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Northeast Governors meet in Damaturu, Discussed Issues of Insecurity, Others

Published

4 years ago

December 14, 2021

News Net Global

Northeast Governors meet in Damaturu, Discussed Issues of Insecurity, Others

By: Our Reporter

Governor Mai Mala Bumi of Yobe State has assured that the insecurity in the northeast would soon be overcome and Internally Displaced Persons return to their ancestral homes.

Mala Buni stated this when he hosted governors of the northeast region in Damaturu, the Yobe state Capital on Tuesday.

The governor, who shows determination to end insecurity and armed conflicts in the Northeast region, said that such periodic meetings have continuously proven to be vital in their quest for the full return of peace and prosperity of the northeast region.

While expressing satisfaction with the initiative and commitment of the respective State Governments to such important meetings, governor Buni said. “This underscores our collective commitment to free the Northeast sub-region from the clutches of insecurity, poverty and other emerging challenges of development in the aftermath of the over one decade of insurgency which devastated many communities in our individual states.

“As we are all aware, prior to the advent of Boko Haram insurgency, the Northeast had to contend with desertification and desert encroachment, low rainfall and drought among other natural factors such as flooding that continued to affect agricultural productivity being the major preoccupation of our people.”

He observed that, like most parts of the Country, the region is faced with the challenge of dearth of functional public and private companies to absorb the ever-growing number of skilled and unskilled labour in the area.

“Obviously, it could not be an understatement to say that the task before us is enormous and requires a collective and holistic approach, if we are to bequeath a prosperous future to the next and upcoming generations.

“It is therefore, a matter of pride for all our States that having realized the magnitude of our common challenge, we have evolved a stronger fraternity upon which we would continue to build a solid bond of brotherhood for socio-economic advancement not only among our leaders but also among our people. Throughout the insurgency period, our people have demonstrated resilience in spite of losing their relatives, shelter and means of livelihood”.

Speaking on the post insurgency response, governor Mala Buni said, “I would like to appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the able leadership of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, for creating the North East Development Commission and for the supply of various relief materials and empowerment packages for the victims of insurgency and all the people in this area.

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“Similarly, I would like to commend the humanitarian activities of our development partners, International Non-Governmental Organizations, Philanthropists and other stakeholders for bringing succor to the victims of insurgency during the most trying periods and donation of various items for the restoration of livelihood in the affected areas”.

“In a meeting of this magnitude, we must also continue to appreciate the commitment of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the fight against insurgency and other related crimes threatening the corporate existence of the Country.

“In the same vein, I would like to reiterate my commendation to our gallant troops who are diligently performing their statutory duties of defending our fatherland against all internal and external threats. I also commend the complementary efforts of the vigilante groups in the fight against insurgency and other crimes to make our country more secure and peaceful. It is imperative to note that in spite of the improvement in the fight against insurgency, it is not yet over and therefore, requires re-strategizing and sustenance”.

Buni added that as the situation continues to improve, there is the need for each State to intensify its efforts in the recovery process and to evolve sustainable means of livelihood to our people for accelerated development. “This meeting has therefore provided another golden opportunity for us to share ideas on laying a solid foundation for a brighter future for our States.

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There is no gainsaying the fact that we need to evolve practical and proactive measures to create a peaceful, stable, just and egalitarian society. We should strive to create the right atmosphere for equal opportunities to our citizenry regardless of political, tribal, religious, class or any other subjective factors with a view to avoiding recurrence of insurgency and other menaces”.

“The government of Yobe State under my leadership has identified revitalization of education as one of the key areas for post-insurgency socio-economic rejuvenation.

“We have remained focused on the declaration of State of Emergency at the inception of our administration and the current Education Revitalization Appeal Fund in which we have raised funds above the set targets in most of the Local Government Areas. Simultaneously, we are gearing our efforts towards revamping agriculture to serve as an instrument for attainment of food security, employment and revenue generation”.

