can be corrected for success to be achieved against the next campaign.
On their approach to expected resistances from residents, he advised them to be as modest as possible even as they avoid any temptation of over dressing coupled with outright display of flamboyant life styles in the name of serious grassroot campaigns like this.
Dr Mala advised that messages from immunization officers would only be accepted when there is freedom of expression from traditional rulers and the council of ulamas.
The director of community health regretted that some of the LIO’s are weak adding that they are supposed to be stronger than they are being portrayed within the contemporary primary health sector
Reactions from the round table
During a question and answer session after a presentation by Ishmael Auwal, participants were advised to reduce the prevalence of too much English language in their campaigns stressing that English has increased the bane of misunderstanding among some locals adding that there is need to embed local language translators into the system when developing such plans.
According to Auwal, most of the children placed in this categorization can be found both in the rural and urban areas of these seven primary council areas and most of them speak only the local language in their council areas.
The major zero dose council areas are Damboa, Gubio, Jere, Mmc, mafa, konduga, Mongunu and Gamboru Ngala.
Penta to him is a major package because it contains five in one vaccines wrapped inside for the children to consume.
Residents in Borno urged to stop construction of sewage pits outside their compounds
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
Elderly Man Abducted by kidnappers n in Sabon Gari, Zaria
By Zagazola Makama
In a disturbing incident early this morning, an elderly man was kidnapped from his residence in Hayin Ojo, Sabon Gari, Zaria.
Police sources said the attack occurred at approximately 0130hrs when a group of armed men invaded the area, firing sporadically, and abducted Alhaji Saidu Mai Gold, aged 65.
The source said that the victim’s relative, reported the incident to the Sabon Gari Police Division around 0800hrs. In response, the Division’s Patrol Team was swiftly mobilized to the scene.
Efforts are currently ongoing to locate and rescue the victim.
Elderly Man Abducted by kidnappers n in Sabon Gari, Zaria
Two Suspected Kidnappers Arrested in Lere LGA, Kauru
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Lere LGA have successfully apprehended two suspected bandits following a tip-off from local hunters.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, identified as Sani Liman, 23, of Unguwan Fa Raminkura, and Murtala Magaji, alias Seto, 25, of Dambata Galadimawa Village in Kauru LGA, were arrested on April 15, 2025, at approximately 1330hrs.
The sources said Police personnel from Saminaka acted swiftly and arrested the suspects
Preliminary investigation has indicated that the two men may be linked to recent kidnapping activities in the region.
Police sources said that they are currently in police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Two Suspected Kidnappers Arrested in Lere LGA, Kauru
Zulum presents working tools to 150 almajirai trained in vocational skills
Elderly Man Abducted by kidnappers n in Sabon Gari, Zaria
Two Suspected Kidnappers Arrested in Lere LGA, Kauru
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions3 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics8 months agoKashim Shettima: Of Sentiments, Their Opinions, and the 21 billion Naira VP’s Official Resident
