BOSG Inaugurates 13-Member Committee to Demarcate Boundaries Along River Banks

By: Our Reporter

The Executive Secretary, Borno Geographic Information Services (BOGIS), Engr Adam Bukar Bababe, has inaugurated a 13-member committee tasked to review and darmacate developments along riverbanks, buffer zones, and other waterways in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.

During the inauguration which took place at the BOGIS Board Room, Engr. Adam Bababe emphasized the urgent need to halt unauthorised developments within these high-risk zones, warning against further development in such areas.

He revealed that almost all the properties erected along waterways lack government titles, making them illegal under all regulations.

The Executive Secretary further disclosed that over 1,300 structures have been marked as illegal since 2020, and stressed that in light of the September 10th flood disaster, that caused damages and loss of lives, the government will prioritize stricter enforcement to curb unauthorized developments along waterways.

Bababe highlighted that these measures are essential to safeguard communities and prevent future disasters, as the state intensifies efforts to promote safe, regulated land use practices in vulnerable areas.

The committee’s objectives include reviewing current buffer zones along the riverbanks of River Yedzaram and Ngaddabul, updating them based on reality, identifying developments within the zones, producing detailed plans for executive approval, and recommending measures to protect and plan along the rivers.
The committee which was given a two-week mandate to carry out their assignment and submit recommendations for executive approval has Tlp Liman Gana Mustapha as Chairman, Amsami Alhaji Bukar as Co. Chairman, and Modu Usman choromi as Secretary.

In his remarks, the Committee Chairman Liman Gana Mustapha expressed appreciation to the State Governor for entrusting them with this critical responsibility and assured that the committee members are committed to executing their duties diligently and impartially, prioritizing the well-being of the state and its residents.

BOSG Inaugurates 13-Member Committee to Demarcate Boundaries Along River Banks

US, Nigeria Collaborate to Strengthen Peace Structures, Build Local Capacity to Combat Conflicts

By: Michael Mike

The United States and Nigeria have collaborated to strengthen peace structures across key conflict-prone areas in Nigeria, in a step towards enhancing peace and security in the country.

The Nigeria’s position is led by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) while United States collaboration is pushed by USAID, and it is aimed at building local capacity, improve early warning systems, and foster stronger collaboration among government agencies, community leaders, and security forces to reduce violence and promote stability in targeted regions.

Director General of IPCR, Joseph Ochogwu
while unveiling the Nigeria’s Conflict Early Warning Situation Room on Tuesday in Abuja, emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, bringing together national, international, and local entities united in the mission of fostering social cohesion and preventing violence.

He said: “This partnership is unique, not only for its inclusivity—from international stakeholders to grassroots actors—but for the commitment it represents to peace building.”

The initiative, dubbed the Peace Action for Rapid and Transformative Nigeria and Early Response Partner (PARTNER), is funded by USAID and aimed at empowering communities with tools to monitor and report early signs of conflict.

Ochogwu noted that starting in Kwara and Kaduna states, the programme now operates in nine states, including Benue, Nassarawa, and Katsina, establishing community-based peace structures and reconciliation committees.

He said: “A key element of the new Situation Room is its integration of digital tools. Since April, IPCR has been using an early warning and response application alongside SMS and toll-free lines to collect conflict data across Nigeria.”

He added that these tools have enabled 100 active reporters and 63 responders to document 363 conflict-related incidents, stating that: “This is not an intelligence tool; it’s a development initiative to address violence at the community level.

“The new technology, coupled with the work of the State Peace Commissions, offers a “quick response” mechanism to help de-escalate conflicts, transforming early warning signs into action.”

USAID Mission Director in Nigeria, Melissa Jones, highlighted that responses to incidents have been seen as quickly as 20 minutes from distress calls.

Jones said: “This rapid response capability is unprecedented and is already saving lives.”

She commended the joint efforts of Nigerian agencies and communities.

On his part, the Presidential Communication Commander Control Center in the Office of the National Security Advisor Robert Obande underscored the system’s potential to foster inclusive dialogue and reconciliation while addressing root causes of conflict.

He praised the IPCR, USAID, and local peacebuilding agencies for their dedication.

He said: “This initiative demonstrates a collective commitment to securing a safer future for all Nigerians. The Situation Room is fostering stronger relationships between communities and security agencies, which many see as vital to sustainable peace in Nigeria.

“Through partnerships with local NGOs and state peace commissions, communities are now empowered to mediate conflicts, including those between farmers and herders, reducing violence and strengthening local economies.”

Mercy Corps Country Director, Ndubisi Anyanwu, on his part, emphasized that local ownership of the project is a key principle of the PARTNER initiative.

He said: “Mercy Corps built capacity, but our local partners implemented the program, proving the effectiveness of grassroots-led conflict management.

“The establishment of Nigeria’s Conflict Early Warning Situation Room represents a milestone in the country’s journey toward peace.

“With robust partnerships, community engagement, and technological advancements, it offers a promising pathway to mitigate violence and ensure a more peaceful future.”

US, Nigeria Collaborate to Strengthen Peace Structures, Build Local Capacity to Combat Conflicts

Government, Media Must Unite To Move Nigeria Forward – VP Shettima

*** Charges editors to be watchdogs, allies in nation-building

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a stronger collaboration between government and the media in carrying out their shared responsibility for Nigeria’s national development journey.

Describing media leaders as the crème de la crème and conscience of the nation, he made a strong case for a balanced partnership to drive national unity and economic growth.

Speaking on Tuesday when the leadership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Vice President pledged government’s support to ensure the sustainability of the fourth estate of the realm.

Senator Shettima noted that the time has come to prioritise governance over political considerations, just as he called for partnership with the media.

He said, “Let us work together for the nation. What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. We are now in the period of governance and not politics.”

The Vice President acknowledged the economic challenges confronting the media, pledging the government’s support to sustain quality journalism.

“My heart bleeds for the Nigerian media because of the dwindling economic fortunes they face. Be rest assured that we will do whatever it takes to support the media in continuing their work,” VP Shettima said.

Insisting on balance and objectivity in their reportage, VP Shettima urged the editors to maintain their role of a watchdog, while supporting national development.

“When we do good, please commend us. When we are going astray, guide us because we have to salvage this nation; not for our own sake but for the sake of our children and grandchildren,” he emphasised.

Responding, Mr. Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, lauded the Vice President’s commitment to transparent governance, particularly in explaining government’s economic policies as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).

“You have been prolific in talking about the state of the economy in your responsibility as the Chairman of the National Economic Council,” Anaba said.

He further emphasised the media’s readiness to partner with the government, while maintaining its independence.

The NGE President also announced that the 20th Edition of the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) is scheduled for November 7 to 9 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Government, Media Must Unite To Move Nigeria Forward – VP Shettima