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Japanese Ambassador Advises Nigerian Youth to Seek Self Development

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Japanese Ambassador Advises Nigerian Youth to Seek Self Development
..Insists Nigeria’s Future Lies in Its Youth

By: Michael Mike

Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo has encouraged Nigerian youth to seek self development, insisting that: “The future of Nigeria lies in its youth, and their ability to engage with the world is crucial.”

Speaking at the weekend during the handover of books donated by the Tokyo Foundation with the generous support of the Nippon Foundation to University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Abuja, the envoy told the delegation from the university that: “We believe that books are powerful tools for learning and discovery, and we are honoured to contribute to the excellent academic resources at your university.

The Ambassador while stating that the significant collection of 183 books, made possible through the visionary ‘Read Japan Project,’ an initiative of the Tokyo Foundation with the generous support of the Nippon Foundation, was in recognition of “our deep and growing partnership with the University of Maiduguri.”

He said: “Our greatest hope is that this diverse collection will spark even deeper interest in Japan among your bright and inquisitive students. The future of Nigeria lies in its youth, and their ability to engage with the world is crucial. Japan has a rich history of overcoming challenges to achieve progress, and we hope the insights within these pages can be a valuable resource.

“We look forward to our continued collaboration with the University of Maiduguri and look forward to witnessing the great things your students will achieve.”

On his part, the Honorary Chair, The Nippon Foundation, Yohei Sasakawa, said: “We are pleased to donate books that will help promote understanding about Japan to University of Maiduguri. We would also like to thank all of you who cooperated with us in making this donation possible.”

Sasakawa, whose speech was read by Ms. Shimada Mami said: “At the University of Maiduguri, we understand that the promotion of Japanese culture has been steadily advancing, notably through the establishment of the Japanese cultural club “NARUTO” on campus in 2024, under the leadership of Prof. Mohammed Dauda. We deeply respect the university’s efforts to foster greater understanding and interest in Japan among students and faculty, and we are truly pleased that such initiatives are helping to further strengthen mutual understanding and friendly relations between our two countries.”

He explained that: “The Nippon Foundation is promoting the Read Japan Project in the hope of providing quality information about Japan to those who are interested in Japan. To date, we have donated around 98,000 books to more than 1,400 libraries and research institutions in 150 countries all over the world. We are pleased to have University of Maiduguri join this group of recipients today.”

He promised that: “The Nippon Foundation will further expand the selection of books we donate so that we can satisfy the intellectual curiosity of those interested in Japan,” adding that: “It will please us very much if young and aspiring individuals in Nigeria will make the best use of these books not only to deepen their interest in and understanding of Japan, but also to serve as a bridge between our two countries.”

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mohammed Mele, while taking custody of the books, expressed appreciation to the Nippon Foundation for its extraordinary generosity and to the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria

He said: “This collection of books on Japanese culture, history, and innovation will open new doors of understanding and discovery for our students, and will inspire them to engage with the world in new and meaningful ways.

“This donation signifies the deepening partnership between the University of Maiduguri and Japan. We are committed to building on this to further our collaboration. To that end, I am pleased to announce that we will soon create a dedicated Japanese Corner in the Ramat Library.”

He noted that with the establishment of the Japanese Culture Club (NJCC) in the university, the vibrant interest of the students in the Japanese language, culture, and traditions, which is a powerful sign of the bridges being built between our cultures, has grown. He said: “This donation will undoubtedly fuel their passion and curiosity for years to come.”

He assured that the institution is committed to making the most of these resources and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.

Japanese Ambassador Advises Nigerian Youth to Seek Self Development

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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