News

Bakeni Commiserates with NUJ and Zulum over the demise of Isa Gusau

Published

2 years ago

January 18, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Bakeni Commiserates with NUJ and Zulum over the demise of Isa Gusau

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Borno state Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Bishop John Bakeni has commiserated with the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ over the death of Isa Gusau who died in an Indian hospital recently.

He also sympathized with the Governor of the state Prof Babagana Zulum whom Gusau served till his death due to a protracted illness.

Addressing a news conference in Maiduguri, the Auxiliary Bishop said that the entire Christian community sympathized with the government over the loss of such a resourceful journalist.

” I want on behalf of the entire Christian Community in Borno State to commiserate with the Executive Governor and indeed the Government and the entire people of Borno State over the demise of his Media Aid and Strategist, Mallam Isa Gusau, who passed on Thursday, the 11th of January, 2024.

” I wish to also condole you the members of the 4th estate for the loss of one of you. May God grant him peaceful rest and console all those who mourn him.” he said.

Responding to some very strong allegations in the mills against Zulum on his treatments of Christians, the Auxillary Bishop maintained that CAN was not a pressure group or a partisan party but a peaceful association that goes about its activities in a lawful manner.

To him:”CAN is a religious Association, CAN is not a political party and is non-partisan. CAN is not a pressure group. It is a law-abiding Association. It is an Association that works for the unity of Christians and building a peaceful and harmonious society working hand-in-hand with other religious bodies, Government and all relevant stake holders.

“The values that hold us together are Love, Peace and Justice for all. We preach peace, we uphold peace and we work for peace. And that is why we are living in peace with our Muslim brothers and sisters in Borno State.

” in terms of our relationship with the Government, let me say that CAN and the Christian community have a good and cordial relationship with the Government of the day. The Government of Prof. Babagana Umara Zullum has done a lot for us and is still doing more in the following areas:

“Has continued the rehabilitation and reconstruction of churches that were destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgency especially in Southern Borno. This was started by our current Vice President, Kashim Shettima, during his tenure; and His Excellency, Prof Babagana Umara Zullum has continued in that line.

“Sponsorship of Christians for pilgrimage to the Holy Land every year. In fact, the Executive Secretary and coordinator of the Christian Pilgrim has just returned from a pre-visit of the pilgrimage sites in preparation for the 2023/2024 main pilgrimage.

“Reaching out to the Christian community with gifts and cash donations at Christmas and Easter periods. Palliatives are also given to our Christian Women and Widows by the Wives of the Vice President, Her Excellency Nana Kashim and the Governor, Her Excellency, Dr. Falmata Umara Zullum.

“Sponsoring the transportation of our brothers and sisters from the South-South, South East and West during festive seasons.

” Appointment of our Christian sons and daughters in his cabinet.

“After so many years of advocacy, the current Government has started the recruitment of Christian teachers to teach the Christian religion in public schools and many more.”

Bakeni noted that all his claims are real and verifiable adding that in spite of all the good results from the interaction with the government there are still challenges and they do hope to continue to work hard to get over them.

” That is not to say that Christians have no challenges in Borno State; of course we have. We therefore, want to have more access for better results through dialogue and constructive engagement with the Government and other relevant stakeholders.

” We know very well where we are coming from and where we are in terms of the security challenges. We have all tested and experienced the ugly side of violence and destruction and we will not want to go back to that era.

” We love our Governor, we respect our Governor, and we appreciate the relentless and selfless services and sacrifices of our Governor in restoring peace and bringing development to our State.

” As such, CAN will continue to support the Government of the day and will continue to work with the Government towards sustaining the peace that we are already enjoying due to the hard work, commitment, and responsible leadership of our Governor.”

Obviously responding to the recent statements of Rev Dikwa Kallamu over the alleged maltreatment of Christians in the state, the CAN chair went on:” We distance ourselves from any act of violence and provocation. Whatever is written on Social media or any other media outlet, is not from CAN.

” My principle as the Chairman of CAN in Borno State at this time is that what Dialogue cannot give you, Violence and confrontation cannot give you either.”

On the progress being made by the military in protecting the nation’s democracy, he went on: ” With deep sense of gratitude and appreciation, we salute the courage and the sacrifices of our Armed Forces. For those who have paid the supreme price in the course of their service to their fatherland, may God reward them with eternal life in his kingdom.”

Below is the full details of the press release in which Rev Dikwa accused the Borno State government of completely marginalizing Christians in the state.