“We are constructing an International Cargo airport which is almost completed, just as we are about to commission the new Modern Markets in Damaturu, Gashua, Nguru and Potiskum towns and also a Trailer Park in Potiskum. In addition, we would support Small and Medium Scale enterprises and encourage the formation of clusters to enable eligible people access loans to boost their occupations”.

“This august gathering may be pleased to note that, we have this year created the Ministry for Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation chiefly to arrest youth restiveness and unemployment by providing grants to communities in the form of empowerment materials for distribution to Internally Displaced Persons in host communities, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, persons with disabilities, women, youth and other vulnerable groups.

The Ministry is also charged with the responsibility of uncovering our potentialities in solid minerals and other areas for internal revenue generation for the Government and employment opportunities for the people”.

“I believe that for speedy socio-economic development of the North East to be achieved, we need maximum cooperation and support of the Federal Government for resuscitation of Lake Chad, implementation of the Great Green Wall and actualization of the Mambilla Hydro Power Project among other major issues’ ‘.

“On this note, I would like to once again welcome my dear brothers and colleagues, their Excellencies, the Executive Governors of Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba States to Damaturu for the 6th meeting of the North East Governors’ Forum. I wish us all fruitful deliberations and happy stay in Yobe State”.

On his part, the Chairman Northeast Governor’s Forum and Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum revealed that they have been able to identify the problems facing the northeast region and have begun steps to improve livelihood.

“No doubt our problems are enormous but with courage and determination, we shall surmount these problems and take our people once again to those days where we all have a lasting peace.” Zulum said

Northeast Governors meet in Damaturu, Discussed Issues of Insecurity, Others

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National News

NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members

Published

10 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members

By: Michael Mike

The DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote has approved the promotion of 523 Staff of the Commission.

The promotion, according to a statement on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Commission, Dr. Kayode Adegoke is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Adegoke said: “This is a statutory part of the performance reward system for Staff who sat and met the pre-requisite conditions as spelt out in the Public Service Rules (PSR) in the 2025 promotion exercise.

He disclosed that accordingly, two staff members were promoted to the Director’s cadre (GL 17), and eight staff members moved to the Deputy Director cadre (GL 16) and 35 staff staff members promoted to the Assistant Director cadre (GL 15).

He further disclosed that 35 staff were promoted to the level of Chief Identity Officers (GL 14), with 109 moving to Assistant Chief Identity Officers (GL 13).

Adegoke said 113 officers moved to the rank of Principal Identity Officer (GL 12), while 82 were promoted to Senior Identity Officer ranks (GL 10), and 130 to the rank of Identity Officer 1 ( GL 9).

The DG/CEO congratulated all the promoted staff and charged them to see the promotion as an opportunity to serve the country better. She reiterated zero tolerance for extortion and warned staff to desist from it.

Engr Coker-Odusote, furthermore, encouraged all staff members of the Commission to work harder in the coming year 2026 and ensure the successful implementation of the National Identification Number project. She reiterated her commitment to prioritise staff welfare and ensure the dignity of labour.

NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members

National News

VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67

Published

10 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has congratulated Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, on his 67th birthday, saying his exemplary and progressive leadership within the All Progressives Congress (APC), his state, and the nation at large is worthy of emulation.

He noted that as Chairman of the PGF, an umbrella body of Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Uzodimma has demonstrated exceptional capacity to unite and galvanise the party’s Governors towards achieving a collective vision for Nigeria’s development under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Vice President on Saturday, described the age of 67 as an important milestone in the life of Uzodimma, noting that the special moment reflects how far the Governor has come, and sets the stage for what lies ahead.

Acknowledging how Uzodimma’s “exemplary leadership as Executive Governor of Imo State continues to inspire confidence and progress,” VP Shettima described the PGF Chairman as a committed servant of Nigeria.

“Your recent appointment by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as Renewed Hope Ambassador is a well-deserved recognition of your unwavering dedication to the ideals of our administration and your proven ability to articulate and champion the transformative agenda of the Renewed Hope mandate across our nation,” the VP told the Governor.

This singular honour, Senator Shettima said, reflects President Tinubu’s confidence in Governor Uzodimma’s leadership and commitment to national progress.

