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Borno celebrates world water day as Zulum promises ten earth dams this year to increase water supply to residents

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Borno celebrates world water day as Zulum promises ten earth dams this year to increase water supply to residents

By: Bodunrin Kayode

In a bid to increase drinking water for residents, Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum has said that ten more earth dams would be built to cushion the effect of water scarcity in the state.

He said that such dams would be multi purpose so that residents will not suffer mich from the aridity of the savanna which has increased in recent times.

This was revealed by the General manager Borno State rural water supply and sanitation Agency (RUWASA) Dr Mohammed Aliyu during the celebration of today’s “world water day” at the maiduguri office of the agency.

Equally the Gm said that the government has been able to drill 218 hybrid bore holes across the 27 council areas of the state since 2019.

The new boreholes with super reservoirs were constructed alongside “free flowing” boreholes common in Borno north council areas like Mongunu, Mafa, Ngala, Kukawa and Abadam.

The Gm represented by Hawa Anas a director in the agency noted that three additional water works were also provided in Moramti, Konduga, Ngarannam, MMC, Azare and Hawul adding that three more waterworks are presently undergoing construction at Madinatu, Shokwari and Musari for the increasing water consumption needs of residents in greater Maiduguri.

“Furthermore the State government has constructed 462 hand pumps, rehabilitated 316 solar powered bore holes and 464 hand pumps reconnecting over two million people to clean and safe drinking water.

” The state government has also approved and commenced the construction of ten standard earth dams across the state” said the Gm.

Dr Musa Aliyu called for the use of alternative ways like solar to generate energy that will drive boreholes that are not free flowing for drinking water.

“We also need to change the narrative, let us discard our traditional ways of doing things and use innovations to sustain our facilities.

” We need to think outside the box from isolated boreholes to mini schemes, from communal fetching points to house to house connections.

” we need to redesign our approaches strengthening community participation and ownerships in our projects. We should all know that the development we are yearning for is achievable via peace and this is mainly determined by the availability of water, thereby justifying the theme of this year’s commemoration which is water for peace. “

Keynote speaker for the event Dr Musa Aji a hydrogeologist from the geology department of the University of Maiduguri posited that water scarcity was a condition in which the demands for drinking water was not being met.

He frowned at the indiscriminate construction of unauthorized dams upstream which affects communities along the route downstream towards Lake Chad where the river source from kano empties is itself.

Aji called on political leaders to take the lead in the restoration of the ecosystem which has been badly damaged and which is responsible for the scarcity of water myriad of residents are experiencing within north east Nigeria now.

In his remark titled “Water Management in Northeast Nigeria. The humanitarian context,” Dr Timothy Paul Daret noted that in the context of northeast Nigeria, humanitarian water management faces multifaceted challenges exacerbated by ongoing conflict, displacement, and environmental factors.

He observed that the region has been plagued by protracted conflict, leading to widespread displacement of populations, destruction of infrastructure, and disruption of basic services, including water supply and sanitation.

This situation he revealed has left millions of people in dire need of access to safe and clean water, particularly in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and host communities.

“Moreover, the arid and semi-arid climate of the region poses additional challenges, as water resources are scarce and often contaminated, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Dr Tim advised that, humanitarian water management efforts must navigate these complex dynamics by implementing strategies that not only address immediate water needs but also promote long-term sustainability and resilience in water infrastructure and management systems.

“To address these challenges, humanitarian organizations operating in northeast Nigeria are implementing comprehensive water management strategies that prioritize both emergency response and long-term development.

” These strategies involve the provision of safe drinking water through the construction and rehabilitation of water sources, such as boreholes, wells, and water treatment facilities, in both IDP camps and host communities. Additionally, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions focus on promoting hygiene practices, such as hand washing and safe water storage, to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

” Moreover, there are ongoing efforts of building the capacity of local communities and authorities in water management and infrastructure maintenance to ensure sustainability beyond the immediate humanitarian response. By adopting a multi-sectoral approach and collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders, humanitarian organizations aim to address the complex water management challenges in northeast Nigeria as they contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of affected populations.

He stressed that as stakeholders celebrate the 2024 world water day with the theme “water for peace”, they should remember that; access to drinking water is a human right.

” Cooperation on water paves the way for cooperation on all shared challenges. Water can be a tool for peace. ” he maintained.

Highlights of the occasion was a dance drama by children of the Nigerian Airforce primary school and several goodwill messages from non governmental organizations including a representative of the vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri Professor Babagana Kolo.

Borno celebrates world water day as Zulum promises ten earth dams this year to increase water supply to residents

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NAF air strikes destroy terrorist boats, neutralise fighters in Kukawa riverine

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NAF air strikes destroy terrorist boats, neutralise fighters in Kukawa riverine

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating as the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has recorded another major success against terrorists in the Lake Chad and North-East corridors, following coordinated night precision air strikes that destroyed watercraft, hit key hideouts and neutralised several fighters in the riverine areas of Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the missions were executed after weeks of sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance that confirmed increased terrorist movement and logistics activity around the Malimbe–Masaram Island axis and the Northern Tumbuns.

“Based on credible human intelligence (HUMINT) and persistent aerial surveillance, we tracked the movement of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) elements transiting through Masaram Island ahead of Malimbe, as well as Toumbun Beriberi in Kukawa LGA,” the sources said.

He explained that the strikes were carried out under the cover of darkness on Jan. 18, using precision-guided munitions to ensure accuracy and limit collateral damage.

“We executed swift, successive interdictions on identified targets. Several JAS fighters were neutralised and their water vessels, which they use for mobility and logistics across the Tumbuns and Lake Chad waterways, were completely destroyed.

“Those that remained at Malimbe and Toumbun Beriberi immediately abandoned their positions and fled,” he said.

According to him, post-strike battle damage assessment showed the fleeing terrorists withdrawing toward the Abadam axis, apparently in disarray and expressing suspicion that their movements had been compromised by informants within their ranks.

“The mission was adjudged highly successful. However, due to the terrorists’ paranoia that civilians are cooperating with government forces, we are sustaining air and ground monitoring of the area to deter any form of reprisal,” he added.

The officer further disclosed that the NAF also conducted another major Air Interdiction (AI) mission on Jan. 20 at a newly identified terrorist enclave codenamed “Rackstar” in the Northern Tumbuns.

“At about 1300 hours on Jan. 20, the Air mission identified location considered to be a safe haven for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members, including some prominent commanders. The area was also being used as an IED assembly point and a weapons servicing workshop,”said sources

The sources noted that confirmatory ISR carried out on Jan. 18 revealed the general area to be water-logged with dense vegetation, typical of the Tumbuns, but further scanning of the fringes uncovered active terrorist structures about 1.9 kilometres southwest of the initial coordinates.

“We observed terrorists gathering in two different locations. A solar panel and a black flag were also sighted within the enclave, clearly indicating occupation and operational intent.

“Accordingly, selected targets were acquired and engaged with munitions on board. The strikes degraded the terrorists’ capability and disrupted their command and logistics infrastructure,” the sources said.

The sources stressed that the sustained air operations were part of the ongoing efforts of Operation HADIN KAO to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary and resources across the Lake Chad basin.

NAF air strikes destroy terrorist boats, neutralise fighters in Kukawa riverine

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MD Damuli Investment Company Limited extends assistance to orphans, underprivileged students in Yobe

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MD Damuli Investment Company Limited extends assistance to orphans, underprivileged students in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Damuli Investment Company Limited, Alhaji Liman Mohammad Dabuwa, has extended assistance to the development of education in Yobe, targeting orphans and underprivileged students in the state.

The company expanded to be worth over $90 million as part of its contribution towards the development of education, students, and orphans in the region, which includes the purchase of mattresses and bedding materials for Mai Bukar boarding primary school.

Prior to government approval, Damuli Investment Company fed boarding primary schools in the region for a good 3 months for free. In addition, it purchased teaching and learning materials and foodstuff for teachers and principals, as well as presented gifts during the graduation ceremony and others to Mai Bukar boarding school in August 2025.

The company also made the payment of school registration fees for 15 orphan students at Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Potiskum, and also supported the Yobe State annual Quranic recitation competition held in Machina in 2025.

“In participation in supporting the students of high institutions, Dabuwa Company made the payment of school fee registration for over 150 students at various high institutions. In addition, it supported Yobe State University during a fire outbreak with bending materials.

“Damuli Investment Company also sponsored common entrance exams into Mai Bukar boarding school across the political wards of the Machina local government area in 2024 and 2025, respectively, as well as rendered support to Medical College Damaturu and purchased teaching and learning materials for GSS Machina.

Alhaji Liman Mohammad Dabuwa commended His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, and the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali mni, for turning Yobe State into semi-London.

“Now Yobe State can compete with any developing state in the country in terms of infrastructural development,” Alhaji Liman Mohammad Dabuwa said.

MD Damuli Investment Company Limited extends assistance to orphans, underprivileged students in Yobe

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One dead, four injured in communal clash in ngidoje village in Yobe

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One dead, four injured in communal clash in ngidoje village in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

A 20-year-old man has been killed while four others sustained injuries in a clash involving youths in Ngidoje Village, Yobe State.

Sources said the incident occurred on Wednesday around 10:00 p.m. when some Fulani youths reportedly had a misunderstanding that escalated into a fight involving sticks and cutlasses.

The deceased, identified as Ibrahim Manu Gagare, was beaten and fell unconscious. He was rushed to Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Buni Yadi, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor. His body was later released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.

The remaining four victims sustained various degrees of injuries and are responding to treatment.
End

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