PRESS RELEASE ON THE TRUE POSITION OF THE CHRISTIANS IN BORNO STATE UNDER GOVERNOR BABAGANA UMARA ZULLUM.
30TH DECEMBER, 2023

The press released on 20 December on the marginalization of the Christian community in Borno State by Governor Zullum was not refuted by either him nor any government officials in the state which affirmed the truth except his wife that called out few widows to share rice a day after for Christmas purposefully for the media to carry it. The only way they refuted was to send thugs after my life like Barrister Bashir Maidugu who called me and put a threat to my life and civilians joint task Force (CJTF) who met me on the road and harassed me but as usual God Almighty saved me to continue exposing the truth.

Let the public court judge, How can a professor and a Governor show tribalism, sectionalism and ethnic segregation like Professor Zulum of Borno State? How many are from Southern Borno and how many are Christians among these political appointments?

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Appointment of Special Advicers to Borno State Governor

The Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Prof Babaganagana Umara Zulum has graciously approved the appointment of the following Special Advisers:

Alhaji Ali Makinta Jere
Idrissa L Kemdey
Tijjani Goni Mohammed
Hon Ibrahim Haruna Biu
Hon Tukur Digira
Engr Kori Shettima
Hauwa M Musa
Hon Abubakar Tijjani
Hon Garba Saje
Hon Kester C Oguali
Hon Alao Hassan
Alhaji Audu Maaji
Hon Abba Jato Bama
Hon Abba Saje Mohd Nur
Engr Musa Gashigar
Hon Abba Nguru
Hon Bukar Dalatu
Hon Idrisa Jidda
Shettima Bukar Kulima (Marte)
Hon Kaka Adam Mustapha
Shettima Lawan Maina
Dr Abubakar Hassan
Modu Ali Gana Dikwa
Sheikh Modu Mustapha
Abba Kawu Shehu Abubakar
Hon Musa Abbas
Alhaji Musa Gwamma
Baba Ali Haruna Kukawa
Abdullahi Mohd Nganzai
Amongst all of the appointees of 29, only

Hon Kester C Oguali is a Christian from the Eastern Nigeria, an Igbo by tribe.
In the threat by the political thugs like Barrister Bashir Maidugu of the Vice president’s crew, he categorically said only four local government in the state have Christian indigenes which are blatant lies from the pit of hell. I’m kanuri by tribe from Maiduguri the state capital and a Christian amongst many kanuri Christians. Going by the Barrister Bashir Maidugu, I ll now ask, have the indigenous Christian from the southern Borno State relocated to the igbo land (Eastern Nigeria) to get a slot from the 29 appointment or still the marginalization?
We condemned on a strong term this total excluding of Christians in the governor’s appointment and Hon Kester C Oguali is not representing any Christians in the state but political strategy to show the world he’s in love with even Christians in the south but marginalized his main duties of inclusive governance.
Let me talk little for now about the LGA Chairman primaries in the State, a Christian dominated area like Chibok has 7 contestants in which 4 are Christians and 3 are Muslims. He disqualified the four Christians and told the 3 Muslims to choose one among themselves, in Askira Uba, the contestants have the highest a Christian with 14 votes followed by a Muslim with 7votes however, Zullum imposed the Muslim candidate with 7 and dropped the Christian with 14, can someone define marginalization for me in different actions than these?

REV. KALLAMU MUSA ALI DIKWA
Director, General Center for Justice on Religious And Ethnicity in Nigeria

Bakeni Commiserates with NUJ and Zulum over the demise of Isa Gusau

News

Environment Minister Urges Media to Lead Fight Against Climate Crisis

Published

16 minutes ago

April 1, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Environment Minister Urges Media to Lead Fight Against Climate Crisis

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has called on the media to take a more active role in confronting the country’s growing environmental challenges, stressing that responsible reporting and public awareness are crucial to safeguarding Nigeria’s ecological future.

Speaking on Wednesday at a media engagement workshop held in Abuja, Lawal described journalists and digital communicators as strategic partners in the national effort to address climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss.

He noted that the media, widely recognised as the Fourth Estate of the realm, plays a critical role in shaping public understanding of environmental issues at a time when the country faces mounting ecological pressures.

“The environment is not an abstract concept. It is the air we breathe, the land that feeds us, the rivers that sustain communities, and the climate that shapes the future,” the minister said.

Lawal highlighted a range of environmental threats confronting Nigeria, including desertification spreading across northern regions, severe flooding and erosion in the South-East and South-South, oil pollution and gas flaring in the Niger Delta, widespread deforestation, and the growing impacts of climate change on livelihoods and food security.

He explained that under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Ministry of Environment has intensified efforts to promote environmental sustainability while supporting economic development.

According to him, government initiatives in 2025, including the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project and the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, restored more than 1.14 million hectares of degraded land and facilitated the planting of over 1.5 million trees across Nigeria.

