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Crude oil discovery: Commission tasks Bauchi, Gombe states on peaceful coexistence

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Crude oil discovery: Commission tasks Bauchi, Gombe states on peaceful coexistence

Crude oil discovery: Commission tasks Bauchi, Gombe states on peaceful coexistence

The Director-General of National Boundary Commission (NBC), Mr Adamu Adaji, has called on Bauchi and Gombe States not to allow the discovery of crude oil in the Kolmani River region to cause rivalry between them.

Adaji spoke at a parley with newsmen to mark the end of the commission’s activities for the year 2022 in Abuja.

“I want to appeal to Bauchi and Gombe States to avoid any move that would destroy the already peaceful coexistence between them before the discovery of crude oil in their border communities.

They should know that boundaries are created for administrative conveniences and not separation. Bauchi and Gombe use to be same before the creation of Gombe State; and I feel they are still one and same.

“It would not be good if the two states start fighting each other because of the oil resources that have been discovered in the Kolmani River Region.

“However, let it be clear that the NBC’s mandate do not extend to management and distribution of mineral resources between border communities,’’ Adaji warned.

He appealed to the Governments of Bauchi and Gombe States to sensitise their indigenes residing in the border communities to embrace cooperation and peaceful coexistence.

Adaji said they should continue to enjoy peace that they had long before the creation of Gombe State and they should also learn to enjoy their resources together as brothers and sisters.

According to the NBC boss, there are about 86 interstate boundary issues across the country, out which 40 had been resolved.

“However, we have fixed pillars to demarcate most of the borders where discrepancies have been resolved. We are still making effort to resolve more.

“But one of the challenges we are facing is the lack of cooperation from some states in the country.

“I want them to understand that we do not create boundaries, but rather work on already existing documents and evidences to ensure that boundaries are demarcated without bias.

“Governments should sensitise their border communities to imbibe the spirit of peace and cooperation. This will make our work of demarcating the borders easier,’’ Adaji said.

On the issue of Bakassi Peninsula, the NBC boss said that the commission, with the Nigeria-Cameroon mixed Commission, has implemented the rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He, however, said that there were three areas of disagreement between Nigeria and Cameroon that the mixed commission would take back to the ICJ soon to get more clarifications.

Adaji said that his commission collaborated with International Seabed Authority to build capacity of African countries in the exploration of the seabed mineral resources.

“We are grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for funding the Commission to deliver on its mandate. We also collaborate with the Office of the Surveyor General to achieve our mandate.

“We have always encouraged international border cooporation with countries like Niger Republic, Chad, Benin and Cameroon, including interstate border communities in the country,’’ Adaji said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the media parley was attended by management and staff of the Commission.

Crude oil discovery: Commission tasks Bauchi, Gombe states on peaceful coexistence

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Group Advised Against Confirmation of North West Development Commission Board for being Unrepresentative

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Group Advised Against Confirmation of North West Development Commission Board for being Unrepresentative

By: Michael Mike

Northern Christian Youth Professionals have advised against the confirmation and inauguration of the board of the North West Development Commission, insisting that the list of members are presently skewed and unrepresentative of the diverse interest of the North West region.

The group in a press conference addressed on Tuesday by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak said: “If the Senate goes ahead and confirms the list, and the President inaugurates the members, then Mr. President would have sowed the first seed of religious dicord in a region that is growing away from religious volatility.”

Abrak said: “We have convened this press conference to address a critical oversight that we believe warrants immediate attention. We respectfully call upon His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to review the recent appointments to the Board of Directors of the North West Development Commission and include christians. Currently, this board lacks Christian representation, despite the more than 11 million Christians residing in the North West region, encompassing Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Jigawa, and Zamfara States.”

Abrak, while listing the members of the board to include, Haruna Ginsau (Jigawa) – Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji (Kano) – Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, and members Dr. Yahaya Namahe (Sokoto), Aminu Suleiman (Kebbi), Tijani Kaura (Zamfara) – AbdulKadir Usman (Kaduna), Muhammad Wudil (Kano), Shamsu Sule (Katsina), Nasidi Ali (Jigawa), said it was unfair to have a wholly Muslim adherents on a board which has a population of about 11 million people.

He said: “You can see that Jigawa and Kano states have two members each, despite the fact these states have a significant population of indegenous christians, yet no christian was found qualified to balance the two slots from the states. Then how about the remaining of Kaduna, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara whose christian population is almost half in the states, especially Kaduna state where the 2006 National Census exercise recorded christians as higher in number in the state.”

Abrak said: “We fear that our perennial marginalization will continue even in staff recruitment and appointment on the commission’s workforce. This we cannot accept.

“Let us be frank to ourselves, every member of the Board will prioritize their community’s interests when the board seats to map out areas of intervention to carry development actitvities. So if the board remains as it is, then it means that there will be no christians sitting at the table at the time decisions of paramount importance will be taken.”

He decried that: “Then many christian dominated communties that have suffered high herdsmen destruction and kidnappings, fair resource allocation to these ravaged areas is unlikely since they have no one sitting at the table when decisions are taken.”

