News
Hard Drugs consumption is responsible for increased criminality…. NDLEA commander
Hard Drugs consumption is responsible for increased criminality…. NDLEA commander
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ilyasu Mani has said that hard drugs consumption is responsible for increased criminality in Borno state.
Mani who was represented by Assistant Commander of Narcotics drug remand reduction unit Abdullahi Sardauna posited that 70 percent of the criminality pervading communities in the State is due to hard drugs.
The Commander Abdullahi Sardauna noted that the craving for material things among young people “have killed our young ones and to maintain it they must involve in criminality.”
He put the blame for this malaise squarely on the head of some elders who he says do not ask how their sons and daughters get instant wealth.
The Commander noted that hard drugs do not have a religion or ethnicity but resides in any family that allows it which is why the young ones key into it.
He suggested that policy makers should ensure that all probable suitors should be made to go through drug tests before tying the nuptial nuts in the country as a matter of urgency.
“To stem the tide of drugs and improve on the morality of the young ones, we now have ndlea stations in higher institutions which is our contribution towards the creation of continuous drug preventive education for our children.
” We have also extended our community engagement through enlightenment and sensitization in the surrounding communities of all the higher institutions where our personnel exist.
“We believe that involvement of traditional and religious leaders in the war against drugs can go a long way in effecting a complete family.” said sardauna.
Participants drawn from critical segments of society provided ideas on change of attitude, restoration of core values and contemporary way of life.
The Borno State Government organized the maiden Zonal Town Hall meeting for Social Reorientation at the Conference Hall of Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri on Monday this week to commence the reorientation of the minds of the people to open a new page as peace returns.
The event brought together critical stakeholders from the Borno Central Senatorial District to discuss ways and means of fast-tracking the Borno Restoration Project as the state edges towards peace.
The Town Hall meeting provided a platform for constructive dialogue, collaboration, and engagement among key stakeholders in Borno State, with the aim of promoting attitudinal change that will renew the pride in Borno’s values and restore the age-old honour, dignity, and prosperity of the State.
Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum, represented by the Commissioner, Ministry of Information & Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, thanked participants for keeping faith with the Borno State Government by being patient till the end of the one day prog.
The Governor reiterated the Borno State Government’s commitment towards working with all relevant stakeholders to revive the values, morals and dignity of the state, by reclaiming our position as a regional hub for development in the North East region..
Earlier, Prof Tar provided a background on the social reorientation pillar of the Borno State 25 Year Development Framework and 10 Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.
In a keynote paper, the Chief Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Mairo Mandara, reflected on the Borno changing dynamics of societal perception of itself in turbulent times, and how a new culture of peace and prosperity should emerge from the rubbles of extreme violence.
She noted that the Borno Restoration Project is aimed at building a vibrant and enterprising people who are committed to “Building Borno Back Better.” Dr Mandara noted that the building of peace, security and development in Borno requires a collective responsibility from all stakeholders.
In his lead paper, Dr Hassan Boguma (the Zannah Boguma of Borno), reflected on the importance of conscious cultural identity as the worth and values of individuals, underscoring the need for communities, especially the Youths, People Living with Disabilities, marginal and vulnerable segments of society to be carried along in governance, to take ownership of development programmes and embrace a collective culture of belonging, imbibe livelihood strategies, and contribute to economic development of Borno State.
The Panel Session themed “Rewriting the narratives through social reorientation” featured panelists cutting across religious and traditional institutions, youth and women representatives provided an open platform for discussion with the audience around issues of social reorientation in the state.
A rich discussion unearthed a lot of ideas and recommendations for the social reorientation program in Borno State.
Communique issued at the end of the program, called for change of attitude amongst Borno people, and a spirited return to age-hallowed virtues of discipline, respect, dignity, tolerance, industry, creativity and self sustenance.
The Communique called on Borno State Government to put in place the resources for not only infrastructural development, but also development of a social fabric that will reinforce the State Government’s drive toward building an agricultural and industrial base, and a self-sufficient and export-oriented economy in Borno State.
In attendance were dignitaries from the government, security agencies, the academia, media organisations CSOs, CBOs, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and community leaders.
Hard Drugs consumption is responsible for increased criminality…. NDLEA commander
Zulum Approves ₦1 Billion for New Agric University’s Take Off
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved ₦1 billion for the immediate commencement of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama.
Governor Zulum announced the donation on Monday while receiving an inter-ministerial delegation on an assessment visit to the Government House.
The team included officials from the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, the Budget Office, and the Office of the Head of Service.
The institution was established after a bill sponsored by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan was signed into law by the President on May 22, 2025.
Governor Zulum had previously handed over the existing Umar Ibn Ibrahim Elkanemi College of Education, Science and Technology in Bama to the federal government to facilitate a quick start of academic activities.
“I want to announce the donation of ₦1 billion for the take off of the University,” Zulum stated. “I hereby direct the Commissioner for Education to facilitate the process and identify the immediate priority areas and gaps to channel the resources.”
He explained the state’s proactive role, saying, “The federal government announced the establishment of the university, but the state has to provide the enabling environment for the immediate take off of the institution.”
“Although the institution belongs to the federal government, the services that would be rendered is for the good people of Borno State,” he added. “For me, every federal institution, especially the tertiary institutions belong to Borno State government.”
The governor also promised to construct staff quarters and provide additional support.
He commended President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, sponsor of the bill, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, minister of education for ensuring that the university becomes a reality.
Leader of the federal delegation, who is also the Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Hajiya Rakiya Gambo Iliyasu, reported that the team was impressed after inspecting the Bama facility.
“Your Excellency, the team went round the institution this morning and what we saw was quite encouraging,” Rakiya said. “We can tell His Excellency that the institution has everything it needs to take off.”
She confirmed that the institution is ready to begin operations and that the team would proceed with staff verification.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, SAN; Member representing Monguno, Marte and Nganzai federal constituency, Hon. Bukar Talba; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Malumbe; other members of the State Executive Council as well as Special Advisers.
Zulum Approves ₦1 Billion for New Agric University’s Take Off
45 kidnapped victims regain freedom under peace accord in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Forty-five kidnapped persons have been released from captivity in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State following engagements under the Operation Safe Corridor peace accord.
The victims, comprising men and women abducted from Guga in Doguwar Dorawa Fulani settlement camp and Gidan Danmayaki villages, were freed on Monday through a negotiation channel linked to a bandit leader identified as Isiya Kwashen Garwa.
Zagazola Makama report that the victims regained freedom at about 1400hrs and were immediately received by the member representing Bakori Constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly.
The lawmaker transferred the victims to the Comprehensive Health Centre, Bakori, where medical personnel conducted evaluations to ascertain their physical condition after prolonged captivity.
Authorities said the freed hostages have since been reunited with their families.
Security personnel and community leaders are maintaining close monitoring as part of efforts to consolidate the peace process and prevent further attacks.
45 kidnapped victims regain freedom under peace accord in Katsina
News
Propcom+, Welcome2Africa International target £5 million investments into Nigeria’s agricultural sector
Propcom+, Welcome2Africa International target £5 million investments into Nigeria’s agricultural sector
The UK Government, through its climate-smart agriculture programme, Propcom+ in collaboration with Welcome2Africa International, is spearheading a Strategic Agribusiness Deal Room designed to mobilise private capital into Nigeria’s agricultural value chains while supporting inclusive, market-led economic transformation.
This initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to strengthening agribusiness value chains, fostering sustainable partnerships, and driving inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.
Positioned as a high-impact investment marketplace, the Deal Room, which will be held from November 18 to 19, 2025, in Lagos, is expected to unlock over £5 million in potential investment and trade commitments, featuring more than 20 pre-vetted, investment-ready agribusinesses.
These enterprises operate across priority sectors, including grains, cassava and starch derivatives, livestock, bioethanol, food processing, mechanisation, agri-tech, and renewable energy, all demonstrating clear growth pathways, commercial traction, and scalability.
“The Deal Room represents a strategic opportunity to accelerate private investment into Nigeria’s agrifood sector and deepen the pipeline of climate-smart, inclusive enterprises,” Olumide Ojo, Propcom+’s Strategy Director, noted.
“By connecting high-potential SMEs with investors, we aim to drive capital mobilisation that strengthens market systems, improves resilience, and expands economic opportunities for farmers, women, and rural communities.”
Echoing the investment rationale, Welcome2Africa International CEO, Bamidele Seun Owoola, reinforced the platform’s role in facilitating cross-border capital flows.
“At Welcome2Africa International, our focus is to catalyse sustainable investment into Africa’s agrifood sector. Co-hosting the Deal Room with Propcom+ presents a unique opportunity to position Nigeria’s most promising agribusinesses before global investors. This platform is fundamentally about unlocking capital and forging long-term investment partnerships that deliver shared prosperity.”
The Deal Room forms part of Propcom+’s broader mandate to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural markets, empower SMEs, and drive low-carbon, climate-smart growth. Following the event, Propcom+ will continue to support participating enterprises through technical assistance, investor engagement, due diligence, and transaction facilitation, advancing businesses toward investment closure.
Propcom+, Welcome2Africa International target £5 million investments into Nigeria’s agricultural sector
Zulum Approves ₦1 Billion for New Agric University’s Take Off
45 kidnapped victims regain freedom under peace accord in Katsina
Propcom+, Welcome2Africa International target £5 million investments into Nigeria’s agricultural sector
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