News
Goya District, Desertification, and the Reality of Tree Planting

Goya District, Desertification, and the Reality of Tree Planting
By: Balami Lazarus
My pen and I have been longing to write about Goya District, one of the homes of the Kare-Kare people, whose traces are also found in Jigawa and Bauchi states. The kare-kare are known to be a peaceful group of people who have made their marks in the fields of education and business.
Let me lightly inform you that Goya District was created in 1990. The district is part of the Fika Emirate Council in the Fika local government of Yobe State. Pharmacist Alhaji Garba Abdullahi Daya (1932–2022) was the first district head.

It was interesting living with the Dayas as young men in the 1980s and 1990s, where we related well as family friends and neighbors. As neighbors, we were privileged to have near-free drugs and treatments for our minor ailments because Bappa, as he was fondly called, was a respected pharmacist and CEO of Daya Pharmacuetical Chemist Limited Maiduguri. And was always there for us in our needs for our medical attention. The creation of Goya District was a new dawn for the Dayas, where the head and some members of the family relocated to Daya, the headquarter of Goya District.
The human environment has been the most comfortable place to live, where plants and animals formed part of the eco-system as a driving force for human existence. Similarly, the World Environment Day of June of every year has been set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness among the citizens of the world about the importance of the environment and its positive impact on mankind through its eco-system as a change driver.

This year’s theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” was taken seriously with passion by the Goya District for the protection of their environment. The district organized a tree planting campaign recently for land restoration and the control of desertification. This effort was supported by the newly installed district head, Alhaji Musa Garba Daya. “My domain is vast and open, prone to desertification, and we are at the threat of desert encroachment; therefore, tree planting is one of the solutions for checking and controlling desert encroachment.”
Desert encroachment, land degradation, and drought are some of the environmental factors affecting some parts of Yobe and Borno states that are lying on the fringes of the simi-arid Sahara desert. One of the above is a natural phenomenon affecting these areas with its yearly advancement. However, human initiatives and efforts towards desertification control in Goya District go beyond yearly activity. “For us in Goya, it will be a continuous activity. Tree planting and care of our environment are paramount.”.
World Environment Day has always been a ceremonial activity, but my findings on Goya, the Council, and the people show that trees like Neem, Malmo, and Hybrid Mango trees are desperately needed. “Our common goal of making Goya greener and more sustainable for Goya and its people with your help, whether in the form of monetary donations, seedlings, or your active involvement in our Goya District Landscape Restoration Initiative, is welcomed.”.

It is true that our environment needs our collective care and attention if we, as people, take cues from the Goya District Initiative. The beauty of our environment is that humans and animals will benefit from the natural engineering of the eco-system.
Balami, a publisher/columnist (8036779290).
Goya District, Desertification, and the Reality of Tree Planting
News
NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence

NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening grassroots security and community-based intelligence across the country as tools for tackling insecurity.
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi gave the commitment during his working visit of Anambra State as part of his continued strategic operational tour of the South East.
Audi, who was received by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, noted that his visit was aimed at assessing the welfare of personnel, understanding field challenges, and reinforcing the Corps’ operational capacity in the region.
Speaking during the courtesy call at the Government House, Awka, the Commandant General commended the Governor for his administration’s proactive efforts in maintaining peace and stability. He also solicited greater logistical and infrastructural support to enhance the NSCDC’s performance in the state.
He said: “Security must begin from the grassroots. That is where the people live, work, and build the future. The Corps remains resolute in delivering quality service and ensuring that the confidence of Nigerians, particularly Ndi Anambra, in our operations is not misplaced.”
Soludo, in his response, commended the NSCDC for its professionalism, discipline, and resilience, especially in safeguarding critical national assets and public infrastructure.
He said: “Here in Anambra, the Light of the Nation, our greatest asset is our people: creative, enterprising, and innovative. They are the engine of our economy. Ensuring their safety and prosperity is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate the NSCDC for standing firm in that mission.”
The governor pledged continued partnership and support for the Corps, affirming that security remains the foundation for the state’s economic growth and innovation-driven development.
The Commandant General’s tour of Anambra is part of a nationwide operational assessment aimed at improving welfare, operational readiness, and synergy among security stakeholders. It underscores the NSCDC’s renewed focus on community trust, proactive engagement, and service excellence under Prof. Audi’s leadership.
NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence
News
Security forces rescue three kidnapped women in Zamfara

Security forces rescue three kidnapped women in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have rescued three kidnapped women following a gun battle with bandits along the Anka–Bukkuyum road in Anka Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 6 p.m. on Oct. 7, when armed bandits blocked the highway and attacked a Golf vehicle with registration number RBC 22 ABUJA.
The assailants abducted the driver and three passengers before the arrival of the Anti-Kidnapping team led by Insp. Ibrahim Ubandoma.
The security team engaged the bandits in a fierce shootout, overpowering them and rescuing the three abducted passengers unhurt.
The rescued victims were identified as Lantana Abubakar, aged 70; Fatima Muhammad, aged 45; and Suwaiba Muhammad, aged 40, all residents of Gummi town in Gummi Local Government Area.
The victims were safely escorted to Anka town by the security team.
Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted driver, as patrol operations continue in the area.
Security forces rescue three kidnapped women in Zamfara
News
Police kill two bandits in Zamfara ambush

Police kill two bandits in Zamfara ambush
By: Zagazola Makama
The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two armed bandits during an exchange of fire with security operatives in Mada District, Gusau Local Government Area.
According to sources, the operation followed credible intelligence about an imminent bandit attack on villages within the Mada area.
The sources stated that at about 3:10 a.m. on Oct. 7, a joint team of police tactical operatives, community protection guards (CPG), and local hunters were deployed to Fegin Mahe village, where they laid an ambush along the suspected route of the bandits.
Three bandits were said to have approached the location and were immediately engaged in a gun battle by the security team.
Two of the bandits were killed during the encounter, while the third escaped with possible gunshot injuries.
The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspect.
Police kill two bandits in Zamfara ambush
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