Abrak added that: “The inclusion of Christians on the board will not only unite the region but give the Commision the trust and support it needs for roboast development. Importantly also this would boost our President’s political standing, as our people are loyal his leadership which is working tirelessly to improving their well-being.

“We are concerned that the absence of fair representation could impact the commission’s effectiveness and potentially sow seeds of religious discord—a challenge we have been working diligently to overcome. We believe this oversight does not align with Mr. President’s vision, nor that of the leaders and peace-loving citizens of this region, and certainly not that of Nigerians as a whole.”

He noted that: “Our region is rich with qualified Christian professionals who could serve admirably on the board. We have highly educated and seasoned serving and retired men and women in both public and private sector, Such as the Career Civil Servants, Military, Police and other security services. , as well the clergy. They are people of high integrity, well suited to contribute positively to the North West Development Commission. We therefore advise Mr. President to appoint one of the christians to also serve in one of the executive office of the Board

“We, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals, want to state it categorically clear here that, as a christian group who publicly supported and campaiged for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Muslim-Muslim” ticket, our request is not rooted in any malicious or divisive intent. Rather, we are motivated by the principles of fairness and equal representation, which are essential to the peaceful coexistence and development of our diverse region.”

Abrak admitted that: “Under the leadership of President Tinubu and the governors of the North West, our region is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of security and stability. This progress is due in no small part to the inclusive leadership style of our President and the dedication of our security personnel. It is our hope that we can continue to build on this foundation to foster a stronger, more united North West and a prosperous Nigeria.”

Group Advised Against Confirmation of North West Development Commission Board for being Unrepresentative

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GENERAL SARASO DECORATES NEWLY PROMOTED SNCOs WITH THEIR NEW BADGES OF RANK, CHARGES THEM TO REMAIN DISCIPLINE AND DEDICATED TO DUTY

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GENERAL SARASO DECORATES NEWLY PROMOTED SNCOs WITH THEIR NEW BADGES OF RANK, CHARGES THEM TO REMAIN DISCIPLINE AND DEDICATED TO DUTY

By: Musa Adams

The General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA Major General Mayirenso Lander Saraso has charged newly promoted Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) at the Division’s Headquarters to remain disciplined, hardworking and dedicated as well as continue to work very hard for more promotions. General Saraso gave the charge during the investiture ceremony of the newly promoted SNCOs which was held at the GOC’s Conference Room on Monday 4 November 2024.

The GOC congratulated the newly promoted SNCOs and Warrant Officers for attaining a new level in their careers. He emphasized that promotion is not just a recognition but a call to even greater responsibility, saying, “The work towards your next rank begins now. The higher you go, the tougher the challenges become.” He encouraged them to redouble their efforts and prove themselves as assets, not liabilities, to the Nigerian Army and admonished their colleagues to recognize and respect their new ranks when offering guidance and advice.

While giving some words of advice to the newly promoted soldiers, the Chief of Staff 1 Division, Brigadier General David Nwakonobi, also commended the SNCOs and reminded them that each promotion comes with greater responsibility, saying, “The path may be tougher as you continue to grow in ranks”.

The newly promoted and decorated soldiers were Staff Sergeants Joseph Godwin, Warrant Officer Danlami Dombo, Warrant Officer Danjinjiri Usman and Warrant Officer Alhassan Musa, all of Headquarters 1 Division.

In his vote of thanks on behalf of his newly promoted colleagues, Warrant Officer Alhassan Musa thanked the almighty God for the privilege to witness the day and expressed gratitude to the GOC for the promotion and pledged their commitment to uphold the duties and values of the Nigerian Army.

Highlights of the event were the investiture ceremony, words of advice to the newly promoted soldiers by senior officers and a group photograph.

GENERAL SARASO DECORATES NEWLY PROMOTED SNCOs WITH THEIR NEW BADGES OF RANK, CHARGES THEM TO REMAIN DISCIPLINE AND DEDICATED TO DUTY

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Zulum, Two Other Governors To Receive Arewa Humanitarian Award

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Zulum, Two Other Governors To Receive Arewa Humanitarian Award

By: Our Reporter

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Umar Bago of Niger State, have been nominated for the distinguished Arewa Humanitarian Awards, 2024.

THISDAY newspaper reports on Sunday that the recognition is to highlight their exceptional contributions to humanitarian efforts and the well-being of their respective states.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State celebrated for his leadership amidst one of Nigeria’s most challenging humanitarian crises, has consistently demonstrated resilience and compassion in addressing the needs of displaced persons, providing essential services and rebuilding war-torn communities.

The Arewa Humanitarian Awards set to take place in December 2024 is a prestigious event that recognises leaders and changemakers across Northern Nigeria that have made substantial impacts in their communities. The nomination of these three governors is a testament to their dedication to serving the people and contributing to the overall development of the northern region.

Their leadership and humanitarian work will be honoured in the upcoming ceremony which will bring together political leaders, humanitarian advocates, and stakeholders to celebrate the collaborative efforts that continue to uplift communities across Northern Nigeria.

Zulum, Two Other Governors To Receive Arewa Humanitarian Award

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