Borno: Emir, District Heads, Stakeholders Endorse Ali Isa Abdullahi as APC Deputy Governorship Candidate

By: Our Reporter

The Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, alongside all the 27 District Heads and key stakeholders from the Biu Emirate, have unanimously endorsed the nomination of Alhaji Ali Isa Abdullahi as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship Candidate and running mate to the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Engineer Mustapha Gubio, for the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was made on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House, Maiduguri.

The meeting was presided over by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, also had in attendance former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Adamu Shettima Yuguda Dibal; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; Senator representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume; Senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan (SAN); members of the National Assembly; Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly and other lawmakers.

Also present were former National Assembly members, Secretary to the State Government, acting Chief of Staff; members of the APC State Working Committee, commissioners, local government chairmen, party stalwarts, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

The Emir of Biu described Ali Isa Abdullahi as a true son of Biu and dismissed claims questioning his indigene.

“We want to also use this opportunity to dismiss unnecessary speculations that Ali Isa Abdullahi is not an indigene of Biu,” the Emir stated.

“As the Emir of Biu, my house is just 50 meters away from the family house of Ali Isa Abdullahi located in Tashan Danfulani. We have been together with their parents, siblings and relations for decades.”

“We are here at the Government House, Your Excellency, to extend our heartfelt appreciation to you for choosing one of our own, Alhaji Ali Isa Abdullahi, as the Deputy Governorship Candidate for Borno in the 2027 general elections.”

“We are behind you 100%. The good choice you took is a welcome development, and we have no doubt that our son is capable of being paired with the APC Governorship Candidate to consolidate on the gains and achievements recorded under your good leadership as you complete your second tenure come May 2027.”

The Emir also urged residents of the Emirate and the state to disregard misinformation, particularly on social media, warning that false narratives could undermine unity, social cohesion and the fragile peace being enjoyed in Borno State.

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum thanked the Emir, district heads and stakeholders for their show of solidarity and support.

“I am highly delighted, Your Royal Highness and all other stakeholders, for finding time to come all the way from your comfort zones to offer your collective appreciation to me and the Government of Borno State for endorsing your son, Alhaji Ali Isa Abdullahi, as running mate to our gubernatorial candidate, Engineer Mustapha Gubio.”

The governor attributed the emergence of the APC ticket to divine providence and called on party supporters to remain united ahead of the 2027 elections.

“It is God that gives power to whom He wishes, and therefore, let me use this medium to call on the people of the Emirate and Borno State as a whole to unite and give everyone their maximum support and cooperation to ensure victory for the APC from top to bottom come the 2027 general elections.”

Governor Zulum stressed that unity remained essential for sustaining peace and development in the state.

“We should be wary of divisiveness among our people. This will bring further disunity, instability and underdevelopment in our dear state.”

“I am not against any person emerging as the deputy gubernatorial candidate. However, his emergence was a product of proper consultation with Engineer Mustapha Gubio, who has worked closely with Alhaji Ali Abdullahi at the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement,” Zulum stressed.

Before his nomination as the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Alhaji Ali Isa Abdullahi served as the Director-General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Borno: Emir, District Heads, Stakeholders Endorse Ali Isa Abdullahi as APC Deputy Governorship Candidate

Niger Launches AES Biometric Passport as Sahel Bloc Deepens Regional Integration

By Zagazola Makama

The Republic of Niger has officially launched the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) biometric passport, marking another significant step in the confederation’s drive toward deeper regional integration following its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

President Abdourahamane Tiani became the first recipient of the new travel document during an enrollment ceremony held at the Presidency in Niamey, where officials also unveiled the passport’s official brochure.

The biometric passport was developed in accordance with harmonized technical specifications agreed upon by experts from Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali during a meeting in Bamako in October 2024. The standards were subsequently endorsed by ministers responsible for security in the three member states.

According to the Nigerien government, the new passport is designed to enhance document security, facilitate the free movement of citizens within the Alliance of Sahel States, and align travel and identification systems across the confederation. The initiative forms part of a broader modernization programme aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and reducing dependence on ECOWAS-era travel documents.

The launch follows similar initiatives in Burkina Faso and comes months after Niger introduced the AES biometric national identity card, with President Tiani and Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine among the first citizens to be enrolled. The three-member confederation has continued to advance plans for closer cooperation in defence, trade, customs, and the free movement of people and goods as it builds common institutions under the Alliance of Sahel States.

Niger Launches AES Biometric Passport as Sahel Bloc Deepens Regional Integration

NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Wins Beacon of Education Award, Pledges to Champion Voices of Children with Special Needs

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has been honoured with the “Beacon of Education Award” by Beautiful Beginning Academy for her outstanding commitment to educational excellence, youth development and inclusive education.

Ike received the award on Friday at Nile University, Abuja, during the 2026 graduation ceremony of the Academy, following the school’s recognition of her role in helping its pupils emerge as winners of a national media quiz competition.

The award presentation was one of the emotional high points of the ceremony, which was attended by parents, teachers, graduates and other dignitaries.

Presenting the award, the Proprietor and Managing Director of Beautiful Beginning Academy, Dr. Mrs. Rosemary Nasa Okolie, described Ike as a compassionate leader whose quiet acts of generosity had positively transformed the lives of children.

Okolie recalled that when she informed the NUJ FCT Chairman about the school’s participation in the national competition barely two weeks before the event, Ike immediately offered her support.

She said Ike went beyond merely endorsing the pupils’ participation, ensuring that they received the welfare support, gifts and logistics required to keep them motivated throughout the competition.

According to her, the intervention played a significant role in the school’s eventual emergence as the overall winner.

“She came in and changed the narrative. There is nothing I can give her that equals what she has done for these children,” she said.

The Academy described Ike as a beacon of compassion and a leader whose commitment to education had inspired pupils, teachers and the wider community.

In recognition of her contributions, the institution presented her with the “Beacon of Education Award,” citing her dedication to educational excellence and her invaluable contributions to learning and youth development.

An emotional Ike, who said she was unaware that she would be honoured, described the award as both a surprise and a renewed call to service.

Holding back tears, she dedicated the recognition to Ms. Adaeze Tochukwu Taha Okeke, a special-needs student whose story deeply moved her during the graduation ceremony.

“I dedicate this award to Adaeze,” Ike said.

She pledged to devote more of her time, professional platform and influence to advocating for children living with special needs, particularly through journalism.

“I will amplify their voices, tell their stories and continue to use journalism to draw attention to their needs so society can better support them,” she said.

Ike also commended Adaeze’s family for their unwavering commitment and support, promising that the child’s story would continue to inspire advocacy for inclusion, dignity and equal opportunities for children living with special needs.

The award presentation received a standing ovation from guests and became one of the defining moments of the 2026 graduation ceremony.

It also underscored the growing importance of collaboration among the media, schools, families and community leaders in promoting educational development and building a more inclusive society where every child, regardless of ability, is given the opportunity to thrive.

NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Wins Beacon of Education Award, Pledges to Champion Voices of Children with Special Needs