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Borno Flood: KACRAN Applauds Donors to Affected Victims
Borno Flood: KACRAN Applauds Donors to Affected Victims
By: Michael Mike
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has applauded those that have come out to donate for the needs of those affected by the flooding of Maiduguri and its environs.
Among those commended by KACRAN are the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Chief Medical Director of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, among other donors.
In a statement signed by its National President, Hon Khalil Bello, the association said: “It’s a real undeniable fact that sequel to the recent unexpected highly devastating flood in Maiduguri which unfortunately resulted in many loss of lives, and the destruction of houses, shops, properties worth billions of naira, roads, bridges, and other infrastructural facilities, no one would call the name of Maiduguri without immediately remembering the flood under reference today.
“We made the above assertion for the fact that it could be recalled, last two weeks Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State was seriously hit by a devastating flood flowing an unexpected overflow of water from the Alau Dam, that drew worldwide attention on the immediate need for timely intervention to save the people’s lives and properties.
“As a result, apart from the Borno State government where the incident happened, many institutions, nongovernmental organisations, donor agencies, and philanthropists instantly moved to Maiduguri from within and outside the country and actively partake in the gigantic rescue operation, which involved about two million people based on the official report from Borno State government.
“Amongst the Institutions that played a remarkable role in the said rescue operation, is the North East Development Commission (NEDC), under the able leadership of its Managing Director Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali, accompanied by the Commission’s management team that includes the Director of Finance and Admin Dr. Garba Iliya, which as usual played both Fatherly and Motherly role by donating a substantial amount to the tune of N3 billion and large quantity of food items to support the victims of the flood disaster and Small businesses owners affected by the incident.
“The Commission also embarked on the reconstruction of bridges affected by the water flooding in Taraba, Yobe, Bauchi, and Adamawa, in addition to the routine maintenance of most of the dilapidated roads that link the six North Eastern States.
“In the same vein, as part of its ongoing commitments, it has graciously done a lot to elevate the people’s suffering caused by the insurgency, flooding, and other unforeseen natural/man-made disasters.
“It has promised to be involved in the rehabilitation of the affected facilities as well as attending to environmental issues like cleaning the town and WASH intervention.
“We also commend NEDC for the reason that, for more than two weeks now, starting from the Commission’s members of management board who are busy visiting the side of the places where flooding took place, the Borno State governor and some key Royal Highnesses making heavy fulfilled promises and its staff who day and night sacrifice their lives in rescuing the people who were trapped by the water flood and were giving the first aid support.
“Another appreciable role NEDC is playing in some cities and major towns of the region to avoid water flooding is cleaning the drainages to allow water to move freely without going into people’s houses or shops.
“Once more, KACRAN wishes to express its deepest appreciation to NEDC, the highly committed members of its management board, and its workaholic staff for proving to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, people of North East, Nigerians, and the world in general that they are capable to transparently rebuild/develop not only North East but Nigeria at a whole, hence the need to Federal government to give them more financial support to continue with their good work of improving the life standard of the people of North East, giving continuous support to our security operative which has greatly assisted in removing the name of North East as the number one region faced by insecurity challenges in the country and coming to the aid of people of the region at any particular time of need..
“KACRAN also wants to immensely thank NEDC for rebuilding the culverts and bridges that were destroyed by water flooding in the region, the reconstruction of which relinked our people who mainly live in the bushes and weekly use to move from one market to another for selling their goods and buying what they rely on for their survival.
Similarly, KACRAN wants to extend its commendation to Mr, President, his able Vice Senator Kashim Shettima, the iron governor of Borno State Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, governors of various States of the federation who paid a courtesy visit to Maiduguri, National and international Donor agencies, philanthropists and other leaders in the country who went to Maiduguri to sympathize and commensurate with the good people of Maiduguri over the flood which had affected nearly half of Maiduguri town.
“Yobe State Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni, who led a strong delegation to Maiduguri and donated money and food items on his behalf and Yobe State Government and also directed the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) under the able leadership of its Executive Secretary, Dr Mohammed Goje to immediately relocate to Maiduguri with their working tools to actively participate in the Maiduguri rescue operation is a wisely, friendly and brotherhood administration’s decision that deserve highest commendation and multiple applaud.
“KACRAN’S special commendation to Governor Buni does not mean He or Yobe State are the major Donors in the Maiduguri water flood incident, but rather due to the uniqueness of his intervention, because to KACRAN’S knowledge, this is the first time in the history of Nigeria when a whole SEMA with its entire operational team might completely move to another State for rescue operations.
“Moreover, we want to use this medium to thank and highly recommend the Chief Managing Director of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmad Ahijo, who expertly, skillfully, experienced, and administratively handled the most dangerous issue of the water flooding into the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, by furiously evacuating the Hospital Patients to upstairs to rescue their lives from the dangerousness of the water flooding which killed several healthy people in the Maiduguri and its environs and thanks to Almighty Allah non of the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Patients were reported death as a result of the flooding, which is a great achievement to him and the entire management staff of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
“Preventing people from approaching the places where expensive Machines that use nuclear energy are to avoid any affection from radiation that comes out from the nuclear machines in case of any leakage and inviting experts in nuclear science to come to Maiduguri to assess the health/effectiveness of the said Nuclear Machines is another breakthrough to be reckoned with by the CMD because even in Europe, the United States of America or any developed nation in the world this is the highest stage of expertise.”
Borno Flood: KACRAN Applauds Donors to Affected Victims
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commiserated with the people of Ngoshe affected by the recent Boko Haram attack, describing the incident as tragic.
Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza local government, was attacked on Tuesday evening, scores were killed, while others were abducted.
Addressing members of the community on Friday in Pulka, Governor Zulum said he personally came to sympathize with the affected people and families of those that lost their loved ones.
He assured that efforts are underway to rescue all those abducted, restore security, and provide humanitarian support to victims.
“We are here today to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe that have lost their loved ones following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday. The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” Zulum said.
“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community, and for those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” Zulum assured.
Governor Zulum explained that military operations are currently ongoing in Ngoshe and the Sambisa Forest to rid the area of criminal elements.
“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed yesterday was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.
He called on the Nigerian Army to intensify operations to clear insurgents from the Mandara Hills which he described as a major security threat.
“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum said.
The governor noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as assessments are still ongoing, but acknowledged that several lives were lost while others were abducted.
As part of immediate humanitarian intervention, the governor said the state government had begun distributing relief materials and establishing cooking points to provide food for displaced residents.
“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected and I have directed that cooking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.
The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that Borno State government will double its efforts to end this madness. “We shall not relent in our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the state,” he said.
“I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will return fully to our land,” the governor added.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum inspected houses burned during an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday in Konduga town.
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
News
IWD 2026: UN Women Warns Nigeria’s Democracy at Risk as Women Hold Just 3.9% of Parliamentary Seats
IWD 2026: UN Women Warns Nigeria’s Democracy at Risk as Women¹ Hold Just 3.9% of Parliamentary Seats
By: Michael Michael
The Country Representative of UN Women to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Beatrice Eyong, has warned that Nigeria’s democratic progress and development could remain stunted unless urgent action is taken to close the country’s widening gender inequality gap.
Speaking in Abuja during a media parley ahead of the 2026 commemoration of International Women’s Day, Eyong said Nigeria continues to face troubling disparities in women’s representation, safety and access to justice despite years of advocacy and policy commitments.
The global observance this year is themed “Rights. Justice. Action.”
Eyong said the theme reflects a growing international concern that although women’s rights are widely recognised in law and policy, millions of women still struggle to experience those rights in their daily lives.
She particularly raised alarm over Nigeria’s extremely low level of female political representation, revealing that women currently occupy just 3.9 per cent of parliamentary seats, one of the lowest rates anywhere in the world.
According to her, the imbalance not only undermines democratic inclusion but also weakens the country’s ability to make policies that reflect the needs of half of its population.
“Gender equality is fundamentally a question of power, and the power gap in Nigeria remains stark,” Eyong said.
“When women are missing from decision-making tables, the consequences are visible in the policies we adopt, the priorities we fund, and the voices that remain unheard.”
Beyond politics, she said Nigeria continues to grapple with persistently high levels of gender-based violence, noting that many survivors still face enormous barriers in seeking justice.
She warned that violence against women is increasingly spreading into digital spaces, where technology-facilitated abuse has become a growing threat.
“Rights mean little without justice,” she said. “Justice must be experienced in women’s safety, in their freedom from fear, and in their ability to seek protection and accountability wherever abuse occurs.”
To confront these challenges, Eyong said UN Women is intensifying advocacy for the Special Seats for Women Bill, a constitutional reform proposal aimed at guaranteeing women stronger representation in Nigeria’s legislative institutions.
