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Insect Invasion: An appeal from a council chairman in Yobe

Insect Invasion: An appeal from a council chairman in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
Farmers and the people of Fika local government area of Yobe state have cried out for help following a situation of insect invasion of their farms, rendering the people helpless in attempts to control the menace. This informed a call by the Executive Chairman of Fika local government area, Hon. Abdu Bukar Gadaka, to appeal to the Federal Government, Yobe State Government, none-governmental organizations (NGOs), and well-meaning individuals and organizations to join hands in providing assistance to the people.
According to the chairman, the call has become imperative because the lives of the people are in danger because this year the insects have destroyed all the farm products of the people of the local government area. He stressed that a farmer who was getting 40 bags before now gets only three measures (mudu of grains, as the locals called it). This is because insects have eaten the whole farm products of the people of the Fika local government area.

“We wrote an appeal and sent it to the Yobe state ministry of agriculture, and we also sent it to His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, and the government sent us insecticides, which we distributed to the people’s farms. However, the insects have destroyed all the farm products, and the worst areas affected are Lampo and Gashinge; Garu and Fusami wards were also worst affected. The products destroyed by the insects include shoghum, millet, genin corn, beans, and sesame, among others; all were damaged by the insects, but the groundnut is not affected. This is not the issue of drought because this year we got enough rainfall because for many years we didn’t see rainfall like this year, so this disaster is from God,” he said.
“Yobe state government gives us insecticides first; we spray it; then we make another write-up; now the people from the federal ministry of agriculture visit us; we went round with them; they bring us insecticides, but it’s too late; it can’t be used this year; farmers will keep it against next year.” He added.

He called on the federal government, Yobe state government, NGOs, and well-meaning individuals to assist his people with food security, adding that “let’s come and rescue the lives of our people; let them assist the people during this difficult time. Insects have cleared all the farms and land of the people of Fika local government. I call on the people to be patient and continue praying to Almighty Allah (SWT); we can’t do otherwise; this is what God brought on us. Let us continue praying to God to bring us a solution.
“My message is to the Federal Government, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Yobe State Government, under the able leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, Minister of Agriculture, is to establish the Federal College of Agriculture in Gadaka because of the farming in the area. Since the time of the North East, they know Gadaka with farming of groundnut because of the nature of the land. Therefore, I am appealing to the Federal Government to come and establish the Federal College of Agriculture here in Gadaka. We have the site and land, and GGSS Gadaka has promised to give us a temporary side for the takeoff of the college. I start discussing with them all this with a view to boosting food security in the area and the state in general.”

He said Gadaka is notable in farming since North East people from Asia, that is, Arab people, used to come and buy groundnuts from Gadaka, adding that the area is close to Ngaji water. He said if the college is established, the lecturers will have access to research either in fisheries or agriculture, and they will also advise the farmers on how to improve their farming.
“I am also appealing to His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, Chiroman Gujba, to upgrade our maternity health clinic to the General Hospital status; the federal comprehensive health center we have is too small to cater to the needs of our people, so that our people would have access to easy health facilities.
“We are lucky enough Yobe State House of Assembly committee on health and Commissioner of Health have visited the maternity health center Gadaka and recommended it. I am appealing to the Inspector General of Police and Yobe state government to establish Police Divisional Headquarters in Gadaka where DPO will be posted; the outpost we have now is too small to cater to or combat the rate of crimes in the area. We have a number of populations, the wide of the land; therefore, there is a need for Divisional Police Headquarters in Gadaka.” He added.
Insect Invasion: An appeal from a council chairman in Yobe
News
Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Gamboru Ngala, kill one terrorist

Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Gamboru Ngala, kill one terrorist
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have repelled a ISWAP attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) along the Pump House axis of Gamboru Ngala–Kala Balge Road in Borno State.
Sources report that the attack occurred at about 1:15 a.m. on Sunday when terrorists attempted to infiltrate the military base.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat. One of the terrorists was fatally injured during the exchange of fire, and his corpse was recovered from the scene.
The security situation in the area has since been stabilized.
End
News
Saudi Universities Say Our Schools Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims Nigerian Students

