Northeast
Maiduguri Bomb Blast: Senator Kyari acknowledges Tinubu, Shettima, and Zulum for support to victims.
Maiduguri Bomb Blast: Senator Kyari acknowledges Tinubu, Shettima, and Zulum for support to victims.
By: Dr. James Bwala
The recent visit of the minister of agriculture and food security to the victims of the Maiduguri bomb blast stands as a compelling testament to the federal government’s commitment to alleviating human suffering and advancing security in Nigeria’s northeast region. This high-profile gesture not only extends vital financial support to those affected but also underscores the government’s dedication to restoring peace and stability amid persistent insecurity challenges.
The Minister’s visit, coupled with the laudable efforts of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, exemplifies a comprehensive approach to addressing both humanitarian needs and security threats. Their unified dedication must be recognized as a critical driver in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against insurgency and for sustainable development.
Kyari’s decision to personally visit victims of the Maiduguri bomb blast transcends mere symbolic action. It reveals an empathetic government response that goes beyond abstract policy formulations into tangible support for affected communities. The bomb blast, perpetrated in one of the nation’s most conflict-ridden areas, resulted in devastating human losses and severe economic disruptions to livelihoods. By visiting the victims, the minister acknowledges their plight first-hand, fostering a crucial connection between government officials and grassroots realities. This face-to-face engagement is indispensable for crafting policies that are responsive and tailored to the unique challenges faced by people living under the shadow of terrorism.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/umth-when-vp-kashim-shettima-acknowledges-ahidjo-and-hospital-staff-for-their-services-to-victims-of-maiduguri-bomb-blasts/
The financial support extended by the minister forms a critical lifeline for victims struggling to rebuild their lives. The immediate aftermath of attacks like the Maiduguri bomb blast often witnesses heightened vulnerabilities—loss of homes, disruption of agricultural activities, and compromised food security. Since agriculture is the backbone of the local economy and a primary source of sustenance, the role of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in intervening cannot be overstated. Providing financial aid ensures that survivors can access essential resources, resume farming activities, and thereby restore their food production capacity. Ultimately, this assistance contributes directly to regional food security and economic recovery, fostering resilience against the destabilizing effects of insurgency.
Equally significant is the minister’s public appreciation of the federal government’s broader efforts to tackle insecurity, highlighting the indispensable leadership of President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and Governor Zulum. This triad of leadership embodies a strategic synergy between federal and state authorities that is vital for counter-insurgency efforts. President Tinubu’s administration has placed national security at the forefront of its agenda, instituting reforms aimed at enhancing military responsiveness and intelligence coordination. Vice President Shettima, hailing from the northeast region himself, represents a critical bridge between local interests and federal actions, emphasizing inclusive governance and sensitivity to regional dynamics.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/umth-when-vp-kashim-shettima-acknowledges-ahidjo-and-hospital-staff-for-their-services-to-victims-of-maiduguri-bomb-blasts/
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s role is especially noteworthy, as his ground-level leadership offers a direct interface with the people most affected by insecurity in Borno State. His tenure has been marked by proactive reconstruction projects, rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and sustained advocacy for increased federal support. Together, these leaders manifest a comprehensive approach that blends military, political, and humanitarian interventions—a necessity in a conflict environment as complex as northeastern Nigeria.
Critics may argue that such visits and financial donations are insufficient to stem the tide of violence and that more aggressive military action or systemic political reforms are necessary. While these critiques hold some merit, it is important to acknowledge that the multifaceted nature of insecurity demands equally multifaceted responses. Military efforts alone cannot rebuild bombed communities or address underlying socio-economic grievances. Conversely, humanitarian support without adequate security frameworks leaves vulnerable populations exposed to repeated attacks. The minister’s visit, therefore, symbolizes the critical balancing act between compassion and security strategy, demonstrating that effective government intervention must integrate both.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/umth-when-vp-kashim-shettima-acknowledges-ahidjo-and-hospital-staff-for-their-services-to-victims-of-maiduguri-bomb-blasts/
Recognizing the contributions of President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and Governor Zulum signals an important narrative of hope and accountability. In regions beleaguered by decades of insurgency, governance is often viewed through the prism of neglect and failure. Highlighting these leaders’ commitments counters such pessimism and encourages civic trust. It also places public officials under deserved scrutiny and motivates continuous improvement in policy implementation. By publicly appreciating their efforts, the minister reinforces a culture of recognition and responsibility that can galvanize further progress toward peace.
