Zulum approves sponsorship for 60 Borno indigenes to study leather technology at NILEST

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the sponsorship of 60 indigenes of the state to pursue Diploma courses in leather-related fields at the National Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST) in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The Governor’s decision follows a recent courtesy visit by the Director General of NILEST, Dr. Auwal Mustapha at the GovernmentHouse. During the visit, Governor Zulum directed the immediate dispatch of 60 students to the Institute to study leather technology, footwear design, and innovation.

Speaking shortly before the students’ departure, Executive Secretary of the Borno State Scholarship Board, Dr. Bala Isa announced that the students were selected from all 27 local government areas of the state. Dr. Isa also highlighted the scholarship package, which includes the payment of school fees for two years, as well as a monthly stipend of N30,000 to support the students during their studies.

“Governor Babagana Zulum has graciously approved that, throughout the duration of your studies, you will receive a monthly stipend of N30,000 for the next two years to assist you in your academic pursuits,” Dr. Isa said.

The Executive Secretary emphasised that the sponsorship is part of Governor Zulum’s broader commitment to empowering the youth of the state, ensuring they become self-reliant through vocational and technical education. He urged the students to make the most of this rare opportunity, remain focused on their studies, and serve as excellent ambassadors for the state.

Dr. Isa also commended the North East Regional Manager of NILEST for his relentless efforts in facilitating the participation of Borno indigenes in the programme.

In his remarks, the Regional Manager of NILEST, Dr. Busuguma expressed appreciation to Governor Zulum for his bold step in sponsoring the 60 students to study leather technology. He acknowledged the Governor’s continued dedication to the development of various sectors in the state.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his unwavering commitment to the advancement of education in Borno State,” Dr. Busuguma said. “This initiative is part of his ongoing efforts to invest in the future of our youth across various fields of study.”

He emphasized that due to the strong relationship between Governor Zulum and NILEST, students’ admission letters had been immediately dispatched, enabling them to commence their studies while the formal registration process is completed

The regional manager also extended his gratitude to Dr. Bala Isa for his support and tireless work in ensuring that the students embark on this educational pursuit.

Responding on behalf of the students, Mohammed Yahaya, from Bama Local Government, promised to put in their best to make the state proud.

Zulum approves sponsorship for 60 Borno indigenes to study leather technology at NILEST

Police secure release of kidnapped lawmaker, another victim in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the release of Hon. Shagala Samuel, who was abducted by armed men along the Guzape–Abacha Barracks bypass on Feb. 25, 2025.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, in a statement on Tuesday, said the lawmaker was freed at about 1:33 a.m. on Feb. 27, following joint efforts by the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters, and vigilantes.

He was released in the Yelwa Forest area of Nasarawa State, near Gbagalape village, Nyanya Mine.

Additionally, another victim, Nsiyan Chalse Eyang, who was kidnapped near the hills in Nyanya on Feb. 23 at about 8:30 p.m., regained his freedom on Feb. 26 after similar rescue efforts.

The Police assured that efforts were being intensified to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) had taken over the investigation.

The Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies for prompt action.

Police secure release of kidnapped lawmaker, another victim in Nasarawa

UNAIDS Advocates for Financing of Communities to Tackle HIV/AIDS

By: Michael Mike

UNAIDS has called for the financing of communities to tackle the scourge of HIV/AIDS.

The body in a statement on Wednesday stated that communities are essential to the sustainability of the HIV response and to broader global health efforts. They must be financed and supported in their steadfast commitment to ensuring that all people living with and affected by HIV have access to the services they need and are treated with dignity and respect.

UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Christine Stegling said: “The only way to end AIDS is by working together with communities. They build trust and reach people which many traditional health facilities find hard to reach—the most marginalized, and people who face stigma and discrimination,” adding that: “To end AIDS by 2030, sustained investment and support for community-led responses is crucial.”

The statement said community healthcare and support providers are too often faced with challenges—stigma, discrimination, criminalization, funding cuts, and political backlash—despite their primary role in ensuring that health services reach everyone in need, including the most vulnerable.

It added that: “Compounding this, the current crisis caused by the shift in U.S. government funding has resulted in deep anxiety and pain for many community organizations as the future of life-saving community-led HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support programmes are at risk, despite the clear evidence of the positive impact of community-led services.

“Community led services are essential to the sustainability of the AIDS response up to and beyond 2030, yet community-led responses are too often unrecognized, under-resourced and in some places even under attack. Crackdowns on civil society and on the human rights of marginalized communities are obstructing communities from providing HIV prevention and treatment services. The underfunding of community-led initiatives is leaving them struggling to continue operating as well as holding them back from expanding. If these obstacles are removed, community-led organisations can add even greater impetus to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”

Vice President of the European Parliament and a long-time HIV activist, Marc Angel said: “No society can thrive where discrimination exists,” noting that: “Every right denied, every barrier imposed weakens us all. On Zero Discrimination Day, let’s make it clear: equality is not an option—it’s a necessity. We stand together.”

On this year’s Zero Discrimination Day, UNAIDS calls on countries, donors and partners to fulfill their commitments and Stand Together to support communities as they work to build sustainable HIV responses by ensuring that: Community-led organisations are able to deliver life-saving services and advocate without discrimination or harassment; Community-led organizations can legally be registered in the country they are working in and receive sustainable funding; Communities are supported in providing health services to vulnerable and marginalized groups; Communities are supported and funded in work to monitor respect for human rights including ending the criminalization of key populations, stigma and discrimination and gender inequalities; Government health services include community representatives within their structures as partners in the development, implementation and monitoring of health programmes to ensure they are accessible and acceptable to people living with HIV and marginalized populations.

The statement added that: “The sustainability of the AIDS response now and into the future is critical with communities at the centre. Now is the time to reaffirm global commitment to their leadership.”

UNAIDS Advocates for Financing of Communities to Tackle HIV/AIDS