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Borno: From ashes of insecurity to agric revolution

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Borno: From ashes of insecurity to agric revolution

By Hamza Suleiman

Prior to the Boko Haram insurgency Borno was one of the most agriculturally advanced states in Nigeria with more than two-third of its population engaged in cereal crops, livestock, fishery, and poultry production.

This contributed significantly to Nigeria’s food supply chain, making it a crucial player in feeding the country’s vast population.

However, the insurgency had a devastating impact on agriculture, similar to its effects on the economy and social sectors and residents took refuge in other parts of the country.

The damage was monumental, leading to malnutrition in children and breastfeeding mothers, as well as hunger and starvation among the population, ultimately culminating in a humanitarian crisis in the entire North-East region.

The aftermath of the devastation was estimated to be in the billions of dollars, leaving a significant portion of the population without livelihoods and dependent on food aid from the government and humanitarian organizations.

In 2019, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum assumed office as the elected governor of Borno State, inheriting one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world at the time, with approximately 2.5 million displaced persons.

These individuals, who previously engaged in rain-fed and irrigation activities, cultivating thousands of hectares of arable land across the state’s 20 local government areas, also lost their livelihoods as fishermen and animal breeders.

This significantly reduced the state’s food production capacity to almost zero.
As a result, citizens faced hunger and starvation, and the supply of well-bred animals, dried fish, and other fishery products to markets across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon Republics was severely impacted.

Notably, the Federal Government established the Lake Chad Basin Development Commission (LCBDC).
This was in recognition of Borno’s significant contribution to agriculture. There was also the establishment of Lake Chad Basin Research Institute in Maiduguri, to enhance studies and innovations in various fields of agriculture.

Zulum also built on the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement program initiated by his predecessor, Vice-President Kashim Shettima. This programme prioritised agriculture, which received significant attention.

During the launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP), Zulum emphasised the importance of agriculture in Borno’s development.

“Our government has made agriculture a top priority, and we are committed to mobilizing resources to boost its growth.
“To achieve this, we have procured essential agricultural machinery and inputs like tractors, chemicals, and fertilisers.

`This will significantly enhance our farmers’ productivity. Our goal is to support our farmers in every way possible to increase their agricultural output and promote food security.

He said, “We must shift our focus from short-term humanitarian support to medium and long-term sustainable solutions, and that is agriculture”, Zulum said.

RHI-WASP is the initiative of the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, designed to encourage women to engage in agricultural activities and contribute to the food sufficiency agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Zulum’s administration has empowered 120 women farmers from the North-East region with N500,000 each, and 100 persons with disabilities from Borno with N100,000 each, to support their agricultural endeavors’’, the document said.
The Borno government recognises the importance of logistics support to farmers hence it has taken to meet some of their challenges.

For instance it procured one million liters of petrol which was distributed at a subsidized rate to farmers across the state and distributed 20,000 bags of fertilisers to them.

The government also provided 1,000 solar-powered water pumps and 5,000 water pump machines to farmers in the three senatorial districts.

Among others, the state government established modern, innovative and climate-smart irrigation schemes at Bokkoiri in Konduga; Kulunnam in Magumeri, Jaffi in Kwaya Kusar, Mafa in Mafa, Bulabulin, Shuwari and Gajibo in Dikwa and Logomane in Ngala LGA, respectively.

Similarly, the Zulum administration is investing hugely in drip irrigation to accelerate cash crop production such as maize, cassava and sesame seeds, even as it has inaugurated a 20-hectare sesame plantation at Koiri pilot drip irrigation scheme.

“Let’s carefully put things in order. Borno State will start exporting sesame and other cash crops in the near future.
“We will subsequently change focus and invest our resources in irrigation farming or, rather, food production.

I assure you that we will provide the political will needed to achieve food sufficiency.

“We need to expand our scope; we should identify bigger lands, we can expand with another 100 hectares each in Borno Central, South and North Senatorial Districts.

“My predecessor has procured about 10,000 hectares of drip irrigation kits. After this year’s rainy season, we hope the state will be able to cultivate at least 1,000 hectares”, Zulum said.

The Zulum administration recorded significant success in enhancing extension and farmers support services as it distributed improved variety seeds, fertilisers, chemical and knapsack sprayers to 3,000 rice farmers at Ngala and Gwoza.

It also provided 250 water pumps, 250 tubewells, assorted seeds, and agrochemicals to 1,000 Dry season farmers in Baga resettled community, while 1,000 tubewells and 1,000 water pumps were distributed to rice growers at Damasak in Mobbar LGA.

Farmers in Tarmuwa-Banki also received 50 units of water pumps with accessories, 50 tubewells, seeds, fertiliser, and chemicals to dry season farmers.’’, among other initiatives.

The efforts of the administration have not gone unnoticed by experts and other stakeholders in the sector.

Executive Secretary of National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne urged all stakeholders to emulate Zulum in his agriculture sector revolution.

He spoke at the inauguration of projects executed by NALDA in Jere Local Government Area of Borno.
“I want to call on all stakeholders to quickly key into this agricultural revolution of Mr President (Bola Tinubu) by adopting the method of Borno State, the method of unconditional land donation and method of total commitment.

“I thank you, Mr governor, for your support for agriculture, your support for the development of Borno…NALDA will continue to partner Borno because Borno has the potential to develop food production and achieve food security in Nigeria’’, Ikonne said.
A social media influencer, Abudulla Ayofe, has also commended Zulum over his steps to transform the agric sector in Borno.

“Governor Zulum’s administration is turning desert into green fields in a bid to push the modern agriculture revolution in Borno State’’, he said in one of his verified social media posts.

Gaji Ngari, a grain farmer in Dille village in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, said Zulum had not only transformed farming but also the lives of farmers.
“The government has done a lot for us, particularly given our recent history; gradually, we are picking ourselves up’’, he said.

Agric experts say in spite of the achievements, more still needs to be done to position Borno in a position to reach its agric potential.

They say the state government should further explore technology in providing logistics for farmers. They say such tools can be used to predict weather and latest agriculture inputs.

They also call for strengthened security in the state, particularly around farmlands, which are still vulnerable to sporadic security breaches, as well as provide financial security for farmers through soft loans.

Hamza Suleiman is a Senior Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Borno: From ashes of insecurity to agric revolution

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NSCDC TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CYBER CRIME PROHIBITION, PREVENTION ACT 2015 IN INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS

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NSCDC TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CYBER CRIME PROHIBITION, PREVENTION ACT 2015 IN INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS

By: Michael Mike

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu has disclosed that henceforth, investigation and prosecution of offenders of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) would be carried out under relevant provisions, protection of CNII order, 2024.

Odumosu made the disclosure during a one day internal workshop to acquaint personnel of relevant department and units of the Command, such as ICT, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Intelligence and Investigation, Legal unit and personnel from the Area Commands and Divisions, with the provisions of the cybercrimes Acts and Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) order.

The workshop was convened in line with the directive of the Commandant General (CG), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni OFR, following the directive of the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on the application of the cyber crimes prohibition, prevention etc Act, 2015, in the prosecution of offences relating to Critical Information Infrastructure (CNII) as contained in the designation and protection of CNII order, 2024.

He said some individuals apprehended for vandalism or stealing CNII, like fiber optics cables, transmission towers, communication bases and switching stations with other ICT – related infrastructure are still being charged under conventional laws applicable to theft or malicious damage which has failed to address the National Security, Economic and Strategic implications of tampering with CNII.

The FCT Boss hinted that it was imperative to note that CNII comprises of Networks, systems, and facilities especially in telecommunications, finance, energy, transportation, and Defence whose disruption could compromise National Security, Economic and Public Safety.

The Commandant said CNII remains one of the core mandates of the Corps and all hands must be on deck to ensure that Critical National Assets and Infrastructure remains secured and capable of supporting the nation’s growth in this digital era.

“This gathering is not just a response to security threats but a proactive step towards fostering collaboration, innovation and strategic planning to safeguard our cultural heritage from vandalism”

“It must be clear that the Cybercrime law underscore the fact that attacks are no longer just physical – cutting cables, vandalizing installation but also digital or hybrid system interference, unauthorized access, data tampering”.

He urged all the participants to cascade the knowledge they have garnered to officers under them to ensure that vandalism is completely obliterated from the Capital Territory.

NSCDC TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CYBER CRIME PROHIBITION, PREVENTION ACT 2015 IN INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS

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NSCDC Arrests Kidnap Syndicate Along Zaria-Kano Highway

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NSCDC Arrests Kidnap Syndicate Along Zaria-Kano Highway

By: Michael Mike

Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a five-man syndicate who specializes in kidnapping, extortion, theft and criminal conspiracy and operate along Zaria-Kano road.

Briefing the journalists in Abuja, the Commandant General Special Intelligence Squad Commandant; Apollo Dandaura narrated the encounter with the notorious gang nabbed for committing brigandage and forcefully attacked one Sani Ahmad driving along Zaria to Kano and was flagged down by the gang on the account that there was danger ahead.

He said the victim, Sani Ahmad was compelled to stop the vehicle unknown to him that he was already in the hands of kidnappers who subsequently extorted valuables from him.

Sani Ahmad from his statement hinted that he is a journalist and on the said day, he was travelling with his friend, Mallam Haruna, his wife and child but the unfortunate incident happened after he dropped his friend and family in Zaria and continued his journey to Kano.

He said: “After insisting that I stopped the Car, they invaded my vehicle and picked my travelling bag, took 2 IPhones 12 Pro max, Techno Camon 40 pro and compelled me to transfer ₦300,000 through my Opay Account to an Opay account 9026238691 with the name Abdullahii Lawan Garba which was provided by one Ibrahim Abubakar after firing a gun to threaten my life”

Dandaura said the names of the suspected kidnappers are: Ibrahim Abubakar Garba, Umar Fulani, Aliyu Mohammed, Murtala Salisu and Imrana Hassan all male and have volunteered statements admitting their individual involvement in the heinous crime committed.

He said the following were recovered as exhibits from the suspects: 6 mini Smart phones, 1 IPhone 12 Pro max, 1 Techno Camon 40 Pro similar to the ones stolen from the victim at gun point already sold to Imrana Hassan; First Bank, Guarantee Trust Bank and Opay ATM cards, 1 Samsung Galaxy A15, 1 Infinix X6531B, 1 Itel keypad phone, Wrist Watches, Ear pods, Bangle, Rings and many other personal belongings.

He affirmed that thorough investigation is ongoing on the case and all suspects would appear before the Court of competent jurisdiction; he however warned travellers to be wary of late night movements noting that criminal minded persons are on rampage to extort innocent citizens most especially as the Yuletide season is very close.

NSCDC Arrests Kidnap Syndicate Along Zaria-Kano Highway

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Global Governance Initiative: China’s Bold Step Against Hegemony, Injustice

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Global Governance Initiative: China’s Bold Step Against Hegemony, Injustice

By: Dr. Bridget Chiedu Onochie

At a time when the world is grappling with complex challenges – social unrest, economic hegemony and unhealthy politics, a robust global governance system appears the only panacea. The prevailing unwholesome scenarios playing around the world not completely occasioned by natural tendencies but majorly orchestrated by leadership idiosyncrasies at the global level, no doubt, threatens human peace, and if left untamed, may further destabilize sequence of events by creating disharmony among peoples of the world.

By global governance, we refer to the systems, rules and standards that guide international relations and cooperation among countries, international organizations and other stakeholders in global development and peace. It envisages collaboration among nations towards addressing world’s challenges with international institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund formulating inclusive, equitable and people-oriented policies.

The primary goals of global governance, include promotion of peace and security in such a manner that conflicts are prevented; fostering economic development, protection of human rights by upholding dignity and well-being of people as well as decisively combating global natural challenges such as the climate change, pandemics and any other issue of urgent global interest.

Unfortunately, the inability of the international institutions to balance national interests with global needs, guarantee fair representation and participation, and effectively address complex global challenges through cooperation, diplomacy and other relevant tools, has witnessed escalation of natural occurrences and hostilities across the globe.

The Chinese President, Xi Jinping and his country therefore deserve commendation and accolade for amplifying the call for efficient and enduring global governance.

By proposing the GGI, Xi bold stepped forward to expose existing discrepancy in global governance, especially the forcelessness of the Global South in the essential mechanisms for global governance irrespective of their contributions to world’s economy and overall development.

The gap in international relations and its governance process have over the years, denied the essential contributions and cumulative insight of the majority of the world stakeholders.

The initiative, which was proposed by President Xi on September 1, 2025, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO Plus) meeting held at the Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center, among other necessities, targets necessary reforms at the global institutions’ level.

That GGI was tied to the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations, having been established on October 24, 1945, speaks volume of Chinese attention to history and how its hands in shaping the future.

Unfortunately, 80 years down the lane, the global institutions entrusted with the responsibilities of safeguarding member countries, especially the less powerful nations from socio-economic hegemony, appeared overwhelmed while blatant disregard for territorial sovereignty permeates the world.
One of the greatest benefits of the proposed

GGI as canvassed by several well-meaning citizens of the world therefore is the expected drastic reforms of the institutions to enshrine inclusivity and mutual respect.

As aptly proposed by China, there should be a commitment to peaceful coexistence and strengthening of confidence in a manner that guarantees a win-win situation. Beyond the proposal, China has also volunteered to work with all countries to ensure that a more just and equitable global governance system is enshrined. This perhaps, may be one of the fastest lane to its long time clamour for a community with a shared future for humanity.

The Global Governance as an initiative stands on five solid pillars of sovereign equality, international rule of law, practical multilateralism, people-centered approach and taking real actions.

Through these pillars, China canvasses a global governance structure that promotes to sovereign equality by ensuring that all countries, irrespective of size, strength and wealth, are equal participants in decision-making, beneficiaries in global governance. It also seeks greater effort towards entrenching a democratic culture in international relations to the extent of amplifying the voice of developing countries by increasing their representations in international institutions.

The second pillar, which dwells on the need to abide by international rule of law, clearly defines the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and other universally recognized basic norms of international relations. It holds that international law and rules should be applied equally and uniformly without double standards or few countries imposed upon others.

The GGI expressed the need to uphold the vision of global governance that features extensive consultation and joint contributions for shared benefit, that which strengthens solidarity and coordination, opposed to unilateralism, and that, which firmly safeguards the status and authority of the U.N to enable it play the expected key role in global governance.

Another reason for seeking a reform of the global governance system is to make governance more people-oriented, the one that recognizes people of every nation as equal players and by so doing, gradually bridges the gulf between the Global North and the South.

There is also need to transcend rhetoric in addressing world challenges. The new GGI supports a systematic and holistic coordination of global actions and the ability to fully mobilize resources, struggle for more visible outcomes and enhance practical cooperation to prevent the governance system from disintegration.

Since no individual or country gives what it doesn’t have, it is not surprising therefore that the in past 24 years, the SCO has adhered faithfully to the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development, thereby setting the pace for practical and exemplary global governance.

The fact that China’s regional affairs are inclusively discussed and provides platforms and mechanisms for actions built together and cooperation that benefits buttressed the possibility of a new global governance if players are determined and resolute.

The SCO has drawn inspiration from the lessons of the past and their contemporary implications. According to experts, foundation of the initiative was laid by issues emanating from rigorous interrogations of the prevailing existential reality and international conditions, a circumstance that promotes survival of the fittest and emphases for living before essence.

The GGI is therefore a clarion call for objective representation of every country, for collective consensus of the global family that defies factional coalitions and bloc loyalty, having been conspicuously made evident that no matter how powerful some countries may be, they may not possess adequate mechanism to deal with emerging challenges of international system exclusively.

As the wave of development blows across the globe, even the once relegated, developing, nations are experiencing subtle but accelerated progress in science and technology. That is the reality of the Global South, especially China, which has astronomically leapt into the mainstream of the contemporary global power.

Yet, the beauty of China’s development is the positive impacts that country has made on other continents and respective countries of the world, including Africa. By so doing, it has assumed, without self-gratification, international responsibilities as the emerging big brother of the Global South, not only with the deployment of its resources to translate visions to visible, actionable development but equally, building a reputation for seeking inclusive world that is peaceful, equitable and conducive for all.

Therefore, the five GIG concepts, which are already set in motion in China, should be considered imperative for the new global order. The fact that SCO has increasingly become a catalyst for the development and reform of the global governance system is something that should excite the world rather than build walls of sentiments.

President Xi in his powerful address reiterated that China was ready to work with all parties in order to uphold courageously, the great principle and the common good of the world, to promote a correct historical perspective on World War II, to resolutely safeguard the fruits of their victory in the War, to deliver more benefits to the entire humanity through the reform of the global governance system and to build of a community with a shared future for humanity.

For Nigerians across different sectors, a new Global Governance Initiative (CGI) is the long awaited game-changer. Although it is the fourth development idea proposed by China under the leadership of Xi, it is highly expected that other ideas will seamlessly fall in line if global governance is gotten right.

The Federal government of Nigeria has also described the initiative as a well thought out contribution towards strengthening the international system. As one of the Africa’s largest economies and an active participant in multilateral diplomacy, Nigeria sees GGI as a valuable platform for advancing shared priorities, including reform of the UN, inclusive governance in emerging domains and promotion of equitable development.

By this, it has joined the rest of the peace-loving countries of the world to reaffirm sustained commitment to a just, inclusive and effective international order, which reflects the aspirations of all peoples, and upholds the principles of shared responsibility and mutual respect.

For China, the Global South appreciates your contributions and constant reminder in words and actions, that no nation should be left behind. The newly proposed GGI is just one of those valuable contributions.

Global Governance Initiative: China’s Bold Step Against Hegemony, Injustice

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