It is also crucial to situate this visit within the context of broader strategies aimed at achieving sustainable food security in Nigeria’s northeast. Insurgent activities have severely disrupted agricultural production cycles, escalated food scarcity, and exacerbated poverty. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s involvement in providing direct support to victims aligns with the government’s long-term vision of restoring agricultural productivity as a cornerstone of regional stability. By supporting farmers and displaced persons, the government aids in reestablishing livelihoods and curtails the socioeconomic factors that often fuel insurgency recruitment.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/umth-when-vp-kashim-shettima-acknowledges-ahidjo-and-hospital-staff-for-their-services-to-victims-of-maiduguri-bomb-blasts/
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security’s visit to the Maiduguri bomb blast victims represents more than a compassionate outreach; it epitomizes an integrated government response that marries humanitarian relief with strategic security objectives. The financial assistance extended offers critical immediate support, while the appreciation of President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and Governor Zulum highlights the indispensable leadership guiding Nigeria’s fight against insecurity. Their collective efforts create a powerful narrative of resilience, responsibility, and hope that must continue to shape policies moving forward. To effectively combat insurgency and foster lasting peace, Nigeria requires this sustained commitment from all levels of government, robust institutional collaboration, and unwavering support for the victims who bear the brunt of conflict. Abubakar Kyari’s visit is thus a pivotal moment and a call to action for continued dedication to securing Nigeria’s northeast and uplifting its people.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
Maiduguri Bomb Blast: Senator Kyari acknowledges Tinubu, Shettima, and Zulum for support to victims.
Amotekun operative arrested after accidental fatal shooting in Oyo
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative of the Amotekun Corps has been arrested following the accidental fatal shooting of a man during an attempt to arrest two persons involved in a violent altercation in Saki area of Oyo State.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at Ayemojuba Kosigi Village, via Saki.
The matter was reported to the Saki Police Division on Friday by Abdullahi Dogo, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Fulani association in Saki, who said two men of Fulani extraction, whose identities are yet to be established, engaged in a cutlass fight.
According to the report, an Amotekun operative, identified as Abdulafeez Alabi, allegedly discharged his firearm accidentally while attempting to arrest the two men, fatally hitting one of them.
The victim died at the scene, while the second individual was not reported to have been injured.
Police arrested the Amotekun operative and recovered a locally fabricated single-barrel gun as well as one expended cartridge from the scene.
The suspect is in police custody, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
Amotekun operative arrested after accidental fatal shooting in Oyo
Zulum Clears Gratuity Backlog with N5.81bn Payout, Promises Better Welfare for LG Workers
By: Michael Mike
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has approved the release of N5.81 billion to clear a substantial backlog of gratuities owed to retired civil servants and the families of deceased workers, in one of the state’s biggest pension settlement exercises aimed at easing the hardship facing former public servants.
The governor presented cheques valued at N5,814,830,271.94 on Friday at the Government House in Maiduguri before representatives of organised labour and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to meeting workers’ welfare obligations.
Of the total sum, N2.99 billion will be used to settle all outstanding gratuities owed to the families of deceased civil servants, while N2.82 billion will clear gratuities for retirees up to December 2022, including outstanding entitlements owed to staff of the Borno State Housing Corporation dating back to 2013.
Zulum said the intervention fulfils a major campaign promise and is intended to provide relief to families that have endured years of financial uncertainty.
“We have quite a number of civil servants who have lost their lives, and their families are still battling with life’s challenges. We are presenting about three billion naira to the families of deceased civil servants so they can continue to live in peace and dignity,” the governor said.
He added that with the latest payment, all retired civil servants up to 2022 would receive their gratuities in full, while the government would immediately begin processing payments for those who retired in 2023.
The latest disbursement adds to a series of interventions by the Zulum administration to address pension liabilities. The state currently releases N200 million monthly for gratuity payments. In 2025, the government approved N8 billion for pensioners’ entitlements and teachers’ gratuities, while N12 billion was disbursed in 2020 to settle benefits owed to about 5,000 retired state and local government workers.
