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Maiduguri Protest: A Patriotic and Clarion Call for Peace and Stability

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Maiduguri Protest: A Patriotic and Clarion Call for Peace and Stability

By Christopher Godwin Akaba

Yesterday’s protest in Maiduguri saw a notable presence of minors, primarily almajiris aged 9-15, who obstructed the Maiduguri-Kano road and vandalized public property. For a long time, these almajiris have frustrated car owners in the state, with motorists often swarmed by them begging for alms. Consequently, the Borno State Arabic and Sangaya Education Board must take immediate action to address this issue, as part of its core mandate is to end street begging and protect Almajiri schoolchildren from abuse.

In contrast to the chaos, Governor Babagana Zulum has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the welfare of Borno State citizens, surpassing many other state governments. He has diligently distributed federal government-provided palliatives across the 27 local governments, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, his initiatives in the transportation sector, such as subsidized fares and solar-powered taxis, have greatly benefited citizens, cushioning the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

The protest does not accurately represent the sentiments of the Borno State people, who are peace-loving. While hunger and hardship are widespread across Nigeria and other parts of the world – as the inflation crisis is globally, Governor Zulum’s efforts deserve recognition and commendation from all well-meaning citizens of the state. His dedication to the people’s welfare is evident, and he should be appreciated for his tireless work.

I felt the pain of those who hurriedly locked up their shops and businesses to comply with the curfew imposed by the state government. The curfew is not meant to inconvenience the public but a proactive step by the state government to prevent the exploitation of unsuspecting minors by terrorist elements seeking to capitalize on the situation. These extremists are waiting nearby, trying to seize the opportunity to launch an attack, as evident from the recent bomb blast in Kawuri, Konduga Local Government Area, which tragically claimed the lives of 18 people on the eve of the protest. This is even as the Borno Police Command had alleged that Boko Haram elements infiltrated the Thursday protest along Baga Road in Maiduguri, killing four persons, while 34 others sustained various degrees of injuries. By imposing the curfew, the government aims to maintain control and prevent the situation from escalating into chaos. Maiduguri cannot afford to fall into the hands of terrorists again.

I urge all citizens to reject the protest being instigated by forces opposed to democracy. I am confident that the federal government has heard the youth’s concerns and our responsive President will take steps to address some of them in the best national interest, just as he has done before. Let us not forget the devastating experiences Maiduguri faced during the Boko Haram insurgency over the past decade. We know firsthand the horrors of war and chaos; let us work towards peace and stability.

Maiduguri Protest: A Patriotic and Clarion Call for Peace and Stability

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NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online

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NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online

By: Michael Mike

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said it has no agents for modification of data and that it operates a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of extortion, falsification, or unethical practices by staff or licensed Front-End Partners.

The Commission made the announcement on Monday in a statement by its spokesman, Dr. Kayode Adegoke.

The statement read: “The attention of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has been drawn to a media report alleging that some enrolment agents in Abuja are collecting money from applicants for falsification of dates of birth.

“For the records, all NIN data modifications are done online through the NIMC self-service modification portal – selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng – and no physical modification is allowed. NIMC does not have agents for modification of data and the Commission operates a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of extortion, falsification, or unethical practices by staff or licensed Front-End Partners.

“The public is hereby reminded to adhere to the approved statutory modification processes with official guidelines and fees. The Commission urge NIN holders to report any cases of extortion or misconduct through our official complaint channels:

(+234-9-134959433, 08155015388); actu@nimc.gov.ng; ieu@nimc.gov.ng

“NIMC reassures that the integrity of the National Identity Database remains secure and will continue to strengthen transparency, accountability, and trust in Nigeria’s identity management system.”

NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online

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Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects

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Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects

By: Michael Mike

Nasarawa State has emerged as the pioneer host of Nigeria’s first Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, a landmark project under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) that signals the country’s resolve to address air pollution while unlocking new socio-economic opportunities.

The centre, jointly facilitated by the Federal Government, Nasarawa State Government, and private sector partners, is expected not only to curb harmful vehicular emissions but also to generate employment, boost revenue, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in environmental compliance.

Representing the Minister of Environment at the commissioning, Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari described the facility as a strategic intervention to safeguard lives and advance sustainable development.

He said: “Air pollution is a silent killer. It affects the quality of life, agricultural output, health and well-being of all citizens. Air contamination does not discriminate; it affects children, the elderly, workers, rich, poor and even unborn generations.”

He emphasized that the project aligns with international best practices, ensuring stricter regulation of vehicle emissions and reaffirming Nigeria’s global environmental commitments.

“Through the establishment of this Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Nigeria is taking a bold step towards achieving better air quality by regulating vehicle maintenance, emissions and ensuring compliance with environmental standards as is applicable globally,” Kambari added.

The event also highlighted the power of partnerships in advancing environmental goals. Commending stakeholders, Kambari said: “I would like to commend Messrs Bhustan Energy, our principal partner on this project, for their unrelenting contributions to the success of today’s event. I also wish to thank the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State who… worked hand in hand with us to provide the site for the Centre.”

Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Dr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, echoed this sentiment, stressing that political will and collaboration were central to the project’s success.

She said: “Without the support, initiatives like this will not see the light of day… The visionary Governor of Nasarawa, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has taken the initial step by becoming the pioneer in what will eventually become a nationwide project.”

She further urged all stakeholders to safeguard the facility, stating that: “This Centre is a collective responsibility of all the people gathered here. It is our project and we must do all we can to ensure the safety of the equipment because it is for our collective good.”

Speaking for the Nasarawa state government, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Environment, Hussain Usman underscored the socio-economic potential of the centre.

He said: “The state is ready to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment to fight the pollution through environmental tests to improve the air quality in the state,” adding that: “To provide employment, apart from that, also to generate more revenue for the state. This is very, very important to us in Nasarawa State.”

Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects

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Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA

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Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA

By: Zagazola Makama

The Adara Development Association (ADA) has expressed deep shock and sadness over a deadly attack by unknown gunmen on Wakeh community in Agunu Ward, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 7, 2025.

According to a statement by the ADA National Publicity Secretary, Livinus Paul Magaji, heavily armed attackers invaded the village, blocking entrance routes to prevent possible assistance from neighbouring communities.

The assault left eight people dead and nine others seriously injured. Victims were reportedly given mass burial, while the injured are receiving treatment at St. Gerald Catholic Hospital, Kakuri, Alheri Hospital, and Royal Hospital in Kachia. Several properties, including a bus, were destroyed, causing millions of naira in losses.

The association noted that such attacks have become increasingly frequent in Adara communities since, despite the presence of security in the area. ADA strongly condemned the violence, describing it as barbaric and inhumane.

“ADA leadership calls on the Kaduna State Government and other relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to protect lives and property and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement said.

It added that the Adara community is ready to collaborate with government and security agencies to curb the ongoing attacks.

The association also extended condolences to the families of the victims, wishing speedy recovery to those injured, while urging residents to remain calm, vigilant, and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

ADA reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and called on all indigenes and residents of Adara land to work with government and stakeholders to build sustainable peace in the region.

The Kaduna state government are yet to visit the affected communities or make any statement on the attack.

Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA

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