Borno LG boss warns residents against illegal tree felling

By Peter Uwumarogie

Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area of Borno State, on Thursday launched its tree planting campaign, while distributing 150, 000 tree seedlings to residents.

The campaign is in collaboration with the State’s Ministry of Environment and the state’s Agency for the Great Green Wall.

Launching the campaign in Bila Kutiki community in Kwaya Kusar LGA, Engr Mohammed Habib, Borno Commissioner for Environment commended the council for the initiative which he said aligned with Gov. Babagana Zulum’s environment agenda.

Habib, represented by Mr Aliyu Yusuf, the Director of Forestry and Wildlife Services at the Ministry stated that Borno State faced serious environmental challenges such as desertification, deforestation, soil erosion, and the impact of climate change.

He said that it was in that regard that his ministry would continue to provide support and embrace partnership to ensure the success of the afforestation initiative of the state.

He urged the Kwaya Kusar community to maintain the trees, stressing that “planting is easy, but nurturing to maturity is what will give us the real impact.”

Hon. Dahiru Hamma, the chairman of Kwaya Kusar LGA said that the move to distribute the seedlings was a response to the activities of illegal tree felling and its impact on communities in the council.

Hamma said that the gesture would complement the state government’s efforts at combating climate change and protecting the environment for the future generations to inherit a greener and healthy environment.

“We are today launching and releasing 150,000 seedlings which comprises Casia plant, black current, Mahogany, Eucalyptus, Tamarine, Cashew, malena, mango, zaytoun, Bamboo tree, neem plant, amongst others,” he said.

The chairman appealed to residents to ensure adequate protection and sustainability of the trees, while warning against illegal tree felling in the council.

According to him, anyone caught engaging in illegal tree felling will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the state.

He commended Zulum and the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar-Mustapha II for their support and commitment to environmental restoration.

Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, the secretary of Biu Emirate Council who represented the emir, urged residents to ensure sustainability of the trees, stating that trees among others help serve as wind breakers to protect houses.

Borno LG boss warns residents against illegal tree felling

Book Launch: Governor Zulum Donates ₦100 million

By: Our Reporter

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has donated the sum of N100 million on behalf of the government of Borno State for the book “Duty and Courage: The Story of Professor Ahmed Ahidjo 2018-2026 written by Dr. James Bwala, which chronicles his achievements as the Chief Medical Director of UMTH.

The governor also promised to deepen collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners to improve healthcare services in the state.

The Governor made the pledge on Tuesday during the opening of the Association of Radiologists of Nigeria (ARIN) 9th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, Book Launch and Commissioning of projects at the UMTH in Maiduguri.

He said the event marked another milestone in the collective pursuit of stronger healthcare delivery, medical education, research and specialist services for the people of Borno State and the North-East.

Governor Zulum re-stated his administration’s commitment to continue supporting the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) within available resources, alongside other federal health institutions in the state.

“As a State Government, we will continue to support the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and other healthcare institutions within our capacity, while strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government and other partners,” Zulum stated.

The Governor noted that UMTH had remained steadfast in saving lives, training medical professionals and providing essential specialist services throughout the difficult years of insurgency and flooding in the state.

He commended the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, for what he described as exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the institution’s growth.

According to Zulum, the hospital has recorded notable progress in infrastructure development, specialist services, medical training, research and professional development under Professor Ahidjo’s leadership.

“You are not only managing a Teaching Hospital; you are building a legacy that will benefit generations to come,” the Governor said.

“Professor Ahidjo has demonstrated that effective leadership is about building strong institutions, developing people and leaving a lasting legacy. Under his leadership, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital has continued to make significant progress in infrastructure, specialist services, medical training, research and professional development.”

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the state, particularly in healthcare infrastructure, human capital development and institutional strengthening.

Governor Zulum also commended NEDC for its intervention in the hospital and other development institutions in the region.

He said the ARIN Conference, book launch and inaugural lecture underscored the importance of research, knowledge-sharing and continuous professional development in addressing healthcare challenges.

Governor Zulum congratulated UMTH management and staff on the achievements. He expressed optimism that the newly commissioned projects would enhance the quality of healthcare services and further consolidate the hospital’s position as a centre of excellence.

The high point of the event was the commissioning of the Fertility Care Center and En-Suite Maternity Complex constructed by the North East Development Commission and the public presentation of the Book.

The event was attended by Borno State Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; Shehu of Borno, Dr Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi; Senator representing Borno South, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; members of House of Representives; Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha; Minister of State for Regional Development, Hon. Uba Maigari Ahmodu; representative of the minister of Health and Social Welfare, Deputy Speaker Borno State House of Assembly and other members of the state assembly; Commissioners; traditional rulers; MD North East Development Commission and other dignitries.

Book Launch: Governor Zulum Donates ₦100 million

Yobe: Buni appreciates Tinubu for his commitment to regional peace.

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governor’s Forum and the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, have appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his commitment to regional peace, security, and cooperation among the member states.

The chairman showed appreciation today when he visited the headquarters of the Lake Chad Basin Commission in N’Djamena, Chad Republic.

According to Governor Buni, “You have no doubt taken this responsibility at a consequential moment for the Lake Chad Basin, one in which our shared security, stabilization, and development challenges demand stronger political coordination, deeper institutional partnership, and a renewed sense of common purpose.

He further maintained that, “As chairman of the Governor’s Forum, I assure you of our readiness to work closely with you in advancing this common agenda and to achieve our set targets,” he added.

Governor Mai Mala Buni congratulated the new executive secretary of the commission, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, assuring him of a cordial working relationship between the forum and the commission.

He changed the commission to deepen engagements with the African Union, UNDP, international financial institutions, bilateral partners, and other stakeholders to achieve its targets.

Governor Buni also visited the headquarters of the multinational joint task force and shared their experiences and challenges in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad region.

Yobe: Buni appreciates Tinubu for his commitment to regional peace.