Chinese Foreign Minister Arrives Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi will arrive in Abuja, Nigeria, on Wednesday for an official visit.

According to a press statement on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the visiting Foreign Minister who is also a Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China will be received on arrival by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Ebienfa said: “During his visit, H.E. Mr. Wang Yi will meet with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar OON, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja on Thursday 9th January 2025 for bilateral talks that will focus on strengthening relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

“The visiting foreign minister will also pay a courtesy call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to deliver a special message from the Chinese President at the Presidential Villa.”

Chinese Foreign Minister Arrives Nigeria

Zulum Approves Renaming of Borno State University to Kashim Ibrahim University

…considers House Numbering, Street Naming

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Executive Council has approved the renaming of Borno State University to Kashim Ibrahim University in honour of the first Governor of northern Nigeria.

This decision was reached during the first State Executive Council meeting of 2025, chaired by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum. The meeting, held at the Government House, lasted over six hours, as key issues affecting the state were discussed.

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, revealed that the Council considered 42 memos and assessed the performance of the state in the previous year, along with projections for 2025.

Professor Tar further explained that the renaming of the university will be subject to legislative procedures and the necessary notifications to relevant authorities in coordination with the Ministry of Education.

“Council approved that Borno State University shall be renamed Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri. This is subject to further legislative work by the State Assembly to amend the law establishing the University. It is also subject to the ministry of education taking necessary action by informing relevant regulatory authorities like the National Universities Commission (NUC), Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)”, Tar stated.

The council also approved street naming and house numbering in Maiduguri and other urban areas as part of the urban renewal drive of Governor Zulum’s administration.

“Maiduguri is fast developing, there are a lot of new buildings public roads and other facilities that need to be renamed. Council decided that relevant MDA’s shall meet with relevant agencies including Nigerian Postal Service, Nigerian Geological Survey, traditional rulers and community leaders to arrive at a new naming template”.

The Information Commissioner announced that when completed, the updated names across the state will be reflected on Google Maps, public directories, and official records to support effective development planning. “The process will begin immediately as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance urban planning and governance”, he said.

Speaking at the first Executive Council meeting, Governor Babagana Zulum welcomed Council members into the new year, commending them for their unwavering commitment and support to his administration.

Governor Zulum emphasized his administration’s focus on scaling up post-conflict and post-flood recovery efforts, with the aim of delivering more impactful projects to further improve the lives of Borno citizens.

“In 2024, my administration achieved significant progress in the implementation of government programmes and projects and I am committed to doing even more in 2025,” Governor Zulum said.

The Executive Council meeting also included a valedictory session in honour of the outgoing Head of Service, Barrister Malam Fannami, who will be retiring from public service later this month. The Council expressed gratitude for his service and contributions to the development of the state

Zulum Approves Renaming of Borno State University to Kashim Ibrahim University

Zulum signs 2025 appropriation bill of N615.8 billion into law

…appoints Deputy Chief of Staff

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has accented to the 2025 appropriation bill of N615,857,950 billion into law.

Zulum presented the budget estimate of N584.76 billion on the 9th of December, 2024, passed by the State Assembly on 24th December with a marginal increase of N31 billion after extensive deliberations by members of the House.

During a brief ceremony at the Council Chamber of Government House on Monday, Governor Zulum while assenting to the budget christened “Budget of Recovery and Continuity” promised to complete outstanding projects made during his 2023 campaign promise.

“This year is very important for me because I want to complete all my promises I made during 2023 electioneering campaigns,” Zulum said.

He charged heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and members of the state executive council to comply strictly with the provisions of the appropriation bill while presenting their memos for approval.

The governor also commended the leadership and members of Borno State House of Assembly for approving the budget on time.

“We have to commend the leadership of the House of Assembly, we also have to commend the maturity of the House led by our able Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan”.

“This is very important because all the developmental strides achieved could not have been possible without the full support and cooperation government received from the legislature.

Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan commended the governor for the quality leadership and projects executed across the state in the last six years.

Lawan noted that the upward review of the appropriation bill was to capture some critical people-centered projects to be carried out by ministers, departments, and agencies.

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum has announced the appointment of the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Mustapha Mallumbe, as his Deputy Chief of Staff, following the absence of current Chief of Staff, Professor Hussaini Marte, who has been indisposed for a while.

“I have appointed Dr. Babagana Mallumbe, who is also a cabinet member as Deputy Chief of Staff, to ensure that no vacuum is created. The current Chief is expected to join us by the middle of this year, “Zulum stated.

Zulum signs 2025 appropriation bill of N615.8 billion into law