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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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FG Reaffirms Commitment to Uphold Rights of Inmates
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Uphold Rights of Inmates
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of all persons in held behind bars.
The commitment was made on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo during the Commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day 2025 and the presentation of the audit report of six custodial centres across the North-East.
The Minister, who was represented at the event sponsored by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by the Director, Joint Services, Federal Ministry of Interior, Nasiru Usman, said holding discussion on prison reforms on Nelson Mandela Day is profoundly symbolic as late South African President’s legacy reminds us that justice, dignity, and humanity must remain central to how we treat even those behind bars.
He said: “Let me reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all persons in custody, in line with the Nigerian Constitution and our international obligations. The Nelson Mandela Rules which is the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners remains a central reference point for our correctional policies and reforms.”
He noted: “Today’s presentation of the prison audit report marks a critical milestone. Evidence-based assessments such as this are essential for shaping effective and humane correctional reforms. The audit of six custodial centres across the North-East provides a clear picture of the current realities within our facilities and will serve as a vital tool in informing policy, guiding resource allocation, and strengthening future collaborations.
He said: “We commend UNODC’s broader interventions in our correctional system, including the training of correctional officers and support for non-custodial measures and legal aid. These efforts contribute meaningfully to the professionalization and humanization of our correctional system.
“Particularly commendable is the initiative to establish inmate product display shops in select custodial centres. This innovative project aligns with our goal of equipping inmates with vocational skills, fostering economic empowerment, and changing public perceptions of incarcerated individuals. It is a vital step forward in enabling successful reintegration.”
He said: “As we move forward, I urge sustained multi-sectoral collaboration. Correctional reform cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires coordinated action across civil society, the private sector, and legal institutions. We must invest more in rehabilitation programmes, community-based alternatives to incarceration, and reintegration support.
“The Ministry remains fully committed to enhancing custodial conditions, promoting data-driven decision-making, digitizing inmate records, and ensuring proper classification and case management, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, juveniles, and persons with mental health challenges.”
The Minister called on all stakeholders present to continue working together to transform our correctional system into one that reflects the values of justice and humanity, streaking that: “Let us treat every inmate not as a burden or statistic, but as a human being capable of reform and reintegration.
“Let this Mandela Day renew our collective resolve to build a correctional system that protects society, respects human rights, and gives every individual a chance at redemption.”
In her welcome address, United Nations Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator and Designated Official a.i, Ms. Elsie Attafuah said: “We stand here today, united on Nelson Mandela International Day, a day that ignites our shared vow to justice, dignity, and human rights, especially in the shadows of prisons. At its core shines the Nelson Mandela Rules, forged in 2015 as the renewed United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. These aren’t mere words: they forge a bold, rights-driven blueprint for corrections everywhere, rooting every moment of imprisonment in respect, responsibility, renewal, and return to society. Demanding openness, unbiased watchdogs, and safeguards for the fragile, the Mandela Rules echo the United Nations Common Position on Incarceration: liberty’s loss must forever be our absolute last choice.”
She noted that at the core of the audit are identifying areas for immediate improvement in custodial conditions and recommending actionable steps to protect inmate welfare; Generating data to inform targeted justice sector reforms, including profiling pretrial detainees and mapping gaps in legal representation, and ensuring systematic alignment of Nigerian correctional practices with the Mandela Rules to drive progressive compliance with global human rights standards.”
She disclosed that the findings of the audit which will be discussed today presents clear evidence of both progress and remaining challenges. As of July 2025, Nigeria’s custodial centres hold 81,686 inmates, with 66 percent (53,713 inmates) still awaiting trial. This figure reflects a meaningful decline from 70 percent in July 2024, underscoring the impact of enhanced legal aid, the expanded use of non-custodial options, and improvements in case management.
She however added that: “As we dive into these truths, remember: rebuilding lives and weaving them back into society isn’t just the warden’s burden, it’s our collective call to rally businesses, schools, and neighborhoods. Together, we carve jobs and futures, arming the released with tools to reinsert himself to society as a law abiding citizen. Let’s weave a web of welcome that shatters prison walls, nurturing forgiveness for those chasing second chances.”
End
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Gunmen abduct four family members in Niger community

Gunmen abduct four family members in Niger community
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men have reportedly abducted four members of a family in Tungan-Mangoro village, located in the Nasko axis of Niger State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on July 14 when the assailants stormed the residence of a community elder, Alhaji Danlami, and took away four of his relatives at gunpoint.
The victims have been identified as Abbas Danlami, Jamila Dan’asibi (female); Samaila Dan’asibi, and Naja.
Sources in the area said the attackers arrived in large numbers and operated for several minutes, causing panic among residents.
Security forces have since launched a search operation in nearby forests to locate the abductors and rescue the victims.
Gunmen abduct four family members in Niger community
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Gunmen abduct four family members in Niger community

Gunmen abduct four family members in Niger community
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men have reportedly abducted four members of a family in Tungan-Mangoro village, located in the Nasko axis of Niger State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on July 14 when the assailants stormed the residence of a community elder, Alhaji Danlami, and took away four of his relatives at gunpoint.
The victims have been identified as Abbas Danlami, Jamila Dan’asibi (female); Samaila Dan’asibi, and Naja.
Sources in the area said the attackers arrived in large numbers and operated for several minutes, causing panic among residents.
Security forces have since launched a search operation in nearby forests to locate the abductors and rescue the victims.
End
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