News
Gov. Buni to Award Youths on Science, Research and Innovation
Gov. Buni to Award Youths on Science, Research and Innovation
By: Kolo Gulani
The Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni will present awards to youths from different parts of the state on science, research and innovation.
This was disclosed on Monday 22nd July, 2024, by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Science, Research and Innovation, Dr Mahmoud Bukar Maina, during the closing ceremony of a Workshop on Artificial Intelligence, organized by Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) of Yobe State University in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser on Science, Research and Innovation at the Desert Hall Damaturu.
The call for applications tagged “Yobe State Research and Innovation Challenge 2024” was announced in January 2024 which ended on 31st of May with the award categories which includes; Brilliant Innovations and Top Research Paper Award.
Dr Maina revealed following a detailed presentations and a thorough review by two expert judges; Eng. Abubakar Gambo, Software Architect/Programmer and Co-founder of Cerebro Information Systems Ltd., along with Dr Ali Bukar Maina, a Machine Learning Expert and Principal Vision Scientist based in the United Kingdom, the winners were selected based on rigorous criteria. These criteria included the local relevance of the innovation, its functionality, and the strength of its business case. Mohammed Auwal from Bursari Local Government Area emerged as the first-place winner in Brilliant Innovations, with Muhammad Mustapha from Geidam Local Government Area securing the second spot, and Adamu Aliyu from Nangere Local Government Area taking third place.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Science, Research and Innovation also explained that the other category of the award winners were selected after receiving numerous submissions of high-caliber research papers, each paper underwent an extensive review to assess its eligibility, significance in the field, and the contribution of the authors.
The panel of judges, include Dr. Karen Marshall and Dr. Andre Maia Chagas from the University of Sussex, UK, along with Dr. Murtala Isah Bindawa from Umaru Musa Yaradua University, Katsina, Nigeria. The winners are Idi Mohammed from Yobe State University, taking first place, followed by Mohammed Bukar Maina, also from Yobe State University, in second place, and Harisu Abdullahi Shehu, receiving an honorary award for his outstanding research contributions from the diaspora.
Dr Maina also disclosed that the award winners will be awarded during the 2024 Summer School Workshops which will come up in August of the year. He further explained that winners of the awards will receive cash prize by the Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni.
On his part, the facilitator of the workshop, Dr. Ali B. Maina, emphasized that the session focused primarily on AI. He highlighted the vast possibilities of integrating AI technology within various organizational processes. Dr Ali explained that participants were equipped with the knowledge, skills, and insights necessary to implement AI solutions across a range of applications. They learned how to utilize AI for creating meeting notes, interacting with PDFs or websites, and using AI to impartially mark examination scripts.
He added that the workshop covered the innovative use of multi-agent systems, where AI agents are tasked with specific roles such as developing course curriculums or managing complex workflows within their organizations.
Meanwhile, participants were drawn from different parts of the country in which 70% of the participants were from Yobe State.
Gov. Buni to Award Youths on Science, Research and Innovation
News
Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army
Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring peace, have repelled an attack by unidentified gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 5 at Rim general area.
According to the source, troops deployed at the location came under sporadic gunfire from unknown assailants.
He said the troops swiftly responded and engaged the attackers, forcing them to withdraw from the area.
“Troops successfully repelled the attack, and the criminals fled,” the source said.
The source added that follow-up patrols had been intensified to track the fleeing attackers and prevent further security breaches in the area.
Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army
News
Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up
Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, met with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos on Tuesday during which he discussed opportunities for his state’s local creators to link into the value chain.
Zulum’s administration, since 2019, has pushed to diversify Borno’s economy while also creating a conducive environment for business and investment.

The governor, who was received by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, alongside Executive Director, Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, had paid a similar high-level visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) last year.
At the NSC meeting, Zulum had pushed for the fast-tracking of the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port; a landmark project designed to bring port services closer to the northeast.
Once operational, the dry port will create thousands of jobs, generate significant internal revenue and boost Borno’s overall economic activity by reducing logistics costs and decongesting coastal ports.

In a related development, Zulum’s administration is also working to fully establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Banki, a border town neighbouring the Republic of Cameroon, with the process already at an advanced stage.
By simultaneously advancing the Dry Inland Port in Maiduguri and the Free Trade Zone in Banki, Zulum is putting in place a coherent strategy to industrialise Borno, create jobs, generate revenue and permanently shift the state’s economy away from over-reliance on monthly federal allocations.
Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up
News
APC Backs Tegbe for Power Reforms, Cites Proven Expertise, Strategic Leadership
APC Backs Tegbe for Power Reforms, Cites Proven Expertise, Strategic Leadership
By: Michael Mike
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has hailed the nomination of Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Nigeria’s Minister of Power, describing it as a timely move amid the country’s persistent electricity challenges.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, the party’s state leadership said Tegbe’s selection reflects both merit and the urgent need for competent leadership in the nation’s power sector.
The statement, jointly signed by State Chairman Chief Moses Adeyemo Alake and State Secretary Hon. Fatai Adesina, expressed strong confidence in Tegbe’s ability to drive meaningful reforms, citing his extensive professional background and policy experience.
Tegbe, an engineer and seasoned policy strategist, brings over three decades of experience spanning engineering, consulting, and public sector advisory.
He previously served as Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership, where he coordinated bilateral development initiatives and investment engagements between both countries.
He also chaired the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, playing a key role in advancing Nigeria’s fiscal reform agenda and strengthening revenue frameworks.
Before transitioning fully into public service, Tegbe built a distinguished career at KPMG, rising to become Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services in Africa. In that role, he led major engagements on governance reforms, economic policy, institutional transformation, and investment strategy across both public and private sectors.
Earlier in his career, he worked with Shell Petroleum Development Company, gaining experience in corporate operations and resource management.
Academically, Tegbe holds a first-class degree in Civil Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University and has attended executive programmes at globally renowned institutions including Harvard and INSEAD, further reinforcing his technical and leadership credentials.
The APC noted that this blend of technical expertise and policy leadership positions him to tackle longstanding challenges in power generation, transmission, and distribution.
“The APC in Oyo State is confident that Chief Tegbe will bring innovation, efficiency, and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s power sector. His history of performance and commitment to service positions him to make meaningful contributions to national development,” the statement read.
The party emphasized that Nigeria is at a critical stage where strategic direction is essential to unlock sustainable energy solutions, noting that Tegbe’s leadership could help reposition the sector for improved performance.
It added that the APC in Oyo would offer its full support while maintaining constructive engagement with the minister-designate and other stakeholders to ensure progress.
The statement also acknowledged Tegbe’s longstanding contributions to the growth of the party in the state, expressing optimism that his new role would further deepen his commitment to national development.
The APC wished him a successful tenure, expressing hope that his leadership would mark a significant shift toward stable and reliable electricity supply across the country.
APC Backs Tegbe for Power Reforms, Cites Proven Expertise, Strategic Leadership
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