Saudi Universities Say Our Schools Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims Nigerian Students
By: Michael Mike
Nigerians, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, have been advised to pursue academic aspirations in Saudi Arabia Universities.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the Forum of Saudi Arabia Universities Alumni in Nigeria and Neighboring Countries. Vice President for Educational and Academic Affairs, King Khalid University, Prof. Saad Daajim, said no fewer than 850 Nigerian students are currently schooling in various universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with over
3,200 Nigerians graduated from Saudi Arabian universities in last one decade.
The forum which was has as theme “alumni of Saudi universities in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Surrounding countries and their impact on sustainable development.”
Daajim said: “In Saudi Arabia, there are more than 850 students from this country (Nigeria) studying in Saudi Universities. Already, in the last one decade, there are more than 3,200 graduates from Nigeria.”
He said his country is open to admitting more Nigerians to study in their universities, adding that prospective students from Nigeria will be given acceptable rate.
“We are actually proud to accept more Nigerian students in our university in different disciplines, education, engineering, science, Arabic language, religious studies and medical sector. Hopefully, we will arrange a good acceptance rate for this country because it contributes a huge number of population to the African contigent,” he added.
He also revealed that his country has a scholarship scheme which is available to all irrespective of religion.
The Khalid University Don said scholarship are for both Muslims and non-Muslims, adding that: “According to our regulation, admission will be accessible to all even scholarships.
“And we have King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, most of the scholarships for students are for Muslims and non-Muslims as well. And King Fahd University for Mineral and Petroleum also employs and accepts students from all cultures, all religions, all continents.”
Speaking on the forum, the Don said it is to open communication with alumni from Saudi Universities and see how they are impacting on their environment.
He said: “We found them very active and we expect that when they come back to their country, they will contribute to sustainable development, either for personal living or in the country.”
On the prospect of Nigerian graduates in Saudi Arabia, Daajim said graduates who wishes to pursue higher degrees after their first degree are allowed to continue and also those whose skills are needed stand the chance to be employed.
He said: “Actually, when they graduate from Saudi University, they could continue their higher studies in Master or PhD. And if they are well qualified, they will be hired by the university as a professor.”
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, in her opening remarks commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its long-standing commitment to educational cooperation and cultural institutions with Nigeria.
Ahmad said: “Such partnerships enrich our human capital and strengthen bilateral ties for mutual good. As we celebrate this gathering, I urge the alumni to continue to serve as ambassadors of knowledge, peace and development.”
She added that: “Your role in mentoring young Nigerians, advancing intercultural understanding and contributing to national development cannot be overstated. The Federal Ministry of Education will continue to support initiatives that harness alumni network for national advancement, for educational advancement and sustainable nation building.”
She also recognised the invaluable contributions of Nigerian alumni of Saudi universities to the national growth, peace, education, culture and development of the country.
She said: “Beyond academic achievement, you embody the bridge of friendship, cooperation and shared values between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Education, as we know, is the bedrock of progress.
“The training and exposure you acquired in Saudi institutions have not only equipped you with knowledge but also instilled in you discipline, global perspective and a strong sense of science. These qualities are critical to advancing Nigeria’s quest for inclusive and sustainable development. Indeed, many of you have become respected scholars, professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders and public servants whose influence continues to shape our society positively.”
On his part, the Secretary of the Alumni, Dr. Mohamed Munir Ilyas, who was a graduate of Islamic University of Medina said since returning home, he has been contributing towards peaceful co-existence between the two major religious groups in Nigeria.
He stressed that “Of course, when you look at development, where there is no peace, it’s very hard to have development. We have been encouraging our members to be law-abiding citizens and peacemakers, peace builders and peace keepers also. And also to make an impact as far as academics is concerned, as far as moral is concerned, as far as even earning livelihood is concerned.”
Saudi Universities Say Our Schools Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims Nigerian Students
News
Police arrest suspected bandits, informant and drug supplier in Sokoto

Police arrest suspected bandits, informant and drug supplier in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested three suspected bandits, an informant, and a suspected drug supplier during a coordinated raid on a criminal hideout in Kware Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said the operation, carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on Oct. 4, followed credible intelligence on the activities of a five-man syndicate notorious for terrorising communities in Wamako and Kware areas.
The police team stormed the suspects’ hideout in Sabon Birni, Kware LGA, leading to the arrest of Bubale Mohammed and two others, alongside an informant and a suspected drug baron who allegedly supplied the gang with hard drugs.
Items recovered during the operation include dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and various illicit drugs.
According to the sources, video footage retrieved from the suspects’ phones showed them dressed in military uniforms and displaying rifles inside their camp.
Sources said efforts are ongoing to track and arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Police arrest suspected bandits, informant and drug supplier in Sokoto
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