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Federal Character Commission: We are moving to sensitize citizens on their responsibilities. Jibrin Mai Gari
Federal Character Commission: We are moving to sensitize citizens on their responsibilities. Jibrin Mai Gari
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Commissioner of the Federal Character Commission representing Yobe State, Hon.Jibirin Mai Gari, said we are going from zone to zone to sensitize the citizens about their responsibility to the federal character office.
Hon. Jibirin Mai Gari, the former minister of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this in an interview with the Newsmen in Potiskum. He said we are here in Potiskum, the headquarters of Zone B, on interactive meeting with our Yobeans.
“Secondly, periodically, we normally secure jobs for permanent and pensionable Yobeans, and we organize a symbolic ceremony. We also invite the guidance of the beneficiaries as well as the public to witness the presentation.
He revealed that the beneficiaries are Yobeans from either one of the 17 local government areas, and at the same time, they were giving this offer to represent Yobe State. There was no extortion; the only paper we collected from them was a photocopy of their CVs. We now go and submit for the job.
Therefore, we can say that what we gave today and what we gave yesterday is the property of Yobe State Government. Yobe State Government wanted to make sure that Yobeans were well represented in the MDs, so this is primarily what we are for in Potiskum headquarters of Zone B.
He maintained that the third issue is that the primary responsibility of federal character doesn’t stop with employment; we also have the issue of capital projects and socioeconomic infrastructure.
“We also use this opportunity to reach out to see that the local government understands that the issue of fairness and equity does not stop at the federal projects; states are also expected to consider all 17 local governments when they execute their projects, he added.
“Likewise, if you come to Potiskum local government, he has to consider the wards within the metropolitan area and the wards that are outside, so that we want them to have an even distribution of the project. This will create a kind of comfort and unity that people will not feel marginalized; actually, primarily, we are here to send this message to the public.”
Hon. Mai Gari further said that our achievements are sectoral; if we have recruitment into the military or paramilitary, we were invited, like in the case of recruitment into the junior army normally, like in the state we conducted in 241 Recca Battalion in Nguru, where all the 17 local government indigens were assembled with their recruitment officers. We make sure that we will check for all the 17 local government areas, then we screen.
“I want to make sure that all these vacancies for Yobeans are protected and secured, and this is what I can say about my achievements. Second, in terms of recruitment into MDs, we are so concerned despite the embargo on employment, despite the economic crises in the country.
Jibirin Mai Gari said that if there is any recruitment in all the MDs either in the north east, north central, or in Abuja, we want to make sure that after seeing the character balance indesis, how many Yobeans do you have? If it is less than 2.5, we have to now cry out to make sure that we bring Yobeans.
Federal Character Commission: We are moving to sensitize citizens on their responsibilities. Jibrin Mai Gari
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
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