She explained that the organisation is also working with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to strengthen the National Sexual Offender Database, a critical accountability tool designed to prevent convicted offenders from evading detection by moving between states.
In addition, she said UN Women has expanded its engagement with traditional and religious leaders across Nigeria to challenge cultural norms and social practices that perpetuate discrimination and violence against women.
The agency is also supporting efforts to institutionalise Gender-Responsive Budgeting at federal and state levels to ensure government spending prioritises issues affecting women and girls, including maternal health, girl-child education, economic empowerment and community safety.
Eyong noted that beyond policy reforms, UN Women is building partnerships with financial institutions and the private sector to increase access to funding for women-led businesses and community initiatives.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s participation in peacebuilding and conflict prevention through Nigeria’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
However, Eyong stressed that meaningful progress will require more than policy declarations.
According to her, Nigeria does not suffer from a shortage of gender policies but from weak implementation, insufficient financing and inconsistent enforcement.
“We must move from commitments to implementation and from plans to measurable impact,” she said.
She called on the media to intensify its role in exposing injustice, amplifying the voices of survivors of violence and promoting women’s leadership across sectors.
Eyong said journalists remain critical partners in shaping national conversations that can influence policy reforms and public attitudes toward gender equality.
“When we secure justice and rights for women, we secure Nigeria’s stability, prosperity and future,” she said.
She added that UN Women remains committed to working with government, civil society, development partners and communities to ensure that the ideals of Rights, Justice and Action translate into tangible change for women and girls across Nigeria.
IWD 2026: UN Women Warns Nigeria’s Democracy at Risk as Women Hold Just 3.9% of Parliamentary Seats
News
Zulum Appoints Dr. Sa’id Alkali Kori, 3 others as Chairman, Board Members, Borno Investment Promotion Agency
Zulum Appoints Dr. Sa’id Alkali Kori, 3 others as Chairman, Board Members, Borno Investment Promotion Agency
By: Our Reporter
The earlier statement inadvertently refers to Dr. Sa’id Alkali Kori as the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Borno State Investment Promotion Agency, rather than the Chairman/Chief Investment Adviser to the Borno State Governor.
Therefore, this statement supersedes the earlier one.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of Dr. Sa’id Alkali Kori as Chairman/Chief Investment Adviser to the Borno State Governor.
Dr. Kori is a consummate entrepreneur and investment and infrastructure finance expert, and holds a PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences with a focus on Intellectual Capital from the University of London, United Kingdom.
He serves as the Honorary Special Adviser on International Relations and Investment to the Governor of Yobe State and is the Technical Adviser to the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum.
Dr. Kori is currently the Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Thinklab Group Limited, a leading innovation and development finance firm. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board for the Nigeria Food Corporation.
He has structured financing in excess of $200 million for critical infrastructure in housing, healthcare, and road networks.
The appointment is for the initial term of four years.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has also approved the appointment of Laminu Lawan Awana, Abubakar Ahmed Askira, and Danladi Alfaki Isa as Governing Board members representing the three senatorial zones of the state.
This is in accordance with section 6(b) of the Borno State Investment Promotion Law 2026 (as amended).
The appointees are seasoned professionals in trade and investment, development financing, housing, and mortgage finance.
Other members of the Board include:
A representative from each of the following Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, not below the rank of a Director, as Ex-Officio Members:
· Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industries
· Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS)
· Ministry of Works
· Ministry of Housing and Energy
· Ministry of Justice
· Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources
· Ministry of Livestock
· Ministry of Planning
· Ministry of Finance
· Ministry of Local Government and Emirate Affairs
- Two (2) representatives from the Organized Private Sector in Borno State.
- The Director-General of the Borno State Investment Promotion Agency will serve as the Secretary.
All the appointments take immediate effect.
Governor Babagana Zulum expressed confidence that, with Dr. Kori’s vast experience and the collective expertise of the board members, the state will be positioned as a hub for domestic and foreign investment and will foster viable Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate the State’s economic revitalization and sustainable development.
Zulum Appoints Dr. Sa’id Alkali Kori, 3 others as Chairman, Board Members, Borno Investment Promotion Agency
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
IWD 2026: UN Women Warns Nigeria’s Democracy at Risk as Women Hold Just 3.9% of Parliamentary Seats
Zulum Appoints Dr. Sa’id Alkali Kori, 3 others as Chairman, Board Members, Borno Investment Promotion Agency
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