Commissioner for Finance, Lawan Dalorima, described the payment as further evidence of the administration’s commitment to honouring workers who dedicated their careers to public service.
According to him, despite competing financial demands, the government has continued to prioritise the welfare of citizens, particularly retirees.
The organised labour movement welcomed the development, with the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state, Mamman Bukar, describing the payment as timely and capable of reducing the economic hardship confronting pensioners and the families of deceased workers.
He said the exercise would strengthen workers’ confidence in the government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations.
Meanwhile, Zulum also assured local government employees that his administration is preparing measures to improve their welfare.
The governor acknowledged that local government workers face numerous challenges but explained that the size of the workforce has constrained the implementation of broader welfare reforms.
He said the state government would soon meet with leaders of local government workers to identify practical solutions.
“Borno State Government is very much aware of some of the problems facing local government employees. Very soon, we shall engage with you and see how we can address your challenges,” he said.
The cheque presentation ceremony was attended by senior government officials, members of the National Assembly, labour leaders, permanent secretaries and other top dignitaries.
Zulum Clears Gratuity Backlog with N5.81bn Payout, Promises Better Welfare for LG Workers
Zulum Emerges BusinessDay’s Best Performing Governor SCIRA Award of the Year
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has emerged as BusinessDay’s 2025 Governor of the Year on Competitiveness and Investment Readiness Awards (SCIRA) under the category of Infrastructure Competitiveness Category Awards.
The award ceremony is scheduled to be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at NAF Conference Center & Suites, Jabi, Abuja.
Zulum’s nomination was contained in a letter by the Publisher/CEO of BusinessDay, Frank Aigbogun, addressed to the Governor.
“On behalf of BusinessDay Media Limited, Nigeria’s foremost business and economic intelligence platform, we are honoured to inform you that Borno State has been nominated for ‘Best Performing Governor’ under the Infrastructure Competitiveness Category for the 2025 States Competitiveness/Investment Readiness Awards (SCIRA),” Aigbogun said.
According to him, Governor Zulum’s nomination acknowledges his administration’s extraordinary strides in rebuilding infrastructure, reviving moribund industries, and restoring livelihoods as part of Borno’s long-term post-conflict recovery.
“Your Excellency, few states embody the spirit of renewal as Borno does. Against the backdrop of a decade-long insurgency, your government has delivered one of Nigeria’s most ambitious reconstruction and reintegration programmes, with infrastructure as its anchor,” he added.
Highlights of this transformation include:
Revival of Industrial Assets: The Borno Plastic Industry and Borno Meat Processing Company, once abandoned, have been progressively rehabilitated, signaling a return of productive capacity and investor confidence.
Industrial Hub Redevelopment: Through the Borno State Industrial Park and Enterprise Centre (BIP), over 2,000 SMEs now operate in structured facilities that provide power, workspace, and logistics support.
Infrastructure-led Recovery: Over 10,000 houses have been reconstructed across local government areas, enabling market access and trade linkages among Maiduguri, Biu, Monguno, and Gwoza.
Energy & Industrial Power Supply: The Maiduguri 50MW Gas Plant and collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have significantly enhanced industrial energy reliability.
Mr Aigbogun said these efforts have repositioned Borno as a credible destination for post-conflict
industrial reinvestment that combines human development with economic diversification.
“Borno’s shortlisting was derived from the BusinessDay Research & Intelligence Unit (BRIU) and BudgIT State Competitiveness Model (2025), using a Composite Infrastructure Competitiveness Index (CICI) based on three weighted dimensions,”
“Across these parameters, Borno ranked among the top five northern states, with its infrastructure recovery index improving by over 41% between 2020 and 2024.
“In the education and health sectors, construction of over 100 secondary schools, Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital and Staff quarters, doctors’ quarters, as well as take-off support for Federal Polytechnic Monguno, Federal College Gwoza, School of Nursing and Midwifery in Gwoza and Monguno, and the Orthopedic Hospital Azare, amongst others,” he remarked.
The Publisher acknowledged that Governor Zulum’s administration has rebuilt confidence, reconstruct
and resettled communities, revived industries, education, and healthcare, noting that today Borno stands as a model of post-conflict competitiveness in Africa.
Zulum Emerges BusinessDay’s Best Performing Governor SCIRA Award of the Year
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