“These achievements demonstrate our national commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Nigeria,” he said.

The minister, however, stressed that greater media attention is required to elevate environmental reporting in the country. He observed that environmental issues are often treated as secondary despite their direct impact on agriculture, public health, and economic stability.

He urged journalists to adopt more data-driven and solutions-oriented reporting approaches that highlight both environmental challenges and innovative responses to them.

Lawal also encouraged media professionals to take advantage of digital and social media platforms to engage Nigeria’s youthful population and amplify awareness about climate action and environmental protection.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media through improved access to environmental data, field activities, and information resources to support effective reporting.

“Future generations deserve a Nigeria where the air is clean, forests thrive, rivers run pure, and the land remains productive,” he said.

Lawal added that the stories told by journalists today have the power to shape public behaviour, influence policies, and inspire collective action needed to secure Nigeria’s environmental future.

Environment Minister Urges Media to Lead Fight Against Climate Crisis

News

Apelogun Amirul Hajj: Ogun Governor Charges Leaders on Pilgrims’ Welfare

Published

42 minutes ago

April 1, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Apelogun Amirul Hajj: Ogun Governor Charges Leaders on Pilgrims’ Welfare

Apelogun Amirul Hajj: Ogun Governor Charges Leaders on Pilgrims’ Welfare

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has approved the appointment of Alhaji (Prince) Shamsudeen Adebayo Apelogun as the Amirul Hajj for the 2026 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

Apelogun, who holds the revered titles of Asiwaju Adinni of Ogun State and Baba Adinni of Remoland, is expected to lead and coordinate Muslim pilgrims from the state during the annual religious exercise.

In a related development, the governor also appointed Sheikh Zakariyah Ishaq Olorungbebe as Chairman of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for the 2026 Hajj operation. He will oversee the administrative and operational activities of the board.

The appointments, according to the state government, are part of early strategic efforts to ensure a seamless, well-organised and successful pilgrimage for Ogun State contingents.

Governor Abiodun charged both appointees to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, integrity and a strong sense of commitment, stressing the need for effective leadership, proper coordination and collaboration to guarantee the comfort, safety and spiritual fulfilment of pilgrims.

He further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing the necessary support and institutional framework to ensure a hitch-free Hajj exercise.

The statement was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi.

Apelogun Amirul Hajj: Ogun Governor Charges Leaders on Pilgrims’ Welfare

News

SOJA Condemns Killing of Civilians in Jos, Demands Security Reforms

Published

7 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

SOJA Condemns Killing of Civilians in Jos, Demands Security Reforms

By: Michael Mike

Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd/Gte (SOJA) has strongly condemned the killing of innocent civilians in Angwan Rukuba area of Jos, Plateau State, describing the attack as a grave violation of human rights and a threat to national security.

In a statement issued on Monday, the organisation said the tragic incident reportedly occurred on March 29, 2026, Palm Sunday, when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a gathering of civilians, leaving several people dead and others injured.

SOJA said the attack, regardless of the identities or affiliations of the victims, represents a serious assault on human life and dignity, stressing that no society can thrive where citizens live under constant threats of violence.

“The perpetrators of such acts are not invisible forces—they are individuals who must be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice under the law,” the organisation stated.

The advocacy group emphasised that violence should never be viewed through religious, ethnic or social lenses, noting that the sanctity of human life transcends all divisions.

It added that the killings constitute violations of several international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, all of which guarantee the right to life and personal security.

The organisation also cited provisions of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 33(1), which guarantees the right to life, and Section 14(2)(b), which states that the security and welfare of citizens shall be the primary purpose of government.

According to SOJA, Nigeria has obligations under international human rights law to protect citizens from violence and to implement effective measures that ensure the realization of the right to life and security.

The group noted that repeated incidents of violent attacks in parts of the country point to gaps in preventive security mechanisms and response systems, urging authorities to urgently address the situation.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts by security agencies, SOJA called on the Federal Government, the Plateau State Government, and relevant security institutions to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the killings.

It also urged authorities to ensure the swift identification, arrest and prosecution of all those responsible for the attack and their collaborators.

The organisation further recommended strengthening intelligence gathering and community-based security systems, reviewing existing legal and operational security frameworks, and improving inter-agency coordination and rapid response mechanisms.

SOJA also called for adequate support and relief for victims and affected families.

“Nigeria must not become a society where the right to life is routinely undermined by acts of violence,” the statement said. “Every loss of life is a blow to our shared humanity and national stability.”

The group stressed that decisive action was necessary to restore public confidence, strengthen the country’s security architecture and uphold the rule of law.

SOJA Condemns Killing of Civilians in Jos, Demands Security Reforms