He observed that the Imo State Governor’s strategic governance, infrastructural achievements, and dedication to the prosperity of his state exemplify the progressive leadership Nigeria needs at this crucial time.

The Vice President prayed the Almighty God to grant Governor Uzodimma continued wisdom, good health, and strength to sustain his “remarkable service to Imo State and Nigeria.”

VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67

National News

EU Invests Additional €45 million in Nigeria’s Digital Economy

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

EU Invests Additional €45 million in Nigeria’s Digital Economy

By: Michael Mike

The Europe Union (EU) is investing an additional €45 million in Nigeria’s digital economy.

The package was signed by the Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela in Brussels.

A statement on Thursday by EU read: “At the EU-Nigeria Digital Open Day, which just took place in Brussels, a €45 million programme completing the EU Digital Economy Package for Nigeria was signed between Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela.

“This investment will further support the cooperation in digital sector between Nigeria and the European Union.”

The European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said: “Global Gateway is about delivering new opportunities, and the EU-Nigerian cooperation in the digital area has a very strong potential to do exactly that. Our approach to digitalisation is based on skills-transfer, open standards, data protection, privacy and security. This way, we make sure that technologies truly enrich human lives. The new package will take our efforts even further by supporting modern e-public services and investing in the skills that will prepare Nigeria’s youth for the digital future.”

The Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani added: The EU–Nigeria digital economy cooperation reflects our shared belief that digital transformation must provide a platform for growth in productivity driven by technology. As part of this, Project Bridge provides a commercially sustainable entry point for European investors and suppliers to participate in deploying an open-access fibre network at scale. Combined with our leadership in Artificial Intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure and programmes such as 3 million Technical Talents, Nigeria offers European businesses a market where talent, demand and policy alignment converge to support long-term investment and expansion.”

The programme signed on Thursday includes a flagship Global Gateway support to the Project Bridge that aims to deploy 90 000 km of fibre-optic backbone across Nigeria. This project is the country’s most ambitious digital investment supported by loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, World Bank and African Development Bank.
The €45 million grant supports the preparation of this strategic project with technical assistance and equipment in three complementary ways: for the detailed fiber optic network design, for local skills development and for the supply chain deployment with the mobilisation of the EU private sector.

The EU programme will also contribute to modernise Nigeria’s public administration through secure, user-friendly digital services. it also involves targeted support for Nigeria’s nationwide digital-skills programme, helping train a new generation of technicians, engineers and IT specialists.

According to the statement, this is essential to create new jobs, because large-scale digital projects can only work if the local workforce can maintain, operate and innovate on these networks.

The objective of the EU-Nigeria Open Digital Day was to facilitate access to information for European investors and suppliers interested in participating in the Nigerian digital ecosystem. The focus was on the Project Bridge, presented as an opportunity for collaborations between the EU tech sector and Nigeria.

With this €1.7 billion flagship project is projected to extend Nigeria’s total fibre to 125 000 km (+70%), making it the third-longest terrestrial fibre-optic infrastructure in Africa, following Egypt and South Africa.

Digitalisation is a priority area for the EU-Nigeria partnership as reflected in the €820 million Digital Economy Package launched in 2022 under the EU Global Gateway strategy. The EU-Nigeria collaboration in this sector spans from connectivity to digital skills, entrepreneurship, service and governance with multiple projects.

Nigeria’s digital economy has potential to create jobs, foster economic growth and open greater democratic space in Africa. Nigeria hosts big companies, and Lagos offers digital and business ecosystem with incubators, access to finance and digital service platforms. It has the biggest e-commerce market in Africa with 87 platforms, employing some 2.9 million people.

It is also leading on the continent on digital and start-ups – of the 8 existing African unicorns, 6 are Nigerian, with impressively dynamic States (Lagos) eager to create an ecosystem that promotes innovation, youth and growth largely led by the digital sector.

Global Gateway is the EU’s positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems.

The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions.

Together, they aim to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.

EU Invests Additional €45 million in Nigeria’s Digital Economy