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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

Kano 2026: 19 Northern States battle for glory at maiden table tennis championship

Published

6 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Kano 2026: 19 Northern States battle for glory at maiden table tennis championship

The ancient city of Kano is set to become the epicenter of Nigerian Table Tennis as the maiden Northern Nigeria Table Tennis Association (NNTTA) Championship officially kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, January 31st, 2026. The high-stakes tournament will be hosted at the Indoor Sports Hall of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano.

This landmark event is powered by the massive support and strategic vision of the Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), His Excellency, Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki. The championship marks a dramatic shift in the promotion of the sport, aiming to elevate Northern talent to national and global elite status.

For the first time in recent history, elite athletes and rising stars from all 19 Northern States will compete for glory. The debut championship features three highly anticipated categories that includes the Men’s Single (battle for the region’s top ranking), Veterans’ Category (celebrating the legends and mentors of the game) and the Super Cup (A high-intensity clash for the ultimate trophy) which will see the region’s top stars compete against the Championship’s top four to be crowned at the end of the maiden NNTTA tourney.

Athletes will be competing for a prestigious haul of Medals, Trophies, and significant Cash Prizes, setting a new standard for regional tournaments in Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice President during the pre-tournament press briefing, Adamu Usman Ahmed emphasised that this championship is not just a one-off event but a long-term developmental blueprint.

“His Excellency, Hon. Khamisu Mailantarki, gives his full assurance that this Kano Championship is just the beginning. Our mission is to bridge the regional gap and provide a platform where Northern players can transition into national heroes. We commend the Kano State Table Tennis Association for their hospitality and readiness to host this historic first edition.”

The Vice President further promised that outstanding performers, especially in the active player categories, will receive dedicated support for advanced career development, including potential national team invitations and international exposure.

Meanwhile the Chairman of Kano State Table Tennis Association, Dr. Mustapha Garga stated that about 10 million naira has been set aside for the success of the maiden Championship with participants already arriving the host state of Kano.

Mustapha further commended the massive contribution and support of the NTTF Vice Hon Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki in ensuring a historic and befitting championship where potential elites are expected to emerge to represent Nigeria at National and international Championships respectively.

Kano 2026: 19 Northern States battle for glory at maiden table tennis championship

News

NGX to strengthen economic environment to woo more investors- Kwairanga

Published

6 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NGX to strengthen economic environment to woo more investors- Kwairanga

Dr Umaru Kwairanga, the Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group has restated the NGX’s commitment to providing market infrastructure that inspires investor confidence and supports both domestic and international participation.

Kwairanga made the pledge at a dinner organised by the US-Nigeria Council held in Lagos on Thursday.

He stated that capital markets remained a vital bridge in the partnership between the United States and Nigeria.

According to him, efficient, transparent, and well-regulated markets enable businesses to grow, infrastructure to be financed, and innovation to scale.

“From the perspective of Nigerian Exchange Group, we remain committed to providing market infrastructure that inspires investor confidence and supports both domestic and international participation, including from American institutions and enterprises.

“The growing engagement of global investors in Nigeria reflects confidence in our long-term fundamentals and in the reforms underway to strengthen our economic environment.

“As market operators, our responsibility is to ensure that opportunities discussed in forums like this can find practical expression through credible platforms for capital formation and investment,” he said.

Kwairanga lauded the leadership of the US–Nigeria Council for its continued commitment to strengthening the bonds between the two nations.

According to him, the relationship between the United States and Nigeria is one of strategic importance and deep potential.

He described the partnership which he said was grounded in mutual respect, economic complementarity, and a shared belief in enterprise, as a driver of prosperity.

He said that Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, remained a key partner for the United States in advancing trade, investment, and sustainable development across the continent.

“The US–Nigeria Council plays a critical role in translating goodwill into tangible outcomes.

“By convening leaders from government and business, it helps move conversations from intent to implementation, supporting collaboration in areas that directly affect livelihoods, from food security and agricultural value chains to trade expansion and long-term investment.

“In today’s interconnected global economy, our complementarities are clear. Nigeria brings scale, a youthful and entrepreneurial population, abundant resources, and expanding markets.

“The United States brings capital, innovation, technology, and deep institutional expertise. When these strengths align, the results can be transformative, not only for our two countries, but for broader regional growth,” he said.

The NGX boss thanked American partners for their enduring engagement with Nigeria, stressing that, “your participation in our economy and confidence in our future is deeply valued.”

News

Governor Buni seeks FG’s support to establish a kidney center in Yobe

Published

6 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Governor Buni seeks FG’s support to establish a kidney center in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe state governor, Hon, Mai Mala Buni CON,COMN has appeal to the federal government to establish a Federal Kidney Disease Center in the state to save the people of the state from this deadly scourge.

Buni added that the government will establish an additional dialysis center in Gashu’a to save patients of kidney disease from travelling long distances to access care.

The governor made the appeal today while commissioning the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BIORTC) permanent site and celebrating Teeneagle Champions and the Identification of Talent Potentials at Yobe State University, Damaturu.

Governor Buni maintained that Africa has been subjected to relying on medical and other research that is conducted in different climes, environments, cultures, and lifestyles without recourse to our peculiarities and genetic diversity.

“I am proud that BIORTC has established Africa’s first major Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (IPSC) biobank with an African-centered focus, and also BIORTC is leading the establishment of one of Nigeria’s most ambitious and deeply characterized dementia research cohorts. ” he added.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the state-funded kidney disease initiative because this is what responsible governance demands: policy guided by evidence and investment guided by the health needs of the people. Governor Buni is the first African governor to be honored; this is quite inspiring, and he dedicated this award to the good people of Yobe with a pledge to do more.

“For many decades, several communities along the banks of the River Yobe have been plagued by chronic kidney disease, losing precious lives and throwing many families into agony on a daily basis, and this has been a major driving force for the establishment of the center to find a solution to this scourge.

“This administration is equally keen to see the innovative open-science work at BIORTC, including the building and testing of low-cost microscopes that can support field diagnosis and strengthen community-level health services, and urges the federal ministry of health to partner with BIORTC for open diagnostics on malaria microscopy and other related community-level diagnostic programs,” the governor said.

He maintained that the extraordinary performance of three young girls indigenous to Yobe State, Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukkaya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli, at the 2025 TeenEagle competition reflects the success story of our investment in the education sector and noted that the federal ministry of education has designated Yobe State as a role model in foundational education, describing it as exemplary and worthy of emulation.

Buni emphasizes that under this administration, no child in Yobe state will be denied his or her right to education because of his or her economic background. He announces a government scholarship for the three young girls up to the tertiary level and a donation of ₦10 million to each.

Governor Buni seeks FG’s support to establish a kidney center in Yobe