News
Former Minister Appointed SSG in Borno

Former Minister Appointed SSG in Borno
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has appointed the former Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development under the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Mallam Bukar Tijani as the Secretary to Borno State Government (SSG).
The governor also reappointed Prof Isa Marte as his Chief of Staff.
The two appointments were announced by the Governor’s spokesman Mallam Isa Gusau in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The statement noted that Zulum considered Tijani’s very high level experience from his services as minister from July, 2011 to September, 2013 and as Assistant Secretary-General/Assistant Director-General (ASG/ADG) of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
Tijani, according to the statement, through both offices and other national positions such as being the national coordinator for Nigeria’s National programme for Agriculture and Food Security as well as his coordination of the World Bank’s Fadama project, visited about 50 countries for different official engagements and made significant contributions to the development of agriculture and food security in Nigeria, Africa and at the global level.
62-year old Tijani was born in Damasak but hails from Dikwa local government area of Borno State.
The former minister holds a Master of Science (degree) in Tropical Agricultural Development from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, obtained in 1989.
Before that, he obtained his Bachelor of Science (degree) in Plant and Soil Science from 1982 to 1984 at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Alabama, United States of America (USA).
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Isa Hussaini Marte is making a return as he occupied the same office before the dissolution of the last cabinet on the expiration of the first tenure of the governor.
Professor Marte hails from Marte local government area of Borno State, and before his appointment on August 17, 2020, had previously served as Borno State’s commissioner for Higher Education from August 2019 . He also served as overseeing commissioner of health in 2021 while being chief of staff. He held both positions under the Zulum administration.
Marte is a professor of pharmacology with specialty in cancer research and he is a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, member of the Society for Neuroscience, member of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and member of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria amongst others.
Marte holds a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in pharmacology from King’s College London in 1987. He holds Masters Degree in pharmacology from Chelsea College, University of London in 1983. In 1997, he received obtained MBA from Averett University, a private non-profit college in Danville, Virginia, United States of America. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Former Minister Appointed SSG in Borno
News
Nigeria’s Romance with BRICS Creates Room for Stronger Relationship with Russia, Says Envoy

Nigeria’s Romance with BRICS Creates Room for Stronger Relationship with Russia, Says Envoy
By: Michael Mike
The Russian Federation has eulogized the role played by Nigeria in the United Nations establishment of the resolution demonizing nazism.
He added that Nigeria’s recent romance with BRICS has created room for development of stronger relationship with the Russian Federation
Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Andrey Podyolyshev, speaking to journalists in Abuja during the photo exhibition organized by the Russian Embassy to commemorate the Victory of the Soviet People in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).
The Great Patriotic War was the war fought by the Soviet Union who entered the World War two year after the war started in 1939, it was mostly fought against the Nazis in Eastern Europe and witnessed the largest, deadliest and most devastating conflict in human history that claimed lives of tens of millions of people.
The photo exhibition centered on solemn remembrance of victims of the Second World War, commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, knowledge sharing about dangers that surround the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War.
Podyolyshev said: “I love to thank Nigeria for the support of Russia side in the UN’s waiting for the resolution in combating glorification of nazism.
“During the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, where the resolution held on combating glorification of nazism and practices that contributed to contemporary forms of racism, discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance, Nigeria voted to support this resolution.
“We really appreciate the cooperation from Nigeria and we will cooperate with Nigeria on the international front, especially at the level of the United Nations.
“Recently, Nigeria became a partner of BRICS and I am sure that our prospects for cooperation are just enriching.”
“Of course, bilateral context are on different issues throughout the world and it is very important for our cooperation to further improve.”
On issues about security, Podyolyshev underscored the need for constant dialogue about international security concerns of regions around Russia, around Nigeria and other parts of the world.
He reiterated the need for nations to work closely together in tackling global challenges as means to ensure sustainable solution to issues about economic crunch and insecurity.
“Russia approach towards promoting multipolaisation, as means to tackling global challenges has not changed. We will ensure that the future is multipolar
“The multiplolar world and the rights of the different countries to unite for a common interest is the main focus of our President.
“Naturally, the future world order is supposed to be constructed on these concern of the interest of different countries in multipolar world.
“African continent is virtually one of this polar genuine culture and policy, and historically pursuing its own interest in the world.
“We see this cooperation of African powers among others, Nigeria especially as one of the main priority of our foreign policy,” the ambassador stated.
The Great Patriotic War started from 1941 and ended 1945 resulting in the establishment of the United Nations through active participation of the USSR that bolstered new global system to prevent future wars and protect dignity of nations.
Nigeria’s Romance with BRICS Creates Room for Stronger Relationship with Russia, Says Envoy
News
Troops repel militia attack in Plateau, neutralise suspect, arrest two bandits

Troops repel militia attack in Plateau, neutralise suspect, arrest two bandits
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Lafiyan Jama’a have repelled a militia attack in Teegbe community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, neutralised one suspect and arrested two others during a pursuit into neighbouring Kaduna State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama on Wednesday that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9 a.m. following an attack on the community.
Upon arrival, the troops engaged the assailants, who fled toward Baduru Sama in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. During the hot pursuit, contact was re-established with the fleeing suspects, leading to the neutralisation of one militia member.
Further operations in the area led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Sani Adamu, 40, and Buhari Mohammed, 20, both believed to be members of a local bandit group. Troops also recovered 42 stolen cows and the sum of N20,200 from the neutralised suspect.
However, two residents of Teegbe community were confirmed dead, while another sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to a nearby hospital for treatment.
One soldier, identified as Lance Corporal Tope Awoniyi, also sustained injuries during the encounter and has been taken to the 3 Division Medical Services and Hospital for further treatment.
The arrested suspects and recovered items are in custody for further investigation.
Troops morale and combat readiness remain high, while operations continue in the general area to prevent further attacks.
Troops repel militia attack in Plateau, neutralise suspect, arrest two bandits
Crime
Troops Intensify Search for Kidnapped Pastor in Kauru LGA

Troops Intensify Search for Kidnapped Pastor in Kauru LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops of 1 Division in Kaduna State are working in collaboration with other security agencies to rescue a 55-year-old pastor who was abducted by bandits in Kurmin Rizga village, Kauru Local Government Area (LGA), in the early hours of April 23, 2025.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that a group of armed bandits invaded Kurmin Rizga, firing sporadically, and kidnapped Rev. Ibrahim James, the pastor of the Catholic Church in the village, taking him to an unknown location.
In response, the troops launched a search operation to locate and rescue the pastor unharmed. Efforts to apprehend the suspects and ensure the pastor’s safe return are ongoing.
Troops Intensify Search for Kidnapped Pastor in Kauru LGA
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