News
DG Harps on Discipline, Patriotism as TAC Deploys Volunteers to S’Leone

DG Harps on Discipline, Patriotism as TAC Deploys Volunteers to S’Leone
By: Michael Mike
Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt.Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub has called on the Corps’ Volunteers to always abide by the laws of the country where they have been deployed to serve.
He said it is by so doing that Nigeria as a big-brother country will continue to retain the respect and admiration of their host countries wherever the Volunteers have been deployed.
The TAC DG, who made the call on Saturday in Abuja during the ceremony for the deployment of 18 Volunteers to Sierra Leone, thanked President Tinubu for his continuous support for the 37-year-old programme since assuming office in 2023.
Buba added that the Volunteers were Ambassadors of the Nigerian nation and were, therefore, expected to exhibit the highest form of discipline, decorum and obedience to constituted authorities.
He said: “Just as you have been informed, the Technical Aid Corps was established 37 years ago as a flagship programme for the advancement of our nation’s Foreign Policy goals through the deployment of technical support to our brothers and sisters in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps has deployed over 35,000 professionals and experts in various fields of learning to these countries over the past 37 years.
“The Government of Nigeria places great interest and value on this foreign policy tool. This is why you go out there with our official passports. And just as our Ambassadors, you are expected never to do the don’ts of the country in which you are going to serve. You must keep in mind that what you are involved in is volunteer service. So, no matter the opulence of your home, if you are quartered in a 1-room apartment, do not forget what took you there.
“Over the last 37 years, all those who have served everywhere in this Scheme, have done so with dignity and honour, and nothing less is expected of you. I congratulate you on being successful among the thousands of those who applied for this opportunity and wish you well in the journey ahead of you all.
“I also like to add that, while in Sierra Leone, the High Commission of Nigeria there remains your guardian, while we here are your parents. Whatever you want to do, please, remember to follow the rules in the Country Agreement and the tripartite agreement the Federal Government through TAC has signed with you and the Government of Sierra Leone. Endeavour to study these rules and regulations in order not to fall foul of any of the provisions. For us, as an Agency, we will ensure that all responsibilities towards you are followed to the letter”
Earlier speaking while presenting the Volunteers to the DG, Director of Programmes in the Agency, Amb.Zakari Usman, explained that the new Volunteers had arrived from across the country and had since undertaken various processes in the bid to prepare for deployment. He thanked the DG for his support at ensuring that the processes were easy and seamless.
Among the 18 health professionals, who belong to the first batch of the Volunteers scheduled for Sierra Leone, are very experienced nurses and Medical Doctors that have served Nigeria in various communities and public institutions.
The Volunteers who also spoke to journalists during the exercise also expressed readiness to commit to the ideals of the TAC mandate and make Nigeria proud through hard work and obedience to the authorities of the host country.
It will be recalled that the Agency has since last month commenced the deployment of Volunteers to The Gambia, Uganda and now Sierra Leone. It is expected to carry out more deployments in the weeks ahead to different ACP countries.
DG Harps on Discipline, Patriotism as TAC Deploys Volunteers to S’Leone
News
1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT

1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT
By: Michael Mike
A thousand youth from across northern states of the country are to be trained on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as part of efforts at empowering youth from the region.
The training is part of efforts of United States (US) based organisation, Zumunta Association USA Inc. which planned to host its 2025 Annual Convention between July 14-25 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The association which was formed in New York, US in 1991 has since its inception given scholarships to over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria in the value of above N100 million.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the President of the Association, Mr. Sunday Bitrus, said apart from the ICT Training, a medical outreach would be organised between June 14-23 at the Gudi General Hospital, Akwanga, Nasarawa State to provide top medical care for members of the public.
Bitrus, while disclosing that the association is non-partisan and non-religious organisation dedicated to representing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Nigeria, while also promoting a positive image of the country globally through the impactful actions of its members, said Zumunta Association remains committed to serving the needs of members, partnering with host communities and promoting unbiased, inclusive discourse on national development.
He noted that: “Our flagship Scholarship Programme has transformed the lives of
over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria, with over N100 million disbursed since inception. We receive more than
810,000 applications annually, a testament to the scale of need—and a call to action for donors and partners.
“We’ve spearheaded numerous palliative projects through partnerships with over 30 NGOs. Our work includes: School renovations; Health interventions; Community development initiatives across all 19 northern states and the FCT.
“In 2024, we joined hands with the government to enroll vulnerable populations into Essential Health Care Package
programmes, combating illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, and reducing under-5 mortality rates.”
He noted that during the Convention apart from the ICT Training and Medical Outreach, other activities lined up include Zumunta Golf Classic Tournament; Tennis Tournament, Business Meeting on Strategic Sectors such as Agriculture, Mining and Minerals, Health, and Housing; Gala, Awards and Fundraiser; Engagement with Traditional Rukers and Stakeholders.
Earlier, the Chairman/CEO, (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the efforts of the organisation towards development of the country.
Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi said the scholarships to 5,000 students was highly commendable and that NIDCOM would want to collaborate with the association in more areas.
End
News
Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing
By: Zagazola Makama
A police patrol team was ambushed on Sunday morning by suspected members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN) along the Okigwe–Umuahia Expressway in Imo State, resulting in the death of one officer and the disappearance of another.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack occurred at about 8:20 a.m. near Umuaka in Okigwe while the team was on routine patrol duties.
According to security sources, the patrol team was ambushed by heavily armed assailants who opened fire without provocation.
Police Constable Oluebube Onwubuariri, one of the patrol officers, sustained gunshot wounds to the ribs and was rushed to the General Hospital, Okigwe, where he was confirmed dead.
The team leader, Assistant Superintendent of Police Casmir Eronobi, has been declared missing. He was last seen with his AK-47 rifle bearing breech number 12592 and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
A massive manhunt is underway to locate the missing officer and recover the service weapon.
Security reinforcements comprising tactical teams from Owerri, the military, local vigilantes, and hunters have been deployed to comb the surrounding forests and restore order.
Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing
News
Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**
By: Zagazola Makama
A recently released video showing notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji expressing interest in surrendering and accepting peace has left many Nigerians speculating whether the once-feared warlord has finally developed a conscience.
However, contrary to popular assumptions, Turji’s decision appears less about remorse and more about reality. The video, which went viral over the weekend, is not the result of a moral awakening but rather a product of desperation.
“Turji is not laying down arms because he suddenly loves peace. He is doing so because his operational capabilities have been severely weakened.”
Three days before the video surfaced, Zagazola reported that Turji was actively seeking surrender following the killing of his operational commander, Danbokolo, who was the true engine behind Turji’s terror enterprise.
Danbokolo was reportedly neutralized during a joint operation coordinated by the State Services and the Hybrid Forces, a local security team made up of Civilian JTF.
“Let’s be honest, Turji was more of a spokesman. Danbokolo handled the heavy lifting — the ambushes, raids, and executions,” the source said. “Once Danbokolo was gone, so was Turji’s swagger.”
The once-fire-spitting Turji now finds himself walking a tightrope, stripped of influence and hunted by the very people he once terrorized.
While the circumstances surrounding his potential disarmament are still being delicately managed, insiders confirm that the collapse of his network has been swift and decisive.
It is believed this recent development points to the impact of sustained, intelligence-driven offensives against high-value targets in the region.
Now, the question remains: will the government accept Turji’s amnesty after the atrocities he committed against peaceful communities in the Northwest? That remains uncertain.
Will his surrender end banditry in the Northwest? CERTAINLY NOT.
Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**
-
News1 year ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics4 weeks ago
2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift