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Borno celebrates world water day as Zulum promises ten earth dams this year to increase water supply to residents
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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Bandits kill one, abduct 14 in Zamfara communities

Bandits kill one, abduct 14 in Zamfara communities
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have killed one person, injured three others, and abducted at least 14 villagers in separate attacks on Jangebe and Keta communities of Talata Mafara and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
Zagazola learnt that the first attack occurred at about 4 a.m. on Sunday, when a group of heavily armed bandits invaded Fakon Idi area in Jangebe District of Talata Mafara LGA.
“The bandits shot dead one person and injured three others before abducting four individuals to an unknown destination,” the sources stated.
“Upon receipt of the distress call, troops of Operation Fansa Yamma, police and local vigilantes mobilised to the scene and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into the nearby forest,” said the sources.
Sources said the corpse of the deceased had been handed over to relatives for burial, while the injured victims were receiving treatment at the Jangebe Primary Health Care Centre.
In a separate development, about ten villagers from Keta town were abducted while being forced to work on a bandits’ farm located between Keta and Kwaren Ganuwa villages in Tsafe LGA.
Sources revealed that at about 12:05 p.m. on Sunday, another notorious bandits’ kingpin, identified as Babangida Bature Yola, stormed the farm with his gang and abducted the villagers to an undisclosed location.
Authorities said efforts were ongoing to rescue all abducted victims and restore normalcy to the affected areas.
Bandits kill one, abduct 14 in Zamfara communities
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Nigeria Requests Evacuation of Jailed Pastor Egbaji from Benin Republic Over Deteriorating Health

Nigeria Requests Evacuation of Jailed Pastor Egbaji from Benin Republic Over Deteriorating Health
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has expressed concern over the failing health of one of its national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, currently facing trial in neighbouring, Republic of Benin.
Egbaji, a businessman and cleric from Cross River State, has for about two years been detained in a hospital in Cotonou, the Beninese capital under dehumanising conditions while his health is said to deteriorating.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Tuesday called on the Benin authorities to release the Nigerian national so that he could have better medical care and also serve out his sentence in Nigeria.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said discussions with the Nigerian Mission in Cotonou, indicated that Pastor Egbaji’s health is steadily worsening and he needs urgent and proper medical attention.
She stated that the Ministry had made spirited effort to rescue the troubled Egbaji in line with the citizen diplomacy thrust of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
The minister who had early August visited Egbaji in the Cotonou hospital alongside the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, disclosed that the Ministry had requested the transfer of the Nigerian national to receive the deserved medical care and serve out his custodial term in Nigeria.
She explained that Nigeria was worried over the pace of Beninese authorities is taking to address the situation and acceding to Nigeria’s request.
She asked the Beninese authorities to consent to Nigeria’s request and accelerate the release of the detained Nigerian pastor in regards to the longstanding cordial relations existing between the two countries, founded on shared cultural heritage, bonds of trust, mutual respect, and a spirit of brotherhood,
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also disclosed that Nigeria’s position was further highlighted in a recent letter to the Republic of Benin Government.
She said: “It is against this backdrop of solidarity and mutual goodwill that I seek Your Excellency’s kind consideration regarding the plight of a Nigerian national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who has been serving a custodial sentence in Cotonou since October 2023 for a jail term of 10 years. As Your Excellency may be aware, Pastor Egbaji has been in Benin Republic for over three decades, contributing meaningfully as an entrepreneur, pastor, and community leader.
“Regrettably, his health has deteriorated severely while in detention. Two independent medical experts appointed by the court recently recommended that he be transferred abroad for urgent medical care, as local interventions have proved ineffective.
“In the spirit of our longstanding friendship and in recognition of the humanitarian imperative, not being unmindful of the grievous nature of the offence he is charged with, we kindly request that Pastor Egbaji be repatriated to Nigeria to serve out the remainder of his sentence in a Nigerian Correctional Centre,” she stated.
She however reiterated that this gesture would demonstrate in practical terms the enduring spirit of fraternity and cooperation that bind Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
Nigeria Requests Evacuation of Jailed Pastor Egbaji from Benin Republic Over Deteriorating Health
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President Tinubu Orders Reduction Of 2026 Hajj Fare

President Tinubu Orders Reduction Of 2026 Hajj Fare
*As VP Shettima gives NAHCON 2 days to effect president’s directive
By: Our Reporter
Following the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for an immediate review of the 2026 Hajj fares, Vice President Kashim Shettima has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to come up with new fares for the exercise within two days.
This, the Vice President said, had become necessary considering continued appreciation of the naira against the dollar – a primary determinant for the pilgrimage fares.
VP Shettima who handed down the President’s directive on Monday during a meeting with management and board members of NAHCON at the Presidential Villa, called for synergy among national and state officials, including state Governors, in streamlining and adopting a new set of fares for the exercise.

He aslo urged prompt action by all stakeholders to ensure quick payments and timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate a hitch-free exercise.
Fielding questions from journalists shortly after the meeting with the VP, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said the meeting convened at the instance of the Vice President was to finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj operations, particularly the determination of fares for the 2026 exercise.
He explained that the goal is to reduce the amount payable by pilgrims for the exercise, given the current trend in the economy occasioned by ongoing reforms being undertaken by the Tinubu administration.

He said, “Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating based on the effects of the economic reforms of the government. The Vice President felt that if pilgrims paid ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million based on negative exchange rate last year, and the exchange rate has improved, then the changes should reflect in the current fares, and the benefits should also be passed to the prospective pilgrims.
“So, the commissions and all officers of the Hajj commission are here and they have been told to immediately go to look at more realistic exchange rates. If we achieve what we envisage, then we will have a very significant reduction in the Hajj.”
On his part, Secretary of the National Hajj commission (NAHCON), Dr Mustapha Mohammad, said the President’s directive would increase the number of intending pilgrims for this year’s exercise.
“It is a welcome development and the lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. So, as directed by the Vice President, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to see that we reduce it to the barest minimum and affordable rate for every Muslim faithful to have the opportunity to perform this very important pillar of Islam.”
Also, the Chairman, Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman, Forum of the Chief Executive of 36 and the FCT Chairmen of pilgrims Board, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, expressed delight with the presidential directive.

“We are very happy because the President and the Vice President have already intervened. We thank God for what they have said, which is expected to bring down the cost of Hajj fare. So, we are happy,” he said
President Tinubu Orders Reduction Of 2026 Hajj Fare
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