Traditional Titles: The Turbanning of Dan Darnan of Gbagyi

By Balami Lazarus 

My recent visit to Kaduna to conclude a book publishing business undertaken by an elder stateman who devoted his time to contribute to knowledge.

The elder is also an advocate of peace and unity among his people. In the course of doing the business, I received a phone call from a long-time friend Muhammad Sabiu Ali Danmaliki, whom we fondly call AliMore, informing me of the  turbanning of our friend and brother with a traditional chieftancy title by His Royal Highness Ishayaku Yari (JP) at the Sa Gbagyi Palace in Ungwan Boro, Chikun Local Government Area, one of the chiefdoms in Kaduna State.

With this development, my mind immediately went to our days as young nen to the Kakuri Youth Development Association (KYDA), where I knew the hardworking and progressive Dan Darman. AliMore was the sole founder/president.

While myself and a few others, including the yet-mentioned Chief, were co-founders/mmembers. AliMore went further and told me that he still has in his custody some vital documents of the moribund body after over 30 years.

Our young Chief has contributed much to then KYDA. And reliable sources have it that he deserved the title given to him considering his endless contributions to his people and community.

Therefore, the recognition of young people (male and female) in the hierarchy of our traditional system of rulership is impressive, and what these young title holders are doing in terms of development and innovations for the progress of their kingdoms, emirates, and chiefdoms is encouraging.

At this point, you are still wondering, Who is this young man? Chief Wycliffe Shekoduza Lumson is the Dan Darman of Gbayi Chiefdom. Chief Lumson’s traditional title as Dan Darman means the Protector of the Gbagyi Chiefdom and, by extension, her ethnic nation. Ran kai dade Dan Darman. Balami, a Publisher/Columnist, 08036779290.

Traditional Titles: The Turbanning of Dan Darnan of Gbagyi

UNIMAID GETS NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR

By: Bodunrin kayode

The Governing Council of the University of Maiduguri at its special meeting held on the 18th September, 2024 has approved the appointment of Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele as the substantive Vice-Chancellor (VC).

This followed the recommendation of the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board, which interviewed four applicants for the post including former Deputy VC Academics Professor Saidu Baba.

A statement by the Registrar of the University Ahmed Lawan stated that the appointment takes effect from Wednesday, 18th September, 2024.

Professor Mohammed Mele is a distinguished scholar of English Language and Linguistics with over two decades of dedicated service in Teaching, Research and Community Service in the University.

Prior to this appointment, he was the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University and had held several Academic and Administrative positions in the University, including that of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Central Administration).

Professor Mele’s remarkable achievements in scholarship have earned him numerous meritorious awards and distinctions, both nationally and internationally in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of English Language and Linguistics.

Professor Mele hails from Mafa council area of Borno State and is widely traveled across the globe. He is happily married with Children and enjoys Reading, mentoring younger professionals and engaging in charity and community activities.

“On behalf of the staff, students and the entire University of Maiduguri community, I hereby congratulate Professor Mele for this well-merited appointment and wish him a successful tenure in office” The registrar stated in the release.

UNIMAID GETS NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR

Maiduguri Floods: Over 600,000 Displaced as CASFOD , Pam Care Step In Lifesaving Support

By Francis Okoye

The recent floods in Borno State, particularly in Maiduguri and Jere, have left a trail of devastation, displacing over 600,000 people and resulting in the deaths of at least 30 individuals.

The flooding, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam following heavy rainfall, has submerged critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and government buildings. Residents have been forced to flee their homes, with many now sheltering in makeshift camps.

Among the hardest-hit areas are the livestock and agricultural sectors, which are the primary sources of livelihood for many families. The floods have affected herds, leaving farmers without income or food. The destruction is especially dire for communities that heavily rely on livestock for their survival.

Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD) and Pam Care Community Initiative, two organizations with a longstanding presence in Borno, have stepped up to provide urgent relief. CASFOD is currently on the ground in Maiduguri, delivering clean drinking water, health and nutrition services, and hygiene items to displaced families in IDP camps. They have also been working with local and international partners like the World Food Programme (WFP), Intersos, CATAI, and BOWDI to provide hot meals and drinking water to those affected.

Pam Care and CASFOD had previously launched a successful livestock livelihood program, benefiting 1,700 vulnerable families. However, more than 70% of these families have now lost their livestock due to the floods, further exacerbating the crisis.

The risk of disease outbreaks, such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery, remains high due to contaminated water sources and overcrowded camps. CASFOD and Pam Care are urgently appealing for additional support from the government and international donors to expand their relief efforts and rebuild the livelihoods of those affected.

As the situation worsens, CASFOD and Pam Care are working around the clock to provide critical interventions but we stress that more needs to be done. With more resources, we aim to address the immediate health and sanitation needs in the camps and help flood-affected families regain stability.

Local residents, who have lost their homes and livelihoods, are now relying on humanitarian efforts for survival. We emphasize that collective efforts are essential to prevent further suffering and ensure a swift recovery for Borno State’s most vulnerable populations.

Maiduguri Floods: Over 600,000 Displaced as CASFOD , Pam Care Step In